Friday, January 11, 2013

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!!

Monday, January 7, 2013

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!