iAremyhair believes in giving our customers ample information so that they can make wise decisions regarding hair loss treatment.
For this purpose, we will be introducing a series of topics that offer insight and objective viewpoints. Topics range from basics of hair to hair loss causes to treatment options to other related and interesting issues.
To ensure that our readers get the most out of our newsletters, we have condensed information from established publications and online reference materials such that each topic can be easily digested. iAremyhair invites you on this journey and welcomes your comments.
(Part I)
What is a Hair Replacement System? It's an artificial hair device designed to cover the balding area. They go by many names - hairpieces, hair appliances, hair extensions, hair weaves, hair units, wigs, non-surgical options.
Hair System Foundation : The system is made by taking an exact contoured pattern of the person's head and making a working form from that pattern. Working forms are made using either furniture foam or Plaster of Paris. The material chosen to make the foundation is then tightly stretched and fitted to the form. Then, the chosen hair type is inserted in and out of the foundation using a punch needle (small tip curved needle with a microscopic fish hook near the needle tip). Each hair is knotted, one at a time, till the foundation is completely filled with a suitable amount of hair. Someone who foresees wearing a hair system 24 hours a day, 7 days a week would want to go with something that has a lighter foundation. A good example is the "Fine Mono Mesh". It's very similar in consistency to the material you see in women's stockings. This is typically the most popular today but there are many other BASE DESIGNS available : lace, polyurethane, nylon, polyester, silk and so on.
| Fine Mono Mesh | Lace | Polyurethane |
 Probably the most popular base for hair systems and has been the industry standard for decades. Made of lightweight fine nylon material that is quite durable and breathable. Many companies are now selling Fine Mono based systems with lace fronts in an attempt to offer a durable unit with natural looking hairlines. |
 It's virtually undetectable and gives a natural look because it has a skin tone colour which gives the impression of hair growing directly from the scalp. Extremely lightweight, has good breathability and can be easily customised to a perfect fit. However, they are made from extremely delicate materials and are more difficult to maintain. |
 One of the newest materials used in hair systems. Made of a fine layer of transparent polyurethane which looks like a thin layer of translucent skin Can be easily molded to the shape of the scalp for an excellent fit. First generation skin units are even more delicate than lace units. Thus, an additional layer of silicon or polymer may be added to enhance durability. |
* pictures courtesy of wholesalehairpieces.com
The Hair in a Hair System: It can be human hair of excellent quality and which is matched to the client's hair in terms of colour, texture, style or density. Other hairs of a lower quality may be made of a moderate-quality human hair, animal hair or artificial fibers. Human hair is fragile and so even the most expensive hairs need regular maintenance.
| Human Hair | Animal Hair | Synthetic Materials | Combination of Human Hair & Synthetic Materials |
| A hair system made of human hair is of the highest quality and has the most natural look and feel. | Goat or horsehair is a cheaper and popular alternative. The yak's hair can also be considered. The maintenance is similar to that of natural human hair. | The cheapest option and they are the easiest to care for because the colour and shape last longer. However, these generally look and feel less genuine. | A hair system often consists of both but the downside is that the human hair needs to be maintained differently from the synthetic fibers. |
Attaching the Hair System : Various methods for consideration but each has its pros and cons.
| Glue | The area that the hair system covers is shaved or the hair is cut very short, and glue is used on the outer edge of the hair system to hold it in place. A properly glued hair system is secure and perhaps the most comfortable attachment method that can be used. However, glued hair systems don't allow much air to circulate and you would need to remove and wash the hair system frequently enough to minimise any bacteria buildup and odour. Great care must be taken not to apply too much glue on the point of bonding the weave to your natural hair. Otherwise, normal hair may be pulled out as the hair system is removed. |
| Clips | Clips or metal snaps sewn to the hair system are fastened directly to your natural hair. They are usually very secure once you get used to them and the hair system can be easily removed and washed as frequently as you like. One concern is that the point of attachment to the existing hair may cause traction alopecia (a localised balding that developed due to the pull factor). |
| Double-sided tape | The tape is attached to your hair system and you stick it to your shaved scalp. It's one of the simplest methods of attachment and it allows the easy removal of a hair system. However, tape can leave a sticky residue of adhesive on the skin and the net foundation of the hair system. The stickiness of the tape is vulnerable to perspiration and activities that tend to loosen the attachment. |
| Weaves | Weaves are a form of hair extensions that are placed into your hair to add bulk to it. These extensions come in various sizes and lengths and can either be made of synthetic or natural hair. It sews hair that you have into the foundation mesh in order to anchor the hair system to your scalp. However, the hair system becomes looser over time as the hair continues to grow. The weaves need to be tightened every 7-10 days. Unfortunately, this technique also causes traction alopecia. |
Warning Against These Attachment Techniques which will permanently scar your scalp.
| Sewing-It-On | A barbaric procedure whereby the hair system is stitched directly onto your scalp. Since the stitches (sutures) aren't ever removed and don't dissolve, infections and disfiguring scarring ensue. The scars gradually cause almost total blockage of blood supply to the central portion of the scalp. |
| Tunnel Grafts | Tunnels are created in your scalp with skin grafts taken from another part of your body. Plastic or nylon hooks are sewn to your hair system and the hooks are inserted into these skin tunnels. The tunnel grafts create a deformity and if the tunnels are surgically removed, permanent scars remain on your scalp. |
| Artificial Fibers Implant | It's a crude version of hair transplantation whereby synthetic fibers are implanted in your head. Chronic infections and over time inflammation are almost guaranteed. Apart from these complications, combing though these brittle synthetic hairs can break the fibers and the damage is permanent. |
Reference Materials
http://www.hairlossforum.net/hrfaq/home.htm#how_made
Kobren, Spencer David, "The Bald Truth". USA : Pocket Books, 1998.
Rassman, William R, M.D. and Bernstein, Robert M, M.D. "Hair Loss & Replacement for Dummies" USA : Wiley Publishing, Inc, 2009.
