The base is the foundation your hair is attached to, and it sets the trade-off between realism, breathability, durability, and ease of attachment. There are four families: lace, skin (poly), monofilament, and hybrids that combine them. None is best for everyone — the right base depends on what you value most.

Lace. A fine mesh that breathes well and gives the most natural, invisible hairline. It is the most delicate base and has the shortest lifespan — roughly 2–4 months. Best when realism and breathability matter most. Example: the Lace Pro.

Skin (poly). A thin polyurethane base that lies smooth against the scalp, cleans easily, and looks seamless at close range. Knotless (injected or V-loop) skin bases have no visible knot dots. Lifespan is mid-range and depends on thickness. Example: the Thin Skin Injected.

Monofilament. A sturdier breathable mesh that shows scalp through the part and resists stretching, giving the longest lifespan of the breathable bases — about 4–6 months. Slightly more structured than the finest lace up close. Example: the Mono Pro.

Hybrid. A lace or mono center with a polyurethane perimeter, combining a natural top with an easier-to-bond edge. A practical middle ground for secure attachment with a natural part or hairline.

If you are deciding between bases, tell us your climate, activity level, and whether realism or longevity matters more. We will recommend a base family and a specific system to start with.

Which base is the most natural? Lace gives the most natural hairline; knotless skin is the smoothest at close range. Both are undetectable at normal distance.

Which base lasts longest? Among breathable bases, monofilament — about 4–6 months versus 2–4 for most lace.

Can I part my hair on any base? Mono and lace show scalp through the part; on skin bases the part reveals the base rather than scalp.