Friday, December 3, 2010

Ron Santo News

While I was in my salon today I received a phone call around 3 pm. It was a reporter from the Chicago Tribune. She called me with the intent to find the person who made a hair piece for Ron Santo. I unfortunately could not help her with this, I was sad to hear about his passing. The reporter was also interested in making a story focused on hair replacement, something I am an expert in. This sounds like a good idea. Hair is an important part of a persons appearance.  Ron Santo knew that as well, that is why he liked wearing a hair replacement system. Many time it has been proven that having hair also helps in this bad economy with getting the job you deserve. It is an investment which will pay off in the long run career wise as well as socially. when You look good you feel good which overall raises your mood. and self-esteem.  Ounce again I would like to send my condolences to the Santo family.

Monday, November 29, 2010

Hair Loss

Hair loss

Normal hair loss
 Every person goes through regular hair loss. An average hair growth cycle lasts from 3 to 6 years. Each individual hair grows half an inch a month. 90 % of the hair on your scalp constantly grows; the other 10 % at any one time is at a resting point. This resting hair after 3 to 5 months falls out to be replaced by new hair.

Excessive hair loss
There is no one cause for excessive hair loss. Number of things can affect the way your hair acts. There are many medications that impact your hair in such way; woman may experience minimal hair loss with the use of birth control. Many times after being sick or going through a surgery an individual may also experience excessive hair loss, due to stress and medication. Another cause may be hormonal imbalance; this applies to both males and females. All of these factors contribute to excessive hair loss, but all of them are reversible with certain life style changes.

Common Hair Loss
The most common form of hair loss in men is male-pattern baldness. This type of hair loss is usually an inherited trait. Developing this at an early age usually results in a more excessive hair loss over an extended period of time. This type of baldness starts either at the temples or the crown of the head.
Are there any cures?
If a treatment is available depends on the basis of your hair loss. If it is caused by a certain medication you are using, your doctor may be able to switch you to a different prescription. If the hair loss is due to hormonal imbalance, correcting that issue may also prevent your hair loss.
You may also turn to medical hair implants which are not the right solution for everyone. It is very expensive and time consuming to transplant hair onto a large balding area. Even after the procedure there is a possibility the hairs will not stay in and fall out after a period of time. Another thing to consider when thinking about getting hair implants is that after the surgery you will experience slight pain and discomfort.
Finally there is the solution that we offer at David Hansen. There are many different types of hair replacement systems that may suit your needs.  This includes everything from different base materials such as injected skin  and fine welded mono to diverse ways of attachment. The hair piece is designed to suit your personal needs based on your level of activity, if you would like to take it off or not, and even if you consider going into water with them on. Hair replacement systems are the best and safest way of looking and feeling great.

Saturday, November 27, 2010

Hair replacement Question and Answers

Questions & Answers



HOW WILL A HAIR REPLACEMENT SYSTEM FEEL ON MY HEAD?                                                          On average the custom-made hair pieces only weigh about two ounces. After the system is cut and styled with your existing hair it won't feel anything but natural. Hair itself has very little weight, and the base is made of either fine welded mono or skin injected material. Both materials are light weight, perfect fitting, lightly ventilated and they takes on the color of your skin.  

WHAT HOLDS THE HAIRPIECE ON?
Usually two-sided adhesive tape or bonding glue is used to hold a system on your head. Tapes are available in rolls or pre-cut strips of various sizes, shapes, and strengths. Choosing which tape best suits you and your hair replacement system is matter of individual preference. You will be shown an assortment of tapes by David who can further help you with your choice. Bonding glue, which is removed with alcohol or adhesive remover, is also on the market. These come in a large selection, and you will be sure to find one that is fitting based on your needs.




WILL I HAVE TO WORRY ABOUT LOSING MY HAIR RESTORATION SYSTEM IN A WINDY CITY?                           
Never, if the tape is put on properly and applied to a clean scalp, it would take a 100 mph wind
to loosen it. You would blow away before that happened!




HOW LONG DOSS IT TAKE TO PHYSICALLY MAKE MY HAIR REPLACEMENT SYSTEM?
 All the replacement systems are custom made for each individual. The process of making the system will take from six to eight weeks. In the mean time let your hair grow out, this way you will achieve the best results during the cut in.



IS IT POSSIBLE TO CHANGE THE STYLE OF MY HAIRPIECE AFTER IT IS MADE?
Absolutely, the hair replacement system                                                                                                         is designed to allow versatility. No matter what hair style you prefer it can                                                be achieved and changed on a daily basis. You want for your hair to look natural no matter which way the wind blows it. The Hair moves, which means that the hair system should be designed and cut in a way where this is possible.



HOW MUCH TIME DO I HAVE TO SPEND ON MY HAIR RESTORATION SYSTEM A DAY?
 Approximately three or four minutes once you are familiar with the procedure.                            At first, you'll naturally be fussing with it little longer. Take all the time you need until you learn how to do it properly which I will teach you each time you come in. Patience is important at this stage, not time. All that is required is a hair pick, and then secure it to your scalp                         before combing your own hair over it. On days when you change the tape, allow an extra minute or two, that's all you'll need.


WHAT SUPPLIES WILL I NEED TO CARE FOR MY HAIR RESTORATION SYSTEM ON A DAILY BASIS?
Most of the supplies you'll need are available to purchase either on our web-site or during your visit. In addition, you'll find it convenient to have a Styrofoam head block and a few pins with which to secure the piece onto the block. You can get these from David. You will also want                                                   to buy a roll or two of tape so that you'll be able to put your hair replacement system back on after taking it off. This link will lead you to our online store which contains all the products you may need.


I HAVE SEEN ADS FOR HAIR REPLACEMENT SYSTEMS CLAIMING THAT YOU CAN WEAR A HAIRPIECE ALL WEEK, EVEN WHILE SHOWERING AND SLEEPING. CAN I DO THAT WITH A DAVID HANSEN HAIR REPLACEMENT SYSTEM?
This all depends on what kind of hair replacement system you choose. If you want to keep your hairpiece on for 3 to 4 months at a time the bonding option is best for you. We do offer bonding.


I DO A LOT OF SWIMMING AND SPEND QUITE A BIT OF TIME OUTDOORS. I DON'T WANT TO TAKE MY HAIR REPLACEMENT SYSTEM OFF DURING THAT TIME. WHAT CAN I DO?
I recommend that you do not swim in your hairpiece because it shortens its lifespan. It is better to either keep your head above water or wear a swimming cap on. If you insist on swimming in your hair piece you should either apply a stronger bonding tape before hand or maybe the bonding option is the right choice for you.


WHAT SHOULD I DO WITH MY HAIRPIECE AT NIGHT?
Take off your hair replacement system before you go to sleep. You'll be preserving the life of the piece and allowing your scalp to breathe. Put the hairpiece on the small styrofoam head, any place where it can retain its shape.


IS IT DIFFICULT TO PUT A HAIRPIECE BACK ON AFTER REMOVING IT THE NIGHT BEFORE?
No, it is a very simple procedure that David will teach you at the time you pick up your hairpiece. Basically, it consists of merely washing and drying your own hair as you normally would, securing the piece into position, and combing a small amount of your own hair in with that of the hairpiece.


I AM A BACHELOR. COULDN'T I LEAVE MY HAIR REPLACEMENT ON ALL NIGHT, LIKE WHEN I'M WITH A NEW GIRLFRIEND WHO DOESN'T KNOW ABOUT IT?
Of course, an occasional night of wearing your hairpiece will not cause much harm. Only repetitive 24-hour wearing will lead to damage. In fact, you may want to know that you don’t need to worry about your hairpiece coming off on those occasions. Even excessive activity will not dislodge it or cause you any embarrassment. It's on your head until you decide to take it off. Another option you may consider is getting an injected skin base system which feels like skin when touched and in completely transparent. You may either use tape to hold it in place or get it bonded on.


IF MY GIRLFRIEND RUNS HER FINGERS THROUGH MY HAIR, WILL SHE BE ABLE TO DETECT THE HAIR REPLACEMENT?
The best option for this particular person would be an injected skin base system. You cannot feel the piece under your fingers. It looks and feels like your own skin.


I WEAR GLASSES. WILL THIS INTERFERE WITH MY HAIR RESTORATION SYSTEM?
There is no connection between wearing glasses and a hair piece. It should not be a concern.


HOW DO I CLEAN MY HAIR REPLACEMENT SYSTEM?
You don't! Or at least you shouldn't. Bring it or send it to David for servicing A hairpiece is a delicate object that requires gentle care. It must be cleaned with a special fluid that performs best when handled by a professional if there is tape residue on the patch material. Only in very rare cases, when it is impossible for a man to return regularly to the shop, will David Hansen personally train him or his wife to clean the hairpiece. It's not practical to do it at home if David is accessible. Besides, another advantage of leaving the cleaning to Mr. Hansen is that he can check the hairpiece on a regular basis for signs of wear or oxidation and make any adjustments necessary. Your hairpiece is cleaned at the same time your own hair is being styled, so the arrangement is quite convenient.


HOW OFTEN IS CLEANING NECESSARY?
Your hairpiece should be serviced whenever you come in for a haircut; this is usually every 3 to 4 weeks. Remember, you wear it every day, and like your own hair, it must be kept clean in order to be manageable.


WHAT DOES SERVICING INCLUDE?
The tape and hair spray residue is removed from the hairpiece. By the time the stylist is finished cleaning your hairpiece, its original fluffiness and bounce are restored and your style is once again set in. Your own hair is shampooed, cut and styled concurrently, so the entire procedure takes only 1/2 hour.


IS IT POSSIBLE TO APPLY HAIR PRODUCTS TO A HAIRPIECE?
You do not have to apply any products onto your hairpiece. If you want to use products on daily bases please use ones designed especially for hair replacement systems. This reduces the damage to a hairpiece. We do offer a full line of hair piece products in the shop as well as right on our website.


WHAT SYMPTOMS WILL I NOTICE WHEN MY HAIRPIECE IS STARTING TO WEAR OUT?
Not all symptoms occur at the same time, but eventually you will notice one or two of them. Hair, just like your natural hair, will slowly begin to oxidize and get either a reddish tint or two to three shades lighter. This is not a drastic change. It is a very gradual one that is barely detectable by others. Also, after a long period of continuous use, hair may slowly begin to fall out (this can be fixed by either bringing or sending the hair replacement system to David to have the hair added in by a professional or, through rough handling, your base may tear this might be fixed ,but the tear first has to be examined by David.


HOW LONG CAN I EXPECT MY HAIR REPLACEMENT TO LAST?
This depends on the type of hairpiece you have. Expect a custom-made piece to look fantastic for about a year. After that, as the first signs of age appear, repairs can be made. It will then be useable for several more years as a secondary or knock around piece. 

Friday, November 19, 2010

Surgical Hair Replacement


Surgical Hair Replacement  


Many people all over the United States consider surgical hair restoration as their solution to hair loss. Hair transplants are performed by harvesting DHT resistant hair from the back of the scalp.  Since everyone has a different genetic makeup in surgical hair restoration you are your own donor (hair can be transplanted from identical twins with the same genetic makeup). The hair from the back of your scalp is transferred to the balding area.

The hair follicles gathered forms the donating area are called grafts. These include one or more hair follicles with the associated hair, skin, and tissue. The grafts are later implanted into the balding area according to the recession.  Since not everyone has the same kind of hair and scalp, not everyone is a good candidate. According to the American Hair Loss Association “It is also important to note that surgery should always be your last resort after all attempts to stop the progression of your hair loss have been exhausted. Currently in the United States the field of surgical hair restoration is completely unregulated by both the government and the medical community. In the US any licensed physician can legally perform hair transplant surgery without any prior surgical training or accreditation of any kind. Every physician, MD or DO, has the legal right to pick up a scalpel and proclaim him/herself a qualified hair transplant surgeon”. Because of this finding a trustworthy surgical hair restoration clinic is very hard. Many but not all televised hair transplant companies are created solely for profit, and not customer satisfaction. Larger the company the less quality they acquire.

Many people who have high expectations going into the surgery come out disappointed.  Since you can only retrieve so much hair from the back of your head, you can only cover the same amount of your balding area. That donor hair has to be evenly distributed, and is not ideal for people with a large balding area. When considering surgical hair replacement you have to keep in mind that your recession may still continue.

The procedure itself is very time consuming and costly. One procedure takes anywhere from five to eight hours. Since the number of procedures depends on the extent of your hair loss, one session is usually, not enough to cover the whole area. Most people may have to have several procedures each taking up to ten hours.

You must also take under consideration some guidelines that come with surgical hair restoration. Your doctor will instruct you specifically on what you can eat, drink, and the medications you should avoid before the surgery. It is also very important for smokers to realize that they cannot smoke for at least two weeks before and at least one month after the surgery. Because smocking interferes with the blood flow to the skin it will slow down the healing process.

After the surgery is completed, the patient cannot drive home. You must have someone who is able to pick you up.  Many doctors claim that a patient will be able to get back to their day to day lives after one or two days, but realistically it is best to rest at least a week after the procedure.  

Monday, November 15, 2010

Medical Hair Loss Solution (therapeutic prosthesis)
The common name for medical hair loss solution is cranial prosthesis.
These are designed by David Hansen for people experiencing hair loss due to:
·      Chemo-therapy
·      Radiation
·      All types of Alopecia
·      Burn victims
·      Accident victims


Chemo-therapy and radiation
Many radiation and chemo-therapy patients experience hair loss during their treatment. This could last anywhere from a year up, meanwhile there are solutions to this excessive hair loss. Custom made full scull-caps are especially designed to cover the entire balding area from the widow’s peak all the way to the nape of the neck. This gives the patient a full head of natural looking hair, similar to the way they had it before the hair loss.

Hair loss causing cancers
Various types of cancer such as skin cancer, Merkel cell cancer, and Lymphoma may cause permanent hair loss. These types of cancer can develop in and destroy hair follicles.  Some cancers located in different parts of the body including breasts, liver, kidneys, and lungs can also spread to the skin and destroy hair follicles. After the hair follicles are destroyed the hair loss is permanent.

Chemotherapy and cancer treatment hair loss
Cancer treatments such as chemotherapy, chemotherapy drugs, and radiation may result in hair loss. This can vary from temporary to permanent hair loss. While with chemotherapy the hair loss is usually temporary when it comes to radiation it can go either way.
With chemotherapy if an individual is going to lose their hair varies with each patient. Some people experience hair loss that usually begins one to three weeks after the beginning of treatment, others do not experience hair loss at all. The hair loss due to chemotherapy usually starts growing back anywhere from six months to a year after the treatment.
Since custom made cranial prosthesis take six to eight weeks to be produced depending on the time of the year, it is better to order your prosthesis before the hair loss occurs. By planning in advance it is also possible for David Hansen the hair replacement specialist(main page)  to match your original hair color, texture, and wave pattern.


Alopecia (totalis, universalis, areata)
Alopecia is a skin condition affecting both women and men characterized by hair-loss usually affecting the scalp. Depending on the type of alopecia the hair loss may also affect other areas of the body. The most common type of alopecia is alopecia areata. Alopecia can also occur in the form of alopecia totalis and a less frequent form called alopecia universalis.

Alopecia areta



Alopecia areta is an autoimmune disorder characterized by a rapid hair loss on the scalp. This type of alopecia is caused by the immune system attacking certain hair follicles. It usually begins with one or two small, round, smooth patches on the head. This disease often strikes children and teenagers but also affects adults. One side of the scalp usually experiences more hair loss than the other and can progress into total hair loss. The hair can grow back and fall out randomly depending on each individual.

Alopecia totalis

In alopecia totalis all of the hair on the scalp is lost. There are two types of alopecia totalis one that starts off as alopecial arieata and later on advances into alopecia totalis, the other form is a fairly sudden loss of hair. This usually affects individuals under the age of 40, though it can affect people of any age.

Alopecai universalis
                                                       
Alopecia universalis is the rarest form of alopecia. This type of alopecia results in hair loss thought the whole body. Individuals experiencing alopecia universalis are born without any hair on their body (eyebrows, eyelashes etc.) This form of alopecia is caused by a mutation in the genes, even though individuals with alopecia universalis may be born with some hair it will eventually fall out.


                                               Burn and accident victims               

Hair loss may also be caused by injuries and burns. This type of hair loss can be either temporary or permanent depending on the extent of the damage to the hair follicles.


Insurance coverage options
Individuals experiencing hair loss due to medical reasons such as cancer, alopecia, accidents, or burns may be eligible for between 80 to a 100% reimbursement from their insurance provider.

There are several guidelines you need to follow in order to receive this coverage:
·       Check the benefits of your insurance (usually there is a section under covered expenses that relates to prostheses.)
·       You would need to ask your physician to write you a prescription for FULL CRANIAL HAIR PROSTHESIS
·       To be safe you may also want to ask the physician to write a letter explaining the impact hair loss has on a person’s well being that are symptomatic  of your condition.  Low self esteem, depression and isolation are some common symptoms.
·       Once you order your cranial hair prosthesis keep the copy of your sales or invoice receipt.
·       You may also include a letter from you explaining the importance of the prosthesis for your well being.

Friday, November 12, 2010

Chemotherapy Hair Loss Solution For Men


Cancer hair loss solutions for men

Hair loss causing cancers
              Various types of cancer such as skin cancer, Merkel cell cancer, and Lymphoma may cause permanent hair loss. These types of cancer can develop in and destroy hair follicles.  Some cancers in different places in the body including breasts, liver, kidneys, and lungs can also spread to the skin and destroy hair follicles. After the hair follicles are destroyed the hair loss is permanent.

Chemotherapy and cancer treatment hair loss
              Cancer treatments such as chemotherapy, chemotherapy drugs, and radiation may result in hair loss. This can vary from temporary to permanent hair loss. While with chemotherapy the hair loss is usually temporary when it comes to radiation it can go either way.
              With chemotherapy if an individual is going to lose their hair is varies with each patient. Some people experience hair loss that usually begins one to three after the beginning of treatment, others do not experience hair loss at all. The hair lost due to chemotherapy usually starts growing back anywhere from six months to a year after the treatment.
              Since custom made cranial prosthesis take six to eight weeks to be produced depending on the time of the year, it is better to order your prosthesis before the hair loss occurs. By planning in advance it is also possible for David Hansen to match your original color, texture, and wave pattern.  

Insurance coverage options
Individuals experiencing hair loss due to medical reasons such as cancer or alopecia may be eligible for between 80 to a 100% reimbursement from their insurance provider.
There are several guidelines you need to follow in order to receive this coverage:
·       Check the benefits of your insurance (usually there is a section under covered expenses that relates to prostheses.)
·       You would need to ask your physician to write you a prescription for FULL CRANIAL HAIR PROSTHESIS
·       To be safe you may also want to ask the physician to write a letter explaining the impact hair loss has on a person’s well being that are symptomatic  of your condition.  Low self esteem, depression and isolation are some common symptoms.
·       Once you order your cranial hair prosthesis keep the copy of your sales or invoice receipt.
·       You may also include a letter from you explaining the importance of the prosthesis for your well being.

For more information on obtaining the full cranial prosthesis contact David Hansen 312-943-8171

www.davidhansen.com

Wednesday, November 10, 2010

Non-surgical hair replacement

Non-surgical hair replacement

Non-surgical hair replacement is a great option for individuals suffering from excessive hair loss. Non-surgical hair replacement refers to any hair replacement solution that is non invasive. This is the safest way of restoring your natural hair. There are many risks that come with surgical hair replacement that can be avoided with non-surgical hair replacement. There is never a guarantee that the hair implanted to the balding area will adapt. The procedure may result with the hair falling out as soon as a month and even up to 2 years after the surgery was done. This option is also very time consuming, expensive, and painful. You have to consider a certain recovery period as well as a possible infection.  Many customers are not satisfied with the results they get from non-surgical hair replacement that is due to large company’s lack of personal attention to the clients.  Even though there are many companies out there that are simply trying to make profit by selling the hair replacement systems using stock pieces for a low price, there are also companies that care about offering a customized and undetectable results. David Hansen’s offers the highest quality undetectable systems that are custom designed for every individual to fit their specific needs.

Non-surgical hair replacement refers to hair replacement systems such as hair pieces which are designed to cover the bolding area. These systems can be attached in the following ways:


Bonding = a semi-permanent solution to hair loss. The hair replacement system is attached to the balding area with a strong glue and exchanged every 2 to 4 months based on personal preference.  

Pros
·       The client does not have to take the system off every night.
·       The client is able to swim with the hair piece on
Cons
·       It can be unhealthy for your hair and head
·       Flaked-off skin cells, oil, and other organic debris accumulate between the scalp and the system.
·       May result in skin irritation if not properly maintained.


Double-sided tape= a system attachment product.

Pros
·       Enables the user to take off the hairpiece whenever they want to.
·       A more sanitary way of wearing a hair replacement system.
·       Enables the scalp to be clean and able to breathe.
·       Protects the scalp from infections.
Con
·       May leave residue on the head which can be removed by washing the scalp.
Non-surgical hair replacement may be designed with various base materials. We offer the best system bases on the market today. After experimenting with different types of hair replacement bases we have narrowed it down to the best which are:

Fine welded mono= A see through nylon lace which takes on the skin color to which the hair is individually attached.
·         
      More durable
·       Takes on the color of the skin
·       Enables the scalp to breath
·       Comfortable to wear
·       Easy to add hair to the hair replacement system

Injected skin base= individual hairs injected into the skin based material.
·       Transparent
·       Undetectable to touch
·       Comfortable to wear
·       Light weight
·       Hair looks like it is coming right out of your skin
·       More delicate

The hair that is used with a non-surgical hair replacement is either human hair or synthetic hair. At David Hansen’s we refuse to use synthetic hair. Even though it is more expensive to use human hair you will never get a natural look with a hair replacement system that uses synthetic hair. If it is not human hair it will not look real. Synthetic hair unlike natural human hair looks and feels dull over time creating tangles. It cannot be styled using hot tools because synthetic hair will burn under these conditions. Synthetic hair feels and looks unnatural.




Non-surgical hair replacements come in different sizes and shapes. At David Hansen’s we offer custom fitted hair replacements such as

Partials

This type of hair replacement is designed to cover a smaller area. It covers the spot where the hair is missing. This is a good solution for someone who just started noticing hair loss in either the temples or the top crown area. This is also a good solution for people suffering from Alopecia Areata who have bald spots in different parts of the scalp.

Regular hair replacement piece

This is a system covering the balding area. This is usually made for clients experiencing male pattern baldness. It covers a larger balding area that you would get with a partial piece.

Full skull cap

This is a system commonly used by people suffering from Alopecia Totalis , Universalis, as well as Cancer patients. This system covers the entire head and it is highly specialized.

Non-surgical hair replacements also come in different veracities. You can buy a stock piece or a custom made system.  Stocks pieces usually but not always are made with synthetic hair. They do not match your hair perfectly because this is impossible to achieve unless the piece is custom created to match your hair. Your hair is not all one color; it is a mix of different shades. To achieve a natural look a hair sample needs to be taken from different parts of the clients head to match the hair perfectly. David Hansen offers only custom made human hair pieces to get undetectable results.