Attaching Hair Systems to the Head


Attaching a wig or toupee depends on whether or not it is being attached to the scalp or to pre-existing hair. Obviously you want the hairpiece to stay firmly attached to your head to avoid embarrassment, but it can be difficult to achieve this without damaging your scalp or hairs underneath the hairpiece. If the hairpiece is attached to an area where your real hair is still growing, it can damage those follicles and even accelerate the balding process. It is therefore imperative you choose a bonding process which will not hurt your scalp or follicles.

Scalp Attachments

If the area of the scalp where the hair system is to be attached is completely bald, then the best way to attach the system is using double-sided adhesive tape. Adhesive tape is the safest form of scalp attachment because it holds the hair firmly to the head but can easily be removed if necessary. This also allows you to clean the scalp and system properly to avoid damage to follicles underneath the system. When removed, however, there can be a strip of sticky adhesive left on the scalp or hair system, which must be scraped off. One hazard with this type of bonding is that perspiration or swimming can loosen the tape, so be wary when in these conditions.


For a more ‘permanent’ solution, you can have the hair system bonded to your scalp by a hair technician. In this process, the piece is actually glued to your head using a liquid adhesive and it must be re-bonded every 4-6 weeks. You cannot remove this type of attachment by yourself, so the price of its upkeep can be much more expensive then taping it on yourself. In addition, it is very unhealthy for the scalp because you can’t clean underneath the system causing skin cells to accumulate without any way to clean them off. Also, it can suffocate the blood circulation moving to any remaining hair follicles, thus causing you to lose more hairs. This is a fairly unhealthy way to keep your system attached to the scalp and tape is much more advisable.

Hair Attachments

The most popular way to attach a hairpiece or wig to already existing hair is with a clip. This, like the adhesive tape method, holds the hair on firmly but is easily removed at home for cleaning. A metal, or sometimes plastic clip, is attached to the underside of the hair system and is then fastened to your hair like an ordinary hair comb. Existing hair keeps it fastened on, but the clip itself does minimal damage to your hair.

Another way to attach the piece to your hair is through weaving. The hair system is woven into surrounding hair by a hair technician and is then left in as a semi-permanent attachment for 4-6 weeks. This method can be very bad for your hair follicles as it leads to traction alopecia or loss of hair from tension. Because your hair is holding the piece firmly in place, the follicles are constantly being pulled which can lead to increased hair loss. In addition, your own hair continues to grow so you must go in to have it re-tightened every month or so adding even more stress to your overly taxed follicles. Also, this process like liquid bonding may seem to be reasonably priced during the first session, but repeating the process monthly can add up over time.

« Types of Hair in Hair Systems Hair Systems on the NHS »


Guide to Hair Systems