We don't usually make predictions of the future, but when we see new technology emerging that makes good practical sense with multiple benefits to its users– the writing is on the wall.
We are predicting that suction wigs or vacuum wigs will soon become a thing of the past and 'gripper' wigs will take over.
The pros and cons of Suction wigs
We first became acquainted with Suction wigs about 15 years ago. For their time, they were an excellent new wig and hair replacement technology. Suction wigs have been popular with many sufferers of Alopecia Areata and especially Alopecia Totalis and Universalis. The reason for their popularity lies in their scalp adhesion process. Suction wigs don't require double-sided tapes to hold them to the scalp; rather they 'suck' onto the head. This is achieved through a base material made from thick silicone that is moulded to the shape of the scalp. When fitted, it creates a vacuum seal that securely holds the wig to the scalp.
Suctions wigs have a number of positive points, namely:
- no tape
- natural scalp like appearance
- hair drapes and behaves well when implanted correctly
- Durability – they are known to last a long time if treated well
However, like most things there are negatives.
The bad points of Suction wigs are –
- Heat – they can be hot to wear because heat cannot escape from the scalp through the silicone base
- Don't Breathe – wearers often complain they feel 'clammy' as the wigs don't allow for the evaporation of perspiration from the scalp
- Desensitising – wearers cannot feel the wind and rain on their scalp due to the silicone base completely covering their scalp (although some people may like this attribute)
- Unnatural hair line – wearers struggle to create a natural hair line due to the thickness of the base of the wig
- Heavy – the thick silicone base is heavy on the scalp and some clients have noted they cause migraines
NEW – Introducing Gripper Wigs
Gripper wigs are the next generation of Suction wigs. These wigs overcome the negatives of the old wig technology while keeping and improving on its positives. They breathe, they’re light, they can even create a natural hair line, and finally – they don't need adhesive to bond to the scalp. But these wigs don't 'suck' as their predecessors do; they 'grip'.
Gripper wigs incorporate the best of mono top wigs and suction wigs. They utilise a new proprietary silicone that grips to the scalp. This silicone is incorporated into the design of the mono top wig, mainly around the edges and a couple of strips throughout the sides and back. The grip and adhesion is so strong (on a correctly fitted wig) that girls have been known to do the most agressive hip hop dancing and they still remain firmly in place. The gripper technology allows us to use a lace front on the wig, which is universally the best way to create a natural hair line. Due to the fit of the wig, there is usually no need to use an adhesive on the lace, preserving both the integrity of the lace and the time of the user.
For these reasons, we believe that we will see the eventual end of suction wigs (except maybe in cold climates), and gripper wigs will be the next new revolution in wig technology.
