General Discussion

How thin out hair unit .... expecialy hairline

Stefy011 — Sat, 21 Nov 2009 01:18:35 GMT

Hello , i need help .......... i recived my first Hair piece ( it is from another site and Not from Hairdirect! ) color is ok but there is no graduated hairline .. It is same density all over and i would like to have thinner hairline .... and i dont want to attach it it will look wiggy! like wall of hair effect... Now i am in Europe so sending back unit for thinning will cost too much

Is there any way to thin out unit at hairline but without leaving stubbles and knots ? like pulling and untieing knots or something.... Help anyone

Thanx

Clips and X-Rays

HD-Cindy — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 13:40:28 GMT

We have had several inquiries about clips on units when you go to the airport. Some people say they don't have any trouble and others have had to tell the attendent that is doing the scan that they are wearing a hair piece in front everyone in line.

I just talked to some one yesterday that went for a MRI and because he has clips, had to remove his hair piece. He certainly was not very happy

Whether you have to be x-rayed at the airport or the hospital or even the court house, I would recommend to anyone that has clips on there hair piece to get a backup unit that you can use tape on it. These situations happen and can be very embarassing.

Does anyone have any other solutions to this problem?

For Briguy

Noah — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 02:15:57 GMT

Hey Brian

I just saw your before and after photos. Your hairpiece looks great - very youthful and trendy. You look like a completely different man without it. For someone who is a professional dancer it must be important to present a young vibrant image, so wearing a piece was definitely the right choice.

My only worry for you is that you are being too generous with your private information. If I were a young handsome guy who makes a living by performing in public, I would not be publishing photos of me on the internet with my hairpiece off, showing a significantly less attractive image for all to see. You said in an earlier email that you are not open about the fact you wear a hairpiece. Are you not worried that someone who knows you or works with you will chance upon these pictures and spread them around, damaging your professional image?

Pics from our upcoming "Tape Configuration" video series

HD-Mike — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 21:21:37 GMT

Hey all!

Hair Tech Margaret's been pulling double-duty these days as a hand model for a bunch of new "how-to" videos for our website. She just completed her latest shoot, tentatively titled "Tape Configuration," and I posted some pics from the production on our Facebook fan page. Just thought I'd share:

http://www.facebook.com/home.php?ref=home#/pages/HAIR-DIRECT/47078613440?ref=nf

BTW, if you're on Facebook, become our fan! We don't bite. Much.

New Unit - Dry on ends

Gwen — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 18:39:46 GMT

Hi everyone,

Well, I am not very happy with my new hair from my salon. It's human hair and supposed to be top of the line. My stylist wanted to put me in something with more body. It's got body but I've only had it since Tuesday and it seems to be very dry on the ends. I just purchased all of the It's A 10 products and I'm hoping that they will work for the frizziness. I'm not sure where the frizzy's are coming from as I have not dried my hair or used any styling tools. I'm using Moroccan oil products right now and they don't seem to be working as well as they did on my last unit. My last one was straight though. I've never dealt with body or curl in my hair. Anyway, I have some Blue Max that I had quit using because I didn't need it with my old unit. I know how well it works...maybe that's my answer. I'm just venting and discouraged, plus I bought 2 of the same units. I need to make them work for me.

Gwen

Red Liner Tape

riolazarius — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 20:59:45 GMT

Hey folks,

I just had my system bonded by a lady not far from me who has been in the business for 25 years. She used to specialise in systems for cancer patients. She gave me a lot of advice largely things I already knew but im so confused about the bonding process lol.

She performed the cleaning etc perfect using mud mask shampoo conditioner . She attatched red liner tape to my system around the sides and the back and used no shine tape at the front . Ultrahold was used all around the perimeter twice with an interval. I arrived home and the front just lifted along with the sides.

So as usual I peeled it at the front and one side took the tape off carefully cleaned it liberally and just coated 2 coats of ultrahold. Its sticking so far.

Has anyone else had problems with red liner tape? Im thinking to just use ultrahold all over and forget about tapes?

Im glad i have found ultrahold as at least it gives me four days without having to worry.

Opinions on switching to full lace base?

DomMan — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 00:57:09 GMT

I have always worn a conventional poly edged base until recently. I have been hesitant about switching to a full-lace unit because I'm worried about how well tape sticks to the lace. Recently I switched to a lace-front with poly sides/back, and am using blue lace tape on the front. I am surprised to find that the blue lace tape sticks very well to the lace, and also cleans off very nicely from the lace (it is a pain to clean off the scalp however). Because of this, and along with the fact that I am tired of the poly not conforming 100% to my scalp (always seems to crease and lift in some areas), I am thinking about ordering a full-lace unit. Could I have thoughts and opinions from others that have gone this route? Thanks in advance. Dom.

BriGuy Before/After Photos Are Up!

HD-Mike — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 22:14:24 GMT

Hey folks

I'll let you in on a little secret: BriGuy creates quite a stir among the hair techs in the office. Maybe it's his personality? Anyway, when he was in the area on business earlier this month, he didn't escape without stopping by for a before/after photo session--the results of which we're happy to share with you now:

http://www.hairdirect.com/photos/before-after/briguy.aspx

BTW, BriGuy's video is just as sweet and we'll have that up as soon as we can. (Donald, if you're reading this, your video will be up first... )

message for jonnyboy

vivian — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 08:24:03 GMT

hi jonny

some time ago you talked about injected top/silk top I would like to speak to you about a few thing on this subject.

would you be so kind as to e mail me v.pambianchi@hotmail.co.uk

kind regards

RIO;S BLOG diary of new hair and bonding.

riolazarius — Fri, 04 Sep 2009 00:02:03 GMT

Hey everybody. I thought I would give you all a lowdown on my experiences.

Im in uk now and missing nyc greatly but life goes on. Ive ben so disillusioned recently I was on the brink of suicide until I joined this forum and decided to participate.

Curently I have an 8 month old piece from whitecliffs that i wear , I venever had more than a days bonding . I have been in hair for three years since the age of 20.

Its come to the point that I dont even leave the house and I was working as a successful model in usa and Europe. Now it seems I cant even bond for more than an hour .

Tommorw I am visiting white cliffs again as they owe me my last system which is lacefront and the rest pb.Im so looking forward to getting out and feeling alive again. Im wearing a cap every day over my not bonded hair and ots scary someone will pull it off or the wind will blow it off lol.

This time I will not get duped. Whitecliffs already say that there are very strong european adhesives on the market and he has access to them. He wouldnt give methe names though lol.

Ok so tommrow i have the fitting in and i will update daily as to how i get along. this system is in comjunction with another one that i already ordered which is full olacefrom birmingham. failing these options I will go the HD rpute with a personal visit to them and failing that its the ld shaved look all over again lol.

wish me luck guys

rio

Glue removal using microfiber towel.

clarabell — Sat, 14 Nov 2009 23:59:47 GMT

Hi Everyone,

I'm looking for a better way to clean my unit. I am currently using the mirror slide, but sometimes I feel like I am not getting all the glue and residue off the unit. It works like a charm at the beginning of the life of the unit, but as it gets older, it doesn't work as well. So, I read many posts about the microfiber towel. I am curious how this works, what are the steps to use them? Where do you buy them? I read you can get them at Target, but where in target- what department? Do you have to use an adhesive remover with the procedure? I have the Protouch Adhesive Remover- is that a good one? I find that this remover is extremely oily and I tend to not use it because I never think I have all the oil out, no matter how much I wash with Dawn. It has a very strong smell also, that never goes away, and it makes me think that the oil is still there. Is there a better one to use, if I have to use one?

Thanks for your help.

Clarabell

Leave in conditioners?

riolazarius — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 22:10:57 GMT

As we are well aware Leave in conditioners are a fundamental part of our routine in hair care but I wanted people to rate their favourite Leave in conditioners and express why?

I started with Matrix leave in conditioner . Atruly formidable product left moisture in longer. I then tried toni and guy leave in ctreatment. That was a creamy foam texture and just dried and clumped the hair up lol

Right now im using coconut and almond leave in conditioner and its radical. Really keeps it soft and glossy and it looks textured too for some reason.

Oh and Nearly Natural product? I dont rate that to be too clever. It just makes the hair more clumped and dry in my experience, still that may be just my system cos all systems must be made from different materials so hard to tell what will work on one person and not on the other.

a questtion for Tim Ferris

onjfan — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 00:03:27 GMT

hi Tim....i have read and now follow your regime as regards to cleanup using the old and trusted good ole mirror slide ...and for attachment using safegrip glue.tghe safegrip didnt do it for me before ...but i have since found that using a different scalp protector , namely Davlyn .it works wonders ......the combination of an anti perspirant like maxim , then davlyn scalp protector . then 3 thin layers of safegrip all over my scalp ....works every time for a great bond.....

can you tell me though, how long should i wait in between coats of glue..i use hairdryer on cool setting and wait 15 minutes between each coat?....many thanks

Smell From Lace Unit (suggestions)

aqudan — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 07:39:16 GMT

Today I took out a girl and she says "smell my hair" and then randomly smells mine. Right away she says "Ewww it smells like feet after work". Anyway this wasn't cool and I had no idea because no one has ever had an issue. Anyway the girl said it only smelled when she put her nose right up to it otherwise she didn't smell anything.

I play ice hockey 2 days a week and have a very physically demanding job where I wear a baseball cap and sweat. I shower and use shampoo, conditioner and I use gel/hair wax in my hair to style it. I figure all this would mask the smell but it didn't.

I wear a lace unit which I remove once a week for cleaning, and reattachment. I also shampoo and condition the hair 3 - 4 days a week.

What can I do about this issue? Any tricks or suggestions would be great

Thanks

The New Super tape Low Profile

Ravid4 — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 01:51:58 GMT

i would be interested to hear if anyone has tried the new Super tape ( Low Profile ) tape and if it is any good and less visual for the front hairline. The description says it is thinner and does not leave a ridge at the edge of the lace. Any users of this tape ? Thank You

factory soft

jonnyboy — Mon, 29 Jun 2009 20:08:03 GMT

hi guys,

i`d like to know what the substance that is on the hair when it comes from the factory ...its coated with some sort of oil?? surely this substance is the solution to preserving the hair quality and keeping it soft..

does anybody know what the factory puts on the hair when we receive a new system??? thanks

Upcoming Community Changes... What do YOU think?

HD-Brandon — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 03:17:39 GMT

Hey guys

We've been working vigorously on the new site and hope to launch within the next couple (or few) months. About the Community, what do you guys think about merging the "General Discussion" and "Women's" forums?

Please share your opinions, pro or con... 'cause we're just not sure. In concept we like the idea of keeping them separate but when it comes down to it, are the issues men and women face with hair replacement really that different? At least enough so that it's worth splitting up readers and forcing members to jump between rooms to stay in the conversation on both forums? (Plus, the women's board is less active so female users who think they can only benefit from that area risk missing out on lots of good stuff in the general forum)

Whatdya think?

HD-FACTORY SOFT

blondie12 — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 19:46:30 GMT

HD techs, please review the "factory soft" thread started awhile back. There are several posts directed to you that have not been answered. Please review and reply to that thread. It will be very much appreciated.

HOW TO KEEP HAIS SILKY AFTER WASHING

markc — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 04:23:07 GMT

Hello Everyone!

I seem to find it that my hair gets dry even after conditioning.I usually use a little hair spray and a small amount of spray on conditioner from Oshi. My issue is that at night when I wash out that stuff before bed I notice when my hair dries that if feels somewhat DRY I try conditioners and it helps but I wonder if there is something I can do to keep my hair from feeling like straw.....

Thanks all!!!

The Itch!

Encouraged — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 18:55:53 GMT

Well, I can no longer say I am not bothered by my head itching. I have been wearing (new) since mid September. I use Walker no shine tape and wear between 7 and 10 days. No itching occurred, unilt this past Saturday when I did a removal/clean and reattachment. I followed the same process I've always done, but for some strange reason, my head has been itching (only where the tape is ). I rinse my unit daily and wash it once or twice per week. No heavy sweating. Not sure what has changed to cause the itch.

Any ideas?

John

My Full Cap unit is HERE!

Zspa — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 17:40:11 GMT

Well, after months of research and debating, I decided HD was the best option for me. I ordered in Sept, a full cap unit with the HD034 style from the men's style gallery. It has arrived, and I couldnt be happier. I posted two pics in the gallery under my username Zspa. Tell me what you think, any questions about specs I will gladly answer

Removing Piece without Solvent -- Tim Ferris Video

Encouraged — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 18:07:38 GMT

I reviewed Tim Ferris' mirror slide video the other day and he talked about not using a chemical product to remove his piece. From what I understand, he just gets it wet in the shower to the point the tape loosens up and then he starts pulling gently until the unit comes off. My question is, do many of you do this same thing? I am thinking by not using a solvent, the tape does not break down as much and clean up is much, much easier and quicker to do.

Am I correct in this thinking?

John

Average time to complete an attachment...

WB1975 — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 06:22:04 GMT

Hey, family! Sorry it's been a while, but I have a very hectic life... it should be slowing down some, soon.

I have a question for everyone, about attaching... but, first off, to Donald T, you'll be happy to know that I'm seeing a doctor on the 25th (sooner, if I can be worked in)

You were right on, about the anticipatory anxiety. You seriously are like my twin or something.

I was actually diagnosed with Generalized Anxiety Disorder and Agoraphobia in 2001... looking back, I attribute both of these to my hair loss

My wife kinda helped me out of the Agoraphobia (fear of public places and crowds), but the Generalized Anxiety Disorder needs medication. I've gone unmedicated since 2001, and I can't do it on my own.

Now, having said that... anxiety does play a huge part in smooth attachment.

If I get nervous, I sweat, and when I sweat, you can forget it.

So, here's my question...

I'm a bit of a perfectionist.

It grinds my gears to no end that I can't

Attach my unit in a textbook manner (like, all tape or all glue)
That I am not doing it as easily as I would, say, put on my shoes

Let me explain how I have finally figured out how to attach this hair.

All glue doesn't work for me... nerve-wise and patience wise, it just doesn't work.

I have found that if I cut about a square inch of tape, and place it on the widows' peak about an inch behind the hairline... starting from there works.

I then glue down the remaining inch forward of that tape square.

Can you all envision this? So, I now have a secure widow's peak, but the temples aren't tacked down yet.

I then lift up the left temple... apply glue... wait for it to dry... stretch the unit... mash it down.

Secure... no wrinkles... no lift.

Repeat the process on the right temple.

Then, my wife helps me finish out the sides and crown.

All in all, we're talking about, maybe... a 30 minute job?

Is that insanely long?

I have seen Brian D's glue-in-the-front video, and I slump with envy at his ease, precision, and timing.

Just not possible... maybe after my doctor trip, though. LoL

Anyway... besides feeling like a bum that this takes 30 minutes, I also deem my method of the tape square for placement and then gluing the rest as kind of unorthodox.

I wish I could do it textbook, as I said earlier, like... all glue, all tape, or whatever.

Am I the only one here with an unusual method like that? I'd feel better if I find out maybe I'm not alone

Oh, and I have one more question.

Can anyone recommend a way to keep hair out of the way as I attach this? It's a headache.

See, I have an "Elvis" cut. My bangs are about 6 inches, graduating to shorter lengths at the crown. Also, part of my style means that you leave it loose and fluffy. You comb it straight back, and that one little lock flops forward on it's own, eventually.

Fine, once I'm fully attached and dried. But, it's a pain whilst attaching.

I can't use gel or spray, as it kills the hair, plus doing so would ruin my "loose fluff" style.

(I actually use Pomade like the real 50's people did)

Would just sopping the hair soaking wet and combing it back work? Then letting the hair dry on it's own as the attachment takes place? Clips?

Help!

Walter

P.S. I hope everyone has a good Thanksgiving. Life is short, and I get so sad at this world sometimes.

I say treat everyone as we want to be treated, no matter how cliche that sounds. Too much hatred out there over political parties, religious beliefs, romantic orientation, etc.

Heck, I sound all sappy... but, seriously, just enjoy Thanksgiving in the spirit of acceptance.

Combating the New "Wiggy" Look

Encouraged — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 18:43:14 GMT

Hello All!

I have been wearing since mid September. I've finally gotten the hang of the styling and can say my hair looks great! I have noticed that as the hair has "aged" the wiggy...poofy look has completely gone away. It makes me wonder if there are things I might try with my next new piece to make the hair look great from the very beginning. I realize using "product" helps, but are there any tips some of you more seasoned hair wearers might be able to offer some of us rookies? I remember the day when you could only buy stiff blue jeans with no faded look. Then they started selling pre-washed, faded blue jeans that looked great the first time on. Makes me wonder if there could be a market out there for buying hair that way. In order to not have to deal with the wiggy--poofy look of a new piece, I might be tempted to buy a pre-washed, conditioned piece.

Thoughts?

John

I need some cleaning tips please

Danielle — Sun, 15 Nov 2009 04:26:51 GMT

I just started wearing an integration piece with liquid adhesive in the front and microbeaded around the back and sides. When I lift up the front to re-attach IT IS A DISASTER! Can you all please give me some advice and tips?

I have only been wearing a system for a few weeks so I have only done this twice. So, here is what has been happening - after a few days (5 or 6ish) the front part of the unit feels loose, I wash 2-3x's per week. So, I lift up the front, use the adhesive solvent on my forehead/hairline and on the unit. This is a sticky, messy, stressful event. I get MOST of the adhesive off but it is very time consuming. To remove the excess, I use a little alcohol and then some scalp protector. Then, I paintbrush-on a litttle adhesive and then blast it with the blow dryer for about a minute. Finally, I press the unit into place. I think the messiness is my biggest complaint.

I so desperatley want to wash and scrub my scalp and truly feel clean. But maybe I just need better products. What am I doing wrong? Why is the adhesive so messy? What are your favorite products? What is a "hardbond"?