Hair Loss: Tips for Buying a Hairpiece
The nonsurgical hair replacement industry includes some unethical individuals and companies. However, some businesses, usually the smaller, individually owned salons can provide excellent service and do care about their clients. Once you learn how to navigate this industry, wearing hair can prove to be a positive experience.
Here are some considerations to keep in mind when buying a hair piece.
Medications are designed to treat a variety of health conditions, but sometimes they can have unwanted side effects -- including changes to the hair. Certain drugs can contribute to excess hair growth, changes in hair color or texture, or hair loss. Drug-induced hair loss, like any other type of hair loss, can have a real effect on your self-esteem. The good news is that in most cases, it's easily reversible once you stop taking the drug.
Read the Drug-Induced Hair Loss article > >
Plan to Buy Two Units
If you plan to wear a semi-permanent attached hairpiece (which is the most popular in the U.S.) you will need to purchase two units. The reason for this is while one is being maintained the other is being worn.
Your existing hair on the top of your head cannot be integrated into the typical hair system no matter what they tell you during your consultation. Ideally, the stylist will want to shave off your remaining hair as well as a thin track of hair around the perimeter to affix the system properly. This is something some hair piece businesses don't explain during their sales pitch.
There is no way that a bonded system will stay firmly attached to your head, especially on the hairline, for four to six weeks. You will have to learn to do some of the maintenance yourself for your system to look natural. In fact, to look natural your hair system needs constant attention and maintenance. It does not act like your own hair and cannot just be forgotten about for weeks.
Expect to spend between $60-$300 dollars a month for proper maintenance.
Avoid Maintenance Contracts
Stay away from any company attempting to sell you a maintenance contract. Once a hairpiece is purchased, the consumer should be free to go elsewhere for regular haircuts and maintenance.
Avoid any company that insists on holding your second hairpiece in their facility and not allowing you to take it home if you wish.
Published on March 1, 2010
WebMD Medical Reference from the American Hair Loss Association
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