FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT A HAIR PROSTHESIS

For men and women, thinning or hair loss is more than a concern, it’s a real dilemma. In one of our previous articles, we included prosthetics among the non-surgical techniques to thicken hair. The hair prosthesis is, for many, something artificial and grotesque. Most likely, this depends on the memory that we all have of the old hairpieces, which, in addition to giving an unnatural appearance, made the wearer fear being judged by others.

With this article we will delve into the subject and try to answer the frequently asked questions about a hair prosthesis that we are asked on a daily basis, such as what is a hair prosthesis, what is the difference with a wig, its cost or its duration and maintenance.

HAIR PROSTHESIS AND WIG. WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE?

Let’s start by saying that the wig incorporates the concept of a hair implant. Both are hair prostheses. The fundamental difference is that the prosthesis covers a part, the wig the entire head.

Therefore, the hair prosthesis is more suitable for those who need to thicken sparse or weakened hair over the years. The wig, for its part, is a tool that completely covers the bare head, making it suitable for a situation of total baldness.

WHAT IS A HAIR PROSTHESIS?

Another of the frequent questions about a hair prosthesis that we are asked is about what exactly is a hair prosthesis or system. The hair system is precisely a prosthesis that is applied directly to the scalp and thickens the hair. It is manufactured to adhere to the skin using various systems, such as state-of-the-art glues, clips, resins or medical adhesives.

The hair prosthesis can be used in cases of alopecia areata, of a psychological or genetic nature. There are different types of prostheses. What differentiates them is the material of the base or membrane (which must be ultrafine, between approximately 0.3 and 0.8 centimeters), the hair graft and the type of hair used.

In fact, the membrane can be made of two materials:

• Lace is a material similar to tulle that has always been used to make wigs since it camouflages well, allows perspiration and reduces perspiration.
• There are also two types of lace: the stronger and thicker French lace, the finer and less durable Swiss lace.
• Polyurethane is, on the other hand, a synthetic fiber that guarantees a more natural result. In fact, it is also called “skin”. Compared to lace, polyurethane is easier to remove and clean, as well as adapting to different heads. But, nevertheless, it does not guarantee the breathability of the lace.

There are no better or worse bases. The choice of the latter (and the performance) depends on the lifestyle you lead.

There are then two types of grafts:

• The hair is applied to the base (that is, they simulate being the natural ones) and in this case they are softer to the touch.
• The hair is knotted at the base and makes the system more robust.
• The other part of material is made up of the hair itself, which is chosen respecting the color and structure of the original hair. There are different types of hair: European natural hair, Indian (remy) natural hair and synthetic hair.
• Finally, there are soft, rigid and extra-strong double-sided adhesives. Soft and rigid adhesives are suitable for dental prostheses with polyurethane films; the extra-strong ones, on the other hand, are ideal for socket prostheses.

HAIR PROSTHESIS: PROS AND CONS

Among the advantages of hair prostheses, there is undoubtedly customization. You can choose the color and quality that is closest to the texture and tone of your hair. The prosthesis should harmonize as much as possible with the existing hair, to give as little false effect as possible.

It is a painless and immediate alternative to transplantation or other hair thickening techniques. But, nevertheless, the use of skin patches is not without its drawbacks.

Like all things, hair prostheses also have contraindications. Let’s see what they are:

• Some prostheses do not allow perspiration.
• Hair does not grow in the skin patch application area.
• It is not permanent, but it must be replaced periodically.
• It is necessary to take care of the skin with moisturizing creams and lotions, since the adhesive products used to adhere the prostheses. No matter how delicate they are in the long term, they can cause irritation or allergic reactions.
• It is not enough to apply them and forget about them. The bad? That you become a slave to maintenance.

MAINTENANCE OF A HAIR PROSTHESIS

Maintenance, together with placement, is the most delicate and fundamental phase, both for reasons of hygiene and to maximize the life of the prosthesis.

Some recommend maintenance every 40 days, others every 15 days. Actually, there is no standard time for cleaning the hair system. The periodicity depends on the user’s lifestyle, perspiration and factors such as the type of adhesives (glues or resins) used.

It also influences the quality of the prosthesis itself, the frequency with which it is washed with shampoos or the humidity of the environment in which it spends most of its time.

Maintenance consists of several stages:

• Carefully remove, wash and disinfect the prosthesis.
• Take care of the skin, moisturizing it with specific creams and lotions.
• Replace the adhesives and reattach the prosthesis.
• Avoid shampooing for a couple of days to allow the denture to settle in.
• Insufficient maintenance can ruin the prosthesis, as well as create problems such as irritation, dermatitis and fungal infections.

COST AND DURATION OF A HAIR PROSTHESIS

The cost of a hair prosthesis varies from 100 to 3000 euros and its duration, on average, is from 3 to 8 months, up to a maximum of one year.

Several factors contribute to duration:

• Lifestyle.
• The quality of the prosthesis (membrane in primis).
• The ph of the skin.
• Sun exposure.
• Maintenance. In order for the prosthesis to last, it must be cared for precisely and constantly.

It is clear that the same prosthesis will perform differently if you work in an office or bakery (which will be in contact with the heat of the oven). Nor will it have the same durability if you usually go out by car or motorcycle (because you frequently use the helmet) or if you do a lot of sports (in this case you will sweat a lot) as if you didn’t.

If these frequently asked questions about a hair prosthesis have not resolved your doubts about this hair system, do not hesitate to contact us so that we can help you.