Hair camouflage: A comprehensive review

Abstract

Hair is venerated, cherished, and desired in societies throughout the world. Both women and men express their individual identities through their hairstyles. Healthy hair contributes to successful social assimilation, employment, and overall quality of life. Therefore, hair loss can have detrimental effects on almost every aspect of a person’s life. In this review, we discuss the myriad of options that aid in concealing and camouflaging hair loss to facilitate a healthier-appearing scalp. Camouflage options for patients who suffer from hair loss include full or partial wigs, hair extensions, concealing powders and sprays, surgical tattoos, and hair transplants. We describe these modalities in detail and discuss their respective advantages and disadvantages.

Capturing the life cycle of false hair products to identify opportunities for remanufacture

“…Estimates indicate the UK imported $773,000 worth of human hair year in 2016, with global imports of human hair totalling $65.3 million [21]. Stock synthetic wigs, produced from machined wefts form the cheaper end of the market and can cost between $30 and $300 [17]. Hand-tied net foundations, made from synthetic or human hair, cost between $300 and $1000 and have a more natural look [6].…”

“…Hand-tied net foundations, made from synthetic or human hair, cost between $300 and $1000 and have a more natural look [6]. High end wigs made from human hair can cost upwards of $2000 [17]. Inexpensive synthetic wigs worn daily need to be replaced every 3-6 months, while high quality human hair wigs can last 3-4 years [17].…”

“…High end wigs made from human hair can cost upwards of $2000 [17]. Inexpensive synthetic wigs worn daily need to be replaced every 3-6 months, while high quality human hair wigs can last 3-4 years [17]. While the cosmetic market for FHPs continues to grow in demand, there is also a strong case for ensuring such FHPs remain affordable for those whom such products are a necessity.…”

“…Hair is often associated with an individual's identity [17] with many choosing to supplement what they have or replace what they have lost. False hair products (FHPs) are defined within this paper as any product that adds to, or replaces, a person's existing hair.…”

“…This includes a range of products such as full and partial wigs, weaves, toupees, toppers, extensions, eyelashes and eyebrows, all of which will be collectively referred to within this paper as FHPs. FHPs can be made from human hair or synthetic materials [17], which have differing market values based on their availability, quality and lifespan. The false hair industry is expanding globally [10].…”