NON-SURGICAL
ADD ONS
 These
treatments work by adding hair or hair-like material to
already existing hair to create the appearance of a fuller
head of hair. These devices include weaves (as in, Hair
Club for Men), which essentially tie and attach real or
synthetic human hair onto existing hair. You are thus required
to have some existing hair for the technique to work. These
weaves also must be regularly "touched up" for the best
effect. The same technique can be used on men and women,
and is most commonly used for male and female pattern baldness.
In some add-on techniques, hair can be taped to the skin
with adhesives, or can be woven in with tunnel grafts. The
cost for add-ons is quite variable and often depends on
reliability of the company and quality of the product.
In general, one can expect to spend somewhere between $750
- $5,000, or more. Often, regular follow-up for maintenance
is necessary. Hair extensions work on the same principle,
as do hair prosthesis. Wigs and toupees are more traditional
options, and can also be of real or synthetic hair. Fill-in
sprays are less popular alternatives, and are really just
coloring the scalp and adding bulk which sticks to already
existing hair to make it look thicker.
| Target
Users |
Anybody
with hair loss, though toupees work best for those
with vertex and front hair loss. Full wigs work for
anybody. |
| Best
Effects |
Covering
a small or large focal bald spot (as for androgenic
alopecia) |
| Cost |
Quite
variable depending on the quality and service of the
product and company. Often $1500 or more, plus a
annual fee to be a member of the "club". |
| Length
of Treatment |
Continuous,
frequent "touch-ups" usually are required How it Works
Real or synthetic hair is used to cover your balding
areas. Variable techniques for attaching the prosthesis
to your head depending on the product and "system"
used. |
| Effectiveness |
Variable
depending on quality and workmanship of product. |
| Side
Effects |
Discomfort
of the weave, potential traction
alopecia, anxiety of having the hair piece or
wig come off. |
| Availability |
Products
are relatively easy to find as many companies advertise
and many hair stylists have favorite places to refer
you. One needs money to obtain and maintain these
products. |
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