Non Surgical Hair Replacement

Non surgical hair replacement is a type of hair replacement system that is a more advanced take on the traditional toupee/hairpiece simply glued to your scalp.  Sellers usually promise a more natural looking head of hair with this system.

What sets it apart from a traditional hairpiece is that the hairpiece is actually attached or woven into your existing hair with a surgical type glue.  Your hair is then cut so the system blends in with your current hair. 

This type of hair system usually uses human hair, dyed to match your existing hair color and can look very natural.  It is typically more expensive than the traditional hairpiece system but it's much more versatile and can be more natural looking.

This type of hair system is also called a 'Non-Surgical Hair Transplant' or even 'Non-Surgical Hair Restoration' and is offered by well-known names like Hair Club for Men.

While up front, it's not as expensive as a hair transplant, it does require ongoing maintenance which can get expensive:

1) You have to visit the hair replacement company to get your hair cut. They will remove the hairpiece, restructure it if necessary (add more hair, color etc.), clean it and then re-attach it to your hair. A typical haircut can run you about 75$ at these places.

2) In order to properly care for the hairpiece you will often need to buy special haircare products from the company which again, are more expensive than usual products.

3) The hairpiece does wear out and will need to be replaced several times a year, which again will cost you.

Just to give you an idea, here are some estimates from Hair Club For Men:

Initial startup costs - $1200, Monthly plans which includes from 4 - 12 systems and 8 cuts per year + hair care products $199 to $499

While non-surgical hair replacement was a popular option in the 90s, many people that can afford it are now choosing a hair transplant instead (which when you consider the financing options many surgeons are offering break the costs down to be similar to a this system). 

However if you're squeamish about surgery and don't like the medical options like Rogaine/Propecia, a non-surgical hair replacement system may be the most natural looking option for you.

Another disadvantage to this type of system is the potential for permanent hair damage and hair loss to your existing hair (the hair that is used when the hair system is weaved in). For example, after about six months a person can begin to lose hair permanently along the weave area, resulting in what is called traction alopecia (hair loss caused primarily by pulling force being applied to the hair)

As with a traditional hairpiece system, you also have to make sure you care for the hair properly and avoid harsh chemicals like chlorine (i.e. when swimming) and those found in some shampoos or hair products.