HAIR SYSTEMS - THE FIRST STEP
Congratulations! You have taken the 1st step towards a more confident and happy you!
Next step is arranging for you to come into the studio to spend an hour discussing and exploring the best options for you and your new hair.
During this time we will determine which hair system will suit you best by finding out more about you and your lifestyle, and answering any questions you may have.
HAIR SYSTEMS - THE NEXT STAGES
During the consultation we will have worked out your hair requirements and when you are 100% happy we will process your order and the only thing we ask for is a 50% deposit to secure your order.
Your sytem usually takes around 4 weeks to arrive, but this may take longer depending on design specifications, but we would always let you know at the time of ordering if there are any expected delays.
THE FITTING
This will usually take around 1-2 hours. The system will be fitted, and adjusted accordingly, then the hair will be cut to the desired length and styled. After this, Stuart will thoroughly explain the aftercare, for your system so that it lasts as long as possible.
THE COST
The Hair Tailor Hair systems start from £550 and are then priced accordingly depending on density, size and other factors that will be explained to you upon ordering.
The fitting of a hair system can take anywhere to 3 hours, so please allow enough time when making your appointment.
MOT (MAINTENANCE ON TOP) – THE COST
Re-grooming is the process of re-gluing, re-taping and re-fixing the system to the head after a certain number of weeks. This is on average every 4 weeks.
Re-grooms are priced at £60.
BOOKING
Once you have made initial contact with us via either our website, Instagram or email, one of the team will be in contact to answer any initial queries you have and then book your consultation. ou will also receive this press pack that contains an abundance of information for you.
CHALLENGING PERCEPTIONS AND CHANGING LIVES
Here at the Hair Tailor we understand how stressful and daunting it can be to lose your hair through first hand experience of hair loss.
We pride ourselves on having empathy and providing an in-depth and reassuring service.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
HOW ARE YOUR HAIRPIECES MADE AND HOW ARE THEY INSTALLED/MAINTAINED?
My systems are produced from the designs and specifications I have created for each person through an in depth consultation.
Some of the factors I take into consideration when designing systems are:
Suitability (face shape, colour, density, base construction design, hair texture, colour mapping, density mapping) along with a bespoke hairline design which I hand draw.
Other elements I take into consideration during a consultation are lifestyle, desired desired hairstyle/look, expectations and creating a template of the head.
My designs are then sent for production where they are hand crafted to the highest quality, each hair individually placed and colour matched etc.
Maintenance is low with what I call an M.O.T service (Maintenance On Top) which is on average once per month. During an M.O.T your hair system is removed, scalp cleansed and head massaged. Your system is then deep cleaned, re bonded to your scalp along with a fresh haircut of your own hair and then you are good to go.
Even though hair systems are made with human hair, they require much less washing than natural hair. This is because the hair isn’t attached and growing from the scalp where it would naturally benefit from the natural oil production of the scalp.
No more than once per week is ideal for washing your system hair and it is really important to use products that do not dry the hair so sulphate free shampoos and alcohol free products are strongly recommended.
HOW DOES THIS DIFFER FROM A WEAVE ON WOMEN?
Hair Systems are an actual piece that is designed and fitted to cover an area of missing or thinning hair and attached using a type of glue, tapes, micro bonds or a combination.
A hair weave is a type of hair extension method where hair wefts are sewn onto braided hair and styled to any desired style.
HAVE YOU SEEN AN INCREASE IN DEMAND, AND IF SO WHY?
Absolutely, because there is a continual increase in awareness of hair systems and more and more people are starting to see that this is available and the great results which can be achieved.
I believe that this is a golden age for hair replacement where hair systems will become mainstream, I am very proud to be part of this movement where the taboo will be turned on its head and systems will be seen for what they truly are which is cool, image enhancing accessories.
WHAT MADE YOU DECIDE TO GET A HAIR PIECE OVER ANY OTHER SOLUTION?
Unlike other options, hair systems offer a pain free, non invasive, 100% guaranteed and instant result which other services do not offer.
Systems offer you the freedom to change your look with each one whether it be a different colour, highlights and / a different colour mapping design along with more or movement to the hair itself and so on.
WHAT HAVE PEOPLE REACTIONS TO YOUR HAIR SYSTEM BEEN LIKE?
All positive, I haven’t had one person say anything negative.
Those who know me that were a little sceptical beforeI had it done (because of the stigma), couldn’t quite see in their mind how real it was going to look because of the stigma attached to the old fashioned “toupee”.
These were actually the people that had the best reactions. Their minds were blown away by it because it looks so real and because how amazing and much younger I look.
Those who don’t know me have no idea anyway because of how real it looks. It’s my little secret.
ARE THERE ANY DOWNSIDES?
No. I have my hair back, I like the look of myself in the mirror again and I feel less stressed.
I live my life with no restrictions and I have way more confidence than I did before so a little hairline clean up at home from time to time is no big deal. I’d rather that than no hair at all.
Stuart is on hand for any support and he taught me well on how to clean my hairline so I never once felt like I was just in the deep end with maintenance and no idea what to do.
COULD YOU TELL ME A LITTLE ABOUT THE EMOTIONAL JOURNEY OF GOING BALD?
From my years of working in this industry and going through this journey myself, I see the common traits of this hair loss journey and the negative effects that are associated with hair loss.
The intensity of the emotional journey differs from person to person but never a pleasant one regardless.
Our hair is an extension of our personality, we use it to express ourselves, to keep up with trends, to enhance the way we both look, feel and even style according to the occasion.
When you look in the mirror day by day and slowly or quickly see your hair disappearing, your scalp becoming more and more visible and/or your hairline receding like the tide. You begin to feel like you are losing your identity with yourself, part of you is disappearing right in front of your eyes and it is out of your control. For many this feels like a lonely and embarrassing journey.
Unfortunately we still live in a time where toxic masculinity exists, where men (not all) struggle to openly admit and share their trauma in fear of not being understood and mocked by their mates, not having their feelings validated or being told to “just shave it off and you’ll be fine” or to “man up”
Mental health and hair loss have such a close relationship; Lowering of self confidence and self esteem are amongst the most common symptoms along with anxiety, depression and image disorders such as body dysmorphia which I myself experienced.
Part of being The Hair Tailor is helping people to not feel alone and to know that I and many others are on this journey together. I openly share my experience with others and this really helps with their healing process and bringing back their self confidence.
WHY ARE HAIR SYSTEMS SO PRICEY?
When it comes to paying for experience, knowledge and for someone who has a personal hair loss hair loss experience, a genuine passion for their craft and to create the best results possible for you, I would pay the price.
Fortunately these days, you can have all of the above for half the price of what the average price used to be when hair systems as a service were a rare thing.
Companies that were niche at their time charged (and still charge) extortionate prices for a product and service that are unjustifiable.
Thankfully times have changed and as this service is more widely available, prices are now much lower making this service more affordable and widely available.
On average most people buy 2 hair systems a year and based on an average price of £500 per system which is the equivalent of buying 1 coffee per day for a whole year.
Hair is so important for many, it is our crowning glory after all and on show for the world to see.
If I were to have an aesthetic procedure on my face, I would want that practitioner to have experience, passion for their craft, a strong portfolio of work and provide an excellent service with aftercare, then I would see if I felt their price reflects these.
My advice is to shop around and see which company works best for you.
Across the board Hair System prices have reduced dramatically since 10 years ago due to the increased numbers of places offering this service. I remember being quoted £750 – £1000 for 1 standard hair system at one place. From being in the industry a while now, I now know that the service these higher end clinics provide do not differ from some of those offering the service at a fraction of the price.
is offering for the price for example being authentic and morally correct with their approach to selling you a system. Aftercare, experience in have consultations
When it comes to your hair and getting a good result and support everyone has a different idea of what pricey is.
WHAT ARE SOME OF THE REASONS PEOPLE GET HAIR SYSTEMS DONE?
There are many reasons why people choose to have a hair system. The most common reason is lacking in self confidence due to their hair loss or they’ve had enough of being overly conscious about it. Other reasons I have come across include wanting to look younger, to have more choice over their look and style, they’ve seen someone else have it done and they want the same amazing result.
I have clients who are CEO’s, Clothes Stylists, Models and Television Personalities and those who work within image based industries where their hair is important.
WHAT ARE PEOPLES PERCEPTIONS OF HAIR SYSTEMS?
For those whom are unaware of hair systems, tend to have the misconception that they are like those dodgy old wigs that we used to see around; unrealistic and just resting on top of the head, flapping around in the wind or even worse, flying completely off and shooting off down the street like a ball of tumbleweed.
One of the best things about being The Hair Tailor is that I get to challenge these misconceptions. Being a proud hair wearer, I am openly talk to people about my own hair system. I just love the look on their faces when I finally tell them that my hair isn’t my own. That shock factor actually becomes addictive.
WOULD YOU SAY THEY ARE MORE COMMON AMONGST GAY/HETERO MEN?
Totally mixed, my clients and the many people who I have had the pleasure of fitting hair for over the years are a real mix of age, occupations, cultural backgrounds and sexual orientations.
HOW DOES THE HAIR SYSTEM MAKE YOU FEEL?
When I first had the system fitted I cried because I was so happy! It was a very emotional day for me as I had felt insecure and unattractive for years but finally I felt attractive and confident again.
Having a full head of hair again after so many years of being bald on top was such a relief, every time I looked in the mirror I was ecstatic at my reflection and could finally see myself again. In terms of my wellbeing, it has been a complete game changer.
That heavy weight on my shoulders was finally lifted.
ARE PEOPLE OPEN ABOUT THEIR HAIR SYSTEMS?
It is different for each person. Some guys are at ease and share that they are wearing a system and other people only tell their nearest and dearest.
I often see guys become more open in telling others with time once they are used to wearing a system and adjusted to feeling and looking fantastic.
I am likely to tell everyone “hey guess what? you know my hair? It’s fake!!” So I think if they were asked, then they would probably be honest
but it’s not something the client would go around advertising.
This answer is super shit and needs work!!!!!
WHAT IS THE UPKEEP LIKE?
Pretty minimal. I used to wear hair fibres and these were way more time consuming.
My system is removed every month for an M.O.T service and my natural hair is cut back into shape. Apart from this, I just clean the front hairline a couple of times if week with a cotton and isopropyl alcohol.
DO YOU SEE HAIR SYSTEMS BECOMING MAINSTREAM?
Yes – especially if I have anything to do with it!
It is my dream to see non surgical hair replacement mainstream and to be seen for what as cool life changing because that is what they are! they truly are unbeweavable (excuse the pun)
This is the golden age for hair systems and I am so proud to be part of this movement.