NON-SURGICAL
HAIR LOSS SOLUTIONS
HAIR ADDITIONS
Any external hair bearing device added to
existing hair or scalp to give one the appearance of a fuller
head of hair. i.e. Hair weaves, hair extensions, hair pieces,
toupees, non-surgical hair replacements, partial hair prostheses,
hair wefts, etc. Devices may consist of human hair, synthetic
fiber or a combination of both.
HOW ARE THEY KEPT ON?
Partial hair additions are attached
in a variety of techniques. Either the existing hair or the
skin are the anchor sites.
EXISTING HAIR: Weaves, fusion, bonding, cabling, micro
links, beading are general terms of techniques all attached
to the client's existing hair. All are used to provide more
security for the active life-style. They are all dependent
on the growing existing hair and therefore must be reattached
or tightened as the existing hair grows.
TO THE SKIN: Includes adhesives such as two-sided tapes
and new improved waterproof liquids.
Vacuum bases- held on by suction through an air tight fitting foundation.
SURGERY: Tunnel grafts are small skin grafts taken from
a donor site and formed into a small loop which is used to
insert removable inserts permanently attached to a hair addition.
SUTURES: Not seen as an ethical means of attaching a hair
addition. Subject must live with constant pain, and the sutures
often cause infections and permanent scarring. Individual
marketers of hair additions often use terms other than those
listed above for exclusive marketing and advertising purposes.
The above terms are the most widely used attachment methods.
With the non-medical techniques, we suggest the following:
• Although most adhesives are safe, it is best to have a patch test done
by a dermatologist if you have a history of allergies. Even if you do not, its
always best to have a patch test done in advance.
• Hair weaving and other types of attachment that place prolonged tension
can cause permanent hair loss at the anchor site on fine, thin hair. (Even temporary
clips attached too tightly can also cause permanent hair loss). When performed
properly on the qualified client, hair weaving does not cause hair loss.
• Proper hygiene must be maintained when wearing a hair addition for extended
periods of time. It is essential that one must clean the scalp and hair on a
regular basis.
In reviewing ALL treatment options, the hair addition is
the safest means of obtaining additional hair. This excludes
sutures and tunnel grafting procedures.
NON-SURGICAL
FAQ:
CAN THEY APPEAR NATURAL?
Modern day advancements in products
along with the technical skills of an experienced specialist
are essential. The most important factor is the client him/herself.
He or she must spend the required time to keep the hair addition
looking its best.
HOW MUCH DO THEY COST?
Depending on the experience and knowledge
of the specialist, the materials and design, the price can
range from $750.00 to $2,500.00 for a quality custom-made
hair addition. Although insurance does not cover male or
female pattern hair loss, it may cover the cost of a hair
addition when the hair loss is due to disease or abnormalities.
WHAT IS BEST, HUMAN HAIR OR SYNTHETIC?
The choice depends
entirely on the attachment technique and life-style of the
individual. Either human hair or synthetic, or a combination
of both can be used successfully when matched to the proper
individual. A competent specialist will advise you as to
the proper components for your individual life-style.
ARE HAIR ADDITIONS MADE FOR BOTH MEN AND WOMEN?
Yes, with
significant increases in sales by the female consumer. Instead
of opting for wigs, women with female pattern hair loss are
now selecting the more comfortable and natural appearing
partial hair additions or integrated units.
WHO SHOULD AVOID PARTIAL HAIR ADDITIONS?
Males and females
undergoing chemotherapy and newly diagnosed patients with
alopecia areata should request a full prosthesis. Due to
the nature of chemotherapy, all hair will likely be lost
and a partial hair addition may be useless. With alopecia
areata, the condition may not be stable and focusing in on
one area may only be a temporary solution.
CAN HAIR ADDITIONS BE USED IN COMBINATION WITH
HAIR REPLACEMENT
SURGERY?
Temporary
usage of hair additions while undergoing lengthy hair transplant
sessions is becoming increasingly popular with many men and
women who do not wish to appear "under
construction" while in public. Many successful transplants
will take from 1 to 2 years to complete.
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HOW DO
I FIND THE BEST NON-SURGICAL SPECIALIST IN MY AREA?
Although the American Hair Loss Council does not endorse or recommend any individual
firm, we can supply you with a list of AHLC specialists in or near your specific
area. All AHLC members sign a statement that they will honor our Code of Ethics
which is centered around the protection of you, the consumer. Request the American
Hair Loss Council Source Book.
Click the link above to find a hair replacement specialist near you!
BEFORE
CONSIDERING SURGERY:
Many men and women do not qualify for hair transplantation because of unrealistic
expectations given their amount of available donor hair. Increasing in numbers
are those who opt for partial transplantation and a partial hair addition.
EXAMPLE: An individual with extensive baldness who wants to wear his hair
straight back. He may opt for a transplanted front hairline only (due to
lack of donor hair available). Behind the newly transplanted front hairline,
the individual might have a hair addition designed so that he can now comb
his own hair straight back into the hair addition.
COVERAGE OF SURGICAL DEFECTS:
Have you ever seen the results of a bad hair transplant? An individual who
had a poor hair transplant may find his only choice is a hair addition.
OTHER USES FOR HAIR ADDITIONS
Full Hair Additions/Prostheses: chemotherapy, alopecia totalis, alopecia
universalis, ectodermal dysplasia, lupus, trichotillomania, telogen effluvium,
monilethrix, bums, radiation and other abnormalities of the hair and scalp.
Partial Hair Additions:
Male pattern hair
loss, female pattern hair loss, bums, radiation, stabilized
alopecia areata, surgery defects, traction alopecia, lupus
and other abnormalities of the hair and scalp.
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