Non-Surgical Hair Replacement
Before buying a hairpiece it is important for the hair loss consumer to be aware of several issues. The non-surgical hair industry is fraught with unethical tactics. As many as 70%, of non-surgical customers are dissatisfied with high costs and low quality standards provided by their hair replacement salons.
Hair loss sufferers are already in a vulnerable position and attempting to navigate through a slew of conflicting and confusing information can be overwhelming. Fortunately there are some companies, usually small family businesses, who have compassion for their clients and provide an excellent service.
This section will provide hair replacement consumers with a clear understanding of how to make an informed decision when purchasing a hairpiece..
First and foremost, companies that try to sell any kind of maintenance contract should be avoided. A typical policy of the larger chains is to impose these restrictions often holding a second hairpiece in their facility, ensuring the “client” returns and is locked into their system.
After buying a hairpiece, the consumer should have the choice to go elsewhere for any trimming and hair care assistance.
The semi-permanent attached hairpiece is the most popular choice of hair loss sufferers in this country. Two will need to be purchased because when one is worn the other is being maintained. Regardless of what is implied during an initial consultation the existing hair on the top of the head simply cannot be integrated into a hairpiece.
Initially the stylist may want to shave off any remaining hair leaving a perimeter of existing hair in order to affix the system properly. Hair “clubs” have a tendency to not explain this detail during their sales pitches.
Because there is no way a bonded system will stay firmly attached for 4 to 6 weeks, particularly on the hairline, constant attention and self maintenance is necessary to ensure the hairpiece continues to look natural. A budget of between $60-$300 a month is not unrealistic to expect in order to care for a hairpiece properly.
Most hair prostheses are constructed in a similar manner using related materials often supplied by the same few manufacturers. Hair systems today primarily use two materials, either polymers or meshes or a combination of both, to construct the bases of hair systems.
The base is simply the foundation of the prostheses into which the hair is either injected or tied. Both types of fabrics have inherent pros and cons.
Mesh fabrics are very lightweight, cool and comfortable to wear providing a natural and undetectable hairline. However mesh tends to be more expensive and because the construction is quite delicate it can be less durable needing to be replaced more frequently.
It can also react with body acids leading to early degrading and damage. Despite the impracticalities of long-term use mesh does provide an incredibly life like appearance.
The polymer hairpieces are made of either silicone or polyurethane and are stronger than mesh and in fact mimic the appearance of skin or scalp. Many systems use this material in areas where the hairpiece is to be attached in order to protect the unit for long time wear.
The “look” can be less natural than mesh and it is not as cool or as comfortable to wear. Nonetheless, the polymer hairpiece is cheaper, easy to attach (polyurethane) and very durable.
Because hairpieces are the most popular method of hair replacement it must be noted that any given piece varies widely depending on the materials that are used and the skill level of the craftsmanship.
Custom-made hairpieces constructed using high quality human hair are obviously the best choice if the price is within a consumer’s budget. Most expensive and mid-priced hairpieces are made using European hair. The hair color, wave or straightness and texture, as well as density can be matched to a client’s own hair.
Human hair is quite fragile so even the most expertly made hairpiece requires regular maintenance and will have to be replaced in time.
Less expensive hairpieces generally use moderate quality human hair, animal hair or artificial fibers. The cheapest systems are made from dark, straight Asian hair that is usually dyed or bleached.
Even though Asian hair is very strong it becomes brittle and dry after the coloring process and breaks easily. These hairpieces need to be replaced frequently as they begin to look fuzzy very quickly.
It is important to understand that the way a hairpiece is attached has an affect on the hair directly underneath or adjacent to it, because incorrect placement can accelerate hair loss.
This is particularly true regarding hairpieces that are attached by weaving or bonding with a strong adhesive, ideal for thinning hair.
The easiest kind of hairpiece attachment is double-sided tape because it can be removed and replaced at any time. However, the tape can come unglued with heavy perspiring and swimming. It can also leave a sticky residue on the scalp and hairpiece, which will need to be washed off.
Metal clips cause minimal hair loss, not only are they secure they are also very easy to remove. The clips fasten to existing hair that in turn is attached to the hairpiece so removing is just like a tape attachment.
Semi-permanent hairpieces are designed to be removed by a hair technician or stylist every six weeks. They are usually affixed to the scalp with a liquid adhesive. This can be extremely unhealthy for the scalp and hair because shampoo cannot remove accumulations of flaked off skin cells, oil and other debris that builds up between the hairpiece and the scalp.
Whether the system is attached through bonding or weaving it is important to loosen or even remove it at least once every five days so the scalp can be cleaned properly.
These non-surgical hair replacements are a wonderful option for those who want to regain the appearance of having a full head of hair without surgery.