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.