Hair prosthesis
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Hair prostheses (or cranial prosthesis) are artificial hairpieces, constructed by ventilating the hair (which means to attach the hair one by one with a special needle) using artificial or real human hair to a prosthetic hypoallergenic scalp, and custom-made to fit the shape and size of an individual's head. They are made, colored and constructed by hand.
Men, women and children over the age of 5 can wear a hair prosthesis. There is no noticeable aesthetic difference between a wig and a hair prosthesis, rather the choice of one over the other arises from the needs of the individual. Doctors prescribe a prosthesis for patients who have lost their hair as a result of medical conditions or treatments, such as alopecia areata, alopecia totallis, trichotillomania, chemotherapy, or any other clinical disease or treatment resulting in hair loss. Cranial prostheses also help to protect disease-weakened immune systems from energetic disturbances (such as some ultraviolet radiation), as well as regulating body temperature.
New York City hairdresser Rodolfo Valentin led the way in the design of the first scalp hair prosthesis during the 1970s. Many health plans provide coverage for hair prostheses. Costs vary greatly, but these pieces may be considered medical expenses and are often-tax deductible.
