Scrolling through Reddit one evening, I came across a post titled “Frontal hair system installed” on r/HairSystem. The OP (original poster) shared a before-and-after collage: on the left, a receding front hairline; on the right, a sleek, slicked-back style where the hairline looked—well—practically 100% invisible.
The comments were flooded with reactions: “Looks great!”, “Which unit is that?”, and “How the hell is the hairline so unnoticeable?”.
And that is where our story begins. If you’ve ever thought about a frontal hair system—whether for yourself or your clients—this Reddit thread is proof that when installed right, it can transform confidence and style overnight. But it also raises a lot of questions: How do they work? What’s the upkeep? And most importantly—how do you avoid ending up with one of those shiny, wiggy disasters you sometimes see?
Let’s dive in.
What Is a Frontal Hair System?
A frontal hair system (sometimes called a frontal hairpiece for men) is a non-surgical solution for clients with a receding hairline or thinning front. Unlike full systems that cover the entire top of the scalp, a frontal covers only the front portion of the head—the place where a natural-looking hairline matters most.
- Who it’s for: Men with receding temples, early-stage male pattern baldness, or those who don’t want the commitment of a full system.
- How it works: A base (lace, ultra-thin skin, or hybrid) is applied to the scalp with medical-grade adhesive, and human hair is ventilated onto it using advanced knotting techniques.
- The goal: To create a seamless hairline that can be exposed—even with slicked-back hairstyles—without anyone noticing.
When done correctly, it looks like the Reddit OP’s example: invisible, natural, and confidence-boosting.
Lessons From Reddit: Why Installation Matters
The star of the Reddit post wasn’t just the frontal hair system—it was the installation of a frontal hair system. The OP credited his local barber, who specialized in hair systems, with making the hairline flawless.
From the thread, here are the top takeaways:
- Pro installation is a must. One commenter noted seeing “horrible” hairline results at a salon that didn’t know what they were doing. The OP, however, found a skilled barber who color-matched, curved the hairline slightly (instead of making it ruler-straight), and avoided overly dense hair that screams “wig.”
- Maintenance is regular. The OP booked monthly—or sometimes every 3 weeks—maintenance appointments. That’s the sweet spot before small lifts appear at the edges.
- Glue quality counts. The OP mentioned occasionally using a “glue pen” for touch-ups between appointments. Using poor-quality adhesive was the culprit behind many lifting issues other Redditors complained about.
- Cost is part of the commitment. He reported £399 for installation and around £59 for maintenance. While that may sound like a lot, the confidence boost? Priceless.
The consensus? The hair system itself is only half the story—the other half is the hands that install it.
Why the Hairline Looks Natural (and Why It Sometimes Doesn’t)
The Reddit OP’s results were so striking because of two things:
- The right base material.
- Swiss lace or ultra-thin skin creates the most natural look at the hairline.
- These bases blend seamlessly with the scalp and can handle even close-up scrutiny.
- The right knotting technique.
- The reversed half-knot (single split knot) is the secret. It’s small, strong, and keeps the hair standing up naturally rather than lying flat.
- Bleached knots (or “dye-after” for very dark shades) ensure those tiny black dots at the roots disappear.
Get these right, and you’ve got an invisible hairline. Get them wrong, and you end up with shiny plastic edges and obvious knots.
The Maintenance Routine (Straight From Reddit)
The OP’s timeline gives us a pretty good idea of what to expect:
- Daily: Light brushing, styling, and care just like natural hair.
- Weekly: Careful washing with sulfate-free shampoo, conditioning mid-lengths to ends.
- Every 3–4 weeks: Professional refit and clean-up. Old adhesive is removed, the system is re-applied, and any lifting areas are secured.
- Every 6 months (on average): Replace the frontal hair system with a new one. High-quality human hair will last longer if properly maintained, but eventually, wear and tear set in.
Confidence, Attention, and Real Talk
One of the most refreshing things about the Reddit thread was the honesty. The OP admitted:
- People noticed—but in a good way. He got more compliments and attention.
- He was initially scared of looking “fake,” but once installed, he said he could even slick his hair straight back with zero detection.
- He’ll never go back. “I’ve had a hair system ever since and never looked back. Much better decision imo,” he wrote.
That’s the reality: for men struggling with receding hairlines, a frontal hair system isn’t just hair—it’s confidence glued to your forehead.
The Challenges You Should Know About
Of course, it’s not all sunshine and perfect selfies. A few Redditors chimed in with challenges:
- Shine mismatch: Sometimes the hair system hair can look shinier than natural bio hair. (Tip: choose premium Remy hair and avoid overly processed units).
- Lift at the back: The OP acknowledged occasional lifting, which he fixed with glue pen touch-ups.
- Finding the right stylist: Probably the biggest hurdle. Not every barber or stylist is trained in hair system installation.
This is where professional suppliers like Newtimes Hair step in—not just selling the piece, but supporting stylists with training and guidance.
Why Salons and Stylists Should Care
If you’re a salon owner or stylist reading this, here’s the business case:
- Huge demand. Men are more open than ever to hair replacement solutions.
- High repeat business. Clients come back every 3–4 weeks for maintenance—meaning steady revenue.
- Upsell potential. Add products like adhesives, shampoos, and conditioners to your services.
- Differentiation. Not every salon offers frontal systems. Being “the one that does” sets you apart.
And with suppliers like Newtimes Hair, salons can access:
- 100% human hair systems, including options tailored for Black men with curled patterns.
- Bases from Swiss lace to ultra-thin skin, pre-bleached knots, and custom densities.
- Fast fulfillment from global warehouses and over 50,000 units in stock.
That’s the behind-the-scenes advantage salons can lean on to deliver Reddit-worthy results.
FAQ About Frontal Hair Systems
Do frontal systems look natural?
Yes—when made with the right base and knots, and installed by a skilled stylist, the hairline can be virtually invisible.
How long do they last?
Typically, around 6 months, depending on hair type, base material, and aftercare.
How much maintenance is needed?
Every 3–4 weeks for a professional refit. Clients should also do light daily maintenance at home.
Can I style them however I like?
Yes. From slicked back to casual fringe, frontal systems are versatile. Just use heat protectant if styling with hot tools.
What about costs?
Expect initial installation costs plus monthly maintenance. However, the investment pays off in confidence—and repeat business for salons.
Conclusion – From Reddit to Reality
That Reddit post wasn’t an anomaly—it was a spotlight on what’s possible with a frontal hair system when the right piece meets the right hands.
For clients, it means stepping out with confidence and a natural hairline. For salons, it means offering a service that not only transforms appearances but also builds lasting client loyalty.
At Newtimes Hair, we’ve spent 15+ years perfecting frontal hair systems for every need: from straight to curled, from natural browns to the deepest jet blacks, and from lace to ultra-thin skin. With our global supply, advanced knotting, and customization, your clients don’t just get hair—they get the chance to feel like the Reddit OP, proudly slicking it back and saying: “DO IT!”