Things to know when living with a hairpiece

Things to know when living with a hairpiece

When a person starts to wear a hair replacement system, there are certain things they must know in order to have it look natural and last for as long as possible. Here I will explain how it is to live with one and still live your daily life.

When thinking of getting a custom-made hairpiece, it would typically take 6-8 weeks from order date to come in to get it to the right specifications. The specifications would include color, texture, wave pattern of your natural hair and style. Reasons for that are not only to give the natural look but also to prevent any changes to the style when you come in for fitting of hairpiece.

Typically, a hairpiece can weigh about 2 ounces. It weighs that little after the cut and styling with your own natural hair. This is an advantage for you since it will feel undetectable and blend in with your own.

If you have read my previous blogs, I have stated that a tape on hairpiece is the best way and most sanitized way to wear a hair replacement system compared to when you bond on a hairpiece. It takes just a few minutes to put tape on the hairpiece. The tape used would be double-sided tape, and all that is needed is a few small pieces. When put on properly and when applied to a clean scalp, the hairpiece will not budge. Winds would blow YOU away before the hairpiece!

The hair replacement specialist will explain and show you how to place and tape on the hairpiece. If you can spare 3-4 minutes a day and have a wide-tooth comb or a bristle brush, a tape on hairpiece is for you. With time and more practice, you will probably do it with-in 1-2 minutes.  That type of comb and/or brush is best not only for your hairpiece but also for your own natural hair.

For the hairpiece to last the longest and keep looking its best, it is best not to shower and sleep in it. If you leave the hairpiece on, you are shortening the life of it. Your hairpiece is like clothing; you wouldn’t shower or sleep in it if you intend to wear it continuously. It also best not to swim or do strenuous activities outdoors whiling wearing it. Extensive sun can also cause the hairpiece to lighten in color, as much as 3-4 shades lighter. It is best and also suggested to have a synthetic one to knock around in and also your custom made hairpiece for all other activities.

When the hairpiece is in need of a servicing, bring it to your hair replacement specialist. The hairpiece is just like a car, you would take it to a mechanic unless you are a mechanic yourself, and it goes the same for the hairpiece. It must be cleaned with special fluid that performs best only by a professional. Typically, every time you would need a haircut, the hairpiece should be treated just as good.

A hairpiece, if taken care of, would last up to a year and maybe longer, with few or no adjustments or repairs required. The main “repairs” needed for a hairpiece is re-coloring, addition of more hair, and/or replacement of base.  It may seem like a custom made hairpiece is expensive but it would be well worth the money in the end compared to a stock piece, which you would probably have to keep buying month after month and end up paying the same amount. Quality is always better than quantity. Hope this helped to give some answers and feedback. Good Luck & Good Looking

David Hansen,

The Ultimate Mens Hairstylist & Hairpiece Specialist

Chicago, IL

www.davidhansen.com

312-943-8171

How to choose best hair loss system from best person

How to choose best hair loss system from best person

     By researching and investing the time to find the right hair replacement system, you will save money and time in the end. You can avoid disappointment with the finished product with the right start. To start you should have trust in an expert of hair systems. When you have that trust, you will feel safe and you will know “the expert” will help you look good.

         I believe you should stay away from mail-order hairpieces and pre-styled creations. It is preferably best to buy a hairpiece from experts that specialize in manufacturing their own custom-made hair replacement system. Only then will you own a quality, customized product. With a custom-made hairpiece, you’re measured with all the curves and shapes it has to perfect the fit of the hair system, to give it the right fit. With mail order, you get none of those specifications, which means the hairpiece might not “fit like a glove”. The correct hair replacement system is kind of like a good suit. You are measured over all to perfect the fit, so you will look good. You can choose the quality of material by how good you want to look, same goes for hairpieces. You will pay more to look your best, cotton vs. silk as mail order vs. custom-made. The right stylist will give you the correct option in their eyes for the best beneficial result for you, and not only be anxious to see money in the end.

  The steps involved in this is an interview and asking the right questions to decide if a hairpiece is in the right category for you. Asking a client questions about daily life activities will also clarify their wants/needs for the hair replacement system. A hairpiece is not a fountain of youth. Although it does help and take some years off a person’s age, it will not help you look like you did in your twenties. After the interview, the design and measurement are taken into account. Texture and color are also taken into account so that the custom-made hairpiece will look just as natural and blend in with your real hair. Amount of hair is decided on if you need a partial or a full cap hair loss system. Production of hairpiece does usually take 6-8 weeks, but that is only to benefit client into assembling hairpiece to perfection. As soon as hairpiece is completed, client is called in to get cut and styled with hairpiece on for the best look possible. Only then is when your new hair be secured into the right position.

        David Hansen’s sale is not complete until you (the client) is completely satisfied. I look to create a bond between barber and customer. I guarantee that hair replacement systems I create live up to the workmanship and quality of materials agreed upon. If any more questions feel free to ask me, I’m more than willing to give an honest opinion about the matter.  

David Hansen

The Ultimate Mens Hairstylist & Hairpiece Specialist

Chicago, Il

www.davidhansen.com

312-943-8171

Client Testimony - Do's & Don'ts of Hair Replacement

Here are a few words from one of my satisfied, long time Clients!

Before You Buy a Hair Replacement (hairpiece, hair system, and toupee) Care and Maintenance

Before you buy your hair replacement you should learn about what is involved in keeping your hair system clean and looking its best.

1. Make sure you get your hair cut by a professional who is in the hair replacement business. Take your time and find the best hair replacement specialist in your area or travel outside to a different state or city. Usually the larger companies are less personal with their clients and their products are not of high quality. Many times they also hire people right from beauty school who do not have the experience in cutting-in hair replacement. Try finding someone who has been in the business for a long time and they know what they are doing. Ask if you could come in and see them work on one of their clients. If a person is confident in their abilities and the final product they will be more likely to let you observe them at work (you want to know what to expect). Since a hairpiece is a long term investment make sure you find the best specialist possible (unfortunately there are few left). Another advantage of getting a hair replacement specialist cut your hair is that they prepare it for the hair replacement system. It lets them study your hair, its movement, what it will and will not do, its texture and feel. Then ounce the time comes that you need to get a hair replacement system your hair will blend a lot better with the system.

2. To extend the longevity of the hair system you should avoid swimming in the system, chlorine, lake water as well as salt water damages the hair. Also avoid having your hairpiece out in direct sunlight or under florescent light for an extended period of time as this oxidizes the hair making it slowly lose its natural color.

3. Make sure you get regular maintenance done on your hair replacement system. As you notice that it is time to get a haircut make sure you go to a hair replacement studio. Bring your hairpiece along for its regular maintenance, at this time you can also bring your other pieces to get cleaned and styled as well. When you get a haircut from a hair replacement specialist they know exactly how to cut your hair so that the hair system blends in without destroying the hair piece. As you take your hair system in the patch material as well as the hair will be cleaned, the hair piece styled so that it is ready to wear. If you need to clean your hair replacement system in between haircuts make sure you take off the tape first. Turn on lukewarm water, come through the hair piece before submerging it into the water (this will prevent major tangling and pulling out of the hair). Wash it with a gentle shampoo moving your hand in circular motions; make sure you rinse out the entire residue. Only towel and air dry your hairpiece using a brush or comb to style it (you should leave the hairdryer drying to a professional). Once again for best maintenance let the professional handle and wash the hair replacement system.

4. Do not use regular hair spray on your hairpiece. This will speed up the oxidation of the hair piece as well as leave residue on the individual strands of hair. This residue is very hard to take off and looks like white dots on the hair. The hair spray will also dry out the hair making it more delicate and brittle. Instead of using hair spray turn to water. Purchase a spray bottle, fill it with water and mist it over the hair system. After it dries it will lock in the desired style. If you have to use hair spray use one designed specifically for hairpieces. I have one that I recommend on my website www.davidhansen.com you can purchase it by calling my salon at 312-943-8171 or emailing me at davidhansen@davidhansen.com (the hair sprays cost $15-$20 each).

5. Do not wear a base ball hat that is fitted too tightly; get them a size or two bigger. This will prevent dents from forming in the hair system.

If you follow these suggestions and have regular maintenance done owning a hair replacement system should be as easy as one, two, there. You wake up put new tape on (if needed, you do not have to replace tape every day. As long as it is still tacky you do not need to put new tape on) put the hair replacement on your head. Comb or pick the hair through, mist with water if needed and you are on your way out.

I hope this blog was informative for more questions you can visit my website provided below or contact me by phone or email I am always glad to help.

David Hansen
Chicago IL
www.davidhansen.com
davidhansen@davidhansen.com

Hair Replacement With Rogaine, Minoxidil, Nizoral, and or Propecia.

In my 50 years as a hair replacement specialist I have encountered individuals from all walks of life. Men who have tried it all without getting the results that they desired. This waste of time and money only lead them to irritation and disappointment. After years of getting their hopes up just to realize another product has failed them, they usually decide to go back to or give hair systems (also referred to as hairpieces, toupees, and hair replacement systems) a try or shave their head. Somebody who cares about their appearance and tried so hard to save his hair should not have to shave it off.

The complaint that I found repeating most often was that topical products such as Rogaine, Minoxidil, Nizoral, and or Propecia made the persons hairs fall out. This may not happen right away, but after you don’t see any results and stop using the product your hair falls out. The hairs get so used to the product it falls out without it. Many times clients found their hair falling out even shortly after starting using Rogaine, Minoxidil, Nizoral, and or Propecia, distributors’ claim that this has to take place in order for new hairs to grow but they do not guarantee that the new hair will grow back.

Irritation and dryness of the scalp is also a side effects noticed by many users of Rogaine, Minoxidil, Nizoral, and or Propecia. The high content of alcohol (especially in the Rogaine) makes the hairs dry, brittle, and prone to breakage. This also has a great impact on the scalp, causing dandruff, itchiness, burning, irritation as well as swelling, and blisters.Some men have also noticed a drop in their sexual drive and performance.

Lastly if you do consider gambling with Rogaine, Minoxidil, Nizoral, and or Propecia make sure you are not allergic to the product. Some issues resulting from an allergic reaction are rashes, itching, chest pain, hives, dizziness, lips, fainting, and face. Other side effects include difficulty breathing, tightness in the chest, swelling of the mouth or tongue, fast heartbeat, sudden, unexplained weight gain, swollen hands or feet.

David Hansen
www.davidhansen.com
Chicago IL

Hair Replacement Specialist Chicago New Year

Dear readers of my hair replacement blog,

I would like to wish you the best in this upcoming year. I hope you find the type of hairpiece that you are looking for both improving your appearance and strengthening your self esteem. Best wishes and I hope to see you back in 2012 for some more hair replacement system information and insight.

David Hansen
www.davidhansen.com
Chicago, IL

Price, Time, and Financial Arrangements Involved in Hair Replacement

Time Involved

Expect to wait a good 6 to 8 weeks for your hairpiece to be custom-made. Remember, there is a great deal of work to be done in making the base, matching and blending the hair, and sewing the strands into the hair replacement system.
You will be required to make only two or three visits to the salon in order to purchase a hair system: one or two for the interview consultation, design and measurement, and a final visit when the hair replacement is completed and ready to be cut and styled on your head.

The Price

And now for a subject that interests everyone: Just how much does one of these hair systems cost?
The price varies. As states in an earlier chapter, you can buy the cheapest stock hairpiece available or go the full route and order a custom made system. Before making your decision, remember that you are buying something that will become a part of you. It won't be just an ornament or a passing fad. It will be your hair. Only you can decide how much value to place on the hairpiece.
We are talking about a necessity for a man who is particular about his appearance and who desires to retain his youthful appearance. Good quality hair replacement were ounce a luxury--available to only the famous and the elite. Today, quality is within the reach of every man who cares about himself.
Stock hair systems with synthetic hair are naturally the least expensive, averaging around $350.00 for a full system. Although the quality is not as impressive as in a custom made hair replacement system, there is still a great deal of work that goes into its production.
Next in range, the semi-custom piece with a fine welded mono base, will run approximately $1,200.00 for the standard 5 inch by 8 inch size. Of course, if you are only beginning to bald, you can save money by just ordering a custom made partial piece for $850.00.
Finally, for the ultimate in hairpieces, the custom-made piece with European human hair and a fine welded mono base , you will have to pay $1,700.00 for a full piece (5" by 8"). As with any high-quality item, the increased durability and effectiveness makes up for the higher price. This fact is especially true where hair replacement systems are concerned.

Financial Arrangements

Most of the large hairpiece shops will trap you into a contract that seems fordable because it is spread out over a year or two but in reality you pay a lot more for a lower quality hair system. On the other hand, most local hair replacement salons arrangement is to have the customer put down 50% at the time of the order (due to the fact that the article is custom made and cannot be sold to anyone else) and then pay thee balance at the time of delivery.

The Guarantee

a reputable dealer will guarantee his creation.

David Hansen
www.davidhansen.com
Chicago, Illinois

Steps Involved In Getting A Undetectable Hair Replacement

The Consultation:
A reputable hair replacement designer will insist on interviewing each client before agreeing to make a sale. He is not as anxious to take your money as he is to make sure he understands your hair grooming problems, one of which being whether or not a hair system is really for you.
Naturally, all physical conditions must be taken into account. But just as important, perhaps more so, are the psychological conditions. For example, why does a client want a hairpiece? What are his expectations?
A hairpiece is not a fountain of youth. It cannot replace time. If an older man wants a hair replacement reminiscent of his twenties, it simply cannot be done. His skin color is very different from that which he had in earlier years, and both the style and color of his hairpiece would be unbelievable if he insisted on an exact duplication.
Thus, the necessity for the interview--to understand not only the needs but also the desires of the customer. As I many times explain "If a stylist finds he cannot honestly meet or accept either one of these categories, his integrity should demand he be honest about it. False promises only result in dissatisfied customers."
On the other hand, in essence, a hair replacement system can take five to ten years off a man's appearance. It can restore his self-confidence and, as a result, make him feel younger. It is a sensible and practical investment for mature and realistic people.
The Design and Measurements:
Measurement is a skill requiring a great deal of concentration. Using his experience and knowledge, the stylist must create an exact pattern of the client's head size and balding area. If the measurement is left to an amateur, it is almost certain to guarantee disaster and to be the forerunner of a hair replacement system that refuses to hug the scalp and often appears askew!
The pattern is sketched on a piece of clear plastic put over the patron's existing hair and balding area. The plastic material used in creating the mold of your balding area is very durable and preservable which means you do not have to go through the molding process every time you want a new hair system.
The stylist then makes notations that will assist him in the actual design of the hairpiece; Thickness or lightness of the ventilated hair, age and lifestyle of the patron, facial features, whether existing hair is straight, wavy, curly, etc. All these facts are considered before the proper type of hair can be selected. With today's modern styling it is also important to note if the hair has to be longer that the normal length hair system.
After the fitting, the next critical step involves taking hair samples, cut from specific areas of the temples, the back, as well as any other varying area, help make the hair replacement system look as realistic as possible by giving the designer a true idea of the color blend required. (Samples are small--they'll never be missed, not even on a balding head!)
At this stage it is decided if the client needs additional shading in the front of his hairpiece, such as a sun-bleached look of grey seems not not quite as grey as the temples. Lightening the front of a hair replacement system will soften a mature face. Strong coloring looks fine on someone in his thirties, but would be too harsh on a fifty-year-old whose natural color is beginning to show age fade.
Before we leave this subject, also note that it is advisable to have the stylist shampoo and style a patron's own hair at least ounce before beginning production of the hair system.It is beneficial for him to know exactly what the client's hair will and will not do.
The Fitting:
AS soon as your hairpiece is completed, you will be called in for your fitting. The stylist will shampoo your existing hair and then shape and style it to get the best look possible. Only then is your new hair secured into position, ready to be cut and styled right on your head for maximum fit and good looks.
David Hansen
Chicago, Illinois
www.davidhansen.com