Review of Hair Prosthetic Options for Patients With Alopecia

June 2023 in “ Journal of cosmetic dermatology ”

Adaora Ewulu, Randy Amibang, Min Deng

alopecia hair prostheses hair coverage attachment materials hair fiber types cap foundations hair camouflaging techniques hair loss wigs hairpieces hair attachments hair fibers wig caps hair concealing methods

Studysummary This review provides dermatologists with a comprehensive overview of hair prostheses for alopecia patients, emphasizing key considerations such as hair coverage needs, material types, financial options, and adverse effects to better advise patients on suitable hair camouflage solutions.

Our plain-language summary. Not medical advice or a treatment recommendation. Consult a qualified healthcare professional before changing treatment. Full disclaimer

This review educates dermatologists on the various hair prostheses available for patients with alopecia, detailing their advantages and disadvantages. It emphasizes the importance of understanding the patient's hair coverage needs, attachment materials, hair fiber types, and cap foundations. Financial considerations and potential adverse effects are also discussed. The review concludes that dermatologists should be well-versed in hair camouflaging techniques to better counsel patients, ultimately improving patient care and quality of life.

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Research cited in this study

9 / 9 results

research Do You Know How to Recommend a Wig to Your Patient?

9 citations , July 2020 in “Journal of cosmetic dermatology”

This review discusses synthetic and nonsynthetic wigs for alopecia and reports no new results; it aims to inform physicians on advising patients about available wig options.

research Role of Hair Prostheses (Wigs) in Patients with Severe Alopecia Areata

15 citations , January 2018 in “Annals of Dermatology”

Wigs significantly improve the well-being of people with severe hair loss.

research A Mixed Methods Survey of Social Anxiety, Anxiety, Depression, and Wig Use in Alopecia

69 citations , April 2017 in “BMJ open”

This study found that people with alopecia who worry about not wearing a wig reported higher levels of depression, anxiety, and social anxiety, although wig use increased social confidence for many.

research All Hairstyles Are Not Created Equal: What the Dermatologist Needs to Know About Black Hairstyling Practices and the Risk of Traction Alopecia

52 citations , April 2016 in “Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology”

This review discusses hairstyling practices in the black community linked to traction alopecia, categorizes them by risk, and offers guidance for dermatologists on management and patient education but reports no new clinical results.

research Female Pattern Hair Loss: A Clinical and Pathophysiological Review

91 citations , August 2015 in “Anais Brasileiros De Dermatologia”

This review discusses the clinical, epidemiological, and pathophysiological aspects of female pattern hair loss, reporting no new research findings.

research Examining the Relationship Between Alopecia Areata, Androgenetic Alopecia, and Emotional Intelligence

19 citations , January 2013 in “Journal of Cutaneous Medicine and Surgery”

This study found that patients with alopecia areata exhibit a stronger deficiency in coping with stress compared to those with androgenetic alopecia and controls, suggesting a psychosomatic component to the condition.

research A Review of Scalp Camouflaging Agents and Prostheses for Individuals with Hair Loss

36 citations , August 2012 in “Dermatology online journal”

This review discusses methods to hide or reduce the appearance of hair loss using hair prostheses and camouflaging agents, and reports no new clinical results.

research Wigs and Hairpieces: Evaluating Dermatologic Issues

22 citations , May 2012 in “Dermatologic Therapy”

This article reviews the lack of major breakthroughs and limited therapeutic options for extensive hair loss, emphasizing the need to address its psychological impact; it reports no new clinical results.

research Camouflage Techniques for Alopecia Areata: What Is a Patient to Do?

19 citations , May 2011 in “Dermatologic Therapy”

This article discusses various options for camouflaging hair loss involving the scalp, eyebrows, and eyelashes, and reports no new clinical findings.