Nonsurgical hair replacement is the term given to several procedures or techniques used to address baldness without surgical methods. Men wishing to undergo non-surgical replacement have a variety of treatment options, including hairpieces, hair extensions and hair weaves, and wefts. Replacement products can contain synthetic fibers or human hair, as well as combinations of both materials.
The Basics
Nonsurgical hair replacement typically provides the safest and cheapest method of treating hair loss, according to Medline Plus, a medical information resource established by the U.S. National Library of Medicine. Men and women have the same basic treatment options. If you have male pattern baldness, you might require a nonsurgical option if you do not have enough healthy hair for a surgical hair transplant. The American Hair Loss Council lists additional forms of hair loss leading to nonsurgical replacement, including chemotherapy-related loss, radiation therapy-related loss, burn-related loss and loss associated with conditions such as lupus, telogen effluvium, alopecia areata, alopecia totalis, alopecia universalis and ectodermal dysplasia.
Common Methods
If you are not entirely bald, you can use a hair replacement product that attaches to your remaining natural hair, the American Hair Loss Council explains. Methods of attaching replacement hair include bonding, weaving, cabling, beading, fusion and use of tiny attachments called micro links. These methods provide a firm bond between your natural hair and your new hair, and give you the ability to live an active life without fear of hair detachment. Because attached replacement products rely on your existing hair, they will need to be adjusted or reapplied as changes in your hair occur. You can also attach hair with metal clips, which combine secure placement with easier adjustments.
Adhesive Attachments
You can also attach a hair replacement product directly to your scalp with two-sided tape or other adhesive products, according to the American Hair Loss Association. If you choose this option, you will be able to remove and reattach your replacement hair as you see fit. However, in some cases, the adhesives used to attach these products can form a residue on your scalp. If you swim or sweat heavily, they can also loosen or detach.
Hairpieces
Prosthetic hairpieces combine replacement hair with a base material made of mesh, polyurethane or silicone, according to the American Hair Loss Association. Depending on your needs or budget, you can choose a hairpiece made of synthetic or natural hair. High-quality hairpieces contain human hair that's custom-matched to your natural hair, while lower-quality hairpieces contain synthetics or bleached or dyed human hair. Methods of attaching hairpieces include adhesive bonding and use of clips or two-sided tape.
Considerations
If you have thin or fine hair, use of hair weaves can cause hair loss at the attachment site, the American Hair Loss Council notes. Use of excessively tight clips can also trigger hair loss. In addition, certain adhesive products can trigger allergic reactions in the skin of your scalp. Consult your doctor for more information on nonsurgical replacement techniques and risks.
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