OUR PROSTHESES

Benefits to Children

Locks of Love is committed to providing the highest quality hair prostheses (hairpieces) to every child suffering from long term or permanent medical hair loss. The hair prostheses provided are custom-made from donated ponytails and retail for between $3,500 and $6,000. These prostheses are different from synthetic hairpieces because they form a vacuum seal, and do not require the use of tape or glue. Only the wearer of the prosthesis may remove it, by breaking the vacuum seal at the temples. Children can dismiss insecurities about classmates pulling off their hairpiece, or losing it during sports. They can also swim and shower with it in place. “Wigs” do not provide these needs for every day activities of active children. This sense of security allows the children to get back their self confidence and be kids again.

A Solution for Long Term or Permanent Hair Loss

The prostheses provided are designed to be worn by children suffering from long term or permanent hair loss. The vacuum fit can only function when there is total hair loss and no re-growth occurring. Children with long term or permanent hair loss who have not experienced total hair loss may shave any existing hair so they can begin the molding process. The entire process of receiving a hairpiece takes between four and six months.

To view possible causes of long term or permanent hair loss, please click here.

Manufacturing Process

When a child is accepted into the program, the manufacturing process begins. A molding kit and instructional DVD are sent to show parents how to make a plaster cast mold of the child's head. From this mold, a plastic fitting cap is made. This custom fitting cap is what provides the vacuum seal function. The child is able to choose the color and length of the hair they would like as well as the skin tone color of the silicone base. Each prosthesis requires between 6 and 10 ponytails and each strand of hair is hand injected into the silicone base up to 150,000 times. Once the prostheses are provided, each child may style it to compliment their facial features. Children ages 6 to 18 can reapply for a new prosthesis every 18 months.

A Solution for Short Term Hair Loss

In cases where children are experiencing short term hair loss, usually due to chemotherapy treatments, they require a more immediate answer to their needs. These recipients would receive a synthetic hairpiece in lieu of a prosthesis. These synthetic hairpieces are made especially for children and can be provided quickly and worn during re-growth. The production time of a prosthesis is prohibitive in meeting these immediate needs, and also cannot be worn effectively once hair begins to re-grow.

Children Under Age Six

With children under six, we provide synthetic hairpieces because they will outgrow their custom vacuum fitted hairpiece very quickly. Like the prostheses we provide, we have an arrangement with a synthetic hairpiece manufacturer of the highest quality.