How To Pick A Base

The Base of the Hair Piece is the foundation of a hair restoration system.  Hair can be attached to a base in several different ways, and bases are made of many different materials. So how do you know what to look for in a base?  How do you know what type of base is right for you? Here's a list of common ones, including what we use at David Hansen Custom Hair Replacement.

1. The skin injected hair replacement is one of the newer forms of hair piece bases. The injected skin is an exceptionally thin base. Each hair is injected rather than knotted into the hair replacement system.  Since the hair is injected into the base at various angles it replicates natural hair well, however it restricts the movement of the hair.  The injected skin replacement systems are much more delicate than a fine welded mono system because the entire system is made from a thin, transparent, skin like material. Though they are comfortable, they also have the highest risk of tearing.

2. Polymer hairpiece bases are made of silicone or polyurethane, and are made to look and almost feel like your own skin. They are made of stronger materials than French and Swiss-lace bases, so they are very durable, easy to care for, and long-lasting. The hairline of the piece should be made of lace to create a more natural look, since the polymer itself has a plastic-like look to it. Also, the silicone or polyurethane base can become very hot, sticky and uncomfortable -- even in cooler weather.

3. French lace is one of the most common hair piece bases for both men and women. French lace is incredibly thin, light and almost undetectable. This base also helps keep your hairpiece looking natural and feeling snug. For an even more fine base, choose a Swiss-lace base. This ultra-thin lace base is almost completely invisible. The only draw back to the extra-fine Swiss-lace base is that it is so delicate, it calls for special care to prevent it from tearing or becoming ruined.

4. Monofilament bases are similar to the look and feel of the French- and Swiss-lace bases but are not made of lace. The stiff monofilament conforms to the shape of the head is able to hold the shape. One drawback of the monofilament, similar to the silicone or polyurethane hairpiece bases, is that you will need to add lace to the front of the base to keep your hairpiece looking natural and more like your own hair.

5. Fine welded mono is a lace base system with each individual hair hand tied into the lace. Each hair is added independently by hand to match the hairs color and texture. The fine welded mono is entirely composed of a lace material. The way David Hansen designs the fine welded mono systems is to look natural, placing the patch material half an inch under the edge to soften the hair line. This enables you to achieve an undetectable and natural looking hair line. The patch material used for the fine welded mono pieces is a thin bio skin which mimics the color of your own skin, similar but sturdier than the one used in an injected skin base. This makes it harder for anyone to notice the base material that is on your hair replacement system.The fine welded mono is excellent in any climate, since it is well ventilated and allows the scalp to breathe. The fine welded mono base is very light weight and far more durable than a skin injected base. These bases also keep their original form, ensuring a perfect fit every time. These are the bases that we use at David Hansen, since they are the only option that offers the complete package-durable, comfortable, breathes easy on the scalp, lightweight, and completely undetectable. 

How to Extend the Life of Your Hair Piece

Custom hair pieces are made with precision and superior materials, so they can be pricey. However, this can be a very worthy investment if you take proper care of your piece.  A well made piece can cost about $1500-1700. If it is also cared for, cleaned regularly and stored correctly, it can last for up to 10 years. When you break that down, that is roughly 50 cents a day for the hair piece.

So what are the best steps to take to make a hair piece last 10 years? The answers are very simple. It only takes a few little things each day to keep your hair piece soft, flexible, and looking like new.

1. The method of adhesive used to attach a hair piece is crucial in determining its life expectancy.  Using a bonding (glue) method requires constant wear for 2-3 months at a time. This will shorten the life of the hair piece by 75%. Even the most durable natural human hair piece will only last 2-3 years when using the bonding method.  Surgical tape is inexpensive, easy to change, and allows the wearer to remove and adjust the hair piece while still providing a secure hold. A hair piece secured with surgical tape WILL last longer than a bonded piece. To learn a little more about tape vs. bonding, read our previous posts.

2. Keep your head clean. A hair piece can take on excess oil from the scalp if it is worn for too long and become dirty. It is also the cause of hair pieces sliding around on the head. The excess oil from the scalp damages the adhesive of the tape and makes it less effective.  Always thoroughly shampoo the hair AND scalp to ensure the piece stays clean and creates a clean surface for secure attachment.

3. Keep your piece clean. Hair pieces do not need to be washed as often as live hair, and they can dry out and turn a yellowish hue if shampooed too frequently or with shampoos that contain sulfates. Hair restoration salons like David Hansen Studios clean pieces with the proper tools and shampoos when clients come in for haircuts every 4-6 weeks.

4. Know when to take your hair piece off. Take your piece off before showering and sleeping. If you are going to swim with your head UNDER the water, take it off. It is that simple. Shampooing the piece with regular hair will cause it to age quickly. Sleeping in the piece can cause matting that has to be brushed out with force, causing the piece to lose hair and develop bald patches. If you are going into a pool, but do not plan on getting your head wet, you can wear it.  Chlorine and other salts and minerals that are found in pools, oceans, and other bodies of water make the hair brittle and cause it to break easily and often.  Taking your hair piece off at these times WILL protect the integrity of the hair and extend the life of your piece.

5.  Change the tape. A clean scalp can allow  you to re-use tape once on occasion. Check the tape on the piece after removing it. Press your finger to it to check the tackiness. If the tape has lost its stickiness, remove it and replace it. Putting new tape on top of old tape (layering) can cause the adhesive to melt and create a very sticky mess that will need additional cleaning. Tape is inexpensive and can be purchased pre-cut from David Hansen. It's so simple!

A lot of keeping a hair piece clean comes back to common sense. By creating good hair piece habits, you can enjoy your custom made hair replacement system for years to come!

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.

Conditions You Can't Change

While the growth cycle of the hair can be enhanced by proper care, the actual number of hairs on the head can never be increased. It is predetermined by many factors, a major one of which is hair color. Blondes usually have more hair than anybody else--an average of about 120,000. Those with brown hair have approximately 110,000; black, 105,000. Redheads come in last with an average of about 80,000.

In addition to the variance among the number of hairs, differences also prevail concerning the thickness, wave patterns, and manageability. This is why you cannot force your hair into a style not intended by its racial origin.

There are basically three distinct categories of inherited hair shapes: Oriental, Caucasian, and Negroid. Oriental hair is primarily a round strand, formed in a cross section with a very rigid and straight line. It will resist complicated curling or waving attempts and almost refuse to lie flat against the head. Caucasian hair has a kidney-shaped cross section and a wavier texture than Oriental, thus allowing for a flexibility in styling. It is the easiest to manipulate and tends to bend or fall in a variety of directions without much resistance. The degree of curl depends on the curse of the follicles through which it grows. This explains why Negroid hair has an extremely curly or kinky texture--the follicles are highly curved. Like Oriental, it is difficult to manage when forced into a pattern different from its natural style. Naturally, interracial mixing has caused many variations of these basic shapes.

Don't expect more of your hair than it can offer. The attention you give it should be directed at creating the healthiest possible environment for hair growth, not at trying to change its inherent qualities.

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The Hairpiece: You Get What You Pay For

Think of a hairpiece as you would a new suit, as something to compliment your appearance.

    If you visited a tailor to have a suit made, he would take your precise measurements, inquire as to your intended use for the outfit, and then, together, you would select the cloth for the garment. After you left his shop, he would spend hours carefully sewing the suit to meet your specifications.

    If the price of a tailored suit were above your means, but you still desired quality, chances are your next choice would be a selection from a reputable men's store. You would have several ready-made outfits from which to chose, most of which would be carefully-sewn copies of creations by well-known designers. Of course, the fit wouldn't be as perfect as that of a tailor-made suit, but most of these stores have someone available to make required alterations, enabling you to still be a well-dressed man.

    The final alternative available to you would be to settle for a ready-made suit off the rack in some discount house. In most cases an alternations man wouldn't be on hand, so you would have to settle for a suit closet to, but not exactly, your size. More than likely, this would not be a suit in which you would gain extra pride by simply feeling its cloth or by examining its workmanship, but at least it would serve its purpose. Your outfit would be another one of many mass-produced garments that is just a suit, nothing more.

    And so it is with hairpieces. They range from the tailor-made exclusives all the way to those that will just get by. If you are concerned enough about your appearance to even consider buying a hairpiece, you should ask for one that is the closest to your natural hair as possible, one that will serve you well and be a wise investment.

    Remember, a hairpiece should be the most personal and individual component of your wardrobe.

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Celerity Hair Replacement

There are plenty of celebrities suffering from hair loss. Since the way they present themselves is very important many turn to hair replacement. Ben Affleck is a great example of a good hair replacement.

Ben  Affleck

He has excellent hair replacement. His hair color, texture, and thickness is perfectly matched. The hair replacement still has some recession which makes it looking more natural. 

Propecia making men impotent

As I was watching the news one of the stories featured really sparked my interest. As it turns out a popular

hair replacement drug propecia causes men to be impotent. Since I am in the hair restoration business I decided to copy this news story onto my blog, I believe more people have to be warned about the dangerous side effects of these hair replacement drugs.

Baldness drug Propecia making men impotent, says study

By Neil Katz

 

(CBS) Men worried about losing their hair may be losing far more than that if they take the popular drug Propecia.
A new body of research says 5 to 23 percent of the millions of men who take the drug may become impotent and have lowered sex drives because of the active ingredient finasteride. And the problem may linger years after they stop taking the drug.
The story is coming to the fore as two new studies were published in "The Journal of Sexual Medicine" this month.
Young men are being prescribed these drugs, "as hair loss treatments that may negatively impact their sexual life, possibly for a prolonged time after stopping the medication," said the journal's editor-in-chief, Dr. Irwin Goldstein, in a statement.
In one paper which analyzed previous studies, researchers led by Dr. Abdulmaged M. Traish of the Boston University School of Medicine, found a small but significant percent of men suffered from erectile dysfunction, reduced ejaculation and semen volume after taking the drug. Traish told CBS News what really worried him was the long term effects.
"What is really important is not how big or small this number is," he said. "But rather how many of these individuals will continue to experience persistent side effects, even if they discontinue the drug?"
To answer that question, Traish pointed us towards research from Dr. Michael S. Irwig, who interviewed 71 otherwise healthy men who reported sexual side effects after taking finasteride. The mean duration of the negative impact was 40 months after stopping the drug.
Irwig's study, also published in "The Journal of Sexual Medicine," had some caveats. The men were not randomly selected, but rather picked off of a popular website for problems with finasteride and the men were not tested for hormone levels.
Finasteride is also found in Proscar, a drug designed to help with prostate swelling.
The cruel irony of the findings, if they hold up, is that once men stop taking Propecia their hair loss returns, but the side effects may linger for years.
There is a class action lawsuit in Canada and a smaller suit in the States. The full studies can be found in the March issue of "The Journal of Sexual Medicine" here and here.


From a CBS news article

David Hansen

www.davidhansen.com