While hair systems can look natural, feel natural and offer a non-surgical hair loss solution, the big question is whether hair systems can cause damage to the scalp.

No, not by themselves. A good quality hair system does not cut into the scalp, does not switch hair follicles and does not stop your natural hair growth. The majority of scalp problems are caused by how the hair system was applied, bonded, cleaned, worn or removed. A hair system with a breathable base, the right type of adhesive for a hair system, clean skin, gentle removal from the scalp and proper care in between use is what will allow you to wear your hair systems comfortably on a daily basis.

What a Hair System Really Does to the Scalp

A hair system is a device to cover up thinning areas, bald spots, or even a receding hairline. It can be a men’s toupee or a woman’s wig or even a hair topper. A hair system can also be custom made to order into a variety of different sizes and shapes to match any clients hair, in terms of color, density, curl and length with a particular base size to fit over top of existing hair on the scalp.

This section describes the various types of base construction used for human hair systems, including Lace, Mono, Skin and Silk Top constructions. They all feel different and some systems are better for airflow, closer scalp mimic appearance, easier cleaning after adhesive use, etc. The choice of the best base for any person depends on a number of factors including sensitivity of their scalp, climate, activity level, as well as how long they intend to wear the system before replacing the adhesive.

Even when there is existing hair on the scalp under which a hair system is placed, it can continue to sweat and oil up. Existing hair can even grow up under the hair system, around it, or even through it. The biggest problems with a hair system occur when there is a large amount of sweat, oil, hair, adhesive residue, and dead skin that stays under the base for a long time.

Where Scalp Irritation Usually Starts

Most of the time people ask about hair system scalp damage they are concerned with hair system caused itching, redness, pimples, hair loss or inability to breathe with scalp. All of these problems have obvious reasons for.

Adhesive or Tape That Does Not Suit the Skin

Different hair system adhesives and hair system tapes are designed to hold the hair system base in place. Yet different skin types will react differently. For example, someone with sensitive skin might not experience any irritation with a hair system tape but develop a red, itchy patch with a hair system adhesive. On the other hand, someone with normal to oily skin who participates in physical exercise or experiences excessive heat may require a stronger holding adhesive.

For those concerned about sensitivity, we recommend starting with a patch test. Apply a small amount behind the ear or an alternative application area and wait for reactions to subside. If any signs of itching, burning or redness occur, it’s best to switch to an alternative bonding method.

Sweat, Oil, and Residue Buildup

A hair system is worn on the scalp, and therefore hair systems can be covered in sweat and sebum. After a few days of wear, there is the risk of residue from the adhesive combining with oil and dust. When very hot, going to the gym or living in a very humid city, this buildup can occur even faster.

Common signs include:

· itching around the bonded edge

· an oily or sticky feeling under the base

· odor after workouts

· flaky skin near the hairline

· redness after removal

These signs do not mean that hair systems are harmful. They are a sign that the scalp needs to be cleaned more frequently or that the hair system is being bonded at a different frequency.

Rough Removal

The easiest way to an irritated scalp is removing a hairpiece too fast. If there is still adhesive left on the skin or on your natural hair, you will pull on it when you’re removing your hairpiece. This can cause soreness, broken hair and redness.

Using a slow removal method with the proper adhesive remover to soften the bond first and then gently lift the base is safer. This is especially important for individuals who have natural hair growing at the temples, crown, and hairline of their head.

Can Hair Systems Cause Hair Loss?

While hair systems do not cause permanent hair loss for the vast majority of users, there is a potential for mechanical stress to existing hair or hair around the system. For example, adhesives can stick to individual hairs, clips can be pulled too tightly around hair, and if a system is pulled off the scalp too quickly without the use of a solvent, some of the hairs may pull out with it.

Another important distinction is between hair loss and breakage related to hair systems. As mentioned before, many users of hair systems already have hair loss due to genetics, aging, hair loss following treatments, or patches of hair loss. Once they start losing hair, the hair loss will often continue. The wearer might attribute this loss to the hair system, when in fact the system is just a symptom of the pre-existing hair loss.

A system must not feel too tight. It must not pull on the temples when smiling, eating or turning the head. It must not cause any sore spots after one day of wear.

Choosing a Scalp-Friendly Base

The comfort of a wig is largely down to the base material used, and no single material is perfect for everyone. As a salon, wholesaler or wearer, you would normally choose a base depending on the wearer’s scalp, their way of life and the look they want to achieve rather than how the base looks.

For sensitive scalps, we recommend to use a hair system base that is breathable. For such scalps, lace or mono hair systems are recommended as they allow for airflow and are therefore very suitable for use in warm climate or for active people. A skin hair system base can also be very comfortable but for people who sweat a lot, it is recommended to wear the hair system for shorter periods of time and to clean the scalp more often.

How to Protect Your Scalp Under a Hair System

A simple hair care routine should not include to many steps. It should clean your scalp, reduce friction and avoid pulling on your hair in unnatural ways. Most scalp problems can be prevented if you take the right steps before they become major issues.

Start With Clean, Dry Skin

Before you apply the medical hair replacement bonding, the hold can be loosened by oil, grease, or a lot of perspiration or lotion. That would cause stuff to get stuck under the bottom of the unit. Wash scalp with mild cleanser and allow to dry completely before applying. Hairline area should not be greasy or wet prior to bonding application.

Match the Bond to Daily Life

An office worker will require a different level of adhesive strength to that of a daily trainer or a hot coastal dweller. More glue is not better – in fact it can create more work to clean up, and create unwanted residue.

Clean on a Real Schedule

Someone with very oily hair and a lot of body sweat may need to wash their scalp every few days. On the other hand someone with very dry hair and low activity levels may get to go longer between washes. The crucial point is to clean the hair before the itch becomes so annoying that the wearer is forced to stop using their hair system.

A simple care rhythm may include:

· daily checks around the hairline

· gentle scalp cleansing during each removal

· full residue cleanup before rebonding

· base washing after heavy sweat

· a short scalp break if skin feels sore

Do Not Ignore Warning Signs

Mild itching after a long day of wear is normal but burning/itching/bleeding/open sores/pus/recurring red and very painful sores are not and indicate skin irritation. Remove the system from the affected area and continue to use until skin returns to normal. If irritation persists seek medical attention.

Common Mistakes That Lead to Scalp Problems

Small habits, left to repeat for weeks, can cause scalp problems. Common mistakes include using too much adhesive, applying your hair system to dirty skin, waiting too long between removals, using a base that is too warm for your climate, and removing your hair system too quickly without using enough adhesive remover.

Most critical mistakes occur when people copy routines from others. A 7 day bond may work for some but can cause irritation for others within 3 days. Factors such as oily/dry skin, sweating, hair density, base size and local weather all need to be taken into account when designing a maintenance regime. In addition, after exercise, the hairline can loosen the adhesive if not dried properly.

A Practical Look at Qingdao Eminent Hair Products Co., LTD

Qingdao Eminent Hair Products Co., LTD is a professional wig supplier based in Qingdao, China. We have hair products for personal use and wholesale for buyers. Our products for hair loss for men and women include hair replacement systems, wigs, hair toppers, stock human hair pieces and custom made hair products as well as hair repair products.

We work with Lace, Mono, Skin and Silk Top construction. We source hair from Indian, Chinese, Mongolian and European countries. We have Human Hair, Remy Hair and Virgin Hair. We offer custom service on size, color, length, density, curl, percentage of gray, base construction and more.

Your supplier is just as important to scalp comfort as the hairpiece that you end up choosing in the end. The comfort of the scalp also depends upon the type of base that is chosen for you, the quality of hand-knotting that is performed, the accuracy of your custom work, the supplier’s ability to maintain a consistent level of production and the quality of pre-order communication.

Conclusion

Hair systems do not have to be bad for the scalp if used correctly i.e. chosen, applied, cleaned and removed properly. There are however a few pitfalls which could cause irritation i.e. poor hygiene, wrong adhesive, wearing too long, wrong removal technique, base of hair system does not match the wearer’s skin type and way of life.

A good hair replacement system should be secure but not tight. It should look good for a while before it needs to be cleaned. For individuals with sensitive skin the safest route is to opt for a hair replacement system with a breathable base, an adhesive that has been tested and proven, simple removal and a cleaning schedule that suits you.

FAQs

Do hair systems damage your scalp?

Hair systems generally do not cause hair loss or damage to the scalp on their own. Most irritation to the scalp is due to the adhesive residue, a hair system that is worn for too long of a period of time before being switched out for a new one, or when the system is removed improperly.

Can hair systems cause hair loss?

Typically hair systems do not cause any permanent hair loss. There is a chance of hair breakage when using a hair system. This usually is caused by the adhesive sticking to natural hair, hair being pulled too tight by a hair system attachment, or improper removal of the hair system without first loosening the adhesive bond.

Is wig glue bad for your scalp?

Wig glue is not automatically bad for your scalp, but some glues more than others can cause itching or redness, particularly on sensitive scalps. Using a patch test and a scalp-friendly adhesive can help to prevent this from happening.

How often should you clean your scalp with a hair system?

The frequency of cleaning a patch depends on several factors including the type of oil on the wearer's skin, the amount of sweat, the type of adhesive used and the weather. Typically users clean a patch every time they remove it. However, active users or those in very humid climates may require to change to a shorter wear cycle.