Wig It
Wigs and toupees have been present for a very long time. In fact, their lineage can be traced back
thousands of years to ancient civilizations.
Wigs are convenient because they instantly provide thick hair and are available in almost any
style. Although modern wigs can look very natural, many men find them to be tedious and
expensive. People use hair replacement systems for different reasons. We will discuss hair
replacement systems in more detail during this chapter and provide tips on how to use them most
effectively.
A Brief History
Hair loss has been a nuisance since the beginning of time. A man’s hair has often been seen as a
symbol of stature; the fuller a man’s hair, the younger and more powerful he is thought to be.
Here is a short timeline that documents the progression of the hair system:
• 3200-3100 B.C. - a hair system was found in a tomb in Egypt (near the ancient city
Hierakonpolis); we have also seen Pharaohs wearing hair systems.
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• 17th century – Julius Caesar tried wearing a hair system to cover up his hair loss. King
Louis XIII also began wearing wigs for his balding head and it soon became the “in”
fashion all over France.
• 19th century – the United States followed England’s use of hair systems.
• Present – in America alone, there is an estimated 350,000 men who wear hair systems.
Today, hair systems are heavily promoted. Salons and specialty shops regularly use and
sell hair systems to loyal patrons. Along with their rising popularity, the quality of hair
systems has increased immensely.
Hair Replacement Systems
Hair systems have come a long way since the powdered wigs of the 1700s. Today, the use of real
human hair provides high-quality hair systems with very natural textures, colors and
appearances.
Featured below are several positive and negative aspects of hair systems. They are intended to
help you decide whether or not a hair system is right for your personal situation. The pros and
cons of hair systems are as follows…
PROS:
• Relatively low cost compared to hair transplantation
• Quick results without surgery
• New technology has made hair systems less noticeable and more natural
CONS:
• Systems need regular maintenance and repair
• Insufficient durability
• Attachment mechanisms may cause accelerated hair loss
• Systems can lead to slight feelings of anxiety and paranoia (wondering whether or not
people can notice)
• Costs add up over time
Hair systems are delicate and should be regularly brought to your seller for cleaning and repair.
Systems usually only last for a year or two (even with routine maintenance) because a plethora of
different factors, including heat, perspiration, and strong shampoos, shorten their lifespan.
Where do I shop for hair systems?
Shopping for hair systems can be difficult. Because advertising is minimal, many people find it
hard to research their options. Still, conducting adequate research is a must.
Budget considerations:
When shopping for a hair system, cost is a major factor. Systems can be slightly less expensive
than hair transplantation, but maintenance and replacement costs can add up quickly. For this
reason, patients considering a system should be prepared for a long-term economic obligation.
The price of a hair system is usually determined by two factors – materials and quality:
• Human hair – high quality; has a natural look and feel; prices start at around $1200.
• Animal hair – made of goat or horsehair or other animals such as yak; moderate quality.
• Synthetic – least expensive option; least natural look and feel; minimal maintenance.
o Combinations of human hair and synthetic fibres are also available.
• Machine-made – low quality, low price; normally used for costume parties, not as a hair
replacement.
• Handmade – high quality, natural and realistic; more expensive than other systems.
Finding a specialty shop:
Once budget considerations are taken care of, it is important to locate a shop that can fit your
aesthetic and economic needs. Because word-of-mouth is limited in this industry, the best way to
locate a specialty store is via the internet. Browse the web for “wigs,” “hair systems,” or “nonsurgical
hair replacement” to find a list of outlets near you.
Before making a purchase, one should always ask the following questions:
• How long has this shop been in business?
• What is the owner's background in hair replacement?
• What materials do you use?
• Do you offer a warranty?
• What are the total costs including fitting and adjustments?
• How often will I need maintenance on this product?
• How long does a wig last?
***We know that hair systems need regular maintenance and that no wig, even the most
expensive one, lasts forever. So watch out for their answers! A competent provider should
answers these questions openly and honestly.
Choose your style
Choosing a new hairstyle can be overwhelming. There are so many colours, styles and lengths to
choose from that you may want to experiment with several.
When it comes to picking a look for your new hair, keep in mind the following:
• Choose a hair colour that suits your skin tone
• Choose a style that compliments the shape of your face
o Keep in mind, you can always ask the salesperson or stylist for help finding
the perfect hair for you.
Maintenance and Care for Your New Hair
Caring for hair systems is much more complicated than it seems. There are many maintenance
considerations that should be addressed before a system is purchased. Otherwise, the results will
be inadequate and may become noticeable. The following will help you achieve results that will
lead to an unnoticeable hair system:
• Keeping your hair on even when staying active
Even though hair system providers show advertisements of men wearing systems
while doing labor-intensive physical activities, one should be cautious doing so. It
might work on television, but not in person. Generally speaking, hair systems
work for sports that are not too extreme – like golf, tennis, aerobic exercises and
running.
• Maintain regular care
Hair systems need routine maintenance to look healthy and natural:
• Set up a schedule for your hair system to be washed either by yourself
or by a professional.
• If you have a weave, have it adjusted by a professional two or three
times a month so that it does not become loose as hair grows.
• If your hair system includes wefts, have it serviced before it comes
detached from the hair base.
• Regularly check for potential problems.
• Remember to also maintain a spare hair system in case backup back-up
is needed for any unforeseen circumstances.
• Know when it's time for a replacement.
In summary, keeping your hair replacement system clean and well-maintained is the key to a
natural result. Although maintaining one (or two) can take practice, it is essential that you create
and keep a schedule when it comes to caring for your hair system. This will help you avoid many
future problems such as discomfort, detection and damage.
Fibres, Sprays and Particle Hair Concealers
Hair concealers come in many different forms. These forms differ in how they are applied and
what results can reasonably be achieved. In this section, we will take a look at several different
types and help you choose the best concealer for your personal situation.
How Hair Concealers Work
Hair concealers can be a helpful hair loss solution for many people, especially those that are just
beginning to notice miniaturization. No surgical procedures are involved, detection is difficult,
cost is minimal and results are instantaneous. With many brands, particulates are merely
“sprinkled” on the hair and results are visible in seconds.
In this part, we will be talking about hair concealers; their benefits, their limitations and how
they can be used for optimal results.
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| An illustration of the before and after results of hair concealers. |
The Wonders of Hair Fibres
There are 2 popular fibre products that can make hair shafts appear thicker: Toppik and Xfusion.
These products consist of organic keratin fibres (similar to what makes up the human hair). The
fibres cling to hair through static electricity, making thin areas instantly appear thicker and fuller.
These products are usually sprinkled on, an application process that usually takes less than a
minute.
Spray-on Hair Concealers
Spray-on concealers are quick and easy to use. Unlike fibre concealers, spray-on concealers
darken the scalp, filling in thin areas by creating the illusion of greater coverage. One popular
brand of hair concealer is Fullmore.
• Application is simple: Just hold the spray-can eight inches away from your head and
spray in an even pattern. The tiny fibres that match with your hair colour will naturally
stick to your hair and darken your scalp.
*Spray concealers provide instant results, but may not be as natural looking as fibre concealers.
Disadvantages of Hair Concealers
Hair concealers provide immediate results. They are also inexpensive and easy to apply. Still,
there are many limitations to concealers that buyers should be aware of:
− Sometimes application is messy.
− Concealers do not work on those that are completely bald. Fibres need at least some hair
to hold on to.
− Some brands (and several types, such as spray-ons) may not give a natural look.
− Concealers do not treat hair loss, they merely hide it.
If you are looking for a treatment for your hair loss, hair concealers are not for you. If you are
looking for a temporary solution that can provide you with instant results while waiting for
another treatment to show positive results, then hair concealers might be a great option.
***Remember, keeping your expectations realistic and familiarizing yourself with the
advantages and disadvantages of each hair product are important precautions that will help avoid
confusion and disappointment.
Research and Compare Before Buying
There are different kinds of hair concealers:
− Solid: an example of this would be DermMatch. Solid hair concealers are hard-packed,
coloured powders that are safe to use every day.
− Sprays: this kind of hair concealer can be difficult to apply, and you may need a little
practice before results are acceptable. Prothik and Fullmore are popular spray-on hair
concealers.
− Particles: the most popular choice among consumers. Particle hair concealers are not
creams, cover-ups or any other type of traditional cosmetic product. They come in
custom containers that allow you to shake their contents onto thinning areas. No rubbing
is involved and particles will quickly intertwine with existing hair. These particles will
be difficult to notice and will stay securely in place all day because of their static
electrical charge. Particle-based concealers provide the most natural results and last much
longer than substitutes. Popular brands are Nanogen and Toppik.
There is no doubt that hair concealers are convenient options for instant hair replacement.
Although price can be a problem for some people, concealers are relatively affordable on most
budgets (especially if they are used effectively and sparingly). Many people use DermMatch and
Nanogen together for the best results. The decision of whether or not one should combine
concealers in this fashion ultimately comes down to personal preference, however.
On a day off from work, experiment with different types of concealers (spray, solid, or particles)
to decide which option is the best for you.
