Most people suffering hair loss are affected on their scalp or the whole body. But the most sensitive part is the scalp. Some causes are hormonal changes, heredity, underlying medical issues, or aging.
While everyone is prone to hair loss, men are more affected. For instance, in the United States, the men affected are about 50 million, while the women are 30 million. Temporary or permanent hair loss affects 50% of the population at different points in their lives.
The shedding of your hair often creates an emotional sense of losing who you are. Your experience with hair loss need not become a constant source of stress. If you’re after a quick and reliable way to boost your confidence, hair patches could be the answer you’ve been waiting for.
Whether you suffer from thinning hair, patchy balding, or complete hair loss, this non-surgical hair replacement connects directly with your natural hair to provide instant volume and style.
Read on to learn more about hair patches:
What Causes Hair Loss?
The American Academy of Dermatology Association says that 50-100 hairs fall out daily. After shedding the previous hair, new hair develops out of the same follicles. Even so, not all hair develops, causing hair thinning that can eventually usher in complete hairlessness.
Basically, hair loss roots from diverse factors. They could be genetic, hormonal, stress-related, or medical conditions.
One of the most prevailing reasons is androgenetic alopecia, better known as male/female pattern baldness. The latter runs in families and is linked with hormone levels.
Other reasons for hair loss include autoimmune disease-causing conditions such as alopecia areata, stress-related shedding, and trauma to hair follicles. It could be due to hairstyles such as tight pigtails. Even malnutrition and certain medications can trigger the condition.
Hair Patches Explained
Hair patches are defined as a unique, non-surgical solution for persons battling hair loss, such as bald spots and thinning areas. They are available in different materials, from human hair to high-quality synthetic fibers, to conceal bald spots and thinning areas.
Patches are directly applied on the scalp in a manner that blends with your hair. The process is painless and non-surgical.
Hair patches come in diverse colors, styles, and sizes. So they can be personalized to suit the client’s needs. Black, dark brown, or light brown fall among the most sought-after colors, making it easier to find your hair ‘match’ regardless of color.
The right size and style will depend on how large the bald spot is and what part of your head it is located on. Selecting the correct size and color is paramount so the patch becomes imperceptible and as natural-looking as possible.
A hair patch is an ideal option for people battling acute baldness. And as individuals become increasingly inclined towards non-surgical approaches, hair patches are becoming the go-to solution for risk-free procedures.
How Safe Are Hair Patches?
Hair patches are generally safe and have emerged as the fastest-growing non-surgical hair loss treatment. As with any other hair replacement, hair patches do have advantages and disadvantages, as discussed below;
Advantages:
Non-Invasive: Hair patches use outer adhesive to keep them intact and are surgery-free. This is ideal for most people who want to keep the risks and healing associated with hair transplants at bay.
Reversible: You can stop using it when you no longer want to wear a patch or want to try something new. This is wonderful if you wish to explore other choices.
Natural Appearance: High-quality, authentic human hair patches will easily integrate with natural hair. If you can pick the correct style for your hair, it will appear extremely realistic, and if dressed properly, it’s hard to sport the hair patch.
Disadvantages:
Cost: While they save you the upfront costs associated with surgery, very good-quality patches are not cheap. For example, they can start from ₹30,000 ($350), which can be expensive, considering that hair patches need frequent replacements and salon visits.
In general, hair patches are an excellent and safe way to treat hair loss if you have a good supplier and properly maintain them. You should always consult a hair replacement specialist so you can obtain the best product for your lifestyle and hair loss needs.
How Hair Patches are Different from Hair Wigs
The most evident difference between a hair wig and a hair patch is the level of coverage. A wig is made to cover the whole scalp. So, it is suitable for an individual who has lost a significant portion of their hair.
A patch of hair covers specific or alopecia-susceptible patches (i.e., the crown or vertex of the head) that can be balding or thinning. Wigs are made to cover the head entirely, whereas extensions supplement coverage by bonding to the wearer’s mane of natural hair.
For someone who has already lost a part of their hair but still has plenty remaining, it may be more realistic than a wig. Wigs, however, cover the entire head with hair but never really become integrated into the scalp. Patches appear as a natural head of hair because they cover sections of the scalp.
Both these solutions may aid in boosting hair loss confidence and looks, but the most suitable solution depends on the amount of hair loss and individual comfort level.
How are Hair Patches Applied?
Hair patches are painless and instant to apply. They are a simple means of disguising balding or thinning spots on the scalp without going under the knife.
The patches may be glued to the scalp using a special adhesive or clipped in place. They are cut and shaped to the site where they are to be applied, and the hair is shaped so that it blends with existing hair.
The following are the steps involved in obtaining a hair patch step by step:
Preparation: The scalp area on which the patch will be put is nicely cleaned. The hair surrounding the scalp area can be trimmed or shaved in a few instances to create a smooth and clean surface upon which the patch can be attached.
Measurement and Cutting: The hair patch is cut and measured to cover the bald or thinning area accurately.
Application: The patch is placed on the scalp and securely adhered (using medical-grade adhesive if that is your best option) or secured with clips.
Blending: Once the patch is attached, the hair on the patch is blended with the ‘natural’ hair. The patch must be maintained so that it stays fresh and tightly attached. This is achieved by having the patch removed, washed, and reattached whenever needed.
Types of Hair Patches
Below are the types of hair patches:
Synthetic Hair Patches
Synthetic styles are perfect for anyone who wants a hassle-free, affordable hair solution. They’re almost like human hair and are usually pre-styled, so you wear them as is.
The style is “baked-in,” so regardless of the weather, it remains in the style you purchased.
This is great if you never have time to style or don’t like styling your hair. They are cost-effective too. The only downside is that you can’t change the style because it’s locked.
Clip-in Patches
Clip-in patches are an inexpensive, simple method of adding volume or replacing thinning sections of hair without committing to an extension.
They clip into your own hair nicely and remove with ease. They are also great for temporarily adding hair for a special occasion or just for a change.
With all the varying lengths, textures, and colors of clip-ins, you’ll find one that perfectly incorporates your hair.
Keep in mind that careful placement and careful handling are required to get the very best outcome.
Sew-In Hair Patches
Sew-in hair patches provide a classic hair extension technique and a secure method of gaining length and/or volume.
Sew-in hair extensions are then sewn onto a braided foundation with a thread and needle, offering a permanent type of hair patch with a natural look.
Normally, the sew-in installation takes a couple of hours, and with standard aftercare, it could last for several months. Sew-ins offer a smooth, soft texture and can be dyed and treated like natural hair.
However, they are designed for certain types of hair and best utilize medium-thick hair types such as Indian or Vietnamese hair. Sew-ins require the most time commitment compared to the rest of the extensions and patches.
Human Hair Patches
Hair patches made from human hair are the most realistic hair replacements you can find because they have all the same attributes as natural hair, including look, texture, and movement. Hair patches made from 100% human hair are so real.
You will likely be unable to tell the difference between the patch and your natural hair. You can style it, color it, curl it, and/or straighten it. A human hair patch provides you with limitless possibilities.
When it comes to human hair patches, they can last up to five years with proper care. These hair patches are a long-term investment.
How to Choose the Best Hair Patch
Selecting a hair patch is a lot more than its looks. Go for something that complements your lifestyle and you are comfortable with, and that will also make you feel confident.
Here is how to pick the right hair patch:
Identify Regions of Hair Loss
Most importantly, mark the areas where your hair loss is severe. It’s crucial to know exactly where your baldness is and how big it is.
That way, you will find the right patch. Remember that the wrong shape or size would be noticeable and uncomfortable.
Match Texture and Color
One of the most critical aspects of creating the illusion of hair growth from your scalp is that the patch should match your hair color and texture. A product on the market suits every texture, from curly to straight, wavy to fine or coarse.
Human hair is an excellent substitute because it can be dyed, hairstyled, and cut to blend closely with your hair. Synthetic patches won’t have these options, though a pre-styled synthetic patch will be as good if you take the time to choose and pick carefully.
Consider Your Lifestyle
Your lifestyle should guide your choice. If you do not object to sitting for a long time styling your hair every morning, you can opt for synthetic patches since they need less maintenance and hold shape even after washing.
If, on the other hand, you like styling your hair or frequently modifying your appearance, a human hair patch offers you that advantage, but you have to work a little harder to maintain human hair.
Comfort Matters
The material of the back of the hair patch is a vital factor in choosing the sensation it provides when worn for a long day. Silk bases or laces are very light and breathable, creating a silky feel on the skin.
Before choosing the most suitable patch, you must consider material choices in advance, particularly if you reside in a tropical weather zone or have sensitive skin.
Stick to Your Budget
Hair patches are available at varying prices, and it is better to determine how much you can spend and are ready to pay.
Synthetic hair patches are less expensive, but human hair patches cost more; they ultimately look more natural and tend to last longer with proper care.
If you are hunting for something more affordable or wish to try a hair patch once, try a synthetic hair patch.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How long do hair patches last?
The type of hair patch and how well it is maintained influence its lifespan. Human hair patches last longer with regular maintenance. The synthetic hair patches can last longer with good care to prevent wear/tangling.
If you regularly clean and handle a hair patch, the less it will look worn and will last longer.
2. Can I style or dye my hair patch?
Yes! But only if they are human hair patches. The latter can be styled, curled, straightened, and dyed just like your natural hair.
This gives you lots of versatility in your style. Synthetic hair is pre-styled, and you cannot change this much.
3. What is the hair patch application process?
Hair patches are applied by first washing the scalp, trimming a piece to fit, and then sticking a patch down with medical-grade adhesive or attaching it with clips.
Once secured properly, the patch is styled to blend with your hair.
4. Are hair patches easy to wear?
Easy wearability is subject to factors such as base material and fit. Breathable materials the like of lace or silk are lightweight and suitable for flexible, long wear and warm climates.
A proper fit by a skilled specialist ensures the patch will not affect your scalp or interfere with your comfort throughout the day.
5. Do hair patches need special maintenance?
Hair patches call for proper maintenance to remain appealing. Regular maintenance can be as simple as washing gently, drying carefully, and sometimes reapplying adhesive, clips, etc.
Human hair patches need to be styled and conditioned like your own hair.
6. Can hair patches damage my natural hair?
When properly fitted and removed, hair patches are safe and will not interfere with natural hair.
However, improper fitting or using poor-quality adhesives may stress the natural hair strands.
