The Quality of Service

We live in a Wash-N-Go society.  A country full to the brim with cheap, fast solutions to any of life's problems and inconveniences. Our service industry has changed drastically with advancement in technologies, increase in population, and the ever-diminishing quality of products and service. The downwards turn that the economy has taken over the past decade does not help matters, either.  The service industry (particularly the hair world) is always one to suffer in times of frugality. Many people try to save a buck by opting for cheap, do-it-yourself dyes, synthetic hair extensions or hairpieces, and 15 minute haircuts over a relaxing experience in the hands of a skilled professional that knows your name and asks for the long version of how your day has been.
There's nothing wrong with watching your wallet. Everyone has to take cuts somewhere. A lot of people, however, have had the experience of a terrible cut, hairpiece, or dye job from an inexperienced stylist who has had an overbooked day. Bad attitudes, bad experience, and an unwelcome atmosphere. Once the cut grows out, they try a different discount cuttery, jump on the conveyor belt, and have the same poor treatment over again. All in the name of fiscal conservativeness.
There are several facts that should be made known for the skeptics. There are differences in service a client experiences in a private hair salon in comparison to a corporate one. There are also a few key factors that come into play when making a decision.
1. Corporate discount hair salons charge separately for a shampoo, a haircut, and a style-out (blow-dry).    So your haircut might be $15, but a shampoo is an extra $10 (sometimes &15), and a style-outs run between $20 and $35.  Thats a general range of $45 to $65. Plus tip.  Also, forget about specialized cuts. These are people who are used to doing quick, simple cuts and blow-drys without too much muss, fuss, or client consideration. I personally have never known anyone to get the best cut of their life at one of these places.
2. Most private salons charge anywhere between $35 and $75 for a haircut. However, this includes a full shampoo and conditioning (most also involve a scalp massage), a haircut that is EXACTLY (not someone else's version of) what you asked for, and a style-out that is appropriate for your cut. There is usually a complementary drink, and friendly conversation in an environment that is comfortable and private. So, you are getting a better full experience for roughly the same price.
3. Men and women are different. Women enjoy displaying their new hairdo, color, or extensions. It is a point of pride. Men, however, usually prefer to look natural. Needing a haircut is one thing, but incoming grays and male pattern baldness can be a sensitive issue for most men. Sensitivity that is not acknowledged by 'discount' hair clubs. Nor is it recognized in regular salons that agree to cut in that hairpiece because they assume it is exactly the same as any other cut. At a private salon or hair replacement studio, each visit is confidential. Each stylist is knowledgeable in their craft. And they recognize that if their job is done right, no one will notice it at all.
4.  You don't stay in business for 50 years if you are terrible at what you do.  Private businesses like David Hansen Custom Hair Replacement have unparalleled experience at the helm.  That much experience and passion in a career results in perfect pieces, every time. Consistency is one of the most important things lacking in the cheaper experience. Why get it right some of the time, when you can get it right EVERY time?
5. A picture may be worth a thousand words, but attitude tells all. Who would be more inclined to be genuine to a client, someone cutting 20 heads a day for minimum wage, or someone who has the time and confidence by building their own business?  It's not an easy thing to do; and men like David Hansen do not get to where they are today by treating his clients like numbers on a page.
6. Quality of product is the final major factor in choosing a hair experience. When it comes to specialty products like hairpieces, isn't it worth it to have something that will not only look amazing but will last? Quality custom pieces last longer, and undeniably look much better than their cheap, synthetic counterparts. Why waste money on some cheap throwaway?
So, yes, times are a little tough, but if you are considering something as important as a hairpiece, it is time to get old fashioned. Look for the best quality, and the most experience. The experience will be better, you will have better results, and feel better about the money well spent.

Best solution for hair loss

In today’s day in age, people want an easy and non-complicated solution when it comes to hair loss and hair replacement. There are plenty of clients that have stated that they went thru hair restoration surgery and explained it just wasn’t the right thing for them to do. Hair replacement surgery is usually ideal for someone with beginning stages of thinning hair. If you are someone experiencing the late stages of hair loss, and/or male pattern baldness you would be a perfect candidate for a custom made hair piece fit to your specifications. On my website www.davidhansen.com you can see which and all stages that fit your type of balding for your ideal hair replacement hairpiece. Whether you are experiencing slight balding as in stage 1 or full head as in stage 9, I can help in any way. I have experience of over 50 years in the field of hairstyling and hair replacement, so only want the best look for my clients, and most of my clients have been with me for 25 years and over. They trust my opinion and my advice. That is exactly what I’m trying to do and help with YOU right now! Regardless of your situation research your treatment options and see which suits you best. Good Luck & Good Looking

David Hansen

The Ultimate Men’s Hairstyling & Hairpiece Specialist

www.davidhansen.com

Chicago, IL

David Hansen, the Ultimate Men’s Barber & Hair Replacement Specialist……Dedicated, Convenient, and Passionate to his clients.

Having over 50 years of experience in the field of hairstyling and hair replacement, I have figured out and realized the best ways to perfect my skills and insure my customers of a great outcome every time they seat in my chair. The bond between a barber and client is a very unique and trusting relationship. Holding the responsibility of cutting and/or styling someone’s hair and on the other end, depending on the skill and professional advise of another is a two way street. In return, creating a companionship where both sides feel at ease about dealing with one another and even exploring and sharing personal information about each other lives. A good percentage of my clients have been with me an average of 25 years and up. The reason for this comes from my passion for my craft and my commitment to those who trust in my profession. I invite men that are looking for a professional, dedicated, and consistent barber and those who are looking for answers to their hair loss conditions. I’m located and work in Chicago, but I cater to anyone who can make it to me. I require at lease two visits to complete and fit your customized piece and future maintenance can be conducted through mail services. I look forward to continuing my career, helping those in need of my many trustworthy services and possibly YOU!

-David Hansen

312.943.8171

www.davidhansen.com

Hair Loss Advise, Guidance & Services

-Wearing hats to hide your balding problems?

- Miss your full head of hair?

-Don’t want to be bothered with contracts and painful surgery…

We invite you to experience the

DAVID HANSEN treatment!

Call today to schedule your FREE consultation!!!

312.943.8171

www.davidhansen.com

.......Hear from someone who has over 50 years experience

& get all your concerns and questions answered!

Refer a friend or family member!

Know someone who could use some help dealing with their hair loss issues.

Send them my way for a David Hansen Experience!

A hairpiece created by David Hansen inspires confidence in the way you and feel and look.

Contact Us Today!!!!!! 312.943.8171 or www.davidhansen.com

*No Contracts * Free Consultations *50 years experience

Hair Loss Key Words

Here’s a few terms and meanings that you may come across while researching hair loss options. A great aid for navigating through the world of hair replacements.



Hair Replacement
A general term for any procedure in which encroaching baldness is non-surgical or surgically reversed by grafting, tightening, or flap rotations, using standard grafts, minigrafts, and micrografts, scalp flaps, scalplifting procedures, scalp reduction, and tissue expanders

Male Pattern Baldness
A progressive, diffuse loss of scalp hair in men that begins in the twenties or early thirties, depends on the presence of the androgenic hormone testosterone, and is caused by a combination of genetic and hormonal factors. Also called alopecia hereditaria, androgenetic alopecia, male pattern alopecia, patterned alopecia.

Alopecia simply means hair loss (baldness).

Alopecia areata
is a condition that causes round patches of hair loss, and can lead to total hair loss.

Alopecia totalis is the loss of all head hair.

Alopecia universalis
is a medical condition involving rapid loss of all hair of the head and the body.

Bald/ Balding
having little or no hair on the scalp.

Hair transplantation
is a surgical procedure used to treat baldness or hair loss. Typically, tiny patches of scalp are removed from the back and sides of the head and implanted in the bald spots in the front and top of the head.

Hair graft
a thin strip of hair-bearing scalp is removed, separated into pieces of 1 to 5 hair follicles, and then implanted into hairless areas.




David Hansen
Ultimate Hairpiece Designer
www.davidhansen.com
312.943.8171
Chicago, IL 60654

Preparing for Hereditary Balding

Dealing with the first stages of Hereditary Balding?






If you know your future, know your options!
David Hansen Studio is here to help you.
www.davidhansen.com
312.943.8171
Chicago, IL 60654

Can my hair replacement be repaird?

It depends on the condition of the hair replacement. Sometimes a small amount of hair falls out of the hair replacement due to regular wear and tear you can notice it thinning out in certain spots. This problem can usually be solved by adding in hair to the balding area. This is done by a professional wig maker who knows how to tie the hair into the base one at a time.This is hard, time consuming, and strenuous work. The cost is usually estimated by the time put into repairing the hairpiece.
Another repair that may be needed is to the base. If the base of the hair system rips it is possible to put it back together. This can also be tedious and time consuming work. The person repairing the hair replacement has to be careful not to make the repair visible. In an instance your hair replacement tears (which should not usually happen) it is better to get a new hair replacement.


David Hansen
www.davidhansen.com

Sports, Exercise and Hair Replacement (hair systems, hair restoration, toupee)

Exercise and sports are a large part of a healthy lifestyle. Most commonly exercise is used to control ones weight, but it also combats health conditions and diseases, improves mood, boosts energy, promotes better sleep, and puts the spark back into your sex life. With all these positive aspects related to exercise and sports you do not want to sacrifice a healthy lifestyle in order to look good. In many ways exercise and hair replacement are related. They both make you look and feel good about yourself, and help one maintain a youthful appearance. With exercise and a hair system you can look and feel your best!

It is possible to wear a hair replacement and continue to exercise; you just have to know about a few related facts.

WEAR THE RIGHT HAIR REPLACEMENT!

I cannot stress this enough, do not get a bonded hair system if you are trying to stay active. When you get a hair replacement system bonded on there is not enough air circulation getting through to your scalp creating a raisin effect. All the moisture from your head ends up on top of your scalp and under your hair system. Not only is this unsanitary, smelly, inconvenient, but it also creates itching, irritation, and discomfort. In the worst case scenario you can end up with open lesions which can get infected due to the lack of oxygen and amount of dirt and buildup.
A lace piece will provide a lot more air circulation, but remember make sure to eventually take off your piece and wash the scalp underneath to prevent major odor. If you are afraid that the hair piece will not withstand vigorous exercise you can apply a stronger hair replacement tape. Ask your hair replacement provider to order you a two way adhesive tape that is stronger that the regular hair replacement tape.
Another aspect to take into consideration is to not swim in your replacement system. Chlorine is not good for any hairpiece, it can be an easy way to damage your hairpiece, and will reduce its life span. Like with anything else to keep it looking its best you have to take care of it, so take care of yourself and look your best!

Your Friend
David Hansen
Hair Replacement Specialist
www.davidhansen.com
Chicago, IL

Before You Buy a Hair Replacement (hairpiece, hair system, and toupee) Care and Maintenance

Before you buy your hair replacement you should learn about what is involved in keeping your hair system clean and looking its best.

1. Make sure you get your hair cut by a professional who is in the hair replacement business. Take your time and find the best hair replacement specialist in your area or travel outside to a different state or city. Usually the larger companies are less personal with their clients and their products are not of high quality. Many times they also hire people right from beauty school who do not have the experience in cutting-in hair replacement. Try finding someone who has been in the business for a long time and they know what they are doing. Ask if you could come in and see them work on one of their clients. If a person is confident in their abilities and the final product they will be more likely to let you observe them at work (you want to know what to expect). Since a hairpiece is a long term investment make sure you find the best specialist possible (unfortunately there are few left). Another advantage of getting a hair replacement specialist cut your hair is that they prepare it for the hair replacement system. It lets them study your hair, its movement, what it will and will not do, its texture and feel. Then ounce the time comes that you need to get a hair replacement system your hair will blend a lot better with the system.

2. To extend the longevity of the hair system you should avoid swimming in the system, chlorine, lake water as well as salt water damages the hair. Also avoid having your hairpiece out in direct sunlight or under florescent light for an extended period of time as this oxidizes the hair making it slowly lose its natural color.

3. Make sure you get regular maintenance done on your hair replacement system. As you notice that it is time to get a haircut make sure you go to a hair replacement studio. Bring your hairpiece along for its regular maintenance, at this time you can also bring your other pieces to get cleaned and styled as well. When you get a haircut from a hair replacement specialist they know exactly how to cut your hair so that the hair system blends in without destroying the hair piece. As you take your hair system in the patch material as well as the hair will be cleaned, the hair piece styled so that it is ready to wear. If you need to clean your hair replacement system in between haircuts make sure you take off the tape first. Turn on lukewarm water, come through the hair piece before submerging it into the water (this will prevent major tangling and pulling out of the hair). Wash it with a gentle shampoo moving your hand in circular motions; make sure you rinse out the entire residue. Only towel and air dry your hairpiece using a brush or comb to style it (you should leave the hairdryer drying to a professional). Once again for best maintenance let the professional handle and wash the hair replacement system.

4. Do not use regular hair spray on your hairpiece. This will speed up the oxidation of the hair piece as well as leave residue on the individual strands of hair. This residue is very hard to take off and looks like white dots on the hair. The hair spray will also dry out the hair making it more delicate and brittle. Instead of using hair spray turn to water. Purchase a spray bottle, fill it with water and mist it over the hair system. After it dries it will lock in the desired style. If you have to use hair spray use one designed specifically for hairpieces. I have one that I recommend on my website www.davidhansen.com you can purchase it by calling my salon at 312-943-8171 or emailing me at davidhansen@davidhansen.com (the hair sprays cost $15-$20 each).

5. Do not wear a base ball hat that is fitted too tightly; get them a size or two bigger. This will prevent dents from forming in the hair system.

If you follow these suggestions and have regular maintenance done owning a hair replacement system should be as easy as one, two, there. You wake up put new tape on (if needed, you do not have to replace tape every day. As long as it is still tacky you do not need to put new tape on) put the hair replacement on your head. Comb or pick the hair through, mist with water if needed and you are on your way out.

I hope this blog was informative for more questions you can visit my website provided below or contact me by phone or email I am always glad to help.

David Hansen
Chicago IL
www.davidhansen.com
davidhansen@davidhansen.com

Hair Replacement With Rogaine, Minoxidil, Nizoral, and or Propecia.

In my 50 years as a hair replacement specialist I have encountered individuals from all walks of life. Men who have tried it all without getting the results that they desired. This waste of time and money only lead them to irritation and disappointment. After years of getting their hopes up just to realize another product has failed them, they usually decide to go back to or give hair systems (also referred to as hairpieces, toupees, and hair replacement systems) a try or shave their head. Somebody who cares about their appearance and tried so hard to save his hair should not have to shave it off.

The complaint that I found repeating most often was that topical products such as Rogaine, Minoxidil, Nizoral, and or Propecia made the persons hairs fall out. This may not happen right away, but after you don’t see any results and stop using the product your hair falls out. The hairs get so used to the product it falls out without it. Many times clients found their hair falling out even shortly after starting using Rogaine, Minoxidil, Nizoral, and or Propecia, distributors’ claim that this has to take place in order for new hairs to grow but they do not guarantee that the new hair will grow back.

Irritation and dryness of the scalp is also a side effects noticed by many users of Rogaine, Minoxidil, Nizoral, and or Propecia. The high content of alcohol (especially in the Rogaine) makes the hairs dry, brittle, and prone to breakage. This also has a great impact on the scalp, causing dandruff, itchiness, burning, irritation as well as swelling, and blisters.Some men have also noticed a drop in their sexual drive and performance.

Lastly if you do consider gambling with Rogaine, Minoxidil, Nizoral, and or Propecia make sure you are not allergic to the product. Some issues resulting from an allergic reaction are rashes, itching, chest pain, hives, dizziness, lips, fainting, and face. Other side effects include difficulty breathing, tightness in the chest, swelling of the mouth or tongue, fast heartbeat, sudden, unexplained weight gain, swollen hands or feet.

David Hansen
www.davidhansen.com
Chicago IL

Hair Replacement Specialist Chicago New Year

Dear readers of my hair replacement blog,

I would like to wish you the best in this upcoming year. I hope you find the type of hairpiece that you are looking for both improving your appearance and strengthening your self esteem. Best wishes and I hope to see you back in 2012 for some more hair replacement system information and insight.

David Hansen
www.davidhansen.com
Chicago IL

Chicago Hair Replacement Video

This is a recently shot hair replacement video. This new video features one of my clients. I just recieved his new custom made hair system and I am going to cut it into his hair. You can see here how a proffesional hair piece designer works and what a good quality hairpiece looks like.





David Hansen

www.davidhansen.com

Best Hair Replacement Chicago Happy Holidays

I would like to take this time to wish you and your families a warm and joy filled holiday season. I truly appreciate everyone who reads and follows my hair replacement blog. I have been fortunate enough in my lifetime to do something I love with all my heart, hair replacement is a huge part of my life and i couldn't imagine not being able to provide hairpieces for men anymore. I hope my years of experience and insight into this very confusing industry helped you in bettering yourself inside and out this year, and that my upcoming blogs will be just as interesting and helpful. I would also like to thank everyone writing to me I appreciate all the warm comments and I am always glad to answer any questions.
Ounce again I would like to wish you the best this holiday season.

Thank You
David Hansen
www.davidhansen.com
davidhansen@davidhansen.com
http://youtu.be/UeGl7wrU694

Price, Time, and Financial Arrangements Involved in Hair Replacement Chicago

Time Involved

Expect to wait a good 6 to 8 weeks for your hairpiece to be custom-made. Remember, there is a great deal of work to be done in making the base, matching and blending the hair, and sewing the strands into the hair replacement system.
You will be required to make only two or three visits to the salon in order to purchase a hair system: one or two for the interview consultation, design and measurement, and a final visit when the hair replacement is completed and ready to be cut and styled on your head.

The Price

And now for a subject that interests everyone: Just how much does one of these hair systems cost?
The price varies. As states in an earlier chapter, you can buy the cheapest stock hairpiece available or go the full route and order a custom made system. Before making your decision, remember that you are buying something that will become a part of you. It won't be just an ornament or a passing fad. It will be your hair. Only you can decide how much value to place on the hairpiece.
We are talking about a necessity for a man who is particular about his appearance and who desires to retain his youthful appearance. Good quality hair replacement were ounce a luxury--available to only the famous and the elite. Today, quality is within the reach of every man who cares about himself.
Stock hair systems with synthetic hair are naturally the least expensive, averaging around $350.00 for a full system. Although the quality is not as impressive as in a custom made hair replacement system, there is still a great deal of work that goes into its production.
Next in range, the semi-custom piece with a fine welded mono base, will run approximately $1,200.00 for the standard 5 inch by 8 inch size. Of course, if you are only beginning to bald, you can save money by just ordering a custom made partial piece for $850.00.
Finally, for the ultimate in hairpieces, the custom-made piece with European human hair and a fine welded mono base , you will have to pay $1,700.00 for a full piece (5" by 8"). As with any high-quality item, the increased durability and effectiveness makes up for the higher price. This fact is especially true where hair replacement systems are concerned.

Financial Arrangements

Most of the large hairpiece shops will trap you into a contract that seems fordable because it is spread out over a year or two but in reality you pay a lot more for a lower quality hair system. On the other hand, most local hair replacement salons arrangement is to have the customer put down 50% at the time of the order (due to the fact that the article is custom made and cannot be sold to anyone else) and then pay thee balance at the time of delivery.

The Guarantee

a reputable dealer will guarantee his creation.

David Hansen
http://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gif
Chicago, Illinois

Steps Involved In Getting A Undetectable Hair Replacement Chicago

The Consultation:
A reputable hair replacement designer will insist on interviewing each client before agreeing to make a sale. He is not as anxious to take your money as he is to make sure he understands your hair grooming problems, one of which being whether or not a hair system is really for you.
Naturally, all physical conditions must be taken into account. But just as important, perhaps more so, are the psychological conditions. For example, why does a client want a hairpiece? What are his expectations?
A hairpiece is not a fountain of youth. It cannot replace time. If an older man wants a hair replacement reminiscent of his twenties, it simply cannot be done. His skin color is very different from that which he had in earlier years, and both the style and color of his hairpiece would be unbelievable if he insisted on an exact duplication.
Thus, the necessity for the interview--to understand not only the needs but also the desires of the customer. As I many times explain "If a stylist finds he cannot honestly meet or accept either one of these categories, his integrity should demand he be honest about it. False promises only result in dissatisfied customers."
On the other hand, in essence, a hair replacement system can take five to ten years off a man's appearance. It can restore his self-confidence and, as a result, make him feel younger. It is a sensible and practical investment for mature and realistic people.
The Design and Measurements:
Measurement is a skill requiring a great deal of concentration. Using his experience and knowledge, the stylist must create an exact pattern of the client's head size and balding area. If the measurement is left to an amateur, it is almost certain to guarantee disaster and to be the forerunner of a hair replacement system that refuses to hug the scalp and often appears askew!
The pattern is sketched on a piece of clear plastic put over the patron's existing hair and balding area. The plastic material used in creating the mold of your balding area is very durable and preservable which means you do not have to go through the molding process every time you want a new hair system.
The stylist then makes notations that will assist him in the actual design of the hairpiece; Thickness or lightness of the ventilated hair, age and lifestyle of the patron, facial features, whether existing hair is straight, wavy, curly, etc. All these facts are considered before the proper type of hair can be selected. With today's modern styling it is also important to note if the hair has to be longer that the normal length hair system.
After the fitting, the next critical step involves taking hair samples, cut from specific areas of the temples, the back, as well as any other varying area, help make the hair replacement system look as realistic as possible by giving the designer a true idea of the color blend required. (Samples are small--they'll never be missed, not even on a balding head!)
At this stage it is decided if the client needs additional shading in the front of his hairpiece, such as a sun-bleached look of grey seems not not quite as grey as the temples. Lightening the front of a hair replacement system will soften a mature face. Strong coloring looks fine on someone in his thirties, but would be too harsh on a fifty-year-old whose natural color is beginning to show age fade.
Before we leave this subject, also note that it is advisable to have the stylist shampoo and style a patron's own hair at least ounce before beginning production of the hair system.It is beneficial for him to know exactly what the client's hair will and will not do.
The Fitting:
AS soon as your hairpiece is completed, you will be called in for your fitting. The stylist will shampoo your existing hair and then shape and style it to get the best look possible. Only then is your new hair secured into position, ready to be cut and styled right on your head for maximum fit and good looks.

David Hansen
Chicago, Illinois
www.davidhansen.com

The Best Place To Buy Hair Replacement

If you intend to invest in a high-quality and well-fitted hair replacement, trust only an expert. You can avoid the most common disappointments in the finished product if you start right--by selecting someone who knows his business.
Let me use my business as an example. I have won every hairstyling competition available: State, Midwest, National, Canadian, and World Championship. More recently I have relieved recognition in the field of hairpiece construction and styling. This is the type of man you can put your trust in.
Stay away from mail-order hair replacement and pre-styled creations! You have distinct characteristics which must be analyzed by a professional before your hair system is designed. The hair replacement designer has to create your hair system so that it matches not only your own color but also the density, texture and pattern.
As to mail-ordered hair replacement I would be amazed if a man could take his own measurements and hair samples, determine his most complimentary hairstyle, and that shape and style the hairpiece. He'd have such a rare talent, I'd probably offer him a job! In the case of mail-order systems, there's only one person who comes out smelling like a rose, and that's the seller! That's not what this business is all about. We're here to please the customer. Doing that through the mail is quite inconceivable. I insist on making my own hair replacement, this is the only way i can guarantee a perfect match.
Even if you take a mail-order hairpiece to a local stylist for the cutting and fitting, chances of satisfaction are very limited. Prior consultation is a necessity, just as personal instruction in the handling and care is required.
You'll be able to tell if a man is serious about the quality of his hair replacement just by taking a look at the premises on which he conducts his business. Does he have a private consultation area and fitting rooms that are modern and well equipped? Are there ample supplies and sample pieces on hand? Is the atmosphere a professional one in which transactions are carried out in an orderly and efficient manner? Do his employees and customers respect him?
If the answer to any of these questions is negative, find another distributor, someone who is serious about serving you. Just take a good look around you when you enter a salon, keep your eyes and ears open, and you'll have no trouble deciding whether or not the man is a pro.
The man you are looking for will be innovative and progressive. He'll be willing to give his personal guarantee of satisfaction, and he'll be willing to take the extra time required to guide you in the wear and care of your new hair system.
In most cases, your instinct will be a satisfactory guide. But if you'd like some assurance, look around the internet for complaint and scam websites, consult with previous customers, and take a look at competitors' offers before you're willing to say that one man's services look like the best.

David Hansen
Chicago, IL
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Hair Replacement Parts And Front Lines

The most critical areas of the hairpiece are the part and the front line. Even if a hair replacement is custom made, has European hair, a fine welded mono base, it may still be detectable if the part of the front line are not designed properly.
A good hair system will be created with some versatility in the way it can be parted. Nevertheless, the location and type of part are usually predetermined by both client and stylist. The names given to parts are often the result of the base used under them or the style involved. Five kinds are in common use:
1. The French Part, pre-styled into the hair replacement by a special weaving of the hair sewn in (one hair at a time) A gauze or lace base is used.
2.The Lace Part, just as impressive as the French part; in fact, a little more so. The hairpiece base used is lace cloth, a little more delicate than any other, with a very fine, closely-woven texture that can hardly be seen.
3.The Simulated Part, This is not an actual part. The hair is sewn into any one of a variety of hair replacement bases to create a slight separation. It has the appearance of a part, but has no skin tone showing through from the base. Very effective for today's styles.
4.The Skin Part, usually made on a skin-like plastic material, although recent advances have now made it possible to also have this on a lace base. It is designed to look like your own hair growing out of the scalp.
5.No Part. This is the most commonly style used by me. It is the most versatile style. It allows you to choose if you want a part on your left or on your right, you can do whatever you want with your hair and it will still look good.
The front lines available in a hairpiece are even more extensive than the part choices. It is enough to say that whatever style you want, the hair replacement can provide it: left to right, right to left, forward,forward than back, tossled, etc. The choice is yours. Consult with your hairstylist as to which style would look best with your facial features and existing side hair.(Bring your stylist a photograph of yourself when you had a full head of hair often facilitates this decision the most appropriate hairstyle.)
Just remember, the better the quality of your hair system, the easier to make, not only your front line, but every aspect of the piece appear natural. A hairpiece is truly one of those commodities of which "you get what you pay for!"

David Hansen
Chicago, IL
www.davidhansen.com

A Good Hair Replacement System Foundation

A Good Hair Replacement System Foundation
The part of the hairpiece onto which the hair is sewn is called the base or foundation. It rests directly on your scalp; so it should be as lightweight and airy as your budget will allow. There are many hair replacement base materials:

The gauze cloth is made of two layers of the finest of Swiss silk, tightly woven together in order to hold the individual hairs sewn into the hair system. Because of the lightness of the fabric, its presence is not felt by you as you wear it or by anyone touching the hairpiece while it is on your head. Your scalp can breathe with ease, since a hair replacement made with this type of base would only weigh one or two ounces, including the sewn-in hair. Yet, it has great strength and durability, and it is easy to repair should any damage be done to it.
The lace cloth hair replacement base, consisting of two layers of lace (sometimes made of nylon), is even lighter in weight than the gauze base. Although it is more delicate than gauze, with the proper care, it can prove to be just as durable. There is also a special lace hair system base formulated that is pressed and steamed to retain the shape of the head. Although it molds itself to the head, it is still exceptionally light and provides excellent ventilation.

The hair replacement base that I like the most is fine welded mono. I choose to use this hair system base material out of all the other materials because it is a smooth, light weight material that perfectly retains the persons head shape even after a extended period of time. Fine welded mono hair replacement base also takes on the individuals skin color making it the least noticeable and the most durable hair system base available.

Plastic bases, sometimes referred to as skin bases, do not have the impressive quality of the fine welded mono hairpiece bases. You can't expect it to look as natural as human hair sewn into a fine welded mono base. Plastics are much hotter than then the other types of bases and rip very easily. They looses hair easily, and they lay much flatter on the scalp. To repair a plastic base requires so much time and effort, it is often cheaper to buy a new one. Cleaning must be done with caution, as certain cleaning fluids are strong enough to actually dissolve the hair replacement base.

David Hansen
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Human Hair VS. Synthetic Hair

Human Hair VS. Synthetic Hair
There are two basic kinds of fibers used in hair replacement today: human hair and synthetic hair.
"Human hair" can be a misleading term. There are several sources, and quality varies greatly. First quality human hair is European, the most natural looking and feeling. It is rarely machine sewn and is most advantageous when hand tied into a custom hairpiece.
While all European hair is of premium quality, that which is secured from convents is considered superior. Its colors are natural and no chemicals have been added. For this reason, while all hair eventually fades, European is the slowest to do so.
In addition, due to its finer texture, European hair will hold its curl and retain a style longer than any other human hair.
Oriental and Asian hair are also classified as human. In fact, an advertisement claiming that human hair is used, often means it is one of the later two. If it is European, it will say that--so do not be fooled.
The Oriental and Asian fibers almost always require bleaching followed by tinting, thus resulting in quicker fading. Much more difficult to blend in with your own hair, their structure and texture very greatly from that of Caucasians. They are sometimes hand tied into a semi-custom piece, but their primary use is in machine-sewn stock pieces manufactured in the Orient.
n option to European or other human hair is a synthetic. Synthetics are used almost solely in machine productions. An exception to this rule, however, is grey hair. If gray is required in your hairpiece, chances are a synthetic hair will be used, even if it is a hand-sewn, custom made creation. Not only is long, grey, human hair scarce, it is also the most fragile and the quickest to oxidize.
As a result, a high-quality synthetic is a better investment when gray is needed.
One of the most impressive sources of grey hair is transformed is quite intriguing to watch. The desired amount of goat hair is boiled and processed until it finally turns into beautiful human-looking strands. It is totally undetectable in a custom-made hairpiece, and achieves a much better appearance than any man-made synthetic hair replacement.
Synthetics, however, are not to be undermined. In machine-made productions their worth is undeniable. Naturally, the best synthetic is a matter of opinion. Some prefer Dynel from Union Carbide, Kanekalon from Japan, Venicelon or Curlon form Italy, or others. While all synthetics have their individual advantages, many of the pros, including David Hansen prefer Elura form Monsanto. In fact, if a client declines the use of goat hair in his hair replacement, David's second recommendation for an impressive grey fiber is white Elura. Elura is heat resistant and can take the styling of a hot comb or blow dryer. It is, also said to
be structured closer to real hair than any other fiber. Perhaps this is why it does not have the "silky" or "buttery" feeling of cheaper synthetics. It feels like and performs like and performs like human hair .
Synthetics are quite advantageous if you are an outdoors man. True, they are not as impressive as human hair, but they are resistant to sunburn and fading caused by the elements. Having a synthetic as a second hairpiece will allow a man the freedom to enjoy the outdoors while his custom-made hairpiece is safe at home, ready for the office and his indoor social life. If he gets the urge to jump into the pool, his synthetic won't tangle like human hair and it drips dry in just minutes.
Another advantage of synthetics? They are more readily available. Growing a head full of long hair can take a few years, whereas synthetics can be mass produced in a matter of minutes.
In spite of the advances made by manufacturers, however, some human hair shades remain too hard to duplicate with synthetic fibers. In addition, unlike synthetics used for women's wigs, men's synthetics do hot hold a style well. A woman's hair style can be baked into her wig before she receives it, but this is not suitable for man's hairpiece. His style is not finalized until the piece is actually on his head and styled together with his existing hair. The biggest disadvantage of synthetic hair, however, is the color appearance in sunlight. Under day light or bright scrutinization you can often observe a somewhat shiny and tricky color change.
If you deal with a reputable hair replacement stylist, you have no reason to doubt the quality of hair being used in your hair system. However, if you wish to test the authenticity of the hair further, a simple match test will tell the difference between human hair and synthetic hair. Simply cut out one small strand of hair from the hairpiece. A flick of your lighter will tell you if the hair is human or synthetic if you look for these characteristics:
1. As the human hair burns it gives off a pungent odor that is very much like that of burning chicken feathers.
2. Synthetic fibers leave very little odor as they burn. If you rub your finger through the burnt ash, you'll be able to feel tiny hard beads, prevalent even if only small amount of synthetic fibers have been blended with the human hair.
Some say that human hair will be on the way out as soon as synthetics can be perfected. Not so! I believe that if, when you speak of "human hair," they are referring to Oriental or Asian hair, than the possibility does exist, because some synthetics (such as Elura), are already superior. If they are speaking of European hair becoming obsolete, however, they couldn't be further from the truth. European is the best that money can buy . It can never be duplicated, because it is the real thing. As long as there are men who care enough about their appearance to order a custom-made hair replacement, European hair will continue to be sold as Number one.
David Hansen
Chicago IL
www.davidhansen.com