Today's hair systems are quite an improvement over the powdered wigs of the 1700s. Many are made from human hair, resulting in a more natural feel and appearance. This article weighs the advantages and disadvantages of hairpieces, explains the attachment systems available, and prepares you for the care and upkeep of your hair replacement system.
Weighing the pros and cons of hair systems
Hair systems were the only option for balding prior to the late 1950s, when doctors developed hair transplantation. Today, for men whose baldness is very extensive and who don't have enough hair for a hair transplant, a hair system may be the only alternative to simply shaving the scalp.
The cost and the final appearance of a hair system varies with the materials used and the expertise of the maker. Cost for a system also varies based on the total costs for marketing and commission sales. Most clients have two hair systems so that they can wear one while the other is in the shop.
The major advantages of wearing a hair system are that:
All hair systems are fragile and must be returned to the maker regularly for cleaning and upkeep; even with this attention, they usually last only a year or two. Sun, salt water, human sweat, chlorine in swimming pools, and harsh shampoos all shorten the life of a hair system.
The highest quality and most natural-looking hair systems are custom-made and may cost thousands of dollars. They're made of high-quality human hair carefully matched to the original hair of the client. The hairs, singly or in a few bundles, are skillfully tied around the threads of the foundation netting and knotted so that they may follow the pattern of natural hair growth or lie in a direction that maximizes layering.
Hair layered from side to side tends to cover better and, like a thatched roof, blocks light from penetrating the wig (which is important because one doesn't want the hair system to be seen through). Good cover is important for the users and a secure fit is critical because the new wearer will be most concerned about the feel of the hair system on their head and their concern that the hair system might just fall off.
Considering manufacture, upkeep, and replacement, even the average hair system isn't cheap, and you must expect continued expense throughout your life as long as you wear a system.
The hairs of less expensive hair systems may be made of artificial fibers or animal hair; cheap hair systems made from artificial fibers are less durable and begin to look fuzzy very quickly, so you must replace them at frequent intervals. Human hair has the most natural appearance and behavior, and the most common and affordable hair systems are traditionally made from Asian hair that's dyed or bleached to approximate Caucasian coloring. Asian hairs are used because they're generally coarse, straight, and strong, making them easier to work with.
The costs of hair supplies from salons in developing Asian countries was far lower than from traditional European sources. However, the texture may be so different from a person's natural hair that the final result doesn't look convincing. Also, although Asian hair is very strong, the bleaching and toning processes make it brittle and dry, making it vulnerable to breakage.
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