HOW ARE THEY KEPT ON?
Partial hair additions are attached in a variety of techniques. Either the existing hair or the skin are the anchor sites.

EXISTING HAIR ---Weaves, fusion, bonding, cabling, micro links, beading are general terms of techniques all attached to the client's existing hair. All are used to provide more security for the active life-style. They are all dependent on the growing existing hair and therefore must be reattached or tightened as the existing hair grows.

TO THE SKIN---Includes adhesives such as two-sided tapes and new improved waterproof liquids. Vacuum bases- held on by suction through an air tight fitting foundation.

SURGERY--Tunnel grafts are small skin grafts taken from a donor site and formed into a small loop which is used to insert removable inserts permanently attached to a hair addition.

SUTURES -- Not seen as an ethical means of attaching a hair addition. Subject must live with constant pain, and the sutures often cause infections and permanent scarring. (Individual marketers of hair additions often use terms other than those listed above for exclusive marketing and advertising purposes.) The above terms are the most widely used attachment methods.

With the non-medical techniques, we suggest the following:

Although most adhesives are safe, it is best to have a patch test done by a     dermatologist if you have a history of allergies. Even if you do not, its always best to     have a patch test done in advance. Hair weaving and other types of attachment that place prolonged tension can cause     permanent hair loss at the anchor site on fine, thin hair. (Even temporary clips     attached too tightly can also cause permanent hair loss). When performed properly     on the qualified client, hair weaving does not cause hair loss. Proper hygiene must be maintained when wearing a hair addition for extended periods     of time. It is essential that one must clean the scalp and hair on a regular basis.

In reviewing ALL treatment options, the hair addition is the safest means of obtaining additional hair. (This excludes sutures and tunnel grafting procedures.)

CAN THEY APPEAR NATURAL?
Modern day advancements in products along with the technical skills of an experienced specialist are essential. The most important factor is the client him/herself. He or she must spend the required time to keep the hair addition looking its best.

HOW MUCH DO THEY COST?
Depending on the experience and knowledge of the specialist, the materials and design, the price can range from $750.00 to $2,500.00 for a quality custom-made hair addition. Although insurance does not cover male or female pattern hair loss, it may cover the cost of a hair addition when the hair loss is due to disease or abnormalities.

WHAT IS BEST, HUMAN HAIR OR SYNTHETIC?
The choice depends entirely on the attachment technique and life-style of the individual. Either human hair or synthetic, or a combination of both can be used successfully when matched to the proper individual. A competent specialist will advise you as to the proper components for your individual life-style.

HOW DO I FIND THE BEST SPECIALIST IN MY AREA?
Although the American Hair Loss Council does not endorse or recommend any individual firm, we can supply you with a list of AHLC specialists in or near your specific area. All AHLC members sign a statement that they will honor our Code of Ethics which is centered around the protection of you, the consumer. Request the American Hair Loss Council Source Book.

ARE HAIR ADDITIONS MADE FOR BOTH MEN AND WOMEN?
Yes, with significant increases in sales by the female consumer. Instead of opting for wigs, women with female pattern hair loss are now selecting the more comfortable and natural appearing partial hair additions or integrated units.

WHO SHOULD AVOID PARTIAL HAIR ADDITIONS?
Males and females undergoing chemotherapy and newly diagnosed patients with alopecia areata should request a full prosthesis. Due to the nature of chemotherapy, all hair will likely be lost and a partial hair addition may be useless. With alopecia areata, the condition may not be stable and focusing in on one area may only be a temporary solution.

HAIR ADDITIONS IN COMBINATION WITH HAIR REPLACEMENT SURGERY
Temporary usage of hair additions while undergoing lengthy hair transplant sessions is becoming increasingly popular with many men and women who do not wish to appear "under construction" while in public. Many successful transplants will take from 1 to 2 years to complete.

COMBINATIONS
Many men and women do not qualify for hair transplantation because of unrealistic expectations given their amount of available donor hair. Increasing in numbers are those who opt for partial transplantation and a partial hair addition. EXAMPLE: An individual with extensive baldness who wants to wear his hair straight back. He may opt for a transplanted front hairline only (due to lack of donor hair available). Behind the newly transplanted front hairline, the individual might have a hair addition designed so that he can now comb his own hair straight back into the hair addition.

COVERAGE OF SURGICAL DEFECTS
Have you ever seen the results of a bad hair transplant? An individual who had a poor hair transplant may find his only choice is a hair addition.

OTHER USES FOR HAIR ADDITIONS
Full Hair Additions/Prostheses - chemotherapy, alopecia totalis, alopecia universalis, ectodermal dysplasia, lupus, trichotillomania, telogen effluvium, monilethrix, bums, radiation and other abnormalities of the hair and scalp.

Partial Hair Additions - Male pattern hair loss, female pattern hair loss, bums, radiation, stabilized alopecia areata, surgery defects, traction alopecia, lupus and other abnormalities of the hair and scalp.