Lace vs Poly vs Mono
The three base constructions compared honestly — breathability, durability, attachment and realism, side by side.
6 min read · By the Follic specialists
French lace — the realism benchmark
Lace is a fine, breathable mesh. Hair is tied into it knot by knot, and the front edge dissolves against the skin, making it the choice for exposed hairlines and swept-back styles. Trade-off: lace requires slightly more care during attachment and cleaning.
Poly skin — the practical choice
Polyurethane 'skin' bases replicate the look of scalp and bond quickly with tape or adhesive. They're the easiest to attach, clean and re-bond, and the most watertight — ideal for swimmers and gym-goers. Ultra-thin poly (0.06mm) is impressively realistic, though a lace front still wins at the hairline.
Mono — the durability pick
Monofilament bases are soft, hard-wearing weaves that tolerate heat styling and daily wear for longer than any other construction. Most wearers pair a mono top with a poly perimeter for secure taping. If you want one system to last a year of daily wear, mono is the pragmatic answer.
Or take both: hybrid
Hybrid systems put lace at the hairline and poly or mono where you tape — undetectable front, easy hold. It's what we recommend to most first-time wearers, and it's why the Follic Hybrid Pro is our specialists' pick.