Hair Replacement

    Non-surgical hair replacement can be a wonderful option for those who suffer from significant hair loss and would like to regain the appearance of having a full head of hair without surgery. While there are some incredibly natural hairpieces being made today, most hair loss consumers have no clue what to look for when purchasing a hairpiece. The hair loss industry is a treacherous place and is notorious for taking advantage of vulnerable hair loss sufferers. More than 70 percent of non-surgical hair loss consumers are unhappy with the quality, service and price provided by their hair replacement salons.

   It is important for the hair loss consumer to be aware of several issues before considering purchasing a hairpiece. This section will help provide the prospective non-surgical hair replacement consumer with the tools needed to make an informed decision when purchasing hair.

What is a Hairpiece?

A hairpiece, is a hairpiece, is a hairpiece regardless of what they may be called. Hair system, toupees, strand-by-strand insertion systems, hairpieces, etc. are all terms used to market the same product. These are all hair prostheses constructed in a similar fashion using similar materials many of which come from the same few manufacturers.

The Hair System Base

The base of the hair system is simply the foundation of the prostheses in which the hair is either tied or injected.

Materials

Today's hair systems primarily use two materials to construct the bases, either polymers or meshes or a combination of the two.

Mesh Fabric

Mesh fabrics are typically made of polyester or nylon and are usually used to create the fine hairline of a good product. In some cases, they are used throughout the entire system, which provides an incredibly natural, life like appearance but is impractical for long-term use.

Pros:

Provides natural and undetectable hairline

Very light weight, cool and comfortable to wear.

Cons:

More expensive

More delicate and less durable

React with body acids leading to early degrading and other damage

Must be replaced more frequently

Polymers

Polymers are made of either silicone or polyurethane and are used to create a material that mimics the appearance of skin or scalp. The more durable systems use this material and many use it in areas where the hairpiece is to be attached in order to protect the unit for long time wear.

Pros:

Can be considerably less expensive

Very durable

Easy to attach (Polyurethane)

Cons:

Can be extremely hot an uncomfortable to wear.

Unless the hairline is made of lace, a less natural or even artificial appearance.

The Hair In The Hairpiece

     The best hairpieces are custom-made out of excellent-quality human hair matched to the hair of the client. This matching includes the color, texture, nature of curl or wave, or straightness, as well as hair density (thickness).

    The hairs of less expensive hairpieces may either be made of a moderate-quality human hair, animal hair, or artificial fibers. Most expensive and mid-priced hairpieces are made from European hair that once grew naturally in a wide variety of colors, textures, densities, and levels of curl, wave, or straightness. The least expensive hairpieces are made from dark, straight Asian hair that has been dyed or bleached. Although Asian hair is very strong, the coloring processes make it brittle and dry, so it breaks easily, and these hairpieces begin to look fuzzy very quickly and need to be replaced at frequent intervals.

Human hair is fragile, so even the most expensive and expertly made hairpiece needs regular maintenance and needs to be replaced after time.

Attaching the Hairpiece

    Keep in mind that the way you attach your hairpiece will greatly affect the hair that may be directly under it or adjacent to it. A hairpiece can accelerate hair loss on the part of your head directly underneath it. Especially those hairpieces that are attached by bonding, a strong glue kind of adhesive, or are attached by the weaving process. Clips cause minimal hair loss.

Semi-permanent Attached Hairpieces

Hairpieces that are semi-permanently attached are not designed to be removed except by a hair technician or stylist, usually once every six weeks.

    In most cases, they are affixed to the scalp by the use of various liquid adhesives. The hair replacement industry has given this process many names in an attempt to better market their product. Names like poly fuse; nautralbond, polybond, just plain bonding etc. are all the same name for gluing a hairpiece on your head.

    This can be very unhealthy for you, your head, and your hair. Shampooing can't remove the natural accumulation of flaked-off skin cells, oil, shed hair, and other organic debris that accumulates between the hairpiece and the scalp. Even if you have this kind of hairpiece, whether it's attached by bonding or weaving (in which your hair is woven into the bottom of the hair piece in order to secure it to your head), which is defiantly not recommended, it is suggested that it should be loosened or removed at least once every five days so that you can properly clean the scalp underneath.

Temporary Adhesive-Attached Hairpieces

    Double-sided tape is used to attach the hairpiece. This is an easy kind of attachment, and you can remove it any time your want and then reattach it. It can, however, leave a sticky residue on your scalp and on the underside of the hairpiece, which you will need to wash off. The tape can come unglued when you perspire heavily, and swimming loosens the tape as well.

Clip Attachment

    Metal clips that are securely attached to the underside of the hairpiece fasten to your own hair that's either under or adjacent to the hairpiece. These are secure but very easy to remove, just like tape attachment.

Hairpieces are the most popular method of hair replacement, but the cost and appearance of any given hair piece varies widely based on the materials used and the level of craftsmanship in their creation.