Do you know where the hair on your head came from?

Wigs have been around for thousands of years and originated in Egypt¹. Egyptian women used wigs to shield themselves from the intense heat of the sun¹. Since then, wigs have been used frequently throughout history. By the 16^th century, wigs debuted as a method for concealing hair loss¹. Is hair loss a big deal? Approximately 22% of over 1,500 men surveyed on hair loss replied that it impacted their social life and 21% reported feelings of depression².

It is cosmetically imperative that wigs look like natural hair. By using high quality wigs or hair systems, the common complaint that “wigs look wiggy” can be eliminated³. What makes up a wig? Hair is obviously a major part of the equation but the foundation of the wig is also another key part.  Depending on the style of the wig the foundation could be a net or made from other breathable material¹. There are a few main types of hair that can be included in wigs; human hair fibers, synthetic hair and high heat synthetic fibers.

There are quite a few benefits to synthetic wigs. Synthetic wigs are generally less expensive and can be purchased at a retail store¹. This type of hair does well in the sun; unlike real hair that can undergo bleaching when exposed to sunlight⁴. However synthetic wigs are 'one size fits all', which really means it really won't fit everyone perfectly¹. This type of hair can be 'unnatural' looking but does have a long life span. ¹ Be careful not to use your blow drier with these wigs since heat can melt them¹.

Human hair can also be used in the creation of wigs. Using this type of hair in wigs allows the hair to be dyed to match your natural hair color¹. Traditional styling, like blow driers, can be used to style these wigs. The main issue with this type of hair is that it requires a donor to give up their lovely locks. Virgin hair is the most desired type of donated hair. This is hair that hasn't been previously dyed or processed and is cut from one donor.

High heat synthetic fibers can also be used as well. These fibers can be flat ironed and even curled with heat, up to a certain temperature. High heat synthetic fibers are as soft as human hair with color that doesn't fade. However, this type of hair does cost as much or even more than human hair and must be specially ordered by a trained professional.

There are lots of options out there but don't feel overwhelmed. Come in and talk with us for advise on wigs or hair systems that will best fit your needs.

Article by: Sarah Versteeg MSc, Mediprobe Research Inc. 

1. Banka N, Bunagan MJK, Dubrule Y, Shapiro J. Wigs and hairpieces: evaluating dermatologic issues. Dermatol Ther. 2012 Jun;25(3):260–6.


2. Alfonso M, Richter-Appelt H, Tosti A, Viera MS, García M. The psychosocial impact of hair loss among men: a multinational European study. Curr Med Res Opin. 2005 Nov;21(11):1829–36.


3. Wiggins S, Moore-Millar K, Thomson A. Can you pull it off? Appearance modifying behaviours adopted by wig users with alopecia in social interactions. Body Image. 2014 Mar;11(2):156–66.


4. Nogueira ACS, Nakano AK, Joekes I. Impairment of hair mechanical properties by sun exposure and bleaching treatments. J Cosmet Sci. 2004 Dec;55(6):533–7.

 

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