Hair Enhancements & Head Coverings
What to know when considering a hair enhancement:
Hair Types/Texture
Human Hair:
Each type of human hair listed below has its own advantages and can be chosen based on individual preferences, budget, and desired look. Choosing the correct type of hair, enhancement method and design can have an impact on your hair loss and regrowth journey.
Remy Hair:
This is considered the highest quality human hair for extensions. Remy hair is collected with the cuticles intact and aligned in the same direction, which prevents tangling and ensures a natural look and feel.
Non-Remy Hair:
Unlike Remy hair, non-Remy hair has cuticles that are not aligned, which can lead to tangling and a less natural appearance. It is generally less expensive than Remy hair
Virgin Hair:
Virgin hair is hair that has never been chemically processed, colored, or styled. It is highly versatile and can be dyed, permed, or styled as desired.
Double-Drawn Hair:
This type of hair has been processed to remove shorter hairs, resulting in a smoother and more consistent texture. It is often used for extensions that require a sleek look.
Man-made Fiber:
There are several types of man-made hair used for enhancements, each with its own unique properties and benefits:
Synthetic Hair:
This is the most common type of man-made hair used for wigs. It is made from various types of plastic fibers and is designed to mimic the look and feel of natural hair. Synthetic hair is often more affordable and requires less maintenance than human hair wigs. It is recommended to not style this fiber with heat.
Nylon Hair:
Nylon hair is another type of man-made hair fiber that is known for its durability and shine. It is often used in wigs that require a sleek and polished look. Nylon hair can be styled with heat, but it is less heat-resistant than human hair.
Acrylic Hair:
Acrylic hair is a type of synthetic hair that is known for its softness and natural look. It is often used in wigs that require a gentle and natural appearance. Acrylic hair can be styled with heat, but it is important to use low heat settings to avoid damage.
Types of Enhancements/Wigs
Hair Extensions:
Add length and volume to natural hair. Varying types of extensions fill the market and in varying types, including clip-ins, tape-ins, sew-ins, and micro-link extensions, fusion and keratin attachment methods. Hair extensions can offer a short-term solution if your hair is strong enough to handle the traction associated with the weight of the hair and the attachment method. Those with post-partum and temporary hair loss due to a stress induced hair shedding resulting in an acute telogen effluvium shed.
Details on specific methods below.
Hairpieces/Toppers/Enhancements:
These are smaller than wigs and are used to cover specific areas of thinning or hair loss. These small hair additions can blend with natural hair and provide additional volume for thin hair, offer spot coverage for those with alopecia areata and trichotillomania.
Cranial Prosthesis:
Cranial prostheses are often used by individuals undergoing treatments like chemotherapy, radiation therapy, or those with conditions such as alopecia universalis or totalis, trichotillomania, or scarring alopecia with frontal fibrosing alopecia. They can significantly boost self-esteem and help individuals feel more confident and comfortable returning to a life with hair!
Hair Integration Systems:
These involve a custom-made base that integrates with natural hair, providing a seamless and natural look. They are often used for individuals with significant hair loss.
Hair Building Fibers:
These are tiny fibers made from keratin protein that cling to existing hair, making it appear thicker and fuller. They are typically applied using a spray or shaker bottle. Many resort to online solutions. When fibers with harsh chemicals, polymers and fillers are used on the scalp for long periods of time follicles could experience long term damage.
Scalp Micropigmentation (SMP):
This is a non-surgical treatment where tiny pigment deposits are placed on the scalp to mimic the appearance of hair follicles. It’s often used to create the look of a shaved head or to add density to thinning hair. This option offers a more permanent color disguise for women with androgenetic alopecia (female pattern thinning), scaring alopecia, permanent hair loss due to skin grafting.
Hats:
From casual baseball caps to elegant wide-brimmed hats. Hats can also be provisioned with hair attachments for additional coverage around the hair line, ponytails and or bangs if so desired. Hats offer a fun alternative to a bad hair day.
Scarves:
Scarves are versatile and can be tied in different ways to cover the head. They come in various fabrics, colors, and patterns, allowing for personal expression.
Turbans:
A popular choice for women with hair loss, especially those undergoing chemotherapy. They provide full coverage and can be styled in different ways for comfort and aesthetics. Turbans are typically aligned with medical hair loss due to chemotherapy or radiation therapy treatments.
Caps:
Often used for sleeping and provide warmth and comfort. They are made from soft materials and can be worn overnight to protect the scalp. Caps can brighten our mood with a splash of color.