Cosmetic Options To Camouflage Hair Loss
Author: Dr Robert Jones

Hair Loss Concealers

In recent years, several new hair loss cosmetic products, which
mask thinning hair by providing an appearance of more density,
have become available. I have tried all of these products
personally, and they are a great option whether you use them
permanently or just as your hair begins to grow in after a
transplant. I hope my experience provides a helpful review of
each product, and perhaps will assist you in choosing the right
product for yourself.

Electrostatic Fibers

Products are sold that are a complex of tiny, micro fiber
"hairs" that blend with your own hair. Toppik fibers, derived
from the keratin in wool, are made of the same organic keratin
protein as your own hair. The fibers change thin, "vellus" hair
into hair that appears more thick and full. Toppik is applied by
holding the custom container over the thinning area, and shaking
it gently while thousands of tiny color-matched hair fibers
intertwine with your own hair. Charged with static electricity,
they bond so that they will stay in place all day and night.
There are many companies that make this product now – Super
Million Hair, Toppik and Organin to name a few. All of these
are great products, differing from each other only in the
length of the fiber.

Serums

Lotions, made of a sesame seed emulsion, can be dabbed on and
are not greasy or sticky. They won't rub off or stain, even
during exercising, perspiring, or swimming, and are easily
removed with shampooing. I have tried them and I'm not a big
fan. On close inspection, your hair appears greasy and a little
unnatural. My suggestion is to try them – you might like the
result. I have seen many patients who love these products.

Hair Powder

One hair powder product is called DermMatch and is a
hard-packed powdered cosmetic that coats thin hairs to make
them thicker and helps them to stand up and spread out for
increased fullness. It also colors your skin to match your hair
color, causing the scalp to disappear. It's the only product you
can fade to mimic a hairline. DermMatch conditions your hair and
moisturizes your skin. You are able to brush your hair and swim
with it. It is applied with wet sponge applicator. I have tried
this as well, and it wouldn't be my first pick. I don't like how
it colors your scalp, and it does not look completely natural.

Sprays

These products are colored hair thickening sprays that makes
your hair look naturally thicker and fuller in seconds, not
only covering thinning areas, but by adding texture and volume
to thinning hair. I had one patient, an actor from New York,
who would not go on stage without applying this product. It
definitely gives your hair a very full appearance, but again,
on close inspection it looks a bit unnatural, so it isn't my
first choice. The two name brands for this product are ProTHIK
and Fullmore.

Hairpieces

Regardless of the euphemism – hair prostheses, hair systems,
toupees, strand-by-strand insertion systems, hairpieces, etc. –
all are terms referring to one product option on the market, and
all are made in a similar way using the same materials and are
usually produced by a select few manufacturers. The cost and
quality of appearance varies widely according to the materials
used and the quality of craftsmanship.

Hair System Bases

The base of the hair system is simply the foundation of the
prostheses in which the hair is either tied or injected. There
are two types of hairpiece bases on which hairpieces are built.
The first is a Mesh fabric base, which is typically made of
polyester or nylon and is usually used to create the fine
hairline of a good product. In some cases, this base is used
throughout the entire system, which provides a natural,
life-like appearance, but it is impractical for long-term use.

The second is a polymer base. The polymer base is made of
either silicone or polyurethane and is used to create a
material that mimics the appearance of skin or a scalp. The
more durable systems use this material. Many use it in areas
where the hairpiece is to be attached to protect the unit for
long-time wear.

Basically, the mesh fabric base is more natural looking and
more expensive, but less durable. While the polymer base is
less expensive and more durable, it provides a less natural
appearance.

Hair Used in a Hairpiece

The most expensive hairpieces are made from European hair that
was grown naturally in the colors and styles available. Less
expensive are natural-hair hairpieces, produced in Asia, which
are made from dark straight hair that is dyed and bleached to
offer various colors. Asian products, though they may appear
attractive when first purchased, often begin to look fuzzy
after a short time. The lowest quality hairpieces are
constructed from low quality human hair, animal hair or even
artificial fibers.

All hairpieces are quite fragile – they need regular
maintenance, no matter how expensive they are, and all will
need to be replaced with time.

Fastening a Hairpiece

Keep in mind that the way you attach your hairpiece will
greatly affect the hair that may be directly under it or
adjacent to it. A hairpiece can accelerate hair loss on the
part of your head that is directly underneath it.

This type of hair loss occurs especially with those hairpieces
that are attached by bonding – a strong, glue-like adhesive –
or ones that are attached by the weaving process. Clips cause
minimal hair loss.

Semi-Permanent Attached Hairpieces

Hairpieces that are semi-permanently attached are not designed
to be removed, except by a hair technician or stylist, usually
once every six weeks.

In most cases, they are affixed to the scalp by various liquid
adhesives. This process has many names – polyfuse, natural
bond, polybond, or just plain bonding – for the same result,
gluing a hairpiece on your head.

They can be very unhealthy for you, your head, and your hair.
Shampooing can't remove the natural accumulation of flaked-off
skin cells, oil, shed hair, and other organic debris that
accumulate between the hairpiece and the scalp.

Even if you have this kind of hairpiece, whether it's attached
by bonding or weaving (the hair is woven into the bottom of the
hairpiece to secure it to your head), it should be loosened or
removed at least once every five days so that you can properly
clean the scalp underneath.

Temporary Adhesive-Attached Hairpieces

Double-sided tape is used to attach the hairpiece. This is an
easy kind of attachment, and you can remove it any time and
then reattach it. However, you will need to wash off after
handling it. The tape can come unglued when you perspire
heavily, and swimming loosens the tape as well.

Clip Attachment

Metal clips that are securely attached to the underside of the
hairpiece fasten to your own hair that is either under or
adjacent to the hairpiece. These are secure but very easy to
remove, just like tape attachments.


About The Author: Dr. Jones is a hair transplant surgeon west
of Toronto, Canada. He's president of International Society of
Follicular Unit Surgeons, and member of the International
Society of Hair Restoration Surgeons, Board Certified by the
American Society of Hair Restoration Surgeons.
http://www.torontohairdoctor.com