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Have you ever considered wearing a hairpiece, but hesitated due to the perceived problems and misconceptions surrounding wearing hair? If so, you’re not alone. Many people face common concerns that prevent them from fully embracing the transformative power of wigs and toppers. Worrying about a hairpiece looking fake, the fear of it falling off, and assumed difficulties taking them on and off, can create unnecessary barriers and prevent people from exploring wigs and toppers as a powerful option for enhancing their hair and self-confidence.
As an established name in hair loss solutions, Daniel Alain brings over 20 years of experience to the industry. Our commitment to creating premium-quality hairpieces that empower individuals experiencing hair loss sets us apart. Every day, we work closely with individuals facing hair loss, helping them regain their confidence and feel more like themselves.
In this article, we aim to provide you with a comprehensive understanding of the commonly perceived problems of wearing hairpieces and practical solutions to overcome them. We’ve teamed up with Patricia Wrixon, owner and founder of one of the most prestigious hair replacement centers in the US and authorized retailer of Follea wigs and toppers by Daniel Alain. We asked her to share her expert advice on addressing the common concerns we hear about wearing hair and the steps to overcome them. Whether you ultimately decide to wear a hairpiece or not, we hope that you’ll feel reassured about the true, transformative nature of wearing hair.
Hairpieces for hair loss
Hairpieces, toppers, or wiglets (as they’re sometimes called), are not the best option for every type of hair loss, but for the right candidate, they can bring a wealth of benefits. As founder of The Salon at 10 Newbury in Boston, Patricia has spent over 40 years in the women’s hair replacement industry, and with a career dedicated to helping women find the best option for their unique situation, there’s not much she doesn’t know about wearing hair. She also has personal experience in wearing hair toppers herself. “My hairpiece makes me look younger. It takes at least 15 - 20 years off my age. I feel more confident and more attractive in it,” says Patricia.
While wearing a topper was an easy decision for Patricia to make for herself, she acknowledges that it’s not as easy for less informed people, to decide to wear hair. “Throughout the years, I’ve met many, many women who seem to have difficulty going into hair,” she explains. “The average woman thinks they’re going to have something completely unnatural-looking on their head.”
Problem #1: Hairpieces look fake and unnatural
Over the years, the world of hairpieces has seen remarkable progress, leading to significant advancements in their designs and construction. While some inexpensive hairpieces may look and feel synthetic, the best hairpieces are made from 100% European hair, blend perfectly with your existing hair, and are completely undetectable by others.
“You can obviously see if [a hairpiece] isn’t natural-looking on someone,” admits Patricia. “But in today’s world, they can look so natural you’d never be able to notice someone wearing one. You’d be surprised at how many women wear them.”
Today, leading manufacturers like Daniel Alain, have focused on creating innovative solutions that closely mimic the appearance of natural hair. Through meticulous craftsmanship and cutting-edge technology, the most natural-looking hair toppers now offer a remarkably realistic look and movement and blend seamlessly with bio hair.
While synthetic hairpieces are fixed in color and style, human hair toppers can be endlessly customized to match existing hair. Whether you need to have the hairpiece colored, cut, or styled to match your own hair, a human hairpiece can do it all. “If it’s really customized for you and your bio hair, it will be undetectable, and no one will know you’re wearing hair,” says Patricia.
The very best human hair toppers are made from 100% European hair, which has been collected in ponytail form to ensure the cuticles remain intact. This collection method means that every strand of hair is laid in the same direction on the hairpiece, which reduces tangling and results in a completely natural movement.
At Daniel Alain, our hair toppers are 100% hand-tied, meaning that every hair is tied to the base strand by strand. This gives the hair natural bounce and movement that looks and feels just like a real head of hair.
Some of our hair toppers also feature a silk top that mimics the look of a real scalp. This means that wherever you part your hair, it will look like the hair is growing directly from your head.
While it’s true that some people have concerns about the unnatural appearance of hairpieces, it’s important to acknowledge that this perception is not representative of the full range of options available today. The advancements in hairpiece technology have allowed for the creation of completely natural-looking options that can be truly transformative and highly beneficial. Modern hairpieces can exceed expectations and enable you to achieve a completely undetectable look.
Problem #2: Hairpieces will fall out
One of the most common misconceptions surrounding hairpieces is the fear that they may unexpectedly fall out, causing embarrassment or discomfort. While we agree that this would be a truly horrifying experience, we feel it’s important to dispel this myth and provide a clearer understanding of the security of modern hairpieces. “I never worry about my hairpiece falling off, moving, or looking crooked,” says Patricia. “As long as you have the right size and put it in properly, it will not fall off, move around, or blow away in the wind.”
Modern hairpieces attach to the head in a variety of different ways. While some use tapes and adhesives and adhere to the scalp, the hairpieces we make and sell here at Daniel Alain, attach to the existing hair with clips that grab on and snap in place. With the strategic placement of the clips and a proper fit, a hairpiece can be secure on your head all day long.
At Daniel Alain, we understand the significance of a secure and comfortable hairpiece, which is why we provide a free consultation service with a professional who will take precise measurements to ensure you end up with the right size piece and a secure, snug fit.
What if you have a busy, active lifestyle? We can assure you that with the right piece, you will be able to work out at the gym, skate on ice, or take rigorous workout classes with confidence and surety that your hairpiece will stay in place. “If you do some really active sports, I would simply tie it back in a ponytail,” advises Patricia.
Problem #3: Hairpieces are difficult to put on and take off
Another misconception we often hear about wearing hairpieces is that they're difficult to put on and take off. However, we are steadfast in our belief that with the right guidance and techniques, applying and removing a hairpiece can be a straightforward and hassle-free experience.
“They’re easy to take off and on!” assures Patricia.
At Daniel Alain, we are committed to providing post-purchase support and education. We believe in empowering our customers to be able to wear, care for, and maintain their pieces. Whether you work directly with us or through one of our retail locations like The Salon at 10 Newbury, you will be taught the proper techniques to wear and remove your piece.
Problem #4: Hairpieces will damage bio hair
In our day-to-day conversations with customers considering a hairpiece, we commonly encounter the belief that a topper may cause damage to existing hair. And the reality is that while hairpieces not worn correctly can cause damage to your bio hair, it’s not inevitable. Factors such as wearing the wrong size, improper application or removal, and failing to protect your natural hair while wearing your hairpiece can lead to hair damage.
However, we must emphasize that with proper care and adherence to best practices, the likelihood of hair damage is minimal.
“With proper instruction, you will do no damage to your bio hair,” says Patricia. “If you’re using clips, they shouldn’t be too tight. My hairpiece is never tight. I don’t even know it’s on.”
To mitigate the risk of hair damage, it is essential to ensure you have the correct size hairpiece; seeking professional assistance, such as a consultation with our experts at Daniel Alain, can help guarantee the right fit and provide guidance on proper application techniques.
It’s also important to take proactive measures to protect your natural hair while wearing a hairpiece. This includes avoiding excessive tension or pulling on your hair, and tying your hair back on windy days. Maintaining the health and integrity of your existing hair will allow you to enjoy the benefits of wearing a hairpiece.
Is a hair topper right for me?
If you’re experiencing hair loss and facing the challenge of finding a natural-looking hairpiece that blends seamlessly with your own hair, you may be concerned about the things you’ve heard. The fear of hairpieces looking unnatural or becoming displaced is a common concern that often deters people from exploring alternative hair solutions. You may have even developed some misconceptions and hesitation about the use of hairpieces as a viable option for addressing your hair loss or enhancing your existing hair.
We hope to have shed light on the reality of wearing hairpieces today. In this article, we’ve debunked the most common misconceptions and highlighted the advancements in hairpiece design and the professional guidance available. These days, you can access a wide array of natural-looking hairpieces that can be securely attached and seamlessly blended with your natural hair.
If you’re curious about the hairpieces we make and sell at Daniel Alain, booking an appointment with one of our experienced consultants is the best way to get your questions answered. If you’re not yet ready for a consultation, we invite you to download our new 2023 Topper Buying Guide. It’s packed with information about how to find the best topper for your needs, tips for getting used to your new look, and advice on caring for your piece for years to come. We know hair loss can be tough. Finding the right hairpiece shouldn’t be, and we’re here to help you on your journey.