JRob's Hair Replacement Blog

Archive for February, 2011

Reader Randy asks about my Full Cap DVD, and inquires about the possibility of utilizing an unusual base design:

Hi Jon,

I saw your photo and story on HairDirects website. Then I went to your website and read some of your articles on attachment, cutting, cleaning, etc. There was a lot of info and it was confusing at times. I saw something about a DVD. Is this DVD going to be a visual “how to” DVD and when will it be available?

Hey Randy, thanks for the email!

Yes, I am producing a how-to DVD that explains the ins and outs of ordering, wearing, and maintaining a full cap.

I wish I could give an exact release date for the Full Cap DVD, but the project has proven to be more challenging than originally anticipated and has been met with multiple setbacks. That said, the video is “substantially complete”. We are in the very final stages of editing, authoring, and cover design. Please check back in the near future for updates!

I have suffered from hair loss for 25 years, I have had several hair transplants done and been to 3 or 4 diiferent non-surgical companys such as Hair Club for Men, etc. I have bought hair systems but have never really been 100% satisifed with the look. The latest one I got was close. I have hair in the front of my head from the multiple transplants that I have had but my crown area is a cue ball. Also from all the transplants the hair at the back of my head is too thinned out. My biggest complaints about hair systems have always been how they look in the back of the head, they never look good trying to blend in with existing hair. Also the front hairline is always a dead give away. With a full cap the back looks so much better. I was wondering if it is possible to have a top with the “back extended down like a full cap unit? My sides are alright and as i said my hairline with the transplants in front I think I can place a unit just behind the hairline as long as it is of very light density.

Any input or comments would greatly appreciated.

Thanks

Randy

You can have any base shape you desire.

If you have good side and nape hair and only want to replace an extended area on the top and back of your head that is certainly doable. I would even go so far as to say that you will probably get a better result from a more unusual shape due to the fact that the blend area will be different than a standard partial unit.

Also, if you can manage to utilize your transplanted hairline it will be much easier to wear and maintain a hairpiece. A couple of years ago I consulted a doctor who lives here in Orlando who had a situation similar to yours. His transplant had been done years ago and it wasn’t as good as the transplants we see today, but even with a very thin hairline with multiple hairs transplanted together he was able to utilize a partial unit placed just behind his hairline. He had to continue to use concealers in the front, but the results were outstanding!

If you could send some good quality pictures or a short video of what you are currently working with I might be able to give you a few specific ideas.

Thanks again for the email!

Jon

Reader Tony emailed me with a few questions about utilizing existing hair and choosing the proper base for his first full cap:

Hey JRob,
Great site and really good info!

I’m completely new to hair systems and was curious:

A) Do you leave some hair on the back of your head (nape) area? If so, what is the advantage to that? I would think a full cover with a fullcap has the advantage of not worrying about blending in the back?

The advantage to utilizing existing nape hair is a smoother transition and in some cases improved realism. Personally, I shave everything, but if my own nape hair were in good shape I might consider keeping some of my own hair. And yes, you are correct, with a full unit there is no blending to worry about. It’s really all about picking the tradeoff that works best for you.

B) For someone who’s active, you would recommend lace vs the skins? Again, I’ve never worn anything but I would think a skin would be hot after a while.

Definitely order lace for your primary unit. You might want to try a skin perimeter piece as well, but get a lace unit or two under your belt first.

C) What would you say is the least detectable, french lace with swiss front?

Yep, that’s a great combo. Swiss lace is always going to be the least detectable type of base but the tradeout is durability. Not sure which company you are thinking about ordering from but if they use a good french lace you might consider a 100% french base for your first unit. The lace is a little thicker but you can still spike the front and the base will hold up for a long, long time.

One very important thing to note is that if you are using swiss lace in the temple point/sideburn areas, make absolutely sure that there is some kind of reinforcement in the area where the sideburn begins to curve at the back before going over the ear. A double layer of swiss that begins mid-sideburn and continues back above the ear should be sufficient. If you only have a single layer of swiss it will likely fray and tear in this area causing you to have to retire the unit prematurely.

Thanks and keep up the great work!

Tony

No problem. Keep us posted on your progress!