Quick Comparison
| Base | Realism | Breathability | Ease of maintenance | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ultra Thin Skin (0.02 to 0.04 mm) | ★★★★★ | ★★ | ★★★ | Maximum realism, experienced wearers |
| Durable Skin (0.06 to 0.12 mm) | ★★★ | ★★ | ★★★★★ | Beginners, active clients, value |
| French Lace | ★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★ | Hot climates, sweaty scalps |
| Swiss Lace | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★ | Most natural front hairline |
| Hybrid (lace front + PU) | ★★★★ | ★★★★ | ★★★★ | First-time clients, all-rounder |
| Mono + PU edge | ★★★ | ★★★ | ★★★★ | Durability, structured fit |
| Silk Top | ★★★★★ | ★★★ | ★★★ | No visible knots, premium |
Base life depends on wear and care, from about 1 to 2 months for ultra thin skin to 3 to 6 months for durable skin and mono; see how long a hair system lasts for each base.
Skin (PU) Bases
Ultra Thin Skin
A transparent polyurethane film with hair V-looped or injected, the most undetectable base once applied but also the most delicate, so it is replaced most often.
Typical life: 1 to 2 months. Best for: experienced wearers who want maximum realism.
Durable Skin
Thicker PU that withstands repeated cleaning and re-bonding, which makes it the practical everyday base for most studios.
Typical life: 3 to 6 months. Best for: beginners, active clients and value lines.
Lace Bases
French Lace
A strong, breathable mesh that stays comfortable in heat and humidity.
Typical life: 2 to 4 months. Best for: hot climates and clients who sweat a lot.
Swiss Lace
Finer and softer than French lace, giving the most invisible front hairline in exchange for more careful handling.
Typical life: 1 to 3 months. Best for: clients who wear their hair pushed back.
Combination Bases
Hybrid
Lace at the front for realism, PU in the center or perimeter for easy bonding.
Typical life: 2 to 4 months. Best for: first-time clients and studios that want one all-rounder.
Mono
Fine monofilament with a PU perimeter, built to last through many cleaning cycles.
Typical life: 3 to 6 months. Best for: clients who want fewer replacements and a structured fit.
Silk Top
A silk layer hides the knots for a scalp-like parting.
Typical life: 3 to 5 months. Best for: premium clients who part their hair and want no visible knots.
How to Choose a Base
Is the client new to hair systems? Start with hybrid or durable skin.
Does the client sweat a lot or live somewhere hot? French lace.
Does the client want the most realistic hairline possible? Ultra thin skin or Swiss lace.
Does the client want fewer replacements? Mono or durable skin.
Does the client have Afro-textured hair? See our Afro Hair System.
Attachment by Base
| Base | Tape | Liquid adhesive |
|---|---|---|
| Thin skin, durable skin | Yes | Yes |
| French lace, Swiss lace | Limited | Yes |
| Hybrid | On PU areas | On lace areas |
| Mono, silk top | On PU edges | Yes |
Most clients re-bond every 1 to 4 weeks, depending on the adhesive and how active they are. We supply tapes, liquid adhesives and removers for every base; see hair system adhesives.
Base Size, Density and Color
| Spec | Stock units | Custom |
|---|---|---|
| Base size | 8x10 inches, trimmed to fit | Any size from measurements or a template |
| Crown pieces | 3x3 to 5x5 inches; about 4x6 inches for crown to mid-scalp | Custom shapes, see the crown hairpiece |
| Density | 80% to 110% (Afro 100% to 120%) | Any density, including graded fronts |
| Curl | Straight and 15 to 40 mm waves; Afro 4, 6 and 8 mm curls and waves | Matched from a hair sample |
| Color | #1 to #7, with grey blends | Lighter shades up to #613 |
Grey percentages and color codes are explained in our color chart, and the measuring steps are in our cap size guide. Clients who need full coverage can wear a men's full cap wig instead of a partial base.
What Shortens a Base's Life
- 01Harsh removal pulling a bonded base off, or using strong solvents, tears thin skin and lace
- 02Frequent re-bonding each cleaning cycle wears the base edge, so active clients replace units sooner
- 03Heat and sweat sweat breaks down adhesive faster, which means more cleaning; lace handles heat better than skin
- 04Hair loss from the base knots loosen over time, especially on fine lace, so the front thins before the base wears out
For a hair replacement studio, a practical first order is hybrid and durable skin units as the everyday core, with thin skin and Swiss lace for experienced clients who want the most natural front. As a market reference, stock systems typically sell wholesale for about US$40 to 120 each (ex-works China, as of 2026; not our price list), with thin skin and French lace toward the bottom and silk top and mono toward the top. Stock vs custom hair systems explains what custom adds, and our price for your bases comes with a quote.
Further Reading
- Mono vs lacewhen clients need a durable base.
- Skin vs lacewhich base is right for your clients.
- How to Start a Hair Replacement Studiosupplier, pricing and services.
Hair System Base FAQ
How do I choose a base for a client who sweats heavily?
Ask how often the client trains and whether the scalp feels oily by midday. Heavy sweaters do best on French lace or a hybrid with lace over the crown, bonded with liquid adhesive, because sweat lifts tape on skin bases faster. If the client still wants a skin front, choose durable skin over ultra thin skin, since it survives the extra cleaning cycles.
Which base looks the most natural?
Ultra thin skin and Swiss lace give the most natural look, though they need gentle handling.
How many units does a client need each year?
It depends on the base and how the client wears it, and many keep two units in rotation; see how long a hair system lasts for units per year by base.
Can I combine bases?
Yes. Custom combinations of lace, skin, mono and silk are available. See our Custom Hair System. Browse every stock unit on our men's hair systems page.