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! 

WebRep

currentVote

noRating

noWeight

Cancer hair loss

www.davidhansen.com
The common name for medical hair loss solution is cranial prosthesis.

These are designed by David Hansen for people experiencing hair loss due to:

• Chemotherapy
• Radiation
• All types of Alopecia
• Burn victims
• Accident victims

Chemotherapy and radiation

• Many radiation and chemotherapy 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 skull-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.
  

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.

 

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.

Your insurance company may pick up your bill for your hairpiece purchase!

Did you know if you are someone who is dealing with alopecia, medical related balding or cancer related chemotherapy and/or radiation and need to wear a hair system, toupee, wig, or hairpiece, that your health insurance plan may cover the full cost.  You’ll be surprised to know that most insurance companies will cover between 80 - 100% of a “cranial prosthesis.”  Insurance companies are starting to realize the important role that cranial hair prosthesis plays in the life of someone suffering with the side effects of these medical conditions. 

Here are a few tips that may help you figure out if you can go through your insurance and be reimbursed for your new purchase.

- When filing your claim, be sure to refer to your hair system as a cranial hair prosthesis   

- Read over your policy and double check your coverage portion. 

  (Make sure your policy covers expenses for prosthesis or prosthetics)

- Request a prescription from your physician for your full or partial cranial prosthesis

- Check with your physician for details and referrals for proper specialists and procedures in the field

-Write a letter to your insurance company to clarify the necessity of your prosthesis

- Make sure you, your physician and your specialist fill out and sign all proper documents

- Be sure to keep personal copies of all your paperwork and invoices  

Good Luck & Good Looking!

David Hansen

www.davidhansen.com

Great alternatives for wearing hair replacement systems

The most common consumer of hair systems or hair replacements comes from those who are affected by hereditary baldness.  But much to your surprise, we find that hair systems can be used in many different circumstances.  Most imagine that hair replacements are only worn by mid- age and/or elderly men.  That can be far from the truth if you know your options.  There are several profiles that make up the community of people who can look to hair systems as an answer to their problems.  You can live a normal life and look great with a great undetected hair replacement system.  Don’t let the stereotypes scare you away.

Hair loss can be a side effect for both medical and non-medical conditions.  Undergoing chemotherapy or radiation therapy may cause you to develop alopecia which results in extreme hair loss.  Diabetes and lupus patients suffer from hair loss.  There also are several common medications that may cause hair loss or thinning hair such as certain blood thinners, Parkinson disease, and cholesterol lowering medicines.  Even a hormonal change or imbalance can aid the problem of hair loss.  Poor nutrition, irritation or damage of the hair follicles can cause permanent issues.  Some hair treatments such as tinting and bleaching, usually when over used or misused, and excessive hairstyling or styles that pull hair to tight can play an important role.

            The list goes on into severe scaring from past surgeries, old injuries and also burn victims. They deal with the reality of never having their natural hair grow back in these damaged areas. Whatever way you encounter hair loss, balding or thinning hair in key areas, (front, top, and crown) both men and women look for some type of solution.  Regardless of your story and background, choosing the right hair system can answer your prayers.  Although it’s not a cure, it’s a great way to help with your condition with little time and cost than other surgical options that have no guarantee of results.  Sometimes your insurance may pick up the cost if it relates to a medical condition.  Hair systems are available in both partial and full caps.  This is a wonderful option when dealing with either small or large problem areas. Just always remember to research and educate yourself before choosing a solution.

Good Luck & Good Looking

David Hansen,

The Ultimate Hairpiece designer & Specialist  

www.davidhansen.com

312.943.8171

Influences On Hair Growth

Connected to the hair follicles are oil glands (technically called sebaceous glands). Herein is where trouble often begins. The glands, designed to secrete an oily substance, known as sebum, give shine and pliability to the hair and a supply softness to the skin. Frequently, however, these glands malfunction. If, in this malfunction, too much oil is secreted, an oily dandruff results on the scalp. This can be major contributing cause of hair loss and, eventually, baldness.

Five major factors contribute to the overproduction of the oil glands:

1. An overabundance of sweat, starch, and fatty foods in a person's diet.

2. The circulation of blood, which, due to an improper diet, does not contain sufficient nourishment.

3. Mental or emotional stress and strain, taking its toll on all parts of the body via the nervous system.

4. A decrease in the activity of the endocrine glands, glands which become very active during adolescence, but which slow down with age.

5. Drugs and medication, especially hormones, taken without a perscription or medical advice.

A candid evaluation of these factors reveals that they could be almost controlled by an individual willing to do so. Even if you've neglected them in the past, you may still have a fighting chance. Remember, as long as the papilla is not destroyed, hair will continue to grow--even if it is pulled out by the roots. Ounce a papilla is killed, however, hair can never grow from the hair follicle again.

Your papillae will continue to live as long as the rest of your body does unless they suffer a premature death caused by a serious scalp infection, a hard blow, a severe wound or burn, or an abundance of X-rays and treatments used to combat such diseases as cancer. If improperly nourished, the papillae will react like any other part of the body--they will eventually weaken and cease functioning.

Therefore, the indispensability of a healthy body to a healthy head of hair cannot be over-emphasized. I am not speaking of health merely from the physical side, but equally significant is your emotional health. Stress and strain can have a disastrous effect on the life of your hair. In fact, simply worrying about baldness can increase your chances of being plagued by it!

You can create temporary bald patches on your scalp by a subconscious nervous habit, such as rubbing the scalp or tugging at your hair. In these cases, however, you are damaging only the hair, and once the habit is broken, the papillae are again free to replace that hair loss.

Hair growth will also be affected by influences such as age, seasons of the year, and climate. It will grow at a faster pace between ages of 15 to 30, but growth begins to decline radically between the ages of 50 and 60. Heat in the air will cause hair to expand and absorb moisture; moisture in the air increases the natural curl of the hair; and cold air will cause hair to contract.

Contrary to popular belief, the growth of hair will not be increased by cutting or close shaving. Nor will the application of conditioning oil or creams increase the rate of growth. True, they lubricate the hair shaft and make hair appear softer and more manageable, but they are not capable of feeding and nourishing the hair.

Hair replacement bio-skin tape patch material update

I have tried out the new bio-skin patch material and came to a conclusion that it is not for everyone. The base material does look wonderful against the skin. It crates a magic trick effect, now you see it now you don't. It also does not have that shiny effect that many other materials have. On the down side, this patch material is very delicate, this makes it very easy for someone to accidentally rip through it while taking off tape. That is why this patch material is for a person that is very delicate with their hair replacement system and handles it with care.

I would also not advise anyone to get their whole hair replacement system made with this material. The pores in the material are very small, this means only a tiny bit of air gets through to the scalp. This gives your scalp the pruning effect. This is also the perfect environment for bacteria to multiply since the scalp will continually sweat and there is nowhere for the sweat to evaporate.

In conclusion if you would like to try out this material with your next hair replacement system only add it to the tape patch material. For the rest of the system use a lace which will allow the scalp to breathe. Ps. this may be a good tape base for a full scull prosthesis for cancer patients. For more information about the best hair replacement options visit my website at www.davidhansen.com

Hair replacement expert survives cancer

I have been providing quality hair replacement for over 50 years. My father was a barber and I have been cutting hair since I was 12 years old. During my twenties I won multiple hair replacement awards including 2 world 5 national and 7 state championships. With my new found fame I traveled around the United States, Mexico, Canada, and the Bahamas teaching others my hair cutting secrets. At that point I discovered how little people actually know about hair cutting and styling. Let me tell you, life on the road can be hard. I was married at the time and with me gone constantly my wife was not pleased.

At the same time I worked with barbers from all over Europe including France, Germany, Poland, London, and Italy. The name of the salon was the Continental Barber Salon which was famous in Chicago. With time I became the top men in the shop. I was doing so well that people started calling me at work from all over United States to have me come teach their employees how to cut hair. People wanted to reach me personally. Fed up with all the calls, my boss gave me an ultimatum “either they stop calling when you are working or you can’t work there anymore”. David Hansen opened his first shop in 1965 by the corner of Chicago and Michigan Avenue. That is when he started creating hair pieces.

Now after 50 years I am till in the same business I fell in love with at 12 years old. During this time I perfected my technique and got industry insight. I can truthfully say that I do not know anyone better and who knows more about hair pieces and hair replacement than me.

During spring 2011 I was diagnosed with throat cancer. I am usually the person who makes hairpieces for cancer patience, now i was on the other side. It was devastating. For someone who devoted his life to hair there can't be anything worse than loosing your own hair. I now found out how the customers I have served over the years felt. I decided to make myself the best full scull prosthesis possible. It was a hard journey during the past few months. Day after day I spend in the hospital undergoing both radiation and chemo therapy. I couldn't eat or drink. I felt myself wasting away but I never lost hope and the will to live. Now after my treatments are over and thanks to the feeding tube that was placed in my stomach I am starting to get my strength back. I am now devoted to help other cancer patients the best way I can and that is to provide them with hair pieces and help them get insurance coverage for it.

I hope my story encourage people to keep going, there is a light at the end of the tunnel!

David Hansen

www.davidhansen.com