oh cool, I might give that a try! thanks Paul

Here is part 2.
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Cont. from SOLUTION 1: The polybase non-Toplace system
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So like I said, this hair system, gave me confidence but I was still not 100% sure about it, I thought it could be better, and I pinpointed what was ticking me off... namely:
a) density b) texture (hair too straight) c) polybase (sweating and traceable edges and weird plastic sound when you scratch your scalp).

Aaa one more thing which was ticking me off big time was that the hair was injected in such a way that I could never have the front hair lying back. And I was afraid someone would slide the hands in my hair and would DEFINITELY feel the edge and possibly also detaching it from my scalp! Luckily, it never happened.

One more thing to note is that since the base does not breathe air... whenever I showered with it, or went for a swim, the system would absorb all the water and become really heavy! Anyway, by now you should have got it... Im a big ANTI-POLY lol. But Im just trying to remember EVERYTHING that bothered me so that you will know A-Z about Full-poly bases.


RETURNING TO WORK with SOLUTION 1: Tips
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I was really uncomfortable returning to work. I knew I looked better, but at the same time, I knew Id have some people staring at me. But I made the move... I gelled my hair, shaved my beard, and off I went. Many people stared at me. I felt veeeery uncomfortable. Some people didnt notice but some had that `wtf` look on their face. I tried to be direct and small talk... when they said what did I do? I said my gf took me to a salon and made me have a haircut, which was hair coloring (black - cause I figured everyone knows that a fresh coloring leaves residue on the scalp and makes it look more dense lol), straightening and cut. Some people fell for it (I guess), some of them were more invasive and said ... `but you had less density didnt you?` to which I replied `Really?` hahaha. Some people said I looked younger, some people said they cant recognise me, some people said I looked like a rockstar, some said I looked gay lol. But I tried not to fall for it... I kept on reminding myself it was all in my head that I am busted. So I tried to keep my cool (terrible first week dealing with anxiety at work). Figured out this would be a bad week, but its gonna take just a week - because i would have seen every colleague by then and it wouldnt be likely that they would ask the same questions. MOST importantly, I thought, no-one will ask the question `Are you wearing a wig?` for 2 reasons: its not polite and it doesnt ACTUALLY look like a wig - and for this, thanks to the bad rugs that took the bad name. After a week, the anxiety started to ease and I was pretty much ok... still f*ck up at times and go check the mirror frequently but I think it is normal.


BUYING A TOPLACE UNIT
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Im the kinda-guy that am determined at not giving up, whatever that may take. After I had targetted my major concerns, I said ok Im gonna do the leap and order a toplace unit. Specs: 65% density, french lace with swiss lace on the front, body wave. I sent in my template (same template/ mould that the club had done for me) and that was it, I hoped for the best. In the meantime, I said, worst comes to the worst, I always can go back to wearing Solution 1. I have a spare unit from Solution 1 which is still new in the box.

In the meantime, I was HOPING Toplace unit would be the answer to my concerns. I was kinda positive about it, so I was giving the existing one all kind of bad treatment. It had become my enemy - like living with a terrible wife (excuse the pun) if you know what i mean lol. Payback from solution 1 was a bald patch in my crown area which I had to remedy with concealers till toplace unit arrived. what a b*tch! lol.
Sidenote: Them buggers at the hair club told me that the unit would last me a year, and I was in my fourth month already looking for a new one.


SOLUTION 2: TOPLACE UNIT
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After much conversations with John, Toplace unit arrived. It took a little more time than I expected but I wasnt much in a hurry so I didnt really mind. Straight out of the wrapping, it looked 100 times more real than Solution 1 I could not believe it. The wave and density seemed top notch, and the hair more realistic than the previous system. I was looking forward to try it on. In the meantime, I had bought Walker No Shine tape, Blue Tape, 3mm Tape, iGlue, 99% Isopropyl etc.

So the first impression was good. When I was trying to get the tape to stick to the lace, I found out it was giving me a much harder time than poly. In time, I got better, still not as fast as poly. I had absolutely no success with 3mm tape, its very flimsy. My first try was an all-tape attachment (I was used to that with the poly base). it took me about an hour and a half to attach it (which was more difficult than poly) but it looked much better! I have learnt that you have to be extremely patient otherwise rushing it by 5 minutes might get you to start over again and waste another hour and a half. So make sure you have no plans for the night. I usually do the whole process at 1am. Its usually quiet at home, everyone is asleep and nothing gets in the way.

ATTACHMENT WITH AN ALL TAPE, ON LACE
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I cut the front lace, left about 4mm extra and attached with tape. It was easier to do but I found out that I had shine which seemed kinda funny, so after some research, I learned that glue might be a solution to this.

ATTACHMENT WITH AN ALL TAPE except for the FRONT, ON LACE
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I almost immediately took off my system, and tried an all tape except for the glue. I used a mixture of Blue Tape and Walker No Shine tape around the perimiter (and one long one covering front to back), and left about half an inch from the front without any. After I attached, I used iGlue for the front bit. The results were so much better, definitely no shine now! However, I am still having problems with the bond. It seems that I have to touch up every day. With an exposed hair line... you kinda want the hairline to be smooth. I currently face the problem of bumps and rigs with the hairline (but more on this on problems with Lace later on).


PROS of a LACE UNIT
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All in all though, a much much much better unit! First thing I did in fact was jump to bed to see how it felt when my head is against a pillow. And it felt so light it felt as real as my own hair! Then I tried soaking my head in water, and again, it was light as a feather!

So basically my problems seem to be addressed by this unit:
a) density was now spot on
b) base was now lighter, no more itching, and scalp was breathable sweat will go to the hair, no more plastic sounds when I scratch, edges a lot less traceable!
c) texture and hair more realistic, color seemed to blend in easier as well.

CONS of a LACE UNIT
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1. It looks a little less durable than the all poly base which looked like a heavy weight old rug. Countering this though, the all poly base made me itch so much that it drove me crazy at times i would scratch like a maniac - which screwed the durability of it. I would say I have diminished its life from a year to 4 months. With the All lace unit, I am experiencing less itching, and since I dont scratch, I am thinking I might get the maximum life from it, maybe 4 months, which is good enough for me, since it costs much less.

2. Attachment is definitely a bigger pain in the ass. But I recall seeing poly as a pain in the ass when I started wearing.. so I am hoping, I will master my skills and become much better at it that i wont see a difference.

3. Also, styling is somewhat giving me a problem, but after 1 week I can already see a much better change, so I think that its only a matter of time till the hair gets used to my style.

4. Also, I really cant see much difference between the french lace and the swiss lace, so if it is less durable like you all seem to say, then I am definitely going for an ALL french lace unit next time.

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Ok so, enough of the comparing, an ALL lace unit is much better than an all poly base unit in my honest opinion - guaranteed! Now on to the tips and problems I am currently facing with the ALL lace (and hoping for some feedback here).

So, like I said, the ALL lace unit is a bit more complicated to wear. I have absolutely found no difficulty detaching it.


DETACHING THE UNIT
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TIP 1: I bought Isopropyl 99% - 1 Litre, from Ebay, very cheap and I think it is great! I have bought 2 spray bottles, one I filled with isopropyl and the other I filled with water and use them sparingly.

TIP 2: Isopropyl hurts when it gets in your eyes. What I do is I wear a Visor. If you wear a Visor upside down, the Visor tip keeps the isopropyl from getting in your eyes. Wearing a head band is ok, but I had better results with a Visor since spray bottles ... well, spray lol.

Since I know where I placed the tape, I usually put the nozzle straight on where the tape is, and I start spraying. I usually let it sit for a couple of minutes, 10-15 minutes, a sigarette break or whatever. then I see if I can feel an edge, and when I do, i spray more isopropyl on that edge, not through the hair, but under the lace. this is the easiest solution, and the system detaches instantly with every spray of isopropyl, it literally almost falls off, leaving all the tape on my scalp and minimum (if any) residue on the lace! Only the bloody glue seems to stay on the lace. So I have no idea how some people adopt an all glue solution, it would drive me crazy.

The simple part is ready I guess. The MOST DIFFICULT PART, which is soooo time consuming (I cant see why tbh) is getting all the tape off my scalp. Since I still have some hair, it usually would have grown a bit by the time I detach, and the tape becomes gooey and sticks to the hair. I use the citrus lace release, and isopropyl - but to no luck. I detached it today, and it must have took me a good 15/ 20 minutes to get rid of most of the tape. I am open to ideas and tips.

Getting rid of the little glue which sticks to the Lace is another big pain in the ass because ok, I sprayed Lace release and I tried the mirror slide, but not to the best of results. I usually have a needle and try to play around till I remove MOST of the glue.

I guess it depends from the individual, but Im definitely gonna try to use more Tape than glue where possible.

After that is done, I am ready to wash my unit.

WASHING THE UNIT
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Since I hear you lot complaining that color might change in time... I bought an Aussie Color Mate Shampoo. The Aussie shampoos are the best I have ever found and I kinda swear by the brand. Since I am a new toplace wearer (3 weeks), I cannot report any findings so far.

ATTACHING THE UNIT
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From my experience, always apply adhesives when the system is damp, not dry! I dont know why, but I had better results when it was damp/ wet. I have found that when it dries, the lace shrinks a bit and becomes more difficult to work with because then you would need to stretch it to apply perfectly on your scalp.

I start applying either blue tape, or Walker No Shine. I start with the front, about half an inch off the edge (I will reserve the front half an inch for glue). And then, I go all around the perimeter. And one long one that meets front to back. This gives me a perfect bond imo. Perhaps abit too safe, but Id rather be on that side than be the center of a joke. It will never cross my mind to try got2bglued.

I used to have a problem working with the tape, getting it on the lace. 2 solutions for this:

TIP 3: The tape overlaps another tape. than rub your nail against the `overlap` and pull the cover (?). Tape no1 (the one beneath) should stick to the other one and makes for an easier release.

TIP 4: When that is done... place the cover perpendicular on the exposed tape (it would help you from getting your fingers stuck in it and making a mess

Many people seem to swear by the 4/5 finger rule, I kinda had mixed results for some reason, sometimes I have a wide forehead, sometimes a small forehead... the following tip solves my problem.

TIP 5: I use a pencil to draw a line from one eyebrow to the other. (a bridge). I get a ruler, and I mark with a pencil exactly 5cms from the bridge. I mark, the whole front contour.

IF you want to use antiperspirant, they re fine... I usually get a better hold... but DO NOT use it where you will use glue. Each time I tried it, I ended up having blotches of dry glue which is no good.

I place the front half inch (the naked bit - no glue, no tapes so far) and when I see it is aligned nicely with the pencil line, I stretch and work my way slowly to the back. Voila, piece in place. Now for the glue. First things first, I expose the front half inch, and clean off the pencil and then I go in front of a fan (it helps to keep the area fresh and helps it keep the front bit back) and I apply glue. So far, I only have iGlue... and from my experience, it SUCKS big time. I do not get a hold which lasts longer than a day at best! And I am really really hoping the glue is to fault, or perhaps I am doing something wrong. What I do is apply a small coat and rub it in till it clears. After a minute or two, I apply another coat... and keep going like so, doing about 5 coats in all. Slowly place the front bit in place, get a comb which I spray with isopropyl, and tuck the base in place. When I have some hairs stuck in the glue...

TIP 6: ... dip a qtip in Virgin Oil, and it is as good as Lace Release, in 2 seconds, they are released.

However, when I do that, I can already start seeing some bumps. I try to retouch... I usually put some glue on the edge of a business card, and slide it in. Again I get some hairs stuck, so I release them, and again I see some bumps which are really ticking me off. Sometimes I keep going over this about 15 times... and I am still not 100% happy! I hope it is the glue, I have now purchased Ultra Hold... and hoping for the best.

In this case, my solution is to leave a little and some hairs stuck in the glue. It keeps the lace down and it gives the impression that the hairs are stuck by gel. Not too bad a result imo. I will upload photos later and you tell me for yourself.

Anyway after I am about 95% happy, I wet my hair and style it.

Usually when I wash my hair I get a little extra volume to my liking... so what I do is...

TIP 7: Put some wax, and Wear a beanie or a head band for a good couple of hours, it will get your hair in order

I have bought Fray Check (from ebay) and it is pretty good. It kinda seals the front bit. I have found out though, that I think it leaves some white residue in the hair... kinda like small flakes. So I am gonna avoid it as much as possible, or use it only briefly.

And that is it really! I am much much happier with the ALL LACE as opposed to the ALL POLY, and maybe ready to place another order, cause after this, there is no going back to the poly system that i have in my closet.

With my method, I go a whole week with no buldges and no nothing. I obviously need to do hairline touchups every day but I am hoping I will solve this issue when I receive another glue.

MY PROBLEMS THAT I NEED TO ADDRESS (CALL FOR HELP):
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1. Front bit, glue doesnt create a bond longer than a day! Tape is no good, cause it leaves a shine which I dont like... even if it is Walker NO SHINE.
2. Front bit, I am hoping will be addressed when I get a better glue.. but the edge, I can still SLIGHTLY feel. I d be conscious if someone slid their fingers through my hairline.
3. I am also, slightly conscious if someone is walking right behind me. For some reason, I fear that they will see it doesnt blend in PERFECTLY well and make out I am wearing. I have taken a gazillion photos, and it looks good, the blending is well, I am pretty sure that anyone who doesnt know that I wear would not figure out... just my mind playing psycho tricks.
4. I constantly fear, that if I ever get involved in a pub fight, someone might grab my hair and pull it off. Now, I know this is a bit far fetched, cause I have never been in a pub fight where anyone grabbed my hair but the image itself worries me. I know I shouldnt worry much cause I do a proper attachment. And I constantly try some stress tests, trying to pull it hard... and it doesnt make a move. Today I had a stress test, went to my auntie whom I hadnt seen for ages, and for some reason, she was so happy she grabbed my hair and pulled it. I went `oh shit` and my parents were there (they know I wear) and started laughing... but all of us realised it didnt make a move. I am pretty sure that some hair might come off, but the piece to come all off with the base and all, is practically almost impossibe. What do you guys think?
5. I am going abroad soon, for a week. I probably wouldnt need to change it but, would you take all the hair-bag with you? I was thinking of taking a cap, and glue for touchups only, and perhaps some lace release. What would you take?
6. Would you keep yourself away from being adventurous? I have played football/soccer (wearing a hair band), and went swimming, and do gym... but would you jump off a 2 storey cliff in the sea? Would you do skydiving? Or go on Rollercoaster rides? So far, when I had the opportunity to jump off a 2 storey cliff (in the sea), I chickened out. Said I wasnt up to swimming. I was dying for a swim. But I was afraid I would be the laughing stock of a whole group of friends and unknown people.

I think that is all I had to say.

I dont want to sound all pro lace systems! Countless of times, to date, I still wish I had my own hair back. The hair system is probably what I came closest to in terms of realism and feel good. But, it is NO MIRACLE MAKER, I like my hair now, but other things worry me now (whether it will be pulled out, whether people know I am wearing etc etc, and I sooo could do without the detaching, cleaning and reattaching process). I hope for better advances in hair restoration, but at least, I feel I have found a good temporary solution which keeps me happy, most of the times. What I know is, that if I could have turned back the time, I would have avoided expensive hair transplants, inexpensive hair concealers, expensive worthless pills, and expensive hair clubs... and jumped straight to this. So it must mean something. It must mean I am happiest now. And for those thinking about this, I hope they would take the leap and get it over and done with. You can either accept that you dont like yourself, or try to make a step forward in looking AT LEAST a little better.

Your feedback, much appreciated.