Hair replacements have come a long way since the ready-made toupe, in only four colors that were available 40 years ago.

Today, a custom-made replacement will look natural if you take good care of it. Baldness is not the only alternative.

I have been wearing hair replacements for over 25 years and, over this time, have seen multiple improvements in construction, hair quality, and color matching. More care is now being taken with custom-made replacements in that the hair is of higher quality, there is a choice of the amount of curl needed, and coloring has come such a long way that the colors are completely natural. A replacement can be built with lighter hair color in the front, which graduates darker in the back and on the sides. The prices have also markedly reduced. The direction of hair flow can be decided as well, and some manufacturers will cut the replacement to your specifications.

When I started wearing these, a custom replacement cost between $ 1,500 and $ 2,500, depending on the size and hair length. Now, custom hair replacements (virtually all made in China) can be purchased for a maximum of $450 but many times lower ($325-$350). Working through a middleman (salon), the price will be about 1/3 to 1/2 more. A replacement can last up to a year, depending upon the care it receives. American-made or UK-made custom hair replacements are more expensive because the entire process is bespoke, and usually, one person makes the entire replacement, from base casting to sewing the base and then hand-tieing each individual hair into the lace. These start here in London at about 1600 GBP ($2025,00). They are more expensive with longer hair length. The usual for a man is 4-6 inches.

Lace front systems are virtually indetectable, as are poly systems, but poly systems don't work well if the climate is too warm because, unlike lace, the poly does not breathe.

Also, I learned long ago that semi-permanent attachment is not a great idea, so I use double-sided tape, take mine off at night, and wash and condition about once every ten wearings. Because of not sleeping in them, they last longer. Also, it is very important that they be custom-made for you. This is when a mold of your scalp is taken, and then the base is created using this mold. Finally, hair that is close to your own texture should be used, as well as what is called Remy hair. This high-quality hair is always kept in the same direction as when it was cut off. This ensures a more lifelike system that does not tangle when washed. I hope this is helpful to you and to others. I am available for questions.