Hair Loss is Hard; We're Here to Help!

Hair loss can be emotionally devastating for women and men alike. Hair loss has many possible causes, including genetics, an underactive thyroid, cancer treatments, or medications for other health conditions. And for many people, hair loss (alopecia) or thinning hair can result in a loss of self-esteem and cause depression, anxiety, and other emotional issues.  

Culture and society play a major role in sparking this negative reaction to hair loss.  In most parts of the world, having healthy, lustrous hair is a symbol of youth and beauty. To lose one's hair can spark powerful emotions. Many people find themselves less attractive. Some may become depressed. However a person copes with hair loss, we are here to tell you; you are not alone, and we are here to help.

David Hansen, founder of David Hansen Studios, understands on a personal level how hair loss can effect a person on a deep emotional level. Several years ago, David was diagnosed with throat cancer. The repercussions of the radiation treatment were drastic. He has always been an advocate for those suffering from hair loss. Now he has experienced firsthand the emotions that are tied with losing hair. 

So, if you are one of many people suffering from hair loss, don't lose hope! We don't just 'do hair', we are here to offer support and encouragement while giving you the best products. Our pieces are custom made, just for you. Just like you are a unique and beautiful individual, the pieces we make for you are completely original, and made with care. 

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!

David Hansen's Hairpiece Repairs: How to Make a Good Thing Last!

ATTENTION: TO ALL WEARERS OF HAIR REPLACEMENT SYSTEMS!

Is your hairpiece losing hair?

Does your hairpiece have a torn base?

Does your natural hair have more grey than your hairpiece?

Before you toss it, bring it in to us!

David Hansen Custom Hair Replacement for Men now offers hairpiece repairs, Hair

Additions (colored and grey), Base Repairs, And MORE! 

We offer base repairs, hairpiece alterations, hair additions for thinning pieces, and gray/white additions to keep the piece consistent with your natural hair color to ensure an undetectable look. Our ventilator, Mimi, has over 40 years experience with Custom Hair System reconstruction and Repair. Mimi adds the hair, strand by strand, tying specific knots to allow each individual hair complete mobility on the base. So it moves just like real hair!

At David Hansen Custom Hair Replacement, We Do ON-SITE Hair Piece Repairs, so you can simply bring it by if you live in the Chicagoland area! Most repairs take 2-4 hours, so same-day pickup is usually possible. Please allow 4 working days' notice for all hairpiece repairs. 

Don't live near Downtown Chicago? That's not a problem. You can also Mail in you hair piece from anywhere in the country to get it repaired! First, send us a picture of your hairpiece at davidhansen@davidhansen.com. Let us know what repairs or additions you would like in the email. We will send you a free personalized quote with a time estimation and availability for your piece to be repaired. Then, mail your hair replacement to:

David Hansen Custom Hair Replacement for Men

770 N. LaSalle suite 200 north, 

Chicago, IL 60654. 

We will repair your Hairpiece NO MATTER WHERE you got them! Thats right, David Hansen Custom Hair Replacement for Men will repair your Hairpieces from other manufacturers!

Still not sure if we are worth it? Try us out without ANY risk whatsoever- ALL of our Consultations are FREE. Bring us your Hairpieces that are missing hair, need new hair added, or that need other form of repair.  This includes lace patching, base repair, and adding grey/white hair. At David Hansen Custom Hair Replacement, we want to see you and your Hairpiece looking your very best! 

Questions or Comments Regarding our Hairpiece Repairs? 

1. Leave a comment below,

2. Email us at davidhansen@davidhansen.com, or

3. Call us between 10am-6pm, Monday-Saturday at 312-943-8171

Wearing Your Piece in Any Weather

Spring is here, which means unpredictable weather. How does this affect hairpiece wearers? Just like with natural hair, there are steps you must take to keep your hairpiece fresh, clean, and looking perfect.
Rain is one of the gentlest natural forces on your hairpiece, especially if you live in a rural area with low pollution. Air pollution and dust particles get trapped in raindrops that can get your piece dirty over time. If you have a custom made hairpiece, you won't have to worry about the style being ruined by a passing cloud. The hair in David Hansen's custom hair systems is ventilated by hand to achieve maximum mobility. If the rain tousles your style, your hairpiece is natural enough to just run a comb through it, and the style is done! All in all, a little rain won't hurt. But bring your umbrella!

Spending time in the sun can give your skin a great glow, but it can also bring some unwanted color to your hairpiece. When exposed to sunlight and air (especially near bodies of salt water), the hair in the piece can oxidize, or turn color. Pieces with grey or white hair can turn a yellowish color, blonde can gradually turn orange, and brunette pieces will display much more of a reddish tone.  This doesn't happen overnight, but a summer of fun in the sun can leave your piece looking lackluster after only a few months. There are options to both prevent and combat sun exposure. The first and most obvious is a hat. David Hansen's custom hairpieces use a lightweight yet durable mesh-type base that lets your scalp breathe just like it would with regular hair. Wearing a hat with one will not overheat your head like other hairpieces. The other option is talking to your stylist about shampoos used to tone yellow and red colors in the hair. These shampoos, like ShimmerLights, are purple or blue colored, and gradually remove yellow, orange, and red from hairpieces that have had too much sun or have aged considerably.

If a strong gust of wind blows past, your LAST thought should have to be worrying about your hairpiece staying on. If you have a custom hair replacement system from David Hansen, then your hairpiece is shaped perfectly to your head for an undetectable fit. If your scalp and piece are clean, and you are using the proper double-sided surgical tape, your hairpiece will stay on, even in winds that could blow YOU away!  The wind is not the danger to your hairpiece, but the wrong styling products are. NEVER use hairspray on a hair system. The alcohol, aerosol, and propellants in hairspray dehydrates hair and causes it to break easily. There is also alcohol in most generic hair products for natural hair. These chemicals are much too harsh for hair in hairpieces, so there are plenty of alternate styling tools and products that are alcohol-free.  You can buy Wet Look, a holding spray for hairpieces, at our studio. The best styling product for a hairpiece is just plain water. Custom hair replacement by David Hansen always styles easily, and can be combed back into place.

With the weather warming up, the beaches and pools will open. But before you take that dive, here's a few things you should know. Swimming in a hairpiece is one of the quickest ways to age it. Not only does the act of getting it wet and matted pull hairs out of the base and cause terrible tangling, what is IN the water can hurt the piece, too.  Chlorine from pools dries hair out, and will cause hairpieces to thin rapidly due to all the breakage. Salts from the ocean or salt lakes also have a drying effect on the hair. This combined with the matting of the hair can take years of life out of your piece.  There are a few alternatives to this, David Hansen suggests wearing a swim cap or even using an old hairpiece that has seen better days. The new ones, though, should be kept out of the water.

No matter what the weather may bring your way, you can keep you hairpiece looking undetectable!

The Quality of Service

We live in a Wash-N-Go society.  A country full to the brim with cheap, fast solutions to any of life's problems and inconveniences. Our service industry has changed drastically with advancement in technologies, increase in population, and the ever-diminishing quality of products and service. The downwards turn that the economy has taken over the past decade does not help matters, either.  The service industry (particularly the hair world) is always one to suffer in times of frugality. Many people try to save a buck by opting for cheap, do-it-yourself dyes, synthetic hair extensions or hairpieces, and 15 minute haircuts over a relaxing experience in the hands of a skilled professional that knows your name and asks for the long version of how your day has been.
There's nothing wrong with watching your wallet. Everyone has to take cuts somewhere. A lot of people, however, have had the experience of a terrible cut, hairpiece, or dye job from an inexperienced stylist who has had an overbooked day. Bad attitudes, bad experience, and an unwelcome atmosphere. Once the cut grows out, they try a different discount cuttery, jump on the conveyor belt, and have the same poor treatment over again. All in the name of fiscal conservativeness.
There are several facts that should be made known for the skeptics. There are differences in service a client experiences in a private hair salon in comparison to a corporate one. There are also a few key factors that come into play when making a decision.
1. Corporate discount hair salons charge separately for a shampoo, a haircut, and a style-out (blow-dry).    So your haircut might be $15, but a shampoo is an extra $10 (sometimes &15), and a style-outs run between $20 and $35.  Thats a general range of $45 to $65. Plus tip.  Also, forget about specialized cuts. These are people who are used to doing quick, simple cuts and blow-drys without too much muss, fuss, or client consideration. I personally have never known anyone to get the best cut of their life at one of these places.
2. Most private salons charge anywhere between $35 and $75 for a haircut. However, this includes a full shampoo and conditioning (most also involve a scalp massage), a haircut that is EXACTLY (not someone else's version of) what you asked for, and a style-out that is appropriate for your cut. There is usually a complementary drink, and friendly conversation in an environment that is comfortable and private. So, you are getting a better full experience for roughly the same price.
3. Men and women are different. Women enjoy displaying their new hairdo, color, or extensions. It is a point of pride. Men, however, usually prefer to look natural. Needing a haircut is one thing, but incoming grays and male pattern baldness can be a sensitive issue for most men. Sensitivity that is not acknowledged by 'discount' hair clubs. Nor is it recognized in regular salons that agree to cut in that hairpiece because they assume it is exactly the same as any other cut. At a private salon or hair replacement studio, each visit is confidential. Each stylist is knowledgeable in their craft. And they recognize that if their job is done right, no one will notice it at all.
4.  You don't stay in business for 50 years if you are terrible at what you do.  Private businesses like David Hansen Custom Hair Replacement have unparalleled experience at the helm.  That much experience and passion in a career results in perfect pieces, every time. Consistency is one of the most important things lacking in the cheaper experience. Why get it right some of the time, when you can get it right EVERY time?
5. A picture may be worth a thousand words, but attitude tells all. Who would be more inclined to be genuine to a client, someone cutting 20 heads a day for minimum wage, or someone who has the time and confidence by building their own business?  It's not an easy thing to do; and men like David Hansen do not get to where they are today by treating his clients like numbers on a page.
6. Quality of product is the final major factor in choosing a hair experience. When it comes to specialty products like hairpieces, isn't it worth it to have something that will not only look amazing but will last? Quality custom pieces last longer, and undeniably look much better than their cheap, synthetic counterparts. Why waste money on some cheap throwaway?
So, yes, times are a little tough, but if you are considering something as important as a hairpiece, it is time to get old fashioned. Look for the best quality, and the most experience. The experience will be better, you will have better results, and feel better about the money well spent.

Do what you love, and you'll never work a day in your life!

The average adult changes careers approximately 7 times during their life. Why do you think that is? People settle on careers every day. Performing the same daily tasks can quickly become monotonous if you aren't interested in what you are doing. So many people, probably yourself at some point, have switched jobs just for a change of pace. 

So, why not do something you love? Start in a broad area, gain experience, and eventually you will be able to zero in on something you are absolutely passionate about.  This is the path that David Hansen chose to take that eventually led to his 50+ year (and counting!) career in Men's Custom Hair Replacement.  

Born the son of an Illinois barber, David lived in the back of a barber shop during the majority of his childhood. From an early age he was exposed to the world of hair design, watching thousands of haircuts being performed. At the age of 12 he began to cut hair for his friends and class mates. This was the foundation of his career. As he learned the tricks of the trade from his father, he eventually decided that hair dressing, rather than traditional barbering, was more his style.

 In 1962, David moved to Chicago.  He took a job at Chicago's famous Continental Barber Salon, where he worked with the best stylists from all over Europe. He studied their techniques, which were new to him and the United States, and became so proficient he quickly became the most popular stylist at the shop. Impressed by his boss' many trophies, he asked for some advice on how to win some of his own. He agreed to show David the ropes of not just styling natural hair, but how to create and style men's hairpieces.  He began to enter and win styling competitions, then hairpiece competitions.  It was then, after over a decade of learning different areas under the broad umbrella of the hair world, that David found his absolute passion. 

 David Hansen opened his first Custom Hair Restoration Salon for Men in 1965. He was so enthusiastic about his craft that he continued participating in Men's Hair Replacement competitions, and teaching other barbers and hairdressers his craft. When he would meet someone with skills unbeknownst to him, he would show not jealousy, but an incredible desire to learn from them. He had a desire to be the very best, not for bragger's rights, but to be able to give men who are suffering a hairpiece that was absolutely realistic and completely undetectable.  

His business grew exponentially over the years. Although success was always a friend to him, he observed that as his business grew, the less of a difference there was between his pieces and the inferior ones of his flashier rivals.  in 1980, he downsized, getting back to a more personal relationship with his customers. He vowed to work on each person that walked through the door himself, and that each piece he created would be even more realistic than the next. 

The love for what he does has kept him in business with a loyal and steady clientele ever since. He holds himself to a higher standard, able to find the balance between functionality and style.  Many of our clients have commented that he knows their hair better than they do. He will work on each piece until it is to the exact specifications it ought to be.  By the time a client walks out the door, there is no indication whatsoever that he is wearing a Hair Replacement System. 

The passion David Hansen has for the work that he does reflects in the quality of each piece he creates. His love for his art has given him over 50 years of experience, and over 50 years as the very best in his field. He is an inspiration for me, and all those that meet him.  

Getting Ready for Your New Hairpiece

If you have decided to invest in a custom hairpiece for the first time, congratulations! Custom pieces are the best way to give you that flawless look. And, as with everything, the better prepared you are to be fitted for your piece, the easier the process. Here are a few steps you can take to ensure a pleasant, productive road to your perfect hair.

1. Let it grow!
When you come in for your first visit, we take a hair sample and draw a map of your hairline.  A perfect hair sample is between 2 and 3 inches long. At this length, we will be able to match 100% human hair to your color and texture. If your hair is too short, you'll have to come back once your hair has reached the right length. Letting your hair grow in advance will allow us to map your hairline clearly and get a good hair sample.

2. Know your options. 
Custom hair pieces are usually attached in one of two ways, bonding and tape. It is VERY important to know the differences between these two methods. While bonding (glue) allows the wearer to keep their hair attached for months at a time, the scalp can become irritated and sticky from nonstop wear. Surgical tape requires the wearer to take the piece off before sleeping and showering. Following the tape method not only extends the life of your piece by years, but is a much healthier option for your scalp. You can read our blog on bonding vs. tape for more information.

3. Keep your head clean. 
A clean, dry scalp will hold tape securely all day, and sometimes for a second day,  depending on how much oil your skin produces. However, excess oil buildup and combined with the natural heat that your head produces will cause bonding glue and surgical tape both to become gummy and messy, with a much weaker hold. Our pieces have the lightest bases that are professionally ventilated. This allows your scalp to breathe and gives you the most comfortable fit. They also blend right in to your scalp, making it impossible to distinguish from your natural hair. Wash your scalp and your natural hair (not your piece!) daily.

4. Keep your hairpiece clean. 
Remove used tape from your piece one it has lost its tackiness. Some people may be able to use the same tape for a second day if their scalp is kept very clean and does not produce much oil. Placing new tape directly over the used tape can cause a sticky buildup that slides around on the scalp. Changing your tape regularly will ensure a secure, comfortable hold each day and will also extend the life of your hair piece.

5. Take it to the cleaners. 
Hair pieces require a gentler brand of care than natural hair. It can dry easily if washed frequently, and can also oxidize (takes on a yellowish hue) if exposed to shampoos with salts, or if frequently exposed to intense sunlight.  Avoid hairspray as well; it contains alcohol that severely dries out the hair. Brushing your piece will remove most dust particles that collect. We recommend that you bring your hair piece back to us every 3 months for a professional shampoo and re-styling. We use sulfate and salt-free shampoos that maintain the integrity of the hair. Regular cleanings will keep your piece in good shape for years to come.

I hope that these tips have helped you better prepare for your new hair piece. Sticking with these simple steps will help you extend the life of your hair piece, giving you a wonderful experience for years to come.