The Hair Games: Human Vs. Synthetic

In today's economy, there are thousands of cheap choices for those looking for a hairpiece. Most uninformed people, however, find themselves unsatisfied with their inexpensive purchases. Whether the hair doesn't look natural, the style is unflattering, or it melts (yes, MELTS) with the use of hot tools. The largest culprit for this disappointment? Cheap wigs and hairpieces are made from Synthetic hair, instead of Human Hair. 

Through David Hansen's 50 years of experiences, he has seen customers enter a cycle that involves buying a synthetic wig, becoming unsatisfied with its quality and returning to purchase another synthetic. Many of these same customers feel that they do not want to invest in a human hair wig at the time of purchase, and choose to go with the more affordable synthetic wig. In fact, having to purchase and cut in a synthetic hairpiece every 3 or 4 months will rack up a higher expense than purchasing just one, top-quality human hairpiece from David Hansen. After talking to our clients, we discovered that most of them purchase a new piece every 4 or more years, and continue to wear that first piece (rotating with the new one) for 5 to 10 years after that. 

So, what's the big deal with synthetic hair?

Synthetic Hair Wigs require very little maintenance and are less expensive than their human hair counterparts, but is not necessarily the best deal. The “hair” in these wigs is made out of a monofilament fiber, and as a result means these wigs better hold short-term waves, curls, texture and volume without daily upkeep. Synthetic wigs can be returned to their original style by washing them. Because these hair fibers are a form of plastic, synthetic wigs are unable to endure a permanent wave or color change and can be damaged by curling irons, blow dryers and hot rollers. It can also give off a shine that looks unnatural (it can be TOO shiny, with a plastic-y sheen to it), and requires specific tools to prevent tangling and fraying. Synthetic hair is most popular in fashion wigs and costume wigs, which are not meant for everyday wear. 

Why is human hair a better option?

Custom Hairpieces made from 100% natural human hair are the more natural, durable and flexible wig choice. Unlike synthetic wigs, human hair wigs may be freely styled, permed and colored in any way desired. Human hair wigs are typically more expensive than synthetic wigs, but the durability, flexibility, and natural appearance is worth the price. 

The hair used in human hair wigs is selected strand by strand according to strict guidelines. This limit the availability of high quality hair on the global market, causing the price difference between synthetic and human hairpieces. One of these guidelines is that chemically damaged (permed, colored, or bleached) or low-quality hair (constant exposure to water, air, and sun can cause natural damage) cannot be used during the production process. Once hair has been selected for use in a human hair wig, it is treated with keratin-rich compounds that strengthen its cuticles and increase the durability and longevity of the hairpiece. Human hair is incomparable to synthetic hair — there is no reason to consider synthetic hair when offered quality human hair options.

Human Hair Wigs have Several Distinct Qualities:

Natural Appearance: Human Hairpieces from David Hansen Custom Hair Replacement look and feel so natural that they are virtually undetectable by others. After wearing a human hair custom piece for more than a week, it will is impossible to spot. Since human hair is like your own natural hair, it even bounces and moves with you as go on with your day. Synthetic wigs tend to remain in a fixed position despite movement, increasing its chances of being detected by others. 

Styling Flexibility: Curling irons, hot rollers and blow-dryers may used to style any human hairpiece allowing the wearer an infinite amount of styling possibilities. Human hairpieces may also be colored and dyed, although it is usually best to order any specific instead of waiting to change the color or wave pattern after the piece is made. Always ensure that a professional, like David Hansen, is the one to do this. All human hair sold at David Hansen has the cuticle intact, which allows the hair to move freely in any direction (meaning the hair may be parted in any direction). Synthetic wigs remain the same style after washes and most are irreparably damaged by hot tools such as curling irons.

Durability: Human hairpieces are more durable and longer lasting than their synthetic counterparts due to their chemical coating and intact cuticle hair. In addition to being naturally resilient, human hair wigs are chemically strengthened to allow for greater longevity and long-term wear. Synthetic wigs are made of fibers that are prone to heat damage that will cause them to fray over the course of a couple of months.

Ventilation: Human hairpieces are lightweight and allow the scalp to breathe and remain cool — just like your own natural hair! Synthetic fibers are not ideal for scalp ventilation and can scratch the head, causing a frustrating experience.

Hairpieces, as with everything related to fashion and apparel, are an investment in an individual’s beauty and self-confidence. And, as with any other product of this nature, the buyer will get what they pay for. Many who purchase a synthetic hairpiece and intend to wear it frequently find themselves unsatisfied with their purchase, and end up purchasing another hairpiece as a result. Customer feedback on synthetic wigs is always the same: they are itchy, uncomfortable and unnatural. 

Backed by our customers, David Hansen strongly recommends only 100% human hair custom made hairpieces to anyone planning to buy a hairpiece. Before honoring the bad rap that your doctor or neighbor has given human hair wigs, come in and give us a chance to show you what high quality human hair wigs can really do for you. Trust us, you’ll be happy you did!

How To Pick A Base

The Base of the Hair Piece is the foundation of a hair restoration system.  Hair can be attached to a base in several different ways, and bases are made of many different materials. So how do you know what to look for in a base?  How do you know what type of base is right for you? Here's a list of common ones, including what we use at David Hansen Custom Hair Replacement.

1. The skin injected hair replacement is one of the newer forms of hair piece bases. The injected skin is an exceptionally thin base. Each hair is injected rather than knotted into the hair replacement system.  Since the hair is injected into the base at various angles it replicates natural hair well, however it restricts the movement of the hair.  The injected skin replacement systems are much more delicate than a fine welded mono system because the entire system is made from a thin, transparent, skin like material. Though they are comfortable, they also have the highest risk of tearing.

2. Polymer hairpiece bases are made of silicone or polyurethane, and are made to look and almost feel like your own skin. They are made of stronger materials than French and Swiss-lace bases, so they are very durable, easy to care for, and long-lasting. The hairline of the piece should be made of lace to create a more natural look, since the polymer itself has a plastic-like look to it. Also, the silicone or polyurethane base can become very hot, sticky and uncomfortable -- even in cooler weather.

3. French lace is one of the most common hair piece bases for both men and women. French lace is incredibly thin, light and almost undetectable. This base also helps keep your hairpiece looking natural and feeling snug. For an even more fine base, choose a Swiss-lace base. This ultra-thin lace base is almost completely invisible. The only draw back to the extra-fine Swiss-lace base is that it is so delicate, it calls for special care to prevent it from tearing or becoming ruined.

4. Monofilament bases are similar to the look and feel of the French- and Swiss-lace bases but are not made of lace. The stiff monofilament conforms to the shape of the head is able to hold the shape. One drawback of the monofilament, similar to the silicone or polyurethane hairpiece bases, is that you will need to add lace to the front of the base to keep your hairpiece looking natural and more like your own hair.

5. Fine welded mono is a lace base system with each individual hair hand tied into the lace. Each hair is added independently by hand to match the hairs color and texture. The fine welded mono is entirely composed of a lace material. The way David Hansen designs the fine welded mono systems is to look natural, placing the patch material half an inch under the edge to soften the hair line. This enables you to achieve an undetectable and natural looking hair line. The patch material used for the fine welded mono pieces is a thin bio skin which mimics the color of your own skin, similar but sturdier than the one used in an injected skin base. This makes it harder for anyone to notice the base material that is on your hair replacement system.The fine welded mono is excellent in any climate, since it is well ventilated and allows the scalp to breathe. The fine welded mono base is very light weight and far more durable than a skin injected base. These bases also keep their original form, ensuring a perfect fit every time. These are the bases that we use at David Hansen, since they are the only option that offers the complete package-durable, comfortable, breathes easy on the scalp, lightweight, and completely undetectable. 

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
 www.davidhansen.com

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
www.davidhansen.com