The Quality of Service

We live in a Wash-N-Go society.  A country full to the brim with cheap, fast solutions to any of life's problems and inconveniences. Our service industry has changed drastically with advancement in technologies, increase in population, and the ever-diminishing quality of products and service. The downwards turn that the economy has taken over the past decade does not help matters, either.  The service industry (particularly the hair world) is always one to suffer in times of frugality. Many people try to save a buck by opting for cheap, do-it-yourself dyes, synthetic hair extensions or hairpieces, and 15 minute haircuts over a relaxing experience in the hands of a skilled professional that knows your name and asks for the long version of how your day has been.
There's nothing wrong with watching your wallet. Everyone has to take cuts somewhere. A lot of people, however, have had the experience of a terrible cut, hairpiece, or dye job from an inexperienced stylist who has had an overbooked day. Bad attitudes, bad experience, and an unwelcome atmosphere. Once the cut grows out, they try a different discount cuttery, jump on the conveyor belt, and have the same poor treatment over again. All in the name of fiscal conservativeness.
There are several facts that should be made known for the skeptics. There are differences in service a client experiences in a private hair salon in comparison to a corporate one. There are also a few key factors that come into play when making a decision.
1. Corporate discount hair salons charge separately for a shampoo, a haircut, and a style-out (blow-dry).    So your haircut might be $15, but a shampoo is an extra $10 (sometimes &15), and a style-outs run between $20 and $35.  Thats a general range of $45 to $65. Plus tip.  Also, forget about specialized cuts. These are people who are used to doing quick, simple cuts and blow-drys without too much muss, fuss, or client consideration. I personally have never known anyone to get the best cut of their life at one of these places.
2. Most private salons charge anywhere between $35 and $75 for a haircut. However, this includes a full shampoo and conditioning (most also involve a scalp massage), a haircut that is EXACTLY (not someone else's version of) what you asked for, and a style-out that is appropriate for your cut. There is usually a complementary drink, and friendly conversation in an environment that is comfortable and private. So, you are getting a better full experience for roughly the same price.
3. Men and women are different. Women enjoy displaying their new hairdo, color, or extensions. It is a point of pride. Men, however, usually prefer to look natural. Needing a haircut is one thing, but incoming grays and male pattern baldness can be a sensitive issue for most men. Sensitivity that is not acknowledged by 'discount' hair clubs. Nor is it recognized in regular salons that agree to cut in that hairpiece because they assume it is exactly the same as any other cut. At a private salon or hair replacement studio, each visit is confidential. Each stylist is knowledgeable in their craft. And they recognize that if their job is done right, no one will notice it at all.
4.  You don't stay in business for 50 years if you are terrible at what you do.  Private businesses like David Hansen Custom Hair Replacement have unparalleled experience at the helm.  That much experience and passion in a career results in perfect pieces, every time. Consistency is one of the most important things lacking in the cheaper experience. Why get it right some of the time, when you can get it right EVERY time?
5. A picture may be worth a thousand words, but attitude tells all. Who would be more inclined to be genuine to a client, someone cutting 20 heads a day for minimum wage, or someone who has the time and confidence by building their own business?  It's not an easy thing to do; and men like David Hansen do not get to where they are today by treating his clients like numbers on a page.
6. Quality of product is the final major factor in choosing a hair experience. When it comes to specialty products like hairpieces, isn't it worth it to have something that will not only look amazing but will last? Quality custom pieces last longer, and undeniably look much better than their cheap, synthetic counterparts. Why waste money on some cheap throwaway?
So, yes, times are a little tough, but if you are considering something as important as a hairpiece, it is time to get old fashioned. Look for the best quality, and the most experience. The experience will be better, you will have better results, and feel better about the money well spent.

Do what you love, and you'll never work a day in your life!

The average adult changes careers approximately 7 times during their life. Why do you think that is? People settle on careers every day. Performing the same daily tasks can quickly become monotonous if you aren't interested in what you are doing. So many people, probably yourself at some point, have switched jobs just for a change of pace. 

So, why not do something you love? Start in a broad area, gain experience, and eventually you will be able to zero in on something you are absolutely passionate about.  This is the path that David Hansen chose to take that eventually led to his 50+ year (and counting!) career in Men's Custom Hair Replacement.  

Born the son of an Illinois barber, David lived in the back of a barber shop during the majority of his childhood. From an early age he was exposed to the world of hair design, watching thousands of haircuts being performed. At the age of 12 he began to cut hair for his friends and class mates. This was the foundation of his career. As he learned the tricks of the trade from his father, he eventually decided that hair dressing, rather than traditional barbering, was more his style.

 In 1962, David moved to Chicago.  He took a job at Chicago's famous Continental Barber Salon, where he worked with the best stylists from all over Europe. He studied their techniques, which were new to him and the United States, and became so proficient he quickly became the most popular stylist at the shop. Impressed by his boss' many trophies, he asked for some advice on how to win some of his own. He agreed to show David the ropes of not just styling natural hair, but how to create and style men's hairpieces.  He began to enter and win styling competitions, then hairpiece competitions.  It was then, after over a decade of learning different areas under the broad umbrella of the hair world, that David found his absolute passion. 

 David Hansen opened his first Custom Hair Restoration Salon for Men in 1965. He was so enthusiastic about his craft that he continued participating in Men's Hair Replacement competitions, and teaching other barbers and hairdressers his craft. When he would meet someone with skills unbeknownst to him, he would show not jealousy, but an incredible desire to learn from them. He had a desire to be the very best, not for bragger's rights, but to be able to give men who are suffering a hairpiece that was absolutely realistic and completely undetectable.  

His business grew exponentially over the years. Although success was always a friend to him, he observed that as his business grew, the less of a difference there was between his pieces and the inferior ones of his flashier rivals.  in 1980, he downsized, getting back to a more personal relationship with his customers. He vowed to work on each person that walked through the door himself, and that each piece he created would be even more realistic than the next. 

The love for what he does has kept him in business with a loyal and steady clientele ever since. He holds himself to a higher standard, able to find the balance between functionality and style.  Many of our clients have commented that he knows their hair better than they do. He will work on each piece until it is to the exact specifications it ought to be.  By the time a client walks out the door, there is no indication whatsoever that he is wearing a Hair Replacement System. 

The passion David Hansen has for the work that he does reflects in the quality of each piece he creates. His love for his art has given him over 50 years of experience, and over 50 years as the very best in his field. He is an inspiration for me, and all those that meet him.  

Getting Ready for Your New Hairpiece

If you have decided to invest in a custom hairpiece for the first time, congratulations! Custom pieces are the best way to give you that flawless look. And, as with everything, the better prepared you are to be fitted for your piece, the easier the process. Here are a few steps you can take to ensure a pleasant, productive road to your perfect hair.

1. Let it grow!
When you come in for your first visit, we take a hair sample and draw a map of your hairline.  A perfect hair sample is between 2 and 3 inches long. At this length, we will be able to match 100% human hair to your color and texture. If your hair is too short, you'll have to come back once your hair has reached the right length. Letting your hair grow in advance will allow us to map your hairline clearly and get a good hair sample.

2. Know your options. 
Custom hair pieces are usually attached in one of two ways, bonding and tape. It is VERY important to know the differences between these two methods. While bonding (glue) allows the wearer to keep their hair attached for months at a time, the scalp can become irritated and sticky from nonstop wear. Surgical tape requires the wearer to take the piece off before sleeping and showering. Following the tape method not only extends the life of your piece by years, but is a much healthier option for your scalp. You can read our blog on bonding vs. tape for more information.

3. Keep your head clean. 
A clean, dry scalp will hold tape securely all day, and sometimes for a second day,  depending on how much oil your skin produces. However, excess oil buildup and combined with the natural heat that your head produces will cause bonding glue and surgical tape both to become gummy and messy, with a much weaker hold. Our pieces have the lightest bases that are professionally ventilated. This allows your scalp to breathe and gives you the most comfortable fit. They also blend right in to your scalp, making it impossible to distinguish from your natural hair. Wash your scalp and your natural hair (not your piece!) daily.

4. Keep your hairpiece clean. 
Remove used tape from your piece one it has lost its tackiness. Some people may be able to use the same tape for a second day if their scalp is kept very clean and does not produce much oil. Placing new tape directly over the used tape can cause a sticky buildup that slides around on the scalp. Changing your tape regularly will ensure a secure, comfortable hold each day and will also extend the life of your hair piece.

5. Take it to the cleaners. 
Hair pieces require a gentler brand of care than natural hair. It can dry easily if washed frequently, and can also oxidize (takes on a yellowish hue) if exposed to shampoos with salts, or if frequently exposed to intense sunlight.  Avoid hairspray as well; it contains alcohol that severely dries out the hair. Brushing your piece will remove most dust particles that collect. We recommend that you bring your hair piece back to us every 3 months for a professional shampoo and re-styling. We use sulfate and salt-free shampoos that maintain the integrity of the hair. Regular cleanings will keep your piece in good shape for years to come.

I hope that these tips have helped you better prepare for your new hair piece. Sticking with these simple steps will help you extend the life of your hair piece, giving you a wonderful experience for years to come.

The Purchase: The Best Place to Buy

If you intend to invest in a high-quality and well-fitted hairpiece, trust only an expert. You can avoid the most common disappointments in the finished product if you start right--by selecting someone who knows his business.

Let us use David Hansen as an example. He has won every hair styling competition available: State, Midwest, National, Canadian, and World Championship. More recently he has receive recognition in the field of hairpiece construction and styling. This is the type of man you can put your trust in.

Stay away from mail-order hairpieces and prestyled creations! You have distinct characteristics which must be analyzed by a professional before your hairpiece is designed. Ideally, you should buy your hairpiece from a stylist who manufacturers his own pieces. Only then will you receive a truly customized product.

When asked his opinion of mail-order hairpieces, David Hansen was very adamant in his judgment, insisting: "I would be amazed if a man could take his own measurements and hair samples, determine his most complimentary hairstyle, and then shape and style the hairpiece. He'd have such a rare talent, I'd probably offer him a job! In the case of mail-order pieces, there's only one person who comes out smelling like a rose, and that's the seller! That's not what this business is all about. We're here to please the customer. Doing that through the mail is quite inconceivable. I not only refuse to handle hairpieces from out-of-town sources, I insist on making my own. This is the only way I can guarantee a perfect match."

Even if you take a mail-order hairpiece to a local stylist for the cutting and fitting, chances of satisfaction are very limited. Prior consultation is a necessity, just as personal instruction in the handling and care is required.

You'll be able to tell if a man is serious about the quality of his hairpieces just by taking a look at the premises on which he conducts his business. Does he have a private consultation area and fitting rooms that are modern and well-equipped? Are there ample supplies and sample pieces on hand? Is the atmosphere a professional one in which transactions are carried out in an orderly and efficient member? Do his employees and customers respect him?

If the answer to any of these questions is negative, find another distributor, someone who is serious about serving you. Just take a good look around you when you enter a shop, keep your eyes and ears open, and you'll have no trouble deciding whether or not the man is a pro.

The man you are looking for will be innovative and progressive. He'll be willing to give his personal guarantee of satisfaction, and he'll be willing to take the extra time required to guide you in the wear and care of your new hairpiece.

In most cases, your instinct will be a satisfactory guide. But if you'd like some assurance, check with your local Better Business Bureau, consult with previous customers, and take a look at a competitors' offers before you're willing to say that one man's services look like the best.

Check out www.davidhansen.com

The Hairpiece: You Get What You Pay For

Think of a hairpiece as you would a new suit, as something to compliment your appearance.

    If you visited a tailor to have a suit made, he would take your precise measurements, inquire as to your intended use for the outfit, and then, together, you would select the cloth for the garment. After you left his shop, he would spend hours carefully sewing the suit to meet your specifications.

    If the price of a tailored suit were above your means, but you still desired quality, chances are your next choice would be a selection from a reputable men's store. You would have several ready-made outfits from which to chose, most of which would be carefully-sewn copies of creations by well-known designers. Of course, the fit wouldn't be as perfect as that of a tailor-made suit, but most of these stores have someone available to make required alterations, enabling you to still be a well-dressed man.

    The final alternative available to you would be to settle for a ready-made suit off the rack in some discount house. In most cases an alternations man wouldn't be on hand, so you would have to settle for a suit closet to, but not exactly, your size. More than likely, this would not be a suit in which you would gain extra pride by simply feeling its cloth or by examining its workmanship, but at least it would serve its purpose. Your outfit would be another one of many mass-produced garments that is just a suit, nothing more.

    And so it is with hairpieces. They range from the tailor-made exclusives all the way to those that will just get by. If you are concerned enough about your appearance to even consider buying a hairpiece, you should ask for one that is the closest to your natural hair as possible, one that will serve you well and be a wise investment.

    Remember, a hairpiece should be the most personal and individual component of your wardrobe.

davidhansen.com

Celebrity Hair Replacement

There are plenty of celebrities suffering from hair loss. Since the way they present themselves is very important many turn to hair replacement. Ben Affleck is a great example of a good hair replacement.

Ben  Affleck

He has excellent hair replacement. His hair color, texture, and thickness is perfectly matched. The hair replacement still has some recession which makes it looking more natural. 

Propecia making men impotent

As I was watching the news one of the stories featured really sparked my interest. As it turns out a popular

hair replacement drug propecia causes men to be impotent. Since I am in the hair restoration business I decided to copy this news story onto my blog, I believe more people have to be warned about the dangerous side effects of these hair replacement drugs.

Baldness drug Propecia making men impotent, says study

By Neil Katz

 

(CBS) Men worried about losing their hair may be losing far more than that if they take the popular drug Propecia.
A new body of research says 5 to 23 percent of the millions of men who take the drug may become impotent and have lowered sex drives because of the active ingredient finasteride. And the problem may linger years after they stop taking the drug.
The story is coming to the fore as two new studies were published in "The Journal of Sexual Medicine" this month.
Young men are being prescribed these drugs, "as hair loss treatments that may negatively impact their sexual life, possibly for a prolonged time after stopping the medication," said the journal's editor-in-chief, Dr. Irwin Goldstein, in a statement.
In one paper which analyzed previous studies, researchers led by Dr. Abdulmaged M. Traish of the Boston University School of Medicine, found a small but significant percent of men suffered from erectile dysfunction, reduced ejaculation and semen volume after taking the drug. Traish told CBS News what really worried him was the long term effects.
"What is really important is not how big or small this number is," he said. "But rather how many of these individuals will continue to experience persistent side effects, even if they discontinue the drug?"
To answer that question, Traish pointed us towards research from Dr. Michael S. Irwig, who interviewed 71 otherwise healthy men who reported sexual side effects after taking finasteride. The mean duration of the negative impact was 40 months after stopping the drug.
Irwig's study, also published in "The Journal of Sexual Medicine," had some caveats. The men were not randomly selected, but rather picked off of a popular website for problems with finasteride and the men were not tested for hormone levels.
Finasteride is also found in Proscar, a drug designed to help with prostate swelling.
The cruel irony of the findings, if they hold up, is that once men stop taking Propecia their hair loss returns, but the side effects may linger for years.
There is a class action lawsuit in Canada and a smaller suit in the States. The full studies can be found in the March issue of "The Journal of Sexual Medicine" here and here.


From a CBS news article

David Hansen

www.davidhansen.com