What is a Hair Piece? A Wig?

The technical definition is a foundation (varying depending on your daily activities) which is placed over the balding area of the head with hair that has been placed into position on the foundation (called "venting") by hand, one hair at a time. This is the definition of the typical hair system for men, whereas a typical Wig for a woman differs only slightly. The same process of meticulously placing each hair onto the foundation is followed, however wigs tend to cover all of the head, whereas a hair system (also known as a "unit") will just cover the balding area of the scalp. A wig tends to have an elastic band near the back (nape) of the neck to ensure a snug fit, and surgical adhesive may also be used if necessary.

What is a Hair System?

A hair system is basically the same as a Hair Piece, with a few differences. The system is specifically designed to attach differently. It will typically be attached in such a way as it will remain on the person's head for 4 to 6 weeks without being taken off. Unlike the hair piece, the system is not removed by the person them self. The term "System" tends to imply more than just the item placed on the head. It includes customer education and training in the method of cleansing and styling during the time period it is worn.

Every so often, the Hair Replacement studio will do the removal and reattachment. At this time the clients head and "System" are thoroughly cleansed. The "System" is carefully inspected and any adjustment needed will be performed. The clients hair is cut and styled then the "System" is reattached and finish styled. This System keeps the clients grooming at an extremely high level. The clients will look good, be happy with themselves, and will enjoy their full head of hair. The clients that wear "Hair Systems" are the ones that you do not know are wearing a Hair Replacement. They are completely natural. No one will ever know. Undoubtedly hair systems are the most desirable method of replacing hair that has been lost.

So many Choices...

You've probably seen it. The guy with curly blond hair that is only a quarter inch long, diving into the water, emerging with a big smile, and running his hand through is hair. Then a nice fellow walks up and says: "I'm not just the president, I'm also a..." If you kept watching, you probably noticed that many commercials like these say they have a unique product to offer. Well what do they have that normal hair systems don't have? This particular company was the first Hair Replacement Corporation to nationally advertise the sale of Men's Hair Replacements of all types.

Pretty much nothing is unique about this product as compared to your standard hair system. As with any product in any market, the value and the cost of similar items can vary greatly. Different companies will need to differentiate themselves from other similar companies by implying that something about what they have is unique. Sometimes this is necessary to justify higher costs, or even to justify lower costs. Suffice it to say, a hair unit, is a hair unit, is a hair unit. If you're researching this option to your hair loss, whether male or female, and you hear that a product is unique, make sure you have them specify exactly what is different about what they have to offer.

How are they Made?

Your standard hair unit should really be made custom for you. Each person is going to have different needs, and it is important to find a company or provider who can give you the time and attention you need to avoid ending up with a silly looking head covering. Everyone has a different lifestyle, and different needs, and consequently there are several different types of units.

The Hair Replacement is made by taking an exact contoured pattern of the balding area of the persons head and making a working form from that pattern. The form will look like a persons head with the exact shape of the head. All heads are diffract so a new form must be made according to each and every pattern. Working forms are made using either furniture foam or Plaster of Paris. The form is carefully trimmed, shaved and shaped to perfection. The material chosen to make the foundation from is then tightly stretched and fitted to the to the form to make it fit perfectly. This is a lengthy process as so much care must be taken for a perfect fit. When the foundation is correct the hair is then inserted in and out of the foundation using a small tip curved needle with a microscopic fish hook cut in to the end of the needle. The fish hook is cut so it will only accept one 40 denier hair to fit into the hook. The stitch is made then a tiny knot is created by twisting the needle in a special manner to create the knot. The knotting is done one hair at a time till the foundation has been completely filled with the proper amount of hair. Thousands of tiny knots are made one per hair hour after hour till it is finished. The usual production time to complete one hand tied Hair Replacement will arrive at 56 or more man hours. No small frivolous job. The inception of the hair is an art that takes many months to master. Persons doing this work will usually burn out in less than one year. Rarely do they stick with such a meticulous job so their are always hundreds of persons in training at all times.

Someone who foresees wearing theirs 24 hours a day 7 days a week would want to go with something that has a lighter foundation. By foundation we mean the material on which the hair has been incorporated. A good example of a lighter foundation style is something called a "Fine Mono Mesh". It's very similar in consistency to the material you see in women's stockings. This is typically the most popular foundation style today, however there are many others to choose from. Some are made out of a nylon, a polyester, silk, polyurethane, flat or welded, etc. This is another reason why having an involved provider is imperative to finding what is best for your needs.

A little History

Technology really has advanced, even in the area of Hair Units. Believe it or not, they've come a long way baby. When hair units first came out, the focus was on creating a more durable and heavy unit. Today's units are much much lighter, and focus on a better fit, and consequently a more natural look. What is the reason for the change? You.

The consumer really has lead the demand for lighter pieces over the years. Men want something that is light and undetectable. For instance, some units have a foundation only of a polyurethane base known as THR, which is a thin coat of poly painted over a soft gauze foundation. Due to the extreme "thinness" of these types of pieces, they tend to not last as long. Sometimes you can't have both progress and perfection. The thinner the foundation, the less durable it becomes.