Long-term wearers of Lavivid hair systems are certainly acquainted with both lace and poly base materials. Yet how much do you know about their essential differences? To assist you in selecting the most suitable product, we have analyzed and compared the two from various perspectives, enabling you to make a quick and confident choice without hesitation.
I. Core Material & Base Structure
The base of lace hair systems is made of lightweight lace fabric, with common variants including Swiss lace and French lace. The manufacturing process relies entirely on hand-crocheting: artisans meticulously crochet each hair strand through the lace mesh, creating a dense, woven texture. This craftsmanship closely mimics the natural follicle distribution on the human scalp, resulting in a visual effect of hair ”growing independently”.
By contrast, the base of poly hair systems consists of polyurethane coating or film, a type of synthetic chemical material. It is formed using a liquid polyurethane curing process, where hair strands are attached to the cured film via injection or adhesion. The finished base has a dense, sheet-like structure with no visible mesh texture.
II. Natural Realism
Lace bases excel in three key aspects of natural realism:
1. Hairline Finish: Hand-crocheted hair strands ”emerge” from the lace mesh, simulating fine, downy baby hairs that create a blurred, natural hairline boundary, indistinguishable even up close.
2. Scalp Simulation: The translucent lace material allows the wearer’s natural scalp color to show through. Combined with the light brown mesh texture, it looks exactly like real scalp skin.
3. Hair Strand Integration: Each hair strand is individually secured, so when it moves, the curvature and direction perfectly match that of natural hair.
The realism of poly hair systems is highly dependent on base thickness. Ultra-thin poly bases (0.04–0.06mm) can almost match the natural look of lace, but their dense film structure lacks the fine, downy transition at the hairline, often resulting in a stiff, ”cut-off” appearance. For bases thicker than 0.10mm, slight reflections become visible, and the ”patchy” edge can be easily detected upon close inspection. That said, poly’s injection-based hair implantation technique ensures neater hair alignment, making it ideal for users who prioritize a polished hairstyle over undetectable naturalism.
III. Breathability & Wearing Comfort
The mesh structure of lace hair systems delivers inherent breathability: air circulates freely through the pores, preventing noticeable stuffiness even on hot days above 30°C. After sweating during exercise, moisture evaporates quickly through the mesh, keeping the base dry and securely attached without the sticky, uncomfortable feeling of trapped sweat against the scalp. However, users with sensitive skin should note that prolonged wear may cause mild irritation due to friction between the lace material and the scalp.
Breathability is the main drawback of poly hair systems. The dense film structure nearly blocks all air circulation. Ultra-thin poly bases are tolerable at room temperature, but thicker versions can cause stuffiness after just 1–2 hours of wear in summer. They perform particularly poorly during physical activity: trapped sweat accumulates between the base and scalp, leading to unpleasant odors and potential base displacement that compromises wearing stability. On the plus side, poly bases offer more even adhesion, making them friendlier for users with uneven scalp surfaces, eliminating the ”local lifting” issue sometimes seen with lace bases.
IV. Attachment Method & Ease of Use
Attaching lace hair systems has a relatively steep learning curve and requires specialized waterproof lace adhesive. Users must carefully control the glue thickness: too thin, and the attachment will be insecure; too thick, and the glue may seep through the lace mesh, ruining the natural appearance. Timing is also critical; attaching the system too early causes shifting, while waiting too long reduces the adhesive’s effectiveness. Removal also demands a dedicated solvent, with the entire process taking at least 15–20 minutes. Novices typically need 3–5 practice sessions to master the technique.
Poly hair systems are incredibly beginner-friendly. They are compatible with both adhesive tapes and regular wig glue. With tape, users only need to cut strips and apply them to the base edges, completing the attachment in 3–5 minutes. Glue application is equally straightforward; excess glue won’t seep through the base and can be easily wiped away with a tissue. Removal is even simpler: just gently peel the base off from the edges, taking no more than 5 minutes total. First-time users can achieve a secure fit with zero prior experience. Note that the adhesion strength of poly bases is temperature-sensitive; opt for waterproof glue in high-heat environments to prevent shifting.
V. Maintenance Requirements
Lace hair systems require delicate, meticulous care. For cleaning: soak gently in cold water with specialized wig shampoo, avoiding vigorous rubbing that could snag or tear the lace. After washing, air-dry naturally; never expose the lace to direct sunlight or use a hair dryer, as heat can cause it to warp. Removing adhesive residue is also a hassle: it requires repeated wiping with a dedicated solvent to prevent leftover glue from affecting future attachments. Additionally, lace bases need regular edge trims to fix fraying caused by wear and tear, resulting in relatively high maintenance costs.
Poly hair systems, by contrast, are designed for low-effort maintenance. They can be rinsed directly with warm water and regular shampoo, and even gently scrubbed with a soft brush without fear of snags. After cleaning, users can blot excess water with a towel or dry on a low-heat hair dryer setting—no risk of deformation. Adhesive residue is easily removed with alcohol pads, making the process quick and efficient. Thanks to their longer lifespan, poly hair systems need to be replaced far less frequently than lace ones, resulting in lower overall maintenance costs over time.
VI. Ideal Scenarios & Users
Lace hair systems are best suited for users who prioritize ultimate naturalism and fixed-use scenarios:
1. Business professionals who frequently attend formal events, lace’s undetectable look avoids the embarrassment of being noticed wearing a hair system.
2. Experienced hair system users who value realism above all else and are willing to accept complex maintenance and shorter lifespans for a natural appearance.
3. Occasions requiring close-up photography, such as photoshoots or weddings, lace bases deliver superior detail and realism in high-definition shots.
Poly hair systems are tailored for beginners and users with active lifestyles:
1. First-time hair system users, their easy attachment and removal process lowers the barrier to entry, allowing users to master wearing techniques quickly.
2. Sports enthusiasts and outdoor workers, poly’s durability and low-maintenance design stand up to frequent activity and harsh conditions.
3. Budget-conscious users, the longer lifespan of poly bases spreads out the cost over time, resulting in a much lower monthly usage cost compared to lace systems.
VII. Price & Cost-Effectiveness
Lace hair systems come with a higher price tag, driven by the labor-intensive hand-crocheting process. A standard lace system typically ranges from ¥800 to ¥1,500, with reinforced versions costing over ¥2,000. With a lifespan of 1–2 months, the average monthly cost works out to ¥400–¥1,500. For users who prioritize natural realism, however, this investment is worthwhile; lace’s undetectable appearance is an irreplaceable advantage.
Poly hair systems are more budget-friendly, thanks to mass-production processes that reduce manufacturing costs. A standard ultra-thin poly system costs ¥500–¥800, while thicker versions are priced at just ¥300–¥500. With a lifespan of 2–6 months, the average monthly cost is only ¥50–¥400, less than half that of lace systems. Note that ultra-thin poly systems are priced close to entry-level lace options; if naturalism is a top priority, lace is the better choice. Thicker poly systems offer the best cost-effectiveness for users who don’t require maximum realism.
Conclusion
A multi-dimensional comparison of lace and poly hair systems reveals that neither is inherently superior; the key lies in matching your personal needs. Choose lace if your priority is ultimate naturalism. Handcrafted lace bases create a seamless hairline and translucent scalp effect, making them ideal for formal occasions and experienced users who prioritize meticulous, lifelike details. Choose poly if you value durability and convenience. Polyurethane bases are tough and wear-resistant (with a lifespan of 2-6 months), easy to apply and maintain, and beginner-friendly. Their secure, snug fit also makes them perfect for athletes and active users.
