Human Hair Wigs

HeadzUp - For young people with alopecia

Human Hair Wigs

Wig Foundations

Wigs either have a wefted foundation or a net foundation. Wefted foundations consist of a cap made out of ‘wefts’ or rows of hair, and are machine-made. If you want to know what a wefted foundation looks like there is a picture on the ‘cap construction’ part of the www.allaboutwigs.com site (a commercial site not connected to Alopecia UK Online). As they are machine made, wefted foundation wigs are usually less expensive than hand-knotted net foundation wigs and they usually come in pre-cut styles.

Net foundations consist of a cap made out of mesh into which hair is knotted by hand. Net foundation wigs come either pre-cut but just as often you choose just the length and colour of the wig and then a hairdresser (usually at the place where you buy the wig, and at extra cost) cuts it to your choice of style. Wefted foundation wigs are possibly lighter to wear than net foundation wigs but if it’s a very windy day, the foundation of wefts might show through.

Parting

Most wigs – wefted or net foundation – have a special top section made out of ‘monofilament’ which is a very fine lace. This material makes the parting look much more realistic, as it is so fine, you can’t see the individual parts of the mesh which the hair is knotted into.

Supplex and Dermalite Wigs

These special types of wigs can only be worn by people with AU/AT, i.e. with no hair at all on their head. Instead of the textile rim which other wigs have, the rim of these wigs is made out of a very thin, stretchy and transparent material which clings to the head.

The great advantage is that the parting looks extremely natural. A disadvantage might be that the rim material does not breathe and it can get very sweaty under the wig. Dermalite wigs tend to start at around £1500, They are made to measure, their rim is thinner and also more durable. The Supplex is cheaper as it is available 'off the peg', but the rim can tear more easily and it’s broader, so there’s more of the non-breathable material.

Vacuum-fit (suction) wigs

Vacuum fit or suction full scalp wigs are made from a plaster mould taken of the client’s head to ensure accuracy of fit. The client must have NO hair or must be willing to keep their scalp shaved in order to achieve a near perfect fit and also to maintain a good seal. A good mould cannot be achieved over hair or by putting a plastic wrap over existing hair.

There are “hard” vacuums and “soft” vacuums on the market. The hard vacuums are made from either an inert hard plastic or fiberglass. These can be useful for those who have suffered burns or an industrial accident to their scalp as well as persons who might want to wear them during sports like rugby or soccer. They have a “helmet-type” feel to them. The “soft” vacuums are generally considered more comfortable as they are flexible and usually made of a medical grade silicone and feel like a real scalp.

While wearing a vacuum fit prosthesis, one can swim or ride in a convertible or engage in most outdoor activities without fear that the wind or activity will dislodge the vacuum. However, the wearer can take the vacuum off at any time by breaking the seal with their fingers at the nape of the neck.

The vacuum typically lasts 2 to 4 years with periodic maintenance which must be done at the factory. The client can care for the vacuum in the same way as they would care for their own hair, by washing it once a week with a good salon shampoo and using a good conditioner. It can be permed or highlighted as the hair has not been pre-processed and is strong and healthy to start with. It can be blow-dried and styled as usual. You should not sleep in a vacuum as turning your head back and forth on the pillow will eventually break the hair off at the root. Costs for vacuum type wigs is usually in the range of £3000 depending on the length of hair desired.

Very Expensive Wigs

Some wigs are very exp

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