This guide explains what to consider when choosing a hairstyle, and how certain factors — such as your lifestyle and personal preferences — come into play when making these decisions. There are many variables to consider when determining a hairstyle for your hair system, but keep in mind that our hair replacement consultants are always standing by to help.
Know the inherent limitations
When you choose an image of a hairstyle you like in LaVivid, we can cut and blend your system at our production facility at no extra cost, doing our best to re-create the hairstyle. However, it might not always look exactly how you imagined it would.
Here are three reasons why:
Hair systems are one-of-a-kind
You have to understand that each system you get will be a little different. The inherent limitations associated with creating a custom hair system made with human hair requires us to keep our expectations in check.
Even when you know that each system is handmade with donor hair and will differ from order to order, it’s a natural and common perception that all your systems will be exactly the same. It’s a frustrating reality that comes with wearing hair, but it’s best to accept it, or you’ll never be content. Because of this variation between systems, you should plan for your hairstyle to be slightly versatile.
Shipping impacts the style
While our stylists do a great job mimicking the look you want, don’t forget your system will be a little travel-weary once it arrives. You may need to add your own finishing touches to make it just right once it’s on your head.
Also, after you rinse or wash a system that has been cut and/or styled, it’s up to you to re-create the same look. With a little practice, you’ll be able to style your system and make it your own.
You don’t have a personal stylist
As we probably all know, photographs of models and celebrities are a bit unrealistic; the pictured hair has been painstakingly cut, curled, colored, and styled by professionals. After all that, each image is retouched and manipulated so there isn’t a single hair out of place.
Unless you have a professional to style your hair every day, be flexible. Yes, it’s important to have a style to reference, but think of those photographs as a source of inspiration, rather than a style to replicate exactly.
Keep it simple
With a hair system, you finally have the head of hair you’ve always wanted, so you might be tempted to try an elaborate hairstyle to show it off. Resist the urge. Simpler hairstyles are easier to reproduce and provide more consistency from system to system. Besides, complicated styles require products and styling tools to maintain, which adversely affect your system’s longevity.
Although our stylists are pretty adept at replicating the style you want, once you wash your hair system, it will be up to you to style your own hair. Therefore, we recommend a low-maintenance hairstyle that doesn’t require a lot of time or professional skill to reproduce. The length of hair is your preference, but keep in mind that longer hair is more prone to tangling and requires more maintenance.
Also, it’s important to know that some choices impose certain limitations. For example, hair that is light-colored or curly is drier and more prone to shedding and breakage due to processing. To make things easier for yourself, try to settle on a hairstyle that doesn’t require daily shampooing, or the use of heated styling tools, as these practices will dry and weaken hair over time.
Choose characteristics that suit you
You want your hair system to look as natural as possible and to blend seamlessly with your growing hair, if you have any that is visible. To achieve a natural look, consider the color, texture, and density of the growing hair that is exposed when wearing your hair system. Matching these characteristics when choosing a hairstyle, especially at the transition point between your growing hair and the hair system, will help achieve a natural, undetectable look. This is particularly important if your hair system is a partial or three-quarter cap.
For full cap systems, remember the hair needs to cover the edges of the base all the way around your head. These systems cover a larger area and have more edges that are vulnerable to detectability. This can be a challenge for very short hairstyles, but provides versatility with longer hairstyles. Keep these limitations in mind when choosing a hairstyle that suits you.
Consider your lifestyle and occupation
Your lifestyle and line of work are also important considerations when deciding on a hairstyle. Certain things can damage your hair system, such as prolonged sun exposure, daily shampooing, or wearing hats or helmets. If your occupation or lifestyle exposes you to elements that can weaken and jeopardize your hair, be sure to let your hair replacement consultant know so she or he can guide you in the right direction.
If your line of work requires you to wear a hat or a helmet, we definitely recommend keeping your hairstyle simple and short. A shorter style reduces the likelihood of hair shedding or breaking from the stress of repeatedly putting on and removing your hat or helmet.
Limit use of styling tools and products
When determining the hairstyle for your system, less really is more. Keep in mind that a simple hairstyle will be easier to maintain and easier to reproduce from day to day, as well as from one hair system to the next.
More intricate hairstyles often require styling products and tools to maintain. The ingredients in some products, and the residue they leave behind, can damage the hair in your hair system. Similarly, regular use of heated styling tools can damage and break hair, affecting the longevity of your hair system. It’s best to be flexible and willing to keep it simple.
For women planning for special events, keep in mind that many of the up-dos created for special occasions require the use of styling products such as hairspray and heated styling tools, and accessories like bobby pins and clips. Unfortunately, all of these can be harsh and damaging to your hair. If you know you have a wedding or other important event coming up, we recommend preparing in advance by having an extra hair system to use for your special occasion, so you can avoid damaging the system you wear daily. Even when using a spare hair system, keep in mind that hairpins can tear or create holes in lace bases.
Limit the amount of processing
Essentially, the less processed your hair is, the stronger it will remain. Lightening requires more processing, which weakens the hair. Keeping your hair color as dark as you are comfortable with will keep the hair stronger because lightening requires more processing, which weakens the hair. Similarly, although it’s important to match the texture of your growing hair, try to avoid unnecessary wave or curl, as this also requires more processing.
Planning for long and short hair lengths
If you have longer growing hair, be sure to cover the entire length of your hair with the system. Choosing a length for the system’s hair that is shorter than your own could make the difference in hair types more noticeable, so it is best to make sure that your hair system is at least as long as your longest growing hair.
For short hair, be sure the system blends seamlessly with your visible growing hair, or covers the edges of the base if you wear a full cap.