Hair System Guide · Phoenix, AZ · More Than 50 Years

What You Should Know Before Your First Consultation

If you're experiencing hair loss, you probably have questions. Will it look natural? Is a hair system just a wig? Can I sleep, shower, exercise or swim in it? How much maintenance is involved? How long will it last? What will it cost?

Book a Free Consultation Call (602) 230-0000

Client laughing in soft window light with a layered blonde hair system that reads as her own hair — Real client photo. Individual results vary. Client names withheld for privacy.

Those are exactly the questions you should be asking. At National Hair Centers, we've been helping men and women find personalized solutions for hair loss for more than 50 years. Your hair loss, lifestyle and expectations are unique, and your solution should be too.

Back view of a full curly hair system covering the crown through the nape on a plain white background

01 The Basics

What Is a Hair System, and Is It the Same as a Wig?

No. A professionally designed hair system is not simply a wig by another name. A traditional wig generally covers the entire scalp and is typically designed as a removable piece. A hair system is different. It is designed specifically around the area of hair loss and can be customized to integrate and blend with your own growing hair. In simple terms, a wig generally covers your hair, while a hair system is designed to replace the hair you've lost and become part of the hair you have.

The base, hair type, color, texture, density, coverage and hairstyle can all be selected to create a result designed specifically for you.

Depending on the system and attachment method, a hair system can be securely attached and worn continuously. You can sleep, shower, exercise, work, travel and enjoy everyday activities while wearing your hair.

A well-designed hair system shouldn't draw attention to the fact that you're wearing hair. The goal isn't to look like you're wearing a hair system. The goal is simply to look like you have healthy, age-appropriate hair.

For a deeper look, read our full hair system vs. wig comparison or, for women, why a hair system is not a wig.

Designed Around Your Loss

A system is built for the area of hair loss, not for the whole scalp, and it is made to integrate with the hair you still have.

Worn Through Your Day

Depending on the system and attachment method, a hair system can be securely attached and worn continuously rather than taken on and off.

Built to Blend, Not to Cover

The base, hair type, color, texture, density, coverage and hairstyle are all selected so the result reads as your own hair.

Specialist holding a length of blonde hair taut with a comb and shears while cutting a hair system — **It is cut, not bought off a shelf**The hair is cut, shaped and blended after it is fitted, which is a large part of what separates a system from a wig.

Close top-down view of a finished part line and front hairline on a styled hair system — **The part and the base**A finished part line is where the base meets the scalp, and where a system either disappears or does not.

Real client photos. Individual results vary. Client names withheld for privacy.

02 Appearance

Will It Look Natural?

This is one of the most important questions we hear, and understandably so. Creating a natural result involves much more than simply selecting a hairpiece. Hair color, density, texture, coverage, hairline, placement, cut and blending all play a role. Just as importantly, your hair should complement your age, facial features, existing hair and personal style.

At National Hair Centers, our specialists customize, cut and blend your hair system with the goal of creating a result that looks like it belongs to you. Bring photos of hairstyles you like to your consultation. We'll discuss what can realistically work with your existing hair, lifestyle and desired appearance. You can also look through our before and after gallery to see what that means in practice.

The front hairlineHairline, placement and cut are where a natural result is won or lost, so they are designed for your face rather than copied from a template.

Side view close-up of a salt-and-pepper hair system showing the temple and sideburn blending into the existing hair — **The temple and the blend**A system is blended into the hair you still have, which is why the temples and the sides are worth inspecting at close range.

Studio portrait of a client with a shoulder-length brunette hair system and an easy smile — **Color, texture and density**Color, density and texture are selected together, because a natural result depends on all three agreeing with the hair around them.

Client with a short auburn layered hair system smiling while seated in a bright sunroom — **A style that suits you**Your hair should complement your age, facial features, existing hair and personal style, which is why the cut is chosen with you and not for you.

Real client photos. Individual results vary. Client names withheld for privacy.

Client surfacing at a pool wall, pushing soaking wet hair straight back off his forehead with both hands

03 Lifestyle

A Hair System Should Enhance Your Life, Not Impede It

Your hair system should fit your lifestyle, not force you to change the way you live. You should be able to exercise, sweat, shower, swim, travel, enjoy the outdoors and go about your everyday life with confidence. The key is choosing the right hair system, attachment method and maintenance routine for you.

At National Hair Centers, we take the time to understand how you live so we can recommend a solution that works with your lifestyle, not against it. Your hair should give you more freedom and confidence, not more limitations.

That's true whether you're looking at non-surgical solutions for men or hair loss solutions for women. The right answer is the one that fits the week you actually have.

For the specifics on swimming, sweating and staying active, see our guide to hair systems for active lifestyles.

Client floating on a pool raft in sunglasses with her hair down — In the water

Three friends in formal dresses leaning in and laughing together outdoors — An evening out

A couple walking hand in hand through ankle-deep water at a lake beach — Outdoors together

Client playing an electric guitar outdoors on a street corner in full sunlight — Out in the sun

Real client photos. Individual results vary. Client names withheld for privacy.

04 Ongoing Care

How Much Maintenance Is Involved?

Caring for an attached hair system at home is surprisingly similar to caring for your own growing hair. Regular shampooing and conditioning, gentle handling and using the appropriate hair-care products are the foundation of keeping your hair and scalp clean, healthy and looking their best. Your hair system, attachment method, scalp and lifestyle will determine how often professional maintenance is recommended.

Some clients prefer more frequent professional service, while others are comfortable doing more of their routine care at home.

Specialist working on a seated client's hair system at a studio station with products on the counter — **Professional service**How often professional maintenance is recommended depends on your system, your attachment method, your scalp and your lifestyle.

Gloved hand drawing a fine tint brush along an exposed part line during a maintenance appointment — **At the scalp**Upkeep at the part line and the scalp is part of what a professional visit covers, alongside keeping your hair and scalp clean and healthy.

Two hands holding a cutting comb and shears against sectioned blonde hair during a trim — **Cut and shape**Your specialist customizes, cuts and blends the hair so the result keeps looking like it belongs to you.

At National Hair Centers, we'll show you exactly how to care for your hair system and recommend a maintenance schedule that fits comfortably into your lifestyle. Taking care of your hair system shouldn't take over your life. With the right routine, it simply becomes part of taking care of your hair. For more on home care and professional upkeep, read our hair system maintenance guide.

Real client photos. Individual results vary. Client names withheld for privacy.

05 Longevity

How Long Will My Hair System Last?

There is no single answer, because the lifespan of a hair system depends on how it is designed, how it is worn and how it is cared for. Factors such as your age, desired density, hair length, amount of coverage, base material and construction all influence how a system is designed and how long it can reasonably be expected to last.

For example, a lighter, more delicate base may be chosen when creating an extremely natural appearance, while other designs may place greater emphasis on durability. Longer hair, greater coverage and different density requirements can also affect the life of a system. Your lifestyle and home-care routine matter as well. Proper shampooing, conditioning and handling can help your hair system continue to look and perform its best.

Long golden blonde hair falling over a styling cape, lit from the side to show condition along the full length — **Length and coverage**Longer hair, greater coverage and different density requirements can all affect the life of a system.

Close-range view of a dense salt-and-pepper hair system with individual gray hairs visible through the mid-lengths — **Density and construction**Desired density, base material and construction all influence how a system is designed and how long it can reasonably be expected to last.

At National Hair Centers, we don't believe in choosing a hair system based on longevity alone. The goal is to find the right balance of appearance, comfort, lifestyle and durability for you. During your consultation, we'll explain the differences between the available options and what you can realistically expect from the system we recommend. If you want the longer answer before you come in, read how long hair systems last.

Real client photos. Individual results vary. Client names withheld for privacy.

06 Cost

What Should I Expect to Pay?

Client seated calmly with hands folded, wearing a light blazer

Two people talking in a bright studio office with notes on the table

There isn't one price that fits everyone, because there isn't one hair solution that fits everyone. Cost depends on factors such as the amount of coverage needed, type of hair, base design, customization, attachment method and ongoing service.

During your free, private consultation, we'll explain the options available to you and their costs so you understand what to expect before making a decision.

If you want to read more before you come in, see our guide to hair replacement costs.

A good question to ask: what will it cost to get started, and what should I expect for ongoing maintenance?

Real client photos. Individual results vary. Client names withheld for privacy.

07 Your Consultation

What Happens at My Free Consultation?

Your consultation is a conversation, not a sales presentation. We'll talk about your hair loss, what concerns you about it, the appearance you're hoping to achieve, your lifestyle and how much maintenance you're comfortable with. We'll evaluate your existing hair and scalp and explain the solutions that may be appropriate for you. We'll also discuss pricing, maintenance and what you can realistically expect.

And sometimes a hair system isn't the best solution. National Hair Centers offers surgical and non-surgical solutions for hair restoration, regrowth and replacement. Our goal is to help you understand your choices and determine which approach best fits your individual needs.

Depending on what we find, that could mean a trichology and scalp-health evaluation, surgical hair transplants with Dr. Ramona Kelemen, or non-surgical hair replacement designed around you. If you'd rather start with a question than an appointment, send us a message.

A specialist and a client seated facing each other on low couches in a bright lounge, mid-conversation — **A conversation first**We talk through your hair loss, what concerns you about it, your lifestyle and the result you're hoping for.

Client seated at an evaluation station looking toward the specialist, with equipment softly out of focus behind her — **An honest evaluation**We evaluate your existing hair and scalp, then explain the solutions that may be appropriate for you.

Client relaxed in the styling chair with an easy half smile during his appointment — **No pressure to decide**You leave understanding your choices, including pricing, maintenance and what you can realistically expect.

Real client photos. Individual results vary. Client names withheld for privacy.

Come Prepared

What Should I Bring to My Consultation?

Three things make the visit far more useful, and none of them are difficult to gather.

Photos of Hairstyles You Like

These help us understand the look you're hoping to achieve.

Your Questions

Ask us about appearance, cost, maintenance, attachment, durability or anything else you're concerned about.

Information About Your Lifestyle

Exercise, swimming, travel, work, outdoor activities and your normal routine all help us recommend the right solution.

The more we know about how you actually live, the closer the recommendation lands.

Before & After

Real clients, photographed before and after. There is more of this in the full results gallery.

Before: diffuse thinning across the crown, front view on a white studio background

After: a full styled shoulder-length brunette hair system, same white studio background

Diffuse thinning at the crown to a full styled length

Before: fine, thinning hair at the crown, photographed at home

After: a layered honey bob with full coverage, same top and necklace, photographed at home

Fine, thinning hair at the crown to a styled layered bob

Before: a bald crown, square on to the camera against a gray studio backdrop

After: a full textured cut with a natural hairline, same gray studio backdrop

A bald crown to a full textured cut

Before: receded temples and a thin front, photographed in a check shirt

After: a full dark front hairline, same check shirt and same backdrop

Receded temples to a full front hairline

Real client photos. Individual results vary. Client names withheld for privacy.

Hours

SundayClosed
MondayClosed
Tuesday8:30am to 5:00pm
Wednesday8:30am to 5:00pm
Thursday10:00am to 7:00pm
Friday8:30am to 5:00pm
Saturday8:30am to 1:00pm

We're Here When You Need Us

If you call after business hours, your message goes directly to owner Sean Dirodis and will be returned within 24 hours.

Personalized solutions. Local care. More than 50 years of experience. Visit us at 5828 N 7th Street, Suite 200, Phoenix. You can check hours, directions and everything else on our contact page, or call us at (602) 230-0000.

Hair system guides

Ready to See What's Possible?

Hair loss may be what brings you through our door. Our goal is to help you achieve healthy, natural-looking, age-appropriate hair that fits comfortably into your life. Schedule a free, private consultation with National Hair Centers and discover what's possible with today's hair replacement options. Visit us at 5828 N 7th Street Suite 200, Phoenix, AZ 85014, or call us locally at (602) 230-0000.

Book a Free Consultation Call (602) 230-0000