Cosmetic Options to Camouflage  Hair Loss- by 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, microfiber "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, naturalbond, 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.