Hair System Base Materials
Hair system bases are one of the most crucial parts of your hair replacement system. Unfortunately they can also be the most confusing.
Remy, Super Skin, Bio Skin, Skin Grafts, Virtual Base, Transbase, Omni Lace, New York Lace, Hollywood Lace, Paragon, Concentric, C-thru, CTR, Bio Matrix, High Definition, Derma Tex....HUH?!?
Even though the hair replacement industry uses an abundance of decorative names when marketing them, there are really only two materials used in base construction. Regardless of what it may be called, a hair system base is simply the foundation into which the hair is tied or injected.
Ok. So what are bases made from?
The two primarily materials used in hair system bases are Polymers and Mesh Fabrics. Usually a combination of both is used.
Polymers
Polymers create an imitation skin-like material and are commonly referred to as SKIN bases because of their close resemblance to real skin tones. Depending on the type of polymers used, SKIN bases can be extremely durable. Because of their durability, Polymers are sometimes added to bases to strengthen stressed areas such as the part, tape tab, and the base perimeter. Other polymer bases are constructed entirely of polymer materials.
Mesh fabrics
Mesh fabrics are used to create a fine lace material and are typically made of either nylon or polyester. There are base systems constructed entirely of mesh fabric, however, more commonly, this LACE is used only in the more exposed areas of the base such as the front hairline.
More information about Polymer Bases
Polymer bases are constructed from two primary materials: Silicone and/or Polyurethane. Sometimes polymer based systems are marketed as being Gas Permeable. Although this is true, THEY ARE NOT BREATHABLE and can be very hot and uncomfortable.
Pros and Cons of Silicone
Silicone by nature is highly inert. Its tendency to repel body acids and other elements make silicone base material very durable. However, due to those inert properties, silicone is not affected by dyes, so achieving a natural skin tone is difficult plus attaching these systems with tape or bonding adhesives is nearly impossible.
Pros and Cons of Polyurethane
Polyurethane, although not as durable as silicone can easily be dyed to resemble natural skin tones. They are also much easier to attach using common hairpiece tape or bonding adhesives. On the downside, polyurethane is vulnerable to body acids and will turn yellow and break down with time.
To overcome these challenges, silicone and Polyurethane are sometimes joined during construction (i.e. Remy, see diagram below).
More information about Mesh Fabric Bases
Mesh fabrics or LACE bases are typically made from either nylon or polyester. Most times these bases provide a more natural look but depending on the weight/thickness of the material may have a shorter life span.
Nylon
Nylon mesh is created through a weaving process. A monofilament (single strand) thread is woven, much like a tennis racquet, to create the mesh.
Polyester
Polyester, on the other hand, is a multifilament (many strand) fiber that is knitted, not woven. The knitting process gives it a distinct honeycomb look.
Mesh fabric bases can be very delicate and may easily tear. They are also vulnerable to body acids which can cause early deterioration and damage. It is common to replace or repair mesh fabric base systems on a regular basis.
Despite these drawbacks, mesh fabric remains among the most popular types of hair replacement systems. They consistently provide a natural and undetectable hairline plus they are comfortable and cool to wear.
What does it all mean?
Looking past the creative array of names for hair system bases, you've seen that all hair system bases can be reduced down into two types of basic construction materials: Polymer and Fabric.
Polymer or SKIN bases are made from silicone and/or polyurethane. They are known to be durable and long lasting, but warm and sometimes uncomfortable. Mesh fabric bases are made from nylon and polyester. They can be very comfortable and provide a natural look, yet are not as durable as Polymer.
If you're scratching your head (no pun intended) and wondering: How can only four types of base materials possibly provide custom solutions for so many men and women? Which hair base system is right for me? Please browse through our wide selection of custom hair bases and read about the features and benefits each offer.
Also be sure to check out High Definition Hair™, a leading base technology using mesh fabric materials to create a completely undetectable hairline.