Hair Prostheses: Everything You Need To Know

The hair prosthesis is one of the most versatile solutions to problems related to hair loss today. With immediate effect, long-term results and a more affordable cost than surgical hair transplantation , it is a good alternative for the loss of hair areas. There are many men and women with hair prosthetics that offer very natural aesthetic effects (so much so, that many call it the non-surgical hair implantation technique).

We have gathered here the most frequently asked questions on the subject to help you understand the method in depth and decide if it is the best solution for your case. To facilitate navigation, you can click on the links below and go directly to the questions that interest you.

What is a hair prosthesis?

It is a piece made to replace the wearer’s hair, covering bald or less dense hair areas. The prosthesis strands are fixed individually or in small groups, with a thin film or cloth that simulates human skin. This base is then attached to the head temporarily or semi-permanently individually.

What is the difference between the prosthesis and the wig?

This is a difficult question, because there is no “official” definition of terms that allows them to be 100% differentiated. In the United States, the term “hair replacement” appears to have emerged to allow patients with hair loss as a result of illness, injury, or treatment to classify spending on these items as medical expenses, and to get them to be covered by health insurance and deductible in income tax.

Some people argue that the piece is only a prosthesis if it is used in this medical context. Others say that the difference is that the wig is attached to the head only with rubber bands, clips or staples, while the prosthesis is placed on the wearer’s head with adhesive or special glue, which allows the person to play sports, bathe or enter the pool without taking it off. A third point of view is that the prosthesis can be made to cover smaller areas of the head, according to the needs of the client, while the wig is always one piece that covers the entire head.

What are the main advantages and disadvantages?

Advantage:

  • Complies with all definitive cases of baldness in the medium / long term (such as androgenic alopecia , alopecia areata , scarring alopecia , telogen effluvium , trichotillomania and patients undergoing chemotherapy);
  • The result is immediate ;
  • The price is much lower than a hair implant;
  • Although it is not permanent, it is a long-lasting solution ;
  • It allows the user to carry out all the activities of their day to day and without restrictions (such as sports, entering the pool or the sea, bathing, sleeping);
  • It is not a surgical procedure ;
  • It has no contraindications (except in cases of allergy to any of the materials used, which is rare since most of the components of the prosthesis and maintenance products are hypoallergenic);
  • If the result is not satisfactory, the procedure is completely reversible .

Disadvantages:

  • It requires periodic maintenance ;
  • Some models of higher quality and more natural results are generally very expensive .

You fear it will look very artificial. Is the result really good?

If the prosthesis is of good quality, and the application is carried out in an appropriate and careful manner, the result is very satisfactory . You will find many images of failed or missing implants on the Internet, but half-baked products are found in some houses. Don’t be afraid, there are tons of natural options and great finishes on the market.

What sizes are they available in?

You can request the production of a tailor-made piece for you, or buy a prefabricated one . In the first case, the professional who is producing your prosthesis will take measurements of your head (or the specific area that needs coverage) and will make it the size you need. In the second, usually the manufacturer will provide the measurements of the models that you will have to compare with your head and choose the ideal piece.

Among the pre-made models, the most common models are those that only cover the upper part of the head ( wig ), which compensate for the predominant pattern of male pattern baldness, and completely cover the scalp ( full cap or full cranial prosthesis ) . Some can be cut to the desired size, adapting the template to your needs.

Is the hair natural or synthetic?

The most common is currently the model with natural hair, preferred for being more durable and having a more pleasant aesthetic result, but there are also models with synthetic hair, which are usually cheaper than those with natural hair.

With what material is the base (part that is in contact with the skin) made?

Two materials are usually used in the manufacture of the base: screens and micro-leather.

The screens are similar to a very fine tulle, which are “camouflaged” in contact with the skin of the prosthesis wearer and, when applied correctly, are almost imperceptible . In addition to the aesthetic result, the screens allow ventilation of the user’s scalp, which can even be washed while the prosthesis is attached to the head. Some fabric designs are more open, allowing the user, through openings, to blend their natural hair with that of the prosthesis, to create an even more natural result.

Transparent or skin colored, screens are generally made of nylon (polyamide) or polyester . The harder material is called monofilament, it is normally used on the top of the device, which allows the hair to be divided into any segment while maintaining the visual impression of the fully exposed scalp.

The most delicate are the so  called lace , and its most common use is for finishing the edges of the prosthesis, especially in front, where some models create a simulation of smaller and thinner hairs that grow on the edge – called hair of the unfolding line (known as baby hair ).

The best known types are the French (more common, it has a good result and durability) and Swiss (which give an even better result, it is thinner and easier to disguise than the French, but also more delicate and easier to get damaged, and therefore recommended for experienced users).

The microskin (skin fine or Polyskin ) is a thin film, transparent, typically made of silicone or polyurethane (PU), which sticks on the scalp skin of the user. It is more resistant than screens, so they often last longer and adhere more securely, but it is also more evident, despite having a good aesthetic result.

Most of the partial dentures use a micro-skin base . Some models are micro-perforated to allow ventilation of the scalp , but some parts must be frequently separated for cleaning of the head and the prosthesis.

There are designs made exclusively with screens or micro-skin, but the most common is to find pieces with different combinations of the two materials: generally the micro-skin is used in the circumference of the prosthesis to provide more strength in the area of ​​adhesive application, and they are applied the screens on the top of the head (to allow ventilation and distribution of the hair with natural effect) and forehead (to give a more natural finish in the transition between the prosthesis and the skin of the user, simulating the line of hairline). Some designs use stronger and more noticeable stretch fabrics at the back of the head, where the skin is not exposed, reducing the cost of the piece.

How long does a hair prosthesis last?

In general, a prosthesis usually lasts from 6 months to 2 years , but this time can be longer or shorter, depending mainly on the quality and resistance of the materials used in the manufacture of the piece and respect for routine care and maintenance. by the user.

Do I need to take it off every day?

No . Models that are adhered to the scalp with glue or special adhesive can be used for continuous periods of 20 days (the time varies depending on the material used in the base of the prosthesis and the type of glue or adhesive). At the end of each period the piece must be removed to remove the old adhesive, clean the scalp and the prosthesis and apply it again. The procedure can be done in a specialized area, but many more experienced users can do it at home with no problems.

What precautions are necessary to preserve the piece?

  • It is essential to respect the period of continuous use recommended for your prosthesis, doing the necessary regular maintenance and using only the appropriate products (removers and specific adhesive for hair prostheses).
  • In general, it is recommended to wash your hair with neutral shampoos without salt or sulfates , and avoid any product that contains alcohol.
  • In models in which the hairs are mixed with the natural ones, it is good to avoid the application of creams and conditioners in the area near the base , to prevent the nodes from weakening and to stimulate the release of the hair.
  • As the hair is not placed in a follicle, it does not receive the sebum that ensures hydration, softness and protection of natural hair. To compensate for this, it is good to apply hair oils regularly to the hair extension (again, always avoiding the foundation).
  • It is allowed to play sports and enter the sea or the pool using the prosthesis, but it is recommended that it always be washed afterwards .
  • Handle the hair with care to avoid breaking or falling out, so you should detangle them with a soft brush and without sudden movements. When washing, instead of scrubbing your hair, just gently massage with shampoo and keep moving in one direction (top to bottom).
  • Although the adhesives promote a firm grip of the prosthesis on the scalp, it is always good to avoid exaggerated stresses to protect both the prosthesis and the skin.

Can I dye, straighten or make any other changes to the hair?

It depends on the material. The synthetic hair style (curly, straight, etc.) is usually definitive : even if it is wet, when it dries it will take its original design. Natural hair dyes don’t usually work well on synthetic hair either. They generally do not tolerate a lot of heat, so the use of dryers, hot irons and babyliss is prohibited (be careful even with other sources of heat, such as when opening the hot oven).

The shine of some types of synthetic hair is much higher than that of natural hair, which makes the look somewhat artificial (some people apply face powder or baby powder to correct this effect).

Natural hair prostheses accept all kinds of standard treatments , although they require some specific care: as the original hair (mostly from Asia), they have generally already received coloring , straightening or permanent for the composition of the different types sold in the market, the ideal is that you take care of the prosthesis as you would with delicate hair.

Shampoos, mild neutral conditioners, alcohol-free products, cold water for washing and detangling creams are recommended. It is good to avoid applying conditioners and creams too close to the root of the hair (in models in which the hair is attached to the base of the prosthesis through a node, the conditioners can stimulate hair loss), and upon application of dyes, you must be careful not to also affect the color of the denture base.

If I use a partial hair prosthesis, won’t the hair be very different from mine?

No . In that case, you will get a series of prostheses (hair color, texture and density) similar to your natural hair, and a little longer than what you are going to use. A skilled hairdresser can then cut and touch up the prosthetic hair to match your real hair without any apparent division between the two.

Is it necessary to shave the hair from under the prosthesis?

It depends on the model . If the fixation is done with glue or adhesives, the ideal is that the points where the prosthesis is inserted have the scalp exposed. In the case of a partial hair prosthesis based on micro-skin , for example, they can grow in the grip area to be shaved during regular maintenance. In the case of the frontal adjustment screen (LACE), for example, the adhesive is applied immediately in front of the hairline, and therefore it is not necessary to shave it.

Isn’t having the skin trapped by the hair prosthesis for so many days cause me fungus, irritation or sores?

Usually no . Most of these problems are caused by users who:

  • They do not respect the maintenance periods of their prosthesis model and stay with it for longer than recommended, without periodic cleaning of the prosthesis and the head;
  • They use unsuitable products to attach the prosthesis to the scalp (which can cause allergies and irritations);
  • They do not remove the prosthesis in the correct way , with the appropriate adhesive remover (some people do not wait for the product to take effect and force the prosthesis to detach, pulling and causing sores on the skin);
  • The prosthesis was attached to an area that was already compromised by fungus or infection (which is certainly prohibited and can aggravate the initial problem).

How much does a hair prosthesis cost?

The price of hair prostheses varies widely. In general, good pieces can be found with values between € 600 and € 2,000 , but prices can fluctuate significantly above or below that range, depending on numerous factors such as part size, materials, manufacturing quality, length. hair, finishes, etc.

How much is spent on maintenance of a hair prosthesis?

Prices vary a lot, but in general the value of a maintenance professional (labor and products included) is around € 50 to € 100 . With less than € 150 you can buy the necessary products ( glue or adhesive remover , protective lotion for the scalp ) on your own, in sufficient quantity to use them several times, and then you will only have to hire the labor or even do it you if you have the ability. In the end, the value should be very close to what a person with natural hair normally spends on regular visits to the salon.

Where can I buy a hair prosthesis?

You can buy your prosthesis in salons and specialized stores , but most users buy the pieces online in virtual stores (national and international). In specialized rooms you can see and manipulate the product before buying it, or even request a prosthesis adapted to you, but on the Internet the variety of products is greater (and, often the prices are lower).

We leave you some of the best prostheses that you can find in amazon at unbeatable prices:

  • Lordhair 100% Human Hair Indian Hair French Lace Darkest Brown 2 # Hair Color Hair Replacement Men’s Toupee Click on the images to enlarge:
  • Lordhair Human Hair 0.08mm Transparent Super Thin Skin Front 1/2 V-loops Color # 4ASH Toupee For Men Click on the images to enlarge:
  • Lordhair real human hair thin skin skin black color 1B # hair color Click on the pictures to enlarge:
  • Lordhair 100% Indian Human Hair Natural Straight Lace Front Wig Color # 1B 18inches Lace Front Wig Click on the images to enlarge:
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Kathie Sand always saw the world of beauty as the terrain on which to build her professional career, a goal that was clear to her when she was only 15 years old. Her great concern to expand knowledge led her to settle in Paris where she studied hand in hand with the best beauty professionals and with the most advanced techniques for skin care.

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