Pros and Cons of Synthetic and Human Hair Wigs

Women’s hair loss can be embarrassing, and it can be a lengthy progress when it comes to growing it all back. Wigs are a simple way to cover up your hair loss to boost your confidence whilst going through treatment, and here you can find out some of the pros and cons of both synthetic and human hair wigs, to help you choose the perfect one for you.

Here at The London Centre of Trichology we specialise in women’s hair loss, with leading experts who will guide you through your diagnosis and treatment to ensure you feel reassured throughout.

Pros of Synthetic Hair

Synthetic hair is relatively easy to look after, you just need to wash it as you would your own hair, leave it to dry, and then shake it to give it back some volume. This is ideal for those of you with limited time to dry and style your wig, especially since synthetic wigs hold their style no matter what the weather.

Synthetic wigs also come in a huge variety of colours and styles, so you will have no need to go to the hairdressers while going through treatment. For some women, going to the hairdressers can be a stressful experience and can sometimes feel a little intimidating, so this is a brilliant solution. It also offers you the opportunity to experiment with new colours without further damaging your hair.

Another plus of synthetic hair is that it is relatively inexpensive, costing much less than human hair at about £100 for a wig.

Cons of Synthetic Hair

There is, however, a bad side to synthetic hair, which is that it looks unnaturally perfect with its glossy shine and faultless style. For some this may be a good thing, but it can often hint at the fact that you are wearing a wig.

Another problem with synthetic wigs is that you cannot get a silk base with synthetics, which means that your hair will look less natural than if you were wearing a human hair piece. This isn’t always noticeable, but for the self-conscious it can pose problems.

Although synthetic hair costs less, it lasts for a much shorter amount of time than human hair. The average “lifespan” of a synthetic wig is around 4 to 6 months, depending on how well you treat it. Some wigs will be heat resistant, but most synthetic wigs are unable to be straightened or curled, and will melt under high heats.

Although this is not obvious, unless you compare the wig against real hair, synthetic hair doesn’t feel like most human hair due to the fibre it is made of, which once again can emphasise the fact that you are wearing a wig.

Pros of Human Hair

Human hair is hugely versatile and can be coloured, permed and styled just like your own normal hair. This is perfect for those wanting to experiment with colours and styles without buying a new wig each time. Another pro of human hair is that it can come in a variety of textures, so you can find the perfect match for your own hair. This helps to blend the wig in, to ensure that no one will ever notice that it’s not your real hair.

A natural look can be achieved using the variety of scalp options that are available, which can be chosen to meet your needs and hairline. For example if you like to wear your hair up, a suitable scalp option can be chosen to adjust to this.

Human hair lasts a very long time if well cared for, and can live for well over a year without looking frizzy or damaged. Wigs made from human hair will feel incredibly soft and look completely natural on all types of people.

Cons of Human Hair

With this convincing wig comes a hefty price tag however, with all of the hair for these wigs being grown from real people’s heads. This means you can expect to pay upwards of £300 for a wig, with many products needed for proper maintenance as well.

This leads us to the next con – there is a lot of upkeep needed to keep human hair in a good condition. It will need to be washed, deep conditioned and occasionally straightened much more often than a synthetic wig.

Due to being made from real human hair, these wigs will behave like your own hair would, and will get static and dry in humid conditions. This could however also be a positive aspect of human hair, as it adds to the natural effect of the wig.

For more advice on women’s hair loss and treatment, visit The London Centre of Trichology.

Hair Topper Pros and Cons

Hair loss in women can be stressful, so here The London Centre of Trichology has explained a new way of boosting your confidence. Toppers are becoming an ideal new way of covering thinning hair on the top of your head, whilst still showing off your natural hair at the ends.

If you have recently noticed that your hair is beginning to thin, get in touch with The London Centre of Trichology for their expert advice and diagnosis. With many years of experience with women’s hair loss, we can help.

What is a topper?

Most people won’t know what a topper is as it is a relatively new product which has only just begun to surface in the hair loss world. Toppers are more commonly known as “half wigs” or a “top piece”, due to the fact that they only cover the top portion of your head. These can vary in size to suit you and your needs, and your own hair is worn underneath to thicken the overall appearance. This does, however, unfortunately mean that those with total hair loss cannot wear these.

Pros of Toppers

Toppers can be more useful than wigs in many instances, for example they are much more natural looking when blended properly with your own hair. Wigs on the other hand can look very bulky and unrealistic, and also get very hot when worn for long periods of time. Toppers allow your head and hair to breathe, as they don’t cover the whole of your head, which can help you to feel much cooler.

Toppers are very lightweight and as a result you can wear your hair up in a variety of styles with them such as buns, ponytails and plaits. This is perfect for those of you who like to tie your hair up in the morning to keep it out of your way. Wigs tend to be too heavy and bulky for this, and the wefts used to keep the wigs in can often show when they are tied up, especially the wefts at the nape of the neck.

These are relatively inexpensive when compared to the price of wigs, as you are paying for less hair, however they can require more maintenance.

Cons of Toppers
Toppers do have their down sides however, as it is extremely hard to match them exactly to your hair in terms of colour and texture, especially when buying them online without seeing them in person. To match them exactly to your hair they must look precisely the same as the hair underneath, which can be very challenging.

The clips used to secure the topper to your head can cause problems on occasions, and cheap ones can tug and cause pain which can lead to further hair loss. If you also suffer from thin hair on top and at the front of your head, you may struggle to clip these in which may mean you will have to tape them to your head. Again, this can put considerable amounts of strain on your hair which can cause further damage.

Toppers need much more maintenance and styling than wigs, and will need to be blended into your hair daily which can take a huge amount of time when trying to make them look completely natural. Wigs are much easier in this sense as they can just be put on over your hair in the morning to completely cover it all.

For more information on hair loss in women, visit The London Centre of Trichology.

Quick and Easy Ways to Detangle Hair

After having a bath, shower or even a swim your hair can become a tangled mess, which can be difficult and painful to unsnarl. Vigorous and rough brushing can lead to hair loss as it damages the hair and causes it to break off, which can lead to hair looking and feeling thinner. This can also create split ends, which can make hair look flat and frizzy. To get your hair into its very best condition in time for a special occasion, we have described some of the top ways to keep your hair devoid of knots.

Hair loss causes range from hormone imbalances to genetic factors, and here at The London Centre of Trichology we can help you to discover what is causing your hair loss so that we can effectively treat your condition to give you your gorgeous locks back.

Comb from the Bottom

If you have long hair, knots should gently be combed out of your wet hair starting from the bottom and working your way towards the scalp. Combing from the roots can cause huge breakage in your hair and puts great strain on the roots of your head which is painful and unhelpful.

If the hair is too knotty to get a comb through, try putting a leave in conditioner into the hair, avoiding the roots if you have thin hair as this can make it appear greasy. Leave the conditioner to soak in, then begin again and try to comb it through as gently as possible.

Combs over Brushes

Hair expands in contact with water, which weakens the composition of each strand. This increases the chances of the hair being stretched and snapped off, so it is important to always use a comb rather than a brush on wet hair to avoid further hair loss.

If your hair is too difficult to comb and you simply don’t have the time for this, try to towel dry your hair as much as possible before you begin to brush it. Experts advise that you should brush your hair before getting into the shower, and try not to vigorously scrub it whilst in the shower to avoid creating further knots, before then combing it all afterwards.

Cool Water

Washing your hair in cold water not only gives it an added shine and bounce, it also helps to reduce tangles throughout the day. This is because cold water closes your hair’s cuticles and so it stays softer and shinier for longer. The colder the water the better, although it’s not necessary to wash in water that is too chilly in winter.

Dry and Wash Your Hair Correctly

Avoid tangles by smoothing shampoo and conditioner through the hair rather than scrubbing or bunching up your hair, as this helps tangles to form throughout your hair. When it comes to towel drying your hair, pat it gently with the towel and slowly squeeze the water out of it, rather than screwing your hair up inside the towel. This can help to reduce the amount of hairs that get tangled, which in turn will reduce the amount of time it will take to brush your hair out later.

Sleeping Habits

If you often wake up with knotty and wild hair it could be because you move around a lot in your sleep, so to reduce the amount of snarls in your hair try tying your hair up before you go to bed in a loose bun, ponytail or braid. Make sure this is not too tight however as tight up dos can pull hair out leading to thin, fine hair.

For some people this is too uncomfortable to sleep in so an alternative is to sleep on silk or satin pillowcases, or to wrap your hair up in a silk scarf. This reduces static, which in turn reduces knotted hair. Make sure you never go to bed with wet and uncombed hair, as this will be incredibly tousled by the morning.

Hair Loss Causes – click here for more information about how we can help you.

Ancient Alternative Remedies for Hair Loss

Alternative hair loss treatments have long been available, with all sorts of herbs, plants, fruit and vegetables claiming to reduce hair thinning for men or women. However, while it is so easy to search through your kitchen cabinets or to spend huge amounts on suggested remedies, seeking expert help at the first opportunity is the best way to deal with baldness.

London Centre of Trichology – Click here to book a free initial consultation at our central London clinic.

Meanwhile, here’s a brief, fun glimpse at ten organic remedies that were used to tackle hair loss centuries ago. However, it is important to remember it is always best to steer clear of any hair loss treatments that don’t have any scientific basis. Instead, it is important to seek advice from those that are highly trained in hair loss solutions.

Onions – This humble vegetable was one of the ingredients used in the Roman era to spread on the scalp to ‘treat’ thinning hair. Onions were eaten regularly by the Romans who believed they could help cure all sorts of problems including failing eyesight, toothaches, and insomnia. They also brought onions with them on their journeys to England.

Beetroot – This was one of the ingredients used by Greek physician Hippocrates to cure his male pattern baldness. This vitamin and mineral packed vegetable was also mixed with a potent concoction of opium, pigeon droppings, horseradish and spices! Needless to say it was unsuccessful as a treatment for receding hair.

Lemon – Along with cold India tea, rubbing lemon on bald patches or a thinning scalp was a popular option in 19th century Britain. It may have been refreshing, but unfortunately it didn’t give the users the results they wanted.

Roots – In ancient Siberia plant roots were boiled until soft, before they were mixed with cognac and a bit of onion juice and used as a daily hair rinse. Again, despite the time it took to make this concoction, there’s nothing to show that this mixture actually worked to curb hair loss.

Aloe Vera – This succulent plant was an ingredient of a solution for hair loss in ancient Egypt. It was applied at night, combined with castor oil and/or olive oil, and rinsed off in the morning. But there’s little evidence that this combination did the trick. However, Aloe Vera does has lots of uses including to help moisturise the skin. It’s also used to help alleviate the effects of sunburn and burns, and is used to condition hair.

Watercress – This peppery flavoured leafy green vegetable was a bit hit in the Anglo-Saxon period to help restore youthfulness and a healthy head of hair. This vitamin rich vegetable has long been used as a food source and for medicinal purposes worldwide. And, according to a study in the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) journal it is the top of the list of the ‘powerhouse fruits and vegetables’.

For effective hair loss treatment, the best port of call is to visit our experienced team of trichologists at the London Centre of Trichology.  As leaders in research and development in our field, we are experienced in diagnosis and treatment for men and women. We have an excellent track record and have helped thousands of men and women regain their locks since our central London clinic was founded in 1956. And, with so many satisfied clients, you know that you can count on us to provide you with the best possible solution for hair or scalp problems.

Hair Loss Solutions Through the Ages

Hair loss has been a major concern for both men and women since ancient times. All sorts of remedies have been tried and tested over centuries, from herbal ingredients spread on the scalp, to the use of chicken dung. Here, the London Centre of Trichology looks at hair loss solutions through the ages, from simple treatments, to the downright bizarre.

London Centre of Trichology, W1 – Click on the link to find out about effective hair loss solutions for men and women.

Bronze Age – Hair pieces have been used since ancient times. As far back as 1500 BC they were seen as a solution to cover bald patches.

Roman Era – In early Roman times, men chose an odd solution – they rubbed chicken dung onto their scalp. Another hair loss remedy was to use honey and onions, which were massaged onto the scalp in the hope of stimulating hair growth. The most famous General of Roman times, Julius Caesar, was affected by hair loss. His answer was the comb over, and to sometimes cover his hair with a laurel wreath to disguise his baldness. Wigs were also used during this period, but they stopped being fashionable after the collapse of the Roman Empire.

Anglo Saxon Period – The Anglo-Saxons were extremely fond of their hair and favoured long tresses, flowing beards, and a full head of hair. One of their solutions for baldness was to eat watercress, which was thought to restore youthfulness.

Medieval Times – In the Medieval period hair loss solutions tended to be vegetable, animal or herbal remedies and there were quite a few choices. These included rubbing Aloe Vera mixed with wine onto the scalp, applying onion juice to the top of the head and then laying out in the sun, or boiling Hounds Tongue leaves in pig fat and applying it to the scalp.

Elizabethan Era – According to the Encyclopaedia of Hair: A Cultural History, by Victoria Sherrow, Elizabethan women used various toxic chemicals on their hair and face, which caused their hair to drop out. These included a combination of rhubarb and sulphuric acid, which was used as a hair dye and conditioner. Women also used a cosmetic that contained lead that would lighten their face. However, unfortunately it would also damage their hair, skin and health. As a result it was fashionable for women to have very high foreheads (due to receding hairlines) and not surprisingly, hair loss was common. To disguise their falling locks they used wigs, which were worn by both men and women at the time.

The Victorian Period – In Victorian times, all sorts of hair loss solutions were advertised in magazines. For women, solutions included hair pieces and also a mix of rum and castor oil which was to be rubbed into the roots of the hair at night time to stimulate the follicles. Queen Victoria herself drank wine made from the sap of silver birch trees because she felt if would provide a solution to thinning hair.

The 20th Century – In the early part of the century some strange hair loss remedies were introduced. Among the most puzzling was rubbing irritants into the scalp to make it blister. Another seemingly drastic solution was to use vacuum pumps on the scalp to make the hair grow.

To the Present Day – Fortunately, in the mid 20th century to the present day much more effective solutions became available. In 1956, the London Centre of Trichology was founded which is part of the global team of hair loss specialists. The London Centre of Trichology – has helped thousands of people over the years restore their locks and we pride ourselves at being at the forefront of development of hair loss solutions. If you are looking for effective hair loss treatment, just click on the link above to book a free, no obligation hair loss consultation with one of our leading trichologists based at our Central London Clinic.

Caring for Your Hair and Scalp on Holiday

When we leave the London rat race behind and head off on holiday, most of us are hoping to enjoy plenty of sunshine. We're often also looking forward to swimming in the sea or a pool. It's well-known that the sun can take a toll on our skin – but sometimes people forget to think about the effects of sun and water on hair and the scalp. There's a need to take particular care if you are experiencing male hair loss, as this means your scalp is more exposed and can become burnt or irritated.

Here are some top tips to ensure that, while you're relaxing, your hair isn't being unnecessary stressed by the heat and the water. If you are becoming concerned over thinning hair, remember The London Centre of Trichology is here to help and can provide expert hair loss diagnosis and advice.

Hair Loss Diagnosis –  Follow the link to find out more about  programmes for hair and scalp conditions.

Sun Risks – and How to Combat Them 
Effective protection against the sun on holiday for your hair and scalp is vital. The sun and heat can make hair brittle and possibly exacerbate male hair loss, or could also make it greasy. You also risk increasing chances of skin cancer and causing undue pain and peeling to your scalp.

The most effective way of protecting the scalp and hair against the sun and heat is by simply wearing a hat. This isn't just for the beach, but also while sightseeing on a city break, for example, as the risks exist everywhere! Don't worry, since with the huge variety in styles of hat available you will be sure to find something that suits you. Hats are very fashionable and worn for their stylishness, as well as to give protection.

If you have thinning hair, when not wearing a hat, remember to apply sunscreen to your scalp to avoid burning. One option is a clear high factor spray, which can be targeted directly onto the scalp to provide maximum protection.

Protecting Hair in the Water 
A large number of holiday-goers this year will be spending time swimming. However, you may not know that the chlorine found in all pools can make hair dry and cause split ends. So how can you prevent these issues while still being able to enjoy time in the water?

One of the most simple and effective solutions is to not allow your hair to come into contact with chlorine, by wearing a swimming cap. And there's no need to worry, since swimming caps have come on leaps and bounds in recent years, providing much more comfort than in the past

Another protective measure is to rinse your hair in clear water by going under the shower just before getting into the pool. This stops hair from absorbing as much chlorine as you would by getting into the pool with dry hair. Jump back into that shower straight after swimming to wash your hair, and it's equally important to do this after swimming in the sea, as the salt can dry out your hair and make it sticky.

There's also a whole host of products on the market designed to combat the effects of chlorine, such as shampoos formulated for swimming or conditioners to apply before you go in. So keep an eye out for those before setting off on holiday.

Easy Care Styles
Nobody wants to spend a lot of time looking after their hair on holiday, so it's a good idea to keep it simple. There are typically two methods of approaching the holiday hair decision, 'Let it Grow' or 'Cut it Short'.

Typically most men would have their hair cut short just before a holiday in order to minimise the amount of styling required while away, and why not? The hairstyle reduces unsightly tan lines and means less time maintaining and more time in the sun. However there is a second option with a slightly more 'messy look', allowing the hair to grow longer while away. This can  be a refreshing change and give a cool laid back look.

Don't forget your favourite hair products while you are away, since it may be hard to find them while travelling abroad. Most cosmetics products now come in a smaller, more handy size for taking away with you.

If you are concerned about thinning hair, there's no need to feel embarrassed or worry about it on your own. The London Centre of Trichology is here to help and offers expert services  for both female and male hair loss, including male pattern balding and alopecia diagnosis.

Male Hair Loss London – Follow the link to find out how you can book your free initial consultation with one of our experts.

Celebrities Speak Out to Raise Awareness of Hair Loss

Hair loss has in the past often proved a taboo subject for both women and men. Women in London and across the UK suffering from female hair loss often feel ashamed and isolated. Men can also feel upset and embarrassed about the fact that they are worried about hair loss, since it's something they are expected to take in their stride.

However, the problem is becoming more widely discussed, with famous names leading from the front in raising awareness. Both female and male celebrities have recently been speaking out in public about their experiences. Among those who have spoken frankly are breakfast TV presenter Ranvir Singh and finalist on TV's X Factor Christopher Maloney..

If you, like many others, are concerned about thinning hair, it's best to get advice instead of worrying alone in silence. Contact the London Centre of Trichology to find out just how quick and easy treatment could be.

Alopecia Consultation London – Seek advice from one of our experts, who can arrange a free initial consultation for you.

TV Presenter's Battle with Alopecia
ITV's Good Morning Britain presenter Ranvir Singh recently told how she has been battling alopecia since the age of eight. She said that after her father passed away her hair fell out due to the emotional turmoil, and after that it had never fully grown back. Alopecia affects men and women alike and can vary in appearance from tiny bald patches to total loss of hair.

Ranvir admitted she has often felt anxious about the condition, but said people were often surprised to hear about her problem. She explained how she is able to make her hair look its best through expert hairdressing techniques. The presenter avoids styles such as tying her hair back, because this would reveal small patches of bare skin on her scalp. While Ranvir hasn't always found it easy to cope with the condition, she has lived with it over most of her life and says it now isn't a major worry.

Ranvir's experience gives hope to other women who have found themselves feeling embarrassed and being worried about female hair loss. Alopecia can be caused because of a whole host of reasons, including stress, as in Ranvir's case, as well as genetic factors. An alopecia consultation is the first step on the road to treatment.

X Factor Finalist's Stress-Related Hair Loss
In 2012 Christopher Maloney finished third on the X Factor, but he believes stress from the show caused clumps of his hair to fall out during his time on the show. This turned into a vicious circle for the singer from Liverpool, as the strain caused by losing his hair made the hair loss itself become even worse.

The singer told how his confidence was hit when he was targeted by mocking comments from “trolls” on the web. He said that, by looking back at shows from the series, he could see how his hairline had altered over the period that he was competing. After appearing on the series, he underwent treatment for depression. Once he had recovered, he decided to undergo three hair transplants, as well as other cosmetic surgery treatments.

Christopher says he now feels “much more confident” and that he has been given “a new lease of life”. His career is going well and he is planning a tour. The singer has spoken out about his experiences because he wants to raise awareness and ensure that future contestants on TV talent shows have more support if they suffer similar problems.

His experiences show how people can experience stress related hair loss if they are put under pressure for too long. Usually this is a temporary problem and hair grows back, but, if you are concerned about hair loss, it's best to seek expert help and get a diagnosis as early as possible, since early treatment is more effective.

Famous Names Raising Awareness
Many other high profile names have also in recent years spoken out about their personal experiences of losing their hair, including MP Nadine Dorries, golfer Tiger Woods, actress Geena Davis and TV presenter Oprah Winfrey. In addition to this, nine women recently spoke out in a special feature for Vogue magazine about their experience of hair loss, in the aim to raise awareness.

Some celebrities have decided to live with their hair loss, while others have sought treatments. Either way, their openness about their experiences has certainly helped other people in similar situations by breaking through the taboo. They have demonstrated that there is no longer any need to suffer in silence.

As with these celebrities, it's up to each individual how they react to male or female hair loss, but if you feel unhappy or uncomfortable, you can get in touch with London Centre of Trichology for expert hair loss diagnosis and help.

Female Hair Loss Treatment London –  Follow the link for more information on Alopecia treatments and to book a free initial consultation with an expert at the London Centre of Trichology.