If you’re using a hair system, whether it’s human or synthetic hair system, you know how amazing it feels to have that natural, confident look. But let’s face it, keeping it looking fresh can be a bit of a challenge, especially with all the daily wear and tear. Whether you’re new to hair systems or have been using one for a while, maintenance is key to making it last and avoiding issues like shedding, color fading, or tangled hair. Improper storage or handling can cause tangling, leading to damage. We’ve put together this guide to give you practical, easy-to-follow tips to take care of your hair system. So, let’s dive in and make sure you’re rocking that seamless blend with your natural hair!
What’s a hair system?
It’s a non-surgical solution for covering hair loss, made from either human or synthetic hair attached to a base that matches your scalp. It’s designed to blend in seamlessly, giving you a fuller, more confident look. But to keep it looking its best, regular maintenance is crucial, especially since lifespans can vary from 2–12 months depending on the base type, hair quality, and how well you care for it. This guide covers everything from daily habits to specific care for different materials, ensuring you don’t miss out on the transformation many have embraced, aligning with the psychological trigger of instant gratification.
General Maintenance Tips for Hair Systems
To keep your hair system looking great, there are a few daily and weekly habits to help you take care of your hair system. Let’s break them down:
1. Proper Cleaning
Use a mild, sulfate-free shampoo designed for hair systems, as harsh chemicals can damage hair fibers.
Wash with lukewarm water to prevent heat damage, gently massaging the shampoo into the hair and avoiding the base to prevent knot loosening.
Rinse thoroughly to remove all residue, preventing microorganism growth that can cause hair corrosion.
Limit washing to once or twice a week to avoid drying out, especially for synthetic systems.
2. Conditioning
After shampooing, apply a conditioner suitable for your hair system type, focusing on lengths and ends to avoid the base or knots.
Leave it on for the recommended time before rinsing thoroughly.
For human hair systems, use natural oils like Coconut Oil or Olive Oil to revitalize dry ends and improve hair health.
3. Storage
When not wearing your hair system, store it properly to maintain shape and prevent tangled hair.
Use a mannequin head as it keeps the hair system in its natural shape.
Otherwise, store it in a breathable bag or box, making sure it’s not crushed or folded.
Keep it away from direct sunlight and heat sources.
Moisture to prevent color fading and base damage. This is especially important for lace and mono bases to preserve their structure.
4. Handling
Be gentle when attaching or removing to avoid pulling or twisting, which can cause shedding, base wear, or tangled hair.
Follow manufacturer instructions for attachment methods (adhesives, clips, etc.) to ensure a secure fit and minimize tangling.
If removable, take it off at night to prevent tangling and store properly.
For long-term attachments, follow stylist advice to maintain bond strength and prevent hair from becoming tangled over time.
5. Regular Inspections
Check for loose hairs, damaged bases, or knots regularly.
Use a knot sealer if necessary to maintain volume.
Ensure the base is clean before reattaching, removing adhesive residue with citrus oil or isopropyl alcohol.
6. Additional Tips
Use products specifically designed for hair systems to avoid harmful ingredients.
Avoid over-shampooing, as it can dry out the hair.
Consider using a protective spray with UV protection to maintain hair system for outdoor activities.
Specific Tips for Human Hair Systems
Human hair systems offer a natural look and feel, allowing styling with heat tools, but the hair system requires care, below are the tips to maintain human hair systems:
1. Styling with Heat
If you plan to use heat tools like curling irons or straighteners, always use a heat protectant product first to prevent damage. Avoid excessive heat, opt for lower temperatures to maintain hair integrity, as excessive heat can lead to brittleness.
2. Conditioning
Regularly condition to keep the hair soft and manageable, deep conditioning weekly to maintain moisture and shine. Use natural oils like Coconut Oil or Olive Oil to nourish and protect, enhancing longevity.
3. Color Care
If your hair system is colored, avoid further dyeing to prevent damage, as additional chemicals can weaken fibers. Use UV protectant products to prevent color fading from sunlight, and consult a professional stylist for color changes, for advice on avoiding DIY dyeing.
Specific Tips for Synthetic Hair Systems
Synthetic hair systems are budget-friendly but require different care tips to maintain their appearance:
1. Avoiding Heat
Do not use heat tools on synthetic hair, as it can melt or damage the fibers, leading to irreversible wear. Reduce hairdryer heat to prevent drying and loss of glow.
2. Special Cleaning Methods
Use products specifically designed for synthetic hair, avoiding oils and waxes that can make it look greasy. Clean regularly to remove glue, tapes, shampoo, and conditioner residue to prevent stickiness and tangled hair. Follow manufacturer instructions for washing to maintain shine, texture, and prevent hair from becoming tangled.
Base Material Care and Lifespan
Different base materials require specific care and tips, impacting the system’s durability. Here’s a detailed breakdown:
BASE TYPE | DESCRIPTION | LIFESPAN WITH CARE | MAINTAENANCE TIP |
Skin Bases | Shortest lifespan, not removable once applied | 2–6 months | Follow stylist instructions, avoid harsh cleaning |
| Lace Bases | Soft, breathable, natural-looking hairline | Up to 3–4 months or more | Handle gently, store properly, clean thoroughly |
| Mono Bases | Strongest, more rigid, durable | Up to 6 months or a year | Ensure proper cleaning, avoid moisture damage |
- Skin Bases: These have the shortest lifespan and are not meant to be removed once applied. Follow your stylist’s instructions for care, and avoid using harsh cleaning agents, as they can degrade the material quickly.
- Lace Bases: These are soft and breathable, providing a natural-looking hairline. Handle them gently, store them properly, and clean them thoroughly to maintain their quality, ensuring they last up to 3–4 months or more with care.
- Mono Bases: These are the strongest and most rigid, offering the longest lifespan. Ensure proper cleaning and storage to prevent damage from moisture or improper handling, potentially lasting up to a year.
Common Issues and Solutions
Even with care, issues can arise. Here are hair care tips to address them,
1. Shedding
- Causes: Poor quality hair, improper handling, or excessive brushing.
- Solutions: Handle your hair system gently, use a wide-tooth comb for preventing tangled hair. Avoid forceful combing, especially in areas with high heat or styling products. Along with this regular inspections can catch early signs, reducing loss.
2. Color Fading
- Causes: Exposure to sunlight, chlorine, or saltwater.
- Solutions: Use UV protectant products to block harmful rays or wear a hat for extended outdoor time. After swimming rinse thoroughly to remove chlorine. Store the hair system in a cool, dark place to prevent oxidation, turning hair orange or red.
3. Base Damage
- Causes: Harsh cleaning agents, improper handling, or adhesive residue.
- Solutions: Use mild cleaners and ensure the base is clean before reattaching, remove residues with citrus oil or isopropyl alcohol. Avoid abrasive materials to prevent tearing, especially for lace and skin bases, and detangle hair gently to avoid knots.
Avoiding Common Mistakes
To ensure satisfaction, avoid these mistakes,
1. Over-Shampooing
Washing too often can dry out the hair, leading to breakability.
Limit washing to twice a week, and use nourishing shampoos.
2. Using Wrong Products
- Regular hair products may contain harmful ingredients; always use hair system-specific products.
3. Neglecting Base Care
- Failing to clean adhesive residue can weaken bonds.
4. Ignoring Scalp Health
Poor ventilation can cause itching so choose breathable bases and ensure regular cleaning.
4. Tangled Hair System
Improper storage or handling can lead to tangling, causing potential damage. Always store hair systems properly and detangle gently to avoid knots.
Take the Next Step - Book Your Private Appointment Today!
Maintaining your hair system is a personal journey, requiring careful attention to cleaning, conditioning, storage, and handling. By understanding the needs of human vs. synthetic hair and different base materials, and avoiding common mistakes, you can ensure a system that fits seamlessly, boosting confidence instantly. Consult professionals for regular servicing, try these hair care tips, and maintain regularly to maximize benefits.
With the right care, you can enjoy a natural, luxurious look, kept private and tailored to your needs, aligning with the psychological triggers of instant gratification, trust, and luxury.
