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!

Preparing for Hereditary Balding

Dealing with the first stages of Hereditary Balding?

 

If you know your future, know your options!

David Hansen Studio is here to help you.

www.davidhansen.com

312.943.8171

Chicago, IL 60654

"hair replacement" is for men "Wigs" are for women "hair replacement" is for men

I come across many men referring to hair replacement as wigs. After which I have to explain that wigs are for women and that men wear hair replacements, hairpieces, hair systems, toupees, or hair restorations. If a male suffering from hair loss types in wigs into the search engine they will most likely be bombarded by sites dedicated to women. These are not the websites you want to visit because these people do not specialize in men's hair replacement. You will receive a much better service at a company that specializes in ether men or women. Also while looking for a hair replacement provider make sure you do not get sucked into a hairpiece contract and that you are not dealing with a large chain (usually in larger companies you get worse quality of product and service). Sticking with a small local hair replacement studio that specializes in a specific gender and has years of experience is your best bet to get phenomenal hairpiece results.

PS. For best results buy a custom made hair system.

Hair Replacement Specialist
David Hansen
www.davidhansen.com
Chicago, IL

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

Happy Valentine's

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

Chicago Hair Replacement Video

This is a recently shot hair replacement video. This new video features one of my clients. I just recieved his new custom made hair system and I am going to cut it into his hair. You can see here how a proffesional hair piece designer works and what a good quality hairpiece looks like.



David Hansen
www.davidhansen.com

Best Hair Replacement Chicago Happy Holidays

I would like to take this time to wish you and your families a warm and joy filled holiday season. I truly appreciate everyone who reads and follows my hair replacement blog. I have been fortunate enough in my lifetime to do something I love with all my heart, hair replacement is a huge part of my life and i couldn't imagine not being able to provide hairpieces for men anymore. I hope my years of experience and insight into this very confusing industry helped you in bettering yourself inside and out this year, and that my upcoming blogs will be just as interesting and helpful. I would also like to thank everyone writing to me I appreciate all the warm comments and I am always glad to answer any questions.
Ounce again I would like to wish you the best this holiday season.

Thank You
David Hansen
www.davidhansen.com
davidhansen@davidhansen.com
http://youtu.be/UeGl7wrU694

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

The Best Place To Buy Hair Replacement Chicago

If you intend to invest in a high-quality and well-fitted hair replacement, trust only an expert. You can avoid the most common disappointments in the finished product if you start right--by selecting someone who knows his business.
Let me use my business as an example. I have won every hairstyling competition available: State, Midwest, National, Canadian, and World Championship. More recently I have relieved recognition in the field of hairpiece construction and styling. This is the type of man you can put your trust in.
Stay away from mail-order hair replacement and pre-styled creations! You have distinct characteristics which must be analyzed by a professional before your hair system is designed. The hair replacement designer has to create your hair system so that it matches not only your own color but also the density, texture and pattern.
As to mail-ordered hair replacement I would be amazed if a man could take his own measurements and hair samples, determine his most complimentary hairstyle, and that shape and style the hairpiece. He'd have such a rare talent, I'd probably offer him a job! In the case of mail-order systems, there's only one person who comes out smelling like a rose, and that's the seller! That's not what this business is all about. We're here to please the customer. Doing that through the mail is quite inconceivable. I insist on making my own hair replacement, this is the only way i can guarantee a perfect match.
Even if you take a mail-order hairpiece to a local stylist for the cutting and fitting, chances of satisfaction are very limited. Prior consultation is a necessity, just as personal instruction in the handling and care is required.
You'll be able to tell if a man is serious about the quality of his hair replacement just by taking a look at the premises on which he conducts his business. Does he have a private consultation area and fitting rooms that are modern and well equipped? Are there ample supplies and sample pieces on hand? Is the atmosphere a professional one in which transactions are carried out in an orderly and efficient manner? Do his employees and customers respect him?
If the answer to any of these questions is negative, find another distributor, someone who is serious about serving you. Just take a good look around you when you enter a salon, keep your eyes and ears open, and you'll have no trouble deciding whether or not the man is a pro.
The man you are looking for will be innovative and progressive. He'll be willing to give his personal guarantee of satisfaction, and he'll be willing to take the extra time required to guide you in the wear and care of your new hair system.
In most cases, your instinct will be a satisfactory guide. But if you'd like some assurance, look around the internet for complaint and scam websites, consult with previous customers, and take a look at competitors' offers before you're willing to say that one man's services look like the best.

David Hansen
Chicago, IL
www.davidhansen.com

Choosing the right size of a hair replacement system in Chicago

Ideally, your first step in a hairpiece should be a partial one--a mini hairpiece that will prevent the first stage of hair loss from becoming noticeable to others. A partial can be just as affective in converting the balding area, and it saves you money, due to its smaller size. In fact, a full hair replacement (average five inches by eight inches) is more than is necessary until the balding process progresses considerably.
There are four basic sizes of partials available:
1.The Temple Piece, used when the hairline begins to receding. It is the smallest partial available, usually only one-half by one inch in size.
2. The Frontal Piece, used when the hairline begins to recede. Placed at the front of the existing hair and averaging two inches by three inches, it seems like such a small adjustment, but the effect is very impressive.
3. The Top(or Slider) System, the most common type of partial sold. It is used on men who, although they are balding on the top, still have enough side hair to create a part in their remaining hair and are able to comb their hair over the small piece underneath. The effect is very natural. Size is based on the extent of baldness.
4. The Crown Piece, used when the back of the crown is balding (often referred to as the doughnut" type of baldness). Here again, size is dependent on the bald area.
The key to success in selecting a partial hair system is individuality. Hundreds of thousands of men go bald, but everyone has his own style. A custom-made (or at least a semi-custom) system will provide a better camouflage than any stock piece ever could.

David Hansen
Chicago IL
www.davidhansen.com

My hair replacement video!