WHERE DID IT GO?

Everyone loses hair daily as part of the hair growth cycle. Most do not even notice except for the stray hairs in the brush. For others hair loss can be more dramatic and that full head of hair becomes a memory.

Hair loss can be triggered by medical conditions such as stress or thyroid problems, diseases like alopecia areata and lupus, traumatic situations where an injury occurs to the scalp and scarring prevents hair re-growth, chemotherapy treatments and heredity.

Hair loss as a result of chemotherapy usually isn't permanent and not everyone is affected. "The hair normally begins to grow back as soon as the treatments are over," said Luanne Urhahn, a registered nurse at Hematology Oncology Associates of Cape Girardeau. In most instances the new growth of hair will be the original color, but "often people who did not have curly hair before will have curly hair after chemo," she said. Many chemotherapy patients opt for wigs or headwraps until their hair begins to regrow.

Those with permanent hair loss can choose from a variety of correction options. About 30 million men in the United States experience male pattern baldness at some point in their lives. Herbal remedies claim to reactivate the sleeping hair roots so they will begin to produce hair again. Other products such as Minoxidil and Rogaine are applied directly to the scalp. While hair regrowth occurs in many instances there is no guarantee that it will work for everyone. It takes time to regrow hair and many will not see results for several months. It addition to side effects, new hair ceases to grow when the treatments end.

The FDA approved Propecia, a hair regrowth pill, in December of 1997. The verdict on long term side effects is still out. Propecia has been proven to help bald spots shrink, but there are no reports of full heads of hair returning. In addition, not everyone is helped. So, where does that leave you if you want to cover your shiny dome?

"I'm in the appearance business," said Jim Williams, owner of Model Hair World. Williams offers a variety of replacements custom designed to fit the lifestyles of his patrons. Williams has been in the hair business over 30 years and makes every effort to keep up with current styles and trends.

"No hairpiece can possibly look like a natural growing head of hair unless it starts out being designed and made to look like hair," said Williams. Size is also important. Williams makes a mold of the customer's head to determine the shape and size so that a more natural looking piece can be created.

For many the next worry is "Will it fall off?" "Not if applied properly," said Williams. Replacements can be attached in a variety of ways which allow the wearer to work, sleep and play. Double-sided surgical tape is available which provides excellent holding power.

Semi-permanent remedies are also available. Williams now offers non-surgical skin grafting as well as a bonding procedure to attach hair replacements..

Surgical hair implants or "plugs" utilize the remaining hair on the head which is transplanted to new locations. The procedure is lengthy and somewhat expensive. Once again, there is no guarantee of success.

Hair replacements in the form of wigs and hair pieces are still the choice of many.

"Baby-boomers feel the need to look younger for job security," said Carol Thomure, owner of Care Plus, a salon that specializes in wigs and hair pieces for men women and children.

As with any product, you get what you pay for. The amount of hair, type of material, size and type of attachments are all factors in determining the cost of a hairpiece according to Williams. A well cared for hairpiece usually last between one and three years.