Concealers are nothing new for women. Concealers for the skin, otherwise known as makeup, have been in existence since before Cleopatra to cover up a multitude of blemishes. However, the invention of hair loss concealers for thinning hair is relatively new. They are a marvelous invention - simple and easy to use and extremely quick. In less than a minute you can go from having the appearance of thinning 'see-through' hair to thick hair. The results are very natural.
History of hair loss Concealers
Hollywood makeup artists from decades ago used a very simple but effective trick to make the aging and thinning Hollywood leading man and screen siren look years younger and have thicker hair. After the stylist had trimmed the actor's hair, they would collect it off the floor and finely chop it, with a chef's knife, into microscopic particles. The hair would then be sprinkled through the actor's own, which would cover the scalp and also cling to the actor's own follicles, making it appear thicker in a matter of moments.
The 'sprinkled' hair would then be locked into place with some fixing spray or lacquer. It worked very well for the purposes of the camera and photoshoots and keeping the actor's hair loss condition a complete secret to the rest of the populace.
Hair loss Concealers today
Today this boutique process has been successfully commercialized so to the benefit of the general public. The modern-day concealer isn't collected off salon floors; rather, they are made from either wool (natural keratin), rayon (synthetic fiber), and cotton. These materials are dyed into various different hair colors and then cut into tiny particles. The delivery mechanism of these fibers is similar to that of a salt shaker. Typically, a small bottle with small openings at the end, just large enough to allow the hair fibers to sprinkle out like dust. Applications are simple. Shake the fibers over the area needing a thicker look, pat them into place, even a light comb or brush, and 'voila!'. You have thicker-looking hair!
Which Hair Loss Concealers are the Best?
Typically the more expensive brands use the natural keratin or wool hair fibers. Natural keratin fibers are often the best because they are a natural product and are less likely to cause irritation to the scalp. Some people find that synthetic fibers create additional heat and can be itchy.
The size of the individual fibers is also very important. The coarser or larger each individual hair fiber, the less likely it is to cling to your own hair, it will merely rest on the scalp. The finer or smaller each individual hair fiber is, the more that it will statically cling to your own hair rather than just the scalp. This quality enhances the appearance of the fullness of your own hair. Two brands such brands that are finely cut and use natural keratin fibers are Hairmax hair fibers and BioTHIK hair fibers.
Who should use hair loss concealers?
Everyone is concerned about their appearance! Specifically, if your hair is in the early to mid stages of hair loss, concealers will work for you. If you don't have enough hair, the hair fibers will fall directly onto the scalp. It won't make your hair look thicker, only darken your scalp. This is not the desired result. If you have reached this stage, it is time to look at alternate hair restoration and replacement options.
Good Advice.
Give it a go! Experiment! The first time you use them you will instantly see results, within thirty seconds. But the more you use it the better you will be at creating a natural result. Try different colors; mix them together if you are in between colors. Most importantly, don't use too much of it. Sparingly yields the best and most natural results.
Author: Andrew Wilson
About the Author: Andrew is the owner and Director of Transitions Hair, Sydney, Australia. He has over 16 years of experience in the Hair Restoration profession, consulting on all forms of hair loss treatments and hair restoration procedures. He is passionate about his work and loves seeing people's lives transformed by improving their hair.