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Costs of Wearing a Hair system
WHAT DOES WEARING A HAIR SYSTEM COST?
he cost of wearing a hair system involves more than just the price of the system itself. Ongoing expenses such as maintenance, bonding, cleaning, and styling all play an important role. In addition, hair systems have a limited lifespan, which is influenced by several factors including bonding method, cleaning routine, lifestyle, and environmental exposure.
Because every wearer is different, the total cost varies from person to person.
Most hair system wearers fall into one of three routines.
Each routine comes with its own cost structure, time investment, and level of professional support.
- DIY wearer – full control and lowest ongoing costs
- Hybrid wearer – a balance between self-maintenance and professional support
- Full service wearer – maximum convenience with minimal effort
Learn more about each option:
- DIY hair system costs & maintenance
- Hybrid hair system routine & costs
- Full service hair system costs & expectations
Compare Hair System Wearing Options
| Feature | DIY Wearer | Hybrid Wearer | Full Service Wearer |
|---|---|---|---|
| Initial system cost | Lower | Medium | Medium to higher |
| Ongoing maintenance costs | Low | Medium | Higher |
| Time investment | High | Medium | Low |
| Professional support | None | Occasional | Full |
| Installation & reattachment | Self-managed | DIY + professional | Fully professional |
| Cleaning & maintenance | Fully DIY | Mostly DIY | Professionally handled |
| System lifespan | Depends on skill & routine | Often extended | Optimized |
| Risk of damage | Higher (if inexperienced) | Lower | Minimal |
| Flexibility & control | High | Medium | Low |
| Best suited for | Experienced, hands-on wearers | Most wearers | Convenience-focused wearers |
There is no “best” option — only the option that fits your lifestyle, experience, and expectations.
Exploring each routine will help you choose the most comfortable and cost-effective approach.
Products Used per Wearing Routine
Each wearing routine relies on a different set of products. Choosing the right categories helps control costs, improve comfort, and extend the lifespan of your hair system.
DIY Wearer – Essential Product Categories
DIY wearers handle all installation, removal, and maintenance independently. Using the correct products is crucial to avoid damage and unnecessary replacements.
- Adhesives and tapes for hair systems
- Hair system removers and solvents
- Scalp protectors for sensitive or oily skin
- Hair system shampoos and conditioners
- Hair system styling products
- Application tools and accessories
These products form the foundation of a successful DIY routine.
Hybrid Wearer – Core Products and Support
Hybrid wearers combine home maintenance with occasional professional support. A balanced product selection helps reduce service visits and extend system lifespan.
- Adhesives and tapes for hair systems
- Hair system removers and solvents
- Hair system shampoos and conditioners
- Scalp protectors
- Repair and maintenance services
Professional support is used when needed, while daily care remains manageable at home.
Full Service Wearer – Minimal Home Care Products
Full service wearers rely on professional handling for all technical steps. Home care focuses mainly on preserving hair quality between appointments.
- Hair system shampoos and conditioners
- Leave-in care and protection products
- Repair and service options (Repair is part of wearing responsibly.)
A simple home routine helps maintain results without adding complexity.
Helpful tip
Not sure which routine fits you best? Start with the products listed above and explore the detailed DIY, Hybrid, or Full Service pages to refine your routine over time.
A natural progression over time
Many wearers don’t start with a DIY routine right away — and that’s perfectly normal.
It’s often more comfortable to begin with full service support, then move into a hybrid routine, and eventually handle more maintenance independently as confidence and experience grow.
Your routine doesn’t have to stay the same forever. As your skills, lifestyle, and comfort level change, so can the way you maintain your hair system.
You don’t need to make all decisions at once — many choices become clearer over time.
Lifespan of a Hair System
On average, a hair system lasts around three months, but this can vary significantly depending on the materials used and how the system is maintained.
Here’s a breakdown of typical lifespans by base material:
| Base Material | Average Lifespan |
| Skin 0.03mm | ~4 weeks |
| Skin 0.06mm | 2–3 months |
| Skin 0.08mm | 3–4 months |
| Skin 0.1mm | 3–6 months |
| Swiss Lace | 1–2 months |
| French Lace | 3–4 months |
| Monofilament | 6–12 months |
If you wear a hair system continuously throughout the year, without extended breaks, you should plan for multiple systems annually.
For example, with a French lace base, most wearers will need three to four systems per year.
Custom Systems vs. Stock Systems
Choosing between a custom-made or stock hair system has a direct impact on cost, delivery time, and flexibility.
Custom Hair Systems
Custom systems are individually produced based on your exact specifications, such as base size, hair density, curl pattern, and color.
- Slightly higher price due to manual, personalized production
- Not mass-produced, so ordering multiple units does not significantly reduce cost
- Typical production time: 10–12 weeks
Stock Hair Systems
Stock systems are pre-made in standard sizes and colors and are usually available immediately.
- More budget-friendly upfront
- Faster delivery
- Can be adjusted, but may not match every detail perfectly
👉 Learn more about Custom vs. Stock Hair Systems
Attachment and Re-Attachment
How long your hair system stays attached depends largely on the bonding method you choose.
Daily Wear
- The system is removed every night or every other day
- Reduces friction during sleep
- Can extend the lifespan of the system
- Requires more frequent handling and daily effort
Extended Wear (up to 4 weeks)
- Uses stronger adhesives or tapes
- Allows continuous wear during sleeping, showering, and exercise
- Daily activities increase wear and tear
- Requires careful maintenance and proper removal
Always allow tapes and adhesives to fully cure for the recommended time to ensure optimal bonding and durability.
👉 Learn more about Maintenance and Cleaning
Removing the Hair System Safely
Correct removal is essential to avoid unnecessary damage.
- Never pull or rip the system off
- Always use a proper remover or lace release product
- Removers often contain oils or citrus-based ingredients and must be washed out afterward
Removal tips by base type:
- Lace systems: Spray remover onto the lace, allow it to penetrate, then gently lift
- Skin bases: Apply remover around the perimeter and slowly work inward
Important tip: Avoid using sharp tools like rat-tail combs to pry the system loose — this often causes permanent damage.
👉 Look here for Removers & Solvents
Cleaning the Hair System
Removing adhesive residue
- Use a citrus- or oil-based remover to dissolve glue and tape
- Follow with a bond-breaking shampoo to remove buildup
- Skin bases can be soaked in a base cleaner before washing
Washing the hair
- Wash as infrequently as possible — ideally once per week
- Start with a deep cleansing shampoo
- Follow with a moisturizing shampoo and light conditioner
- Avoid applying conditioner directly to the base
Finish with a leave-in conditioner to protect against UV exposure, dryness, and frizz.
Tip: Conditioner on the base can loosen knots and cause shedding.
👉 Find here the Shampoos & Conditioners for Hair Systems
Scalp Care and Bonding Preparation
Scalp care is often underestimated, but it directly affects comfort, bonding strength, and wear time.
- Clean the scalp thoroughly using a detox or exfoliating scrub
- Remove oil, sweat, and residue
- Apply a scalp protector to create a barrier between skin and adhesive
- Let each layer dry fully before applying the next
For heavy sweating or oily skin, this step becomes especially important.
Once prepared, apply adhesive or tape to the scalp or base (depending on system type) and attach securely.
👉 Read here about Why Scalp Protectors are needed
Understanding the Total Cost
The cost of wearing a hair system cannot be reduced to a single number. It depends on:
- Stock or custom system choice
- Replacement frequency
- Adhesives, tapes, and removers used
- Care and maintenance routine
- Lifestyle and wear schedule
With a wide range of products and price points available, total costs can vary significantly.
In summary
- The cost of wearing a hair system depends on your routine and level of involvement.
- DIY, Hybrid, and Full Service each come with different time and cost commitments.
- Your routine can change over time as your needs and confidence evolve.
At Treat Project BV, we offer one of the widest selections of hair system products in Europe — always at the lowest possible prices. From adhesives and tapes to removers and accessories, there are affordable options for every routine and budget.
We may be a small webshop, but our range is extensive. Whatever your experience level or maintenance style, we’re here to help you wear your hair system with confidence — without overspending. From here, you can explore products, learn more about maintenance, or take time to decide what suits you best.