Hair Systems are currently surging in popularity, helping to break long-established taboos around hair loss.

We caught up with our client, Alistair, to understand his hair loss journey and gain insight into the positive impact hair systems have had on his day-to-day life.

When did you first experience hair loss, and how did it feel?

Hair loss didn't bother me until I was around 25, when I noticed that my hair wasn't quite as thick at the temples. It was a little concerning, but I tried not to let it bother me.

A few months later, while getting my hair cut, my barber held a mirror behind my head, and I noticed some thinning areas. That's when I started to worry.

Did you continue to lose hair?

Gradually, over the next ten years, it became obvious to me that my hair was thinning in several areas and my appearance was changing.

How did that make you feel?

I wouldn’t consider myself to be particularly vain, but the more hair I lost, the more anxious I became. I was always a very confident guy, but my self-esteem started to plummet, and I became more anxious about how I looked. Honestly, I felt like I was gradually losing my identity.

I’ve always been very sociable, but the more hair I lost, the more worried I became about social situations. I began to hate how I looked and felt very down. I started wearing hats as much as possible. This made me feel a bit better, but it wasn’t practical, especially when exercising or going to pubs and clubs.  

Did you research any hair loss treatments?

Yes - I scoured the internet for solutions. Firstly, I tried a caffeine-based shampoo, which made my scalp tingle, gave me a little more hair volume and made me feel like I was being proactive.

After a while, I realised that nothing had changed. I then started applying topical minoxidil, hoping it would regrow my lost hair. While I do feel I retained some hair in some areas, it was relatively expensive, a bit of a hassle and didn’t give me the results I’d hoped for.  

I read about topical hair fibres and started using them to cover balding areas. This was a revelation at the time, and I began to rediscover what life was like with a full head of hair. As my hair loss progressed, however, the fibres became very impractical. They took ages to apply, were quite expensive and left the bathroom in a mess. They weren’t water-resistant, which was very frustrating. Going on holiday became a huge challenge as I didn’t want family and friends to see me without the fibres. By the time I was 40, I had a young son, and I had to be extra careful in the swimming pool with him -  if I didn’t keep my head above water, the fibres would wash away.

Did you ever consider a hair transplant?

I met with some different hair transplant clinics and gave serious consideration to travelling to Turkey for a hair transplant. I knew it would be expensive, and I’d probably be paying it off for years, but I was desperate to get my hair back.

The more I researched, the more I realised that although transplanted hair is permanent, if my existing hair continued to shed, then I’d most likely need more than one transplant. The process of restoring my hair might have taken a few years, and there were no guarantees that it would work. This left me feeling more depressed, but I thought it was my only hope of restoring my hair and returning to the person I used to be.  

How did you hear about Hair Systems?

As part of my research into hair transplants, I met with Niall at his Hair Loss Solutions clinic in Belfast. He assessed my hair loss, and we had a chat about possible treatment options.

Niall was amazing – he was professional, sensitive and empathetic. Niall had undergone hair transplant surgery, so it was amazing to speak with someone who had been in my position.

When he told me about hair systems, I thought he was suggesting an old-fashioned wig. I wasn’t keen at first, but he was very informative and didn’t put me under any pressure.  

Why did you decide to opt for a Hair System?

The more I thought about it, the more I started to feel like this could be the solution for me – no expensive surgery, affordable monthly payments, one monthly visit to the clinic and, most importantly, a full head of hair!

What was your first fitting like?

I was very nervous, but the whole fitting process took about two hours. Niall put me at ease, shaved the crown of my head, fitted the new hair system and styled it exactly how I had suggested.

How did you feel when the Hair System was installed?

I’m not trying to over-emphasise it, but I was astounded.

This is where Niall’s expertise was crucial. He blended the new system with my existing hair, so there was no dramatic change in my appearance. I received loads of compliments from friends and family about my new look, and my confidence has returned. It felt like 15 years of worry and frustration started to ebb away.

What is life with a hair system like?

It’s just like normal life, but without the worry of hair loss! I wash my hair as normal, about once per week. I can exercise, swim, and it’s no issue if I’m caught in the rain.

The positive impact on my mental health has been huge – I feel like myself again.

Would you recommend Hair Loss Solutions?

Absolutely. I've heard that some inexperienced people are installing Hair Systems, and the results can be mixed. I’m so pleased I reached out to Hair Loss Solutions as Niall is at the top of his game.

What would you say to someone who is considering a hair system?

If it's affordable, then don’t think twice. It's been truly life-changing for me and easily the best decision I’ve ever made.