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wigs and hairpieces
1) Wigs
2) Hairpieces
Most people with
extensive hair loss
– usually caused by
alopecia totalis or
cancer chemotherapy
– prefer to wear a
wig. In recent
years, wigs have
improved greatly and
it's no longer
painfully obvious
that someone is
wearing one.
1)
Wigs
These are
lightweight acrylic
and look extremely
natural, although
they may feel hot to
wear. They can be
washed (but do not
use a hairdryer –
the heat can make
them frizzle or
melt). It does not
matter if an acrylic
wig is worn in the
rain.
Because they are in
stock sizes, acrylic
wigs can be obtained
quickly. They need
to be replaced every
6–9 months. Most
people have two: one
to wear and one to
wash. For totally
bald heads, special
adhesive pads are
available to stop
the wig slipping,
and some women also
use them for extra
security.
Real-hair wigs. Some
people still prefer
a real hair wig, but
these cost almost
£200 each even when
obtained through the
NHS in the UK.
However, they last
for 3–4 years. They
are made to measure,
taking 6–8 weeks.
They cannot be
washed, and must be
protected from rain.
They are also more
trouble than an
acrylic wig, because
they have to be
styled and set like
real hair, and you
will have to buy a
wig block for
styling it.
If you decide to buy
your wig privately
from a department
store, explain your
predicament and ask
for a private
fitting room.
You will probably
feel you look very
odd in the first few
wigs you try on -
partly because you
haven't seen
yourself with hair
for a while.
Persevere until you
find one you like.
Each time, make sure
you put the wig on
properly - it is
quite easy to put a
wig on backwards.
At home, don't leave
your wigs lying
around. If you feel
happier going to bed
in your wig, do so.
Remember that at a
party you will not
be the only one
wearing something
false. What about
false nails, bosoms
and teeth?
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2) Hairpieces
For male pattern
baldness, some men
like to wear a
hairpiece. Like
wigs, these have
improved in recent
years and some now
look very natural,
if carefully matched
to the existing
hair. Some clinics
suggest implanting
clips into the scalp
to hold the
hairpiece more
firmly in place, but
this is not to be
recommended because
it can result in
inflammation and
infection of the
scalp.
Modern hairpieces
are glued to the
scalp and remaining
hair, so there is no
danger of them
coming off. However,
they usually need to
be adjusted every
6–8 weeks as your
own hair grows.
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