Who Is David Hansen?: The Man Behind the Magic.

David Hansen is a Chicago men's hair piece specialist. He is a friend to his clients and he is the formula for excellence. He combines passion, knowledge and over 50 years of experience to create the best hair piece available.  He is not a sales person, he does not hire sales people, he simply does his work and does it the best way possible. If you include all these aspects in your business you will not need sales people, your customers will come back to achieve the same amazing hair restoration results time and time again.   

David Hansen can be described as no less than an artist when it comes hair replacement systems. His tools include shears, a razor, a vent brush, and a hair dryer, all used in a unique European technique. His canvas is the hair piece which is custom made for each individual. He puts his heart and soul into every hair restoration system, trying to make the next one better than the last. Because of that he builds such a strong relationship with his customers, treating each like family. It is his mission to ensure that they are provided with the best hair replacement possible.

David Hansen uses only the best state of the art products on the market to help you achieve your perfect look. We offer the latest fine mono welded base material and a personal custom scalp fitting for a perfect system each time. Each visit is followed by a personal lesson with David Hansen to help you achieve that same perfect look each time you put on the system yourself.

We offer a personal confidential experience for each client that walks through our door. David Hansen works on every client himself, so each visitor is a special and unique addition to his 50-plus years of unmatched expertise. It also allows our client the privacy, comfort, and security of knowing that they have chosen the very best. The formula to our excellence is experience, passion and knowledge. 

David Hansen, also known in the Chicago area as the Hair Doctor, has found it hard, if not impossible, to find someone who knows more about men’s non-surgical custom hair replacement than he does. He has over 50 years of experience and countless awards, which can also be viewed on our site. He is familiar with all types of hair; no matter the age, gender or nationality, David Hansen has done it all. Each hairpiece has to be designed for the individual based on their face shape, balding pattern, age, and hair type. This process is not just a business-it is an art. David Hansen is a part of a rare breed of people whose passion for what they do has motivated them beyond average, or even better than most.  He is simply the best.

During his 5 decades of custom hair restoration, David has experimented in all aspects of the hair replacement business to make sure that his hair pieces are the best in the world. He is also involved in every aspect of creating a hair piece in order to get the best results.  Because of his superior skills, David has had many opportunities to expand his business greatly in size and number of employees. It may come as a surprise to some that he has turned these down.

Why would he do such a thing? Isn't bigger always better? The answer is a resounding 'NO.' Large business have a tendency to gradually lose quality in their products to pursue a higher quantity of customers.  When there are too many people involved in the process it is easier for mistakes to be made by inexperienced people hired to fill in gaps. David does not want to be the largest in the world. He wants to be the best, and that’s exactly what he is. What make us better is not centered around our marketing skills but the fact that we have the best hair replacement designer that you can find.

75% of getting an undetectable hair replacement comes from the actual cutting in of the hair replacement system. If the hair piece is not cut in the right way it will not look natural. That is what most other hair replacement companies on the market lack; most regular barbers simply don't know how to cut hair for a man wearing a hairpiece. David Hansen's superior natural hair and hairpiece styling have earned him multiple state, national, and international awards in hairpiece design. His understanding of how hair moves and acts enables him to blend your hair undetectably with the hair replacement system.

David Hansen opened his first shop in 1965 by the corner of Chicago and Michigan Avenue. Here, he began to  start teaching other barbers and hairdressers his craft. He also entered and won many competitions in creating hair pieces. David's teaching took him all over the United States, the Bahamas, Canada, and Mexico. He had created for himself first opportunities to make hair replacement systems. He had realised his dream, and became the very best in his field. In 1970 he moved to his second salon, at the John Hancock Center on Michigan Ave. The shop became the best and most popular in Chicago. After 5 years of extraordinary success he decided to downsize his business and work alone, moving to a smaller location where his most loyal customers followed. This was his ultimate proof that people were grateful and had respect respected for his work. He is currently located in the beautiful Gold Coast of Chicago, at 770 N LaSalle Center.

The Hair Games: Human Vs. Synthetic

In today's economy, there are thousands of cheap choices for those looking for a hairpiece. Most uninformed people, however, find themselves unsatisfied with their inexpensive purchases. Whether the hair doesn't look natural, the style is unflattering, or it melts (yes, MELTS) with the use of hot tools. The largest culprit for this disappointment? Cheap wigs and hairpieces are made from Synthetic hair, instead of Human Hair. 

Through David Hansen's 50 years of experiences, he has seen customers enter a cycle that involves buying a synthetic wig, becoming unsatisfied with its quality and returning to purchase another synthetic. Many of these same customers feel that they do not want to invest in a human hair wig at the time of purchase, and choose to go with the more affordable synthetic wig. In fact, having to purchase and cut in a synthetic hairpiece every 3 or 4 months will rack up a higher expense than purchasing just one, top-quality human hairpiece from David Hansen. After talking to our clients, we discovered that most of them purchase a new piece every 4 or more years, and continue to wear that first piece (rotating with the new one) for 5 to 10 years after that. 

So, what's the big deal with synthetic hair?

Synthetic Hair Wigs require very little maintenance and are less expensive than their human hair counterparts, but is not necessarily the best deal. The “hair” in these wigs is made out of a monofilament fiber, and as a result means these wigs better hold short-term waves, curls, texture and volume without daily upkeep. Synthetic wigs can be returned to their original style by washing them. Because these hair fibers are a form of plastic, synthetic wigs are unable to endure a permanent wave or color change and can be damaged by curling irons, blow dryers and hot rollers. It can also give off a shine that looks unnatural (it can be TOO shiny, with a plastic-y sheen to it), and requires specific tools to prevent tangling and fraying. Synthetic hair is most popular in fashion wigs and costume wigs, which are not meant for everyday wear. 

Why is human hair a better option?

Custom Hairpieces made from 100% natural human hair are the more natural, durable and flexible wig choice. Unlike synthetic wigs, human hair wigs may be freely styled, permed and colored in any way desired. Human hair wigs are typically more expensive than synthetic wigs, but the durability, flexibility, and natural appearance is worth the price. 

The hair used in human hair wigs is selected strand by strand according to strict guidelines. This limit the availability of high quality hair on the global market, causing the price difference between synthetic and human hairpieces. One of these guidelines is that chemically damaged (permed, colored, or bleached) or low-quality hair (constant exposure to water, air, and sun can cause natural damage) cannot be used during the production process. Once hair has been selected for use in a human hair wig, it is treated with keratin-rich compounds that strengthen its cuticles and increase the durability and longevity of the hairpiece. Human hair is incomparable to synthetic hair — there is no reason to consider synthetic hair when offered quality human hair options.

Human Hair Wigs have Several Distinct Qualities:

Natural Appearance: Human Hairpieces from David Hansen Custom Hair Replacement look and feel so natural that they are virtually undetectable by others. After wearing a human hair custom piece for more than a week, it will is impossible to spot. Since human hair is like your own natural hair, it even bounces and moves with you as go on with your day. Synthetic wigs tend to remain in a fixed position despite movement, increasing its chances of being detected by others. 

Styling Flexibility: Curling irons, hot rollers and blow-dryers may used to style any human hairpiece allowing the wearer an infinite amount of styling possibilities. Human hairpieces may also be colored and dyed, although it is usually best to order any specific instead of waiting to change the color or wave pattern after the piece is made. Always ensure that a professional, like David Hansen, is the one to do this. All human hair sold at David Hansen has the cuticle intact, which allows the hair to move freely in any direction (meaning the hair may be parted in any direction). Synthetic wigs remain the same style after washes and most are irreparably damaged by hot tools such as curling irons.

Durability: Human hairpieces are more durable and longer lasting than their synthetic counterparts due to their chemical coating and intact cuticle hair. In addition to being naturally resilient, human hair wigs are chemically strengthened to allow for greater longevity and long-term wear. Synthetic wigs are made of fibers that are prone to heat damage that will cause them to fray over the course of a couple of months.

Ventilation: Human hairpieces are lightweight and allow the scalp to breathe and remain cool — just like your own natural hair! Synthetic fibers are not ideal for scalp ventilation and can scratch the head, causing a frustrating experience.

Hairpieces, as with everything related to fashion and apparel, are an investment in an individual’s beauty and self-confidence. And, as with any other product of this nature, the buyer will get what they pay for. Many who purchase a synthetic hairpiece and intend to wear it frequently find themselves unsatisfied with their purchase, and end up purchasing another hairpiece as a result. Customer feedback on synthetic wigs is always the same: they are itchy, uncomfortable and unnatural. 

Backed by our customers, David Hansen strongly recommends only 100% human hair custom made hairpieces to anyone planning to buy a hairpiece. Before honoring the bad rap that your doctor or neighbor has given human hair wigs, come in and give us a chance to show you what high quality human hair wigs can really do for you. Trust us, you’ll be happy you did!

Wearing Your Piece in Any Weather

Spring is here, which means unpredictable weather. How does this affect hairpiece wearers? Just like with natural hair, there are steps you must take to keep your hairpiece fresh, clean, and looking perfect.
Rain is one of the gentlest natural forces on your hairpiece, especially if you live in a rural area with low pollution. Air pollution and dust particles get trapped in raindrops that can get your piece dirty over time. If you have a custom made hairpiece, you won't have to worry about the style being ruined by a passing cloud. The hair in David Hansen's custom hair systems is ventilated by hand to achieve maximum mobility. If the rain tousles your style, your hairpiece is natural enough to just run a comb through it, and the style is done! All in all, a little rain won't hurt. But bring your umbrella!

Spending time in the sun can give your skin a great glow, but it can also bring some unwanted color to your hairpiece. When exposed to sunlight and air (especially near bodies of salt water), the hair in the piece can oxidize, or turn color. Pieces with grey or white hair can turn a yellowish color, blonde can gradually turn orange, and brunette pieces will display much more of a reddish tone.  This doesn't happen overnight, but a summer of fun in the sun can leave your piece looking lackluster after only a few months. There are options to both prevent and combat sun exposure. The first and most obvious is a hat. David Hansen's custom hairpieces use a lightweight yet durable mesh-type base that lets your scalp breathe just like it would with regular hair. Wearing a hat with one will not overheat your head like other hairpieces. The other option is talking to your stylist about shampoos used to tone yellow and red colors in the hair. These shampoos, like ShimmerLights, are purple or blue colored, and gradually remove yellow, orange, and red from hairpieces that have had too much sun or have aged considerably.

If a strong gust of wind blows past, your LAST thought should have to be worrying about your hairpiece staying on. If you have a custom hair replacement system from David Hansen, then your hairpiece is shaped perfectly to your head for an undetectable fit. If your scalp and piece are clean, and you are using the proper double-sided surgical tape, your hairpiece will stay on, even in winds that could blow YOU away!  The wind is not the danger to your hairpiece, but the wrong styling products are. NEVER use hairspray on a hair system. The alcohol, aerosol, and propellants in hairspray dehydrates hair and causes it to break easily. There is also alcohol in most generic hair products for natural hair. These chemicals are much too harsh for hair in hairpieces, so there are plenty of alternate styling tools and products that are alcohol-free.  You can buy Wet Look, a holding spray for hairpieces, at our studio. The best styling product for a hairpiece is just plain water. Custom hair replacement by David Hansen always styles easily, and can be combed back into place.

With the weather warming up, the beaches and pools will open. But before you take that dive, here's a few things you should know. Swimming in a hairpiece is one of the quickest ways to age it. Not only does the act of getting it wet and matted pull hairs out of the base and cause terrible tangling, what is IN the water can hurt the piece, too.  Chlorine from pools dries hair out, and will cause hairpieces to thin rapidly due to all the breakage. Salts from the ocean or salt lakes also have a drying effect on the hair. This combined with the matting of the hair can take years of life out of your piece.  There are a few alternatives to this, David Hansen suggests wearing a swim cap or even using an old hairpiece that has seen better days. The new ones, though, should be kept out of the water.

No matter what the weather may bring your way, you can keep you hairpiece looking undetectable!

How To Get A Perfect Piece

How is it that some hairpieces look terrible and others you don't even know are there? There are a lot of factors, of course, but when it comes the the actual hairpiece itself, there are few very important ones. Color, Curl (or Wave Pattern), Ventilation (or the way that the hair is sewn or knotted into the piece), and Density are 4 key ingredients to making your piece completely undetectable.

A hairpiece needs to match your own hair color perfectly. The best way to achieve a good result on your first order is to use a sample of your own hair. The sample should be about 2 inches long to achieve the best results. Another way to decide what hair color to order is by obtaining a color ring from a hair retailer or manufacturer. A color ring can also come in handy if you have gray hair in your piece, since many rings have samples of varying percentages of gray.

Next, you will need to decide how much curl you have in your natural hair.  Curl size is generally expressed in categories; straight, light wave, medium wave, tight wave, loose curl, tight curl, or kinky.  You should be able to get a good idea of the size curl you need simply by visiting a hair replacement specialist like David Hansen. 

Another thing you will have to decide before placing your order is the direction in which the hair is ventilated.  A  ventilator is a person who makes hairpieces.  The art of tying hair into a hairpiece base is called “ventilating”. Generally, when your order is placed the manufacturer asks what style ventilation you want. This means that you need to decide if you prefer the hair on the top to tend to lie forward, backward, or “freestyle”.

“Forward from the crown” means that the hair will tend to lie in a forward direction. “Flatback” means that the hair is tied in such a way that it naturally lies backward. “Freestyle”  is where the hair is ventilated in no particular direction, and is easy to style in many different ways. This is the way that many of David Hansen's pieces are ventilated, in order to give each client the most versatility that they can have in their hairpiece. Don't worry, though; If you decide to order forward ventilation, this doesn’t mean that you can’t wear it spiked up or combed back, but without styling products the hair will tend to lie in the direction in which it was ventilated.

Finally, there is the density of your hairpiece. This is an important step in creating a natural looking hairpiece. You have a little more flexibility in your choice of density in areas like the crown of the head, but the general rule when designing a hairpiece is “less is usually more”, especially on the top. 

An important thing to consider when choosing density is age. The older a man is and the finer and whiter his hair on the sides and back of his hair are, the less dense the hairpiece should be. It would look completely unnatural for a man to have thinning hair around his ears and in the back of his head and full, thick hair solely on the top.

Before you choose your density it’s a good idea to do some research. Take a look at the various densities of other men who are roughly your age. Make a mental note of how much density they appear to have on top, on the sides, and in the back.

Most men’s hair thins and recedes with age. Sure, there are some older men with very thick, full heads of hair and very little recession, but as a general rule most men who you wouldn’t even consider to be “balding” will lose density as time goes on. When choosing the density for your custom hairpiece remember that you  by slightly lowering the density, especially on the top, your piece will look more realistic. Little details like this can help improve the overall look of your Custom Hair Replacement System.  

This just goes to show that even with a light density on top, you can still look as if you have a full, healthy head of hair. When deciding on the density for the top, it’s always best to start low. If you aren’t comfortable with a super light density, step it up a little bit, but for your first order stick with a medium density at most. You can always add a bit more hair to the piece with the services of a ventilator, like the one working for David Hansen. The first thing that gives away a hairpiece is too much density, ESPECIALLY on the top. Most people think of the bad toupees of the past, and the fastest way to let everyone know you are wearing a hairpiece is to have hair that is too thick.

So, when you are ready for your new Custom Hair Replacement System, keep these details in the back of your mind.  We will be here to walk you though these and other steps you take towards the new you! 

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Answers to Our 10 Most Frequently Asked Questions

If you have a hair piece or are in the market for one, chances are you have or have had plenty of questions about your hairpiece. Here are the top 10 most frequently asked questions we've heard and their answers, direct from David Hansen.

1.  A tape-on system seems like a lot of work.  How long is this going to take me to put on?

Actually, it's barely any work at all! Our hair systems have thin strips on the inside that show you exactly where to put the tape. We also can sell you pre-cut tape and curved tape that is specifically designed for the front part of your hair piece.  Just take the old tape off at night, put your hair piece on a block at night, and in the morning, put the new tape on and pop it on your clean scalp. We also show you a step-by-step and allow you to practice putting it on when you come in to pick up your piece, so you are comfortable with securing the piece on your own head.  Even our most hesitant clients are now able to spend less than 5 minutes on their hair each morning!

2.  Do I need a lot of special supplies for my hair piece?

Nope! The minimum recommended supplies are: Canvas or Styrofoam Block (and holder), Straight Pins, Hair Pick, Tape, and Spray Bottle. We sell all these and other styling tools and products at our Chicago location.

3.  Can I swim in it?

This is one of our most frequently asked questions with the most ignored answer. You should NOT SWIM IN YOUR HAIRPIECE! Hair pieces can be expensive, and the salts and minerals in ocean water, lake water, and swimming pools will damage the hair in the piece. With proper care, a hair piece can last up to 10 years. A hair piece that takes constant use, such as in swimming pools, showers, and while sleeping, on average will last between 3 months and 2 years. SO DON'T SWIM IN IT.

4.  So I shouldn't sleep in it, either?

No! Sleeping will cause the hair to mat and trying to brush out tangles will cause the hair to pull out of the base. As the piece loses hair, it will become patchy and have bald spots in it.

5.  How often should I clean it?

Every 3-4 weeks. We will clean your piece when you come in for a haircut; it is included in our service.  If you can't make it in that often, fill a basin or sink with warm water, remove your piece, and wash gently with sulfate-free shampoo. Try to keep the piece flat while washing and rub the shampoo in a wide circle-hard erratic scrubbing can mat the hair. If the shampoo does not lather, wash it again. Rinse the hair, roll it in a towel to remove the excess moisture, and pin it to the block to dry. We'll show you how when you come in!

6.  Will people be able to tell this is fake if they get to close to my head?

Our custom hair pieces are just that-custom. We believe that hair pieces should fit like contact lenses- a perfect fit, comfortable, light, and measured specifically for you. The light flexible base, combined with a perfect hair sample match and superior ventilation, will blend in completely with your scalp.  Our custom hair pieces are COMPLETELY UNDETECTABLE. And they are so light and breathable, even you will forget it's there!

7.   Can I use styling products?

There are a few specific styling products that are gentle enough for a hair piece, but everyday styling products like hairspray and gels will dry out and damage the hair piece. We carry several of the highest recommended hair piece-safe styling products that you can purchase during your next visit.

8.  How long will it stay on?

Depends on the adhesive. Bonding will last 2-3 months without removal. It doesn't require you to take it off, however, it will force you to sleep, shower, and swim with it on. See questions 3 and 4.  A tape-on method has to be taken off every night, but if the tape is new and your head is clean and oil-free, the tape will last without any problems all day long, and will only come off when you take it off.

9.  How long will it take to get a hair system?

From the time we take your measurements and head mold, it takes between 4 and 6 weeks for your piece to be complete, sometimes sooner if your piece is smaller.

10.  What if I don't like the style of my hair piece after I wear it a few days?

You have several options. Put your piece on the block, pin it down, and spray with water. Use the pick or a brush to re-style the hair. Custom pieces allow each individual hair a full range of motion, so you can wear it in any direction you want. If you still are not satisfied and require a new cut, just bring it back in and we'll fix it until you love it.

Do you have any questions for us about hair pieces, hair loss, or our business?  Post them below and we will answer them in our next blog!!

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!