Hair Systems 101
Learn about the basics of hair systems — written by people who actually wear them. No fluff, just practical, detailed info to help you make the right choice.
What is a Hair System?
A hair system is a non-surgical hair replacement solution made of a base with hair attached to it. The system is worn over your natural hair or scalp using clips, tape, or glue.
What is the difference between a hair system and a wig?
Unlike wigs, which cover the entire head, hair systems or toupees are designed to cover only the top of the head — the area typically affected by male pattern baldness. When applied properly, it looks natural and stays put throughout daily activities.
Types of Bases
The base of hair systems can be made with various materials, each with its own pros and cons:
PU (Polyurethane)
Single sheet of plastic that is semi-transparent. Hair can be injected or sewn onto the base. PU also traps heat, which makes it uncomfortable in hotter climates for those with an active lifestyle. Comes in various thicknesses — 0.03mm (ultra thin and hyper realistic, but fragile), 0.06mm (common), and thicker bases which are outdated and less natural-looking.
Lace
Made of mesh fabric. Very breathable and lightweight. More comfortable for long hours, which makes it a great choice for users who live in hot climates or lead an active lifestyle. More realistic than PU bases in general, except when compared to ultra-thin 0.03mm PU bases. Silk lace provides the most realistic scalp appearance among lace systems.
Combination Bases
A combination base is a mixture of PU and lace. There are various ways they can be combined — typically with lace in the center for comfort and breathability, and PU at the sides for easier adhesion. The front section can be either PU or lace depending on whether the user prioritizes realism or durability.
Types of Hair
The type of hair used in a system affects its durability, realism and how easy it is to style. We’ll cover the most common types you would come across in the market.
Synthetic Hair or Animal (e.g. Horse) Hair
These often lack the softness, manageability, and realistic movement of real hair, making them harder to blend naturally and less convincing in appearance. It is found in cheaper systems and wigs.
Real Human Hair
Donor origins include:
Indian hair – naturally wavy, with thinner individual strands that makes it less durable.
Chinese or South East Asian (SEA) hair – naturally straight and smooth, with thicker strands that are more resistant to wear and tear. These types are more durable and generally more expensive than Indian hair.
We use high-quality Chinese/SEA donor hair because it holds up better for daily wear, styling, and washing, while still providing a soft, natural look.
What is Remy Hair and Virgin Hair?
Remy and virgin hair refer to minimally processed human hair collected from donors. Both types retain the hair cuticle, which helps preserve the hair’s natural properties. Remy hair may come from one to three donors and could have been dyed or permed while it was on the donor’s head. Virgin hair, on the other hand, comes exclusively from a single donor and has never been chemically treated.
Remy and virgin hair is mostly irrelevant for male hair systems.
Why? Because of the way the hair is attached to the system — one strand of hair is usually pulled through the base and exits on both sides. This naturally reverses the direction of half the strand. That means the cuticles are now going in opposite directions, which makes it easy for the hair to frizz and less manageable.
To solve this, most high-end men’s systems chemically strip the cuticles to prevent tangling and frizz. Which means that the hair is no longer Remy or Virgin hair.
At EasyMane, we use high-quality treated hair which were originally Remy hair — we don’t market it as Remy hair, because technically, it no longer is. We believe in being transparent with our customers instead of relying on buzzwords.
Test your system:
To test if your system uses true Remy or Virgin hair: wet your fingers and gently stroke a strand of hair between your fingers. If it’s Remy or Virgin, it’ll feel smooth in one direction and rough in the other because the cuticles are still intact. If it’s smooth both ways, it’s been treated.
Hair Attachment to the Base
How the hair is attached to the base affects how realistic it looks, durability, and how easily the hair can be styled. Hair can be attached to the base using either knotless or knotted methods.
Knotless methods
Injection method
Used only on PU bases, creates the appearance that hair is growing directly from the scalp. Limited styling flexibility due to fixed angle.
V-loop method
Limited to PU bases, involves pulling a single hair strand through the base. Knotless and natural look but less durable.
Knotted methods
Used for lace systems, there are various hand-tying techniques, each differing in knot size and hair flexibility. The technique used impacts how easily the hair can move and how noticeable the knots are.
EasyMane systems use lace bases and employ the single-strand, double split knot method. This method allows the hair to be styled in any direction and reduces shedding of hair while keeping the knot size small. Our Silk Lace systems also feature bleached knots at the front for a more invisible hairline.
Adhesion Methods for Hair Systems
There are three primary ways to attach a hair system: tape, glue, and clips. All three provide secure bonds that can hold up to exercise, swimming, and strong wind. They affect the removal frequency, maintenance effort, realism, head shaving requirements, durability, and overall comfort of wearing a system.
Tape (Full Tape Method)
This is the most common method. Double sided tapes are used to tape the system to your scalp.
Removal frequency:
Usually worn 24/7 for 2–3 weeks at a time — even while sleeping or showering.
Maintenance:
About 2 hours every 2-3 weeks.
Realism:
It may be possible to see a thin line at the hairline under certain light condition. However it is mostly undetectable.
Shaving:
Shaving your hair is required.
Durability:
Typically, PU systems can last 6-9 months and Lace systems can last 3 months.
Comfort:
Because it is worn 24/7, users may develop scalp issues like dry scalp and itchy scalp after several years of using a system. You can’t remove it to scratch your scalp so itching can be an issue
Glue
Offers the thinnest bond, typically used only for the hairline due to the difficulty of clean up, especially on lace systems.
Removal frequency:
Usually worn 24/7 for 2–3 weeks at a time — even while sleeping or showering.
Maintenance:
2.5 hours or more every 2-3 weeks. You need to apply glue, wait for it to dry, and repeat 2-3 times before wearing the system. Because of the difficulty, glue is usually not preferred by users who DIY.
Realism:
The thinnest and most realistic adhesion method.
Shaving:
Shaving your hair is required.
Durability:
Typically, PU systems can last 6-9 months and Lace systems can last 3 months.
Comfort:
Because it is also worn 24/7, users face the same risk of scalp issues as full tape systems.
Clips + Tape (EasyMane’s Recommended Method)
Tape for the front hairline, and clips at the sides and back. Most practical and comfortable method while maintaining realism.
Removal frequency:
Usually removed daily, worn only when you’re out. It takes just 10 seconds to wear it.
Maintenance:
15 minutes every 7-10 days. The hair is washed every maintenance. If you styled the hair, the style will remain for 7-10 days meaning you do not need to re-style the hair daily.
Realism:
Same as tape method
Shaving:
No need to shave.
Durability:
PU systems can last well over 1.5 years, lace systems can last between 6 months to 2 years.
Comfort:
Little to no risk of scalp issues, you can unclip and scratch your scalp if needed.
How to Choose a System
There are three primary ways to attach a hair system: tape, glue, and clips. All three provide secure bonds that can hold up to exercise, swimming, and strong wind. They affect the removal frequency, maintenance effort, realism, head shaving requirements, durability, and overall comfort of wearing a system.
How to choose the most realistic hair system
The most realistic hair systems are 0.01mm PU base systems adhered with glue. While realistic, be prepared to spend more than 2.5 hours every 2-3 weeks for maintenance, and to change to a new hair system every month. If you also want your system to be easy to use, comfortable for your scalp, and more affordable, then pick a lace front system adhered with clips + tape, like our Silk Lace system.
How to choose the most comfortable hair system
You would definitely want to go with a lace system if comfort is your priority. Clips + tape would offer the most comfort because you can remove the system daily. If you prefer to have the system on 24/7, then full tape adhesion method would be best for you. Both our Cool Lace and Silk Lace systems can be worn with tape or clips and would offer exceptional comfort along with a realistic appearance.
How to choose the most easy to use hair system
Both PU and Lace systems would work, just make sure that you choose the clips + tape adhesion method to keep maintenance as easy as possible. A PU system would be more cost effective but less comfortable, while a Lace system like our Cool Lace or Silk Lace systems would provide exceptional comfort for just a small increase in cost.
How to choose the most cost effective hair system
PU systems or our Cool Lace system with Clips + Tape would last the longest, and require the least amount of adhesive and removal solution, reducing the overall cost of using the system. If comfort is also an important factor, then the Cool Lace system would be better.
EasyMane Hair Systems
We offer 2 types of hair systems:
Cool Lace
Durable and breathable system — ideal for users who want a comfortable, low-maintenance, and durable system. Perfect for users with an active lifestyle.
Silk Lace
Delivers an ultra-realistic hairline and scalp appearance, while remaining lightweight and comfortable for everyday wear. Perfect for those who prioritize a natural look.
Why Choose EasyMane?
Quality you can count on – we only sell what we would wear ourselves.
Skip the shave – wear it comfortably over your hair with clips and tape.
DIY friendly – easy to use, easy to maintain, easy on your wallet.
You’re never alone – we guide you through every step.
Ready to get started?
Go through our guide to find the perfect hair system for your needs, or buy directly from our webstore.
