Getting Ready for Your New Hairpiece

If you have decided to invest in a custom hairpiece for the first time, congratulations! Custom pieces are the best way to give you that flawless look. And, as with everything, the better prepared you are to be fitted for your piece, the easier the process. Here are a few steps you can take to ensure a pleasant, productive road to your perfect hair.

1. Let it grow!
When you come in for your first visit, we take a hair sample and draw a map of your hairline.  A perfect hair sample is between 2 and 3 inches long. At this length, we will be able to match 100% human hair to your color and texture. If your hair is too short, you'll have to come back once your hair has reached the right length. Letting your hair grow in advance will allow us to map your hairline clearly and get a good hair sample.

2. Know your options. 
Custom hair pieces are usually attached in one of two ways, bonding and tape. It is VERY important to know the differences between these two methods. While bonding (glue) allows the wearer to keep their hair attached for months at a time, the scalp can become irritated and sticky from nonstop wear. Surgical tape requires the wearer to take the piece off before sleeping and showering. Following the tape method not only extends the life of your piece by years, but is a much healthier option for your scalp. You can read our blog on bonding vs. tape for more information.

3. Keep your head clean. 
A clean, dry scalp will hold tape securely all day, and sometimes for a second day,  depending on how much oil your skin produces. However, excess oil buildup and combined with the natural heat that your head produces will cause bonding glue and surgical tape both to become gummy and messy, with a much weaker hold. Our pieces have the lightest bases that are professionally ventilated. This allows your scalp to breathe and gives you the most comfortable fit. They also blend right in to your scalp, making it impossible to distinguish from your natural hair. Wash your scalp and your natural hair (not your piece!) daily.

4. Keep your hairpiece clean. 
Remove used tape from your piece one it has lost its tackiness. Some people may be able to use the same tape for a second day if their scalp is kept very clean and does not produce much oil. Placing new tape directly over the used tape can cause a sticky buildup that slides around on the scalp. Changing your tape regularly will ensure a secure, comfortable hold each day and will also extend the life of your hair piece.

5. Take it to the cleaners. 
Hair pieces require a gentler brand of care than natural hair. It can dry easily if washed frequently, and can also oxidize (takes on a yellowish hue) if exposed to shampoos with salts, or if frequently exposed to intense sunlight.  Avoid hairspray as well; it contains alcohol that severely dries out the hair. Brushing your piece will remove most dust particles that collect. We recommend that you bring your hair piece back to us every 3 months for a professional shampoo and re-styling. We use sulfate and salt-free shampoos that maintain the integrity of the hair. Regular cleanings will keep your piece in good shape for years to come.

I hope that these tips have helped you better prepare for your new hair piece. Sticking with these simple steps will help you extend the life of your hair piece, giving you a wonderful experience for years to come.

Hiar-Esteem

When someone begins to develop or notice hair loss, it can have an overwhelming affect to their life and  age, stress and even sickness, but in most cases it’s self esteem.  Hair loss, especially when first occurring, can lead to rash decisions. Dealing with the reality of the issue can be very traumatic for both men and women.  Regardless of the situation, the best thing to do is research your treatment options before making a decision.  Hair loss is often affiliated with old actually a hereditary matter.  Either way, your self esteem is put to the test.  We live in a world that advertises: having a head full of long healthy hair is beautiful.  Today’s society values good hair and studies even show hair implies power, virility, strength and youth.  This causes many to struggle with many other aspects of life like love and the work environment.  These everyday situations can bring on stress that may worsen the matter.  Stress related to hair loss can result in various psychological and emotional issues.  These include insecurity, isolation, panic, a sense of loss, and even depression.  Seek the proper professional help to guide you in the path of living a normal life and assist you with the mental aspect of the circumstances. Hair loss is a condition and not a handicap.  There are many different viable options that are available, which are evolving every day, to better aid the many people who struggle with hair loss.  Look into the latest and updated techniques that specialist offer, making sure you’re a candidate for the procedure and that the satisfied results are guaranteed.   Just remember and few basic points:  #1. Find out the cause of your hair loss problem.   #2. Research your options and the specialist in the field.  #3. Never make rash decisions for desperate results.  And #4. Never let hair loss get in the way of your life!     

Good Luck & Good Looking!

David Hansen,

The Ultimate Men’s Hairstylist & Hairpiece Specialist

www.davidhansen.com

 Chicago, IL

Sports, Exercise and Hair Replacement (hair systems, hair restoration, toupee)

Exercise and sports are a large part of a healthy lifestyle.  Most commonly exercise is used to control ones weight, but it also combats health conditions and diseases, improves mood, boosts energy, promotes better sleep, and puts the spark back into your sex life. With all these positive aspects related to exercise and sports you do not want to sacrifice a healthy lifestyle in order to look good.  In many ways exercise and hair replacement are related. They both make you look and feel good about yourself, and help one maintain a youthful appearance. With exercise and a hair system you can look and feel your best!

It is possible to wear a hair replacement and continue to exercise; you just have to know about a few related facts.

WEAR THE RIGHT HAIR REPLACEMENT!

I cannot stress this enough, do not get a bonded hair system if you are trying to stay active. When you get a hair replacement system bonded on there is not enough air circulation getting through to your scalp creating a raisin effect. All the moisture from your head ends up on top of your scalp and under your hair system.  Not only is this unsanitary, smelly, inconvenient, but it also creates itching, irritation, and discomfort. In the worst case scenario you can end up with open lesions which can get infected due to the lack of oxygen and amount of dirt and buildup.

A lace piece will provide a lot more air circulation, but remember make sure to eventually take off your piece and wash the scalp underneath to prevent major odor. If you are afraid that the hair piece will not withstand vigorous exercise you can apply a stronger hair replacement tape. Ask your hair replacement provider to order you a two way adhesive tape that is stronger that the regular hair replacement tape.

Another aspect to take into consideration is to not swim in your replacement system. Chlorine is not good for any hairpiece, it can be an easy way to damage your hairpiece, and will reduce its life span. Like with anything else to keep it looking its best you have to take care of it, so take care of yourself and look your best!

Your Friend

David Hansen

Hair Replacement Specialist

www.davidhansen.com