As wig and hair piece specialists in New Zealand, we understand that alopecia extends beyond simple hair loss. This medical condition affects both head and body hair. A well-chosen wig or hair topper can help people cope with alopecia, especially since medical treatments may not always be effective in regrowing hair.
Wigs and hair toppers make excellent choices that can boost your confidence a lot when dealing with bald spots or thinning hair. Our options cater to every budget and style preference, featuring both synthetic and human hair wigs for women, men, and children at all stages of hair loss. At Custom Hair Company, our team in Hamilton has crafted personalised human hair wigs, hair toppers, hair pieces and skin/hair patches for 20 years, both locally and in Australia. We support women, men, and children in various New Zealand communities who face hair loss challenges due to a range of causes.
People need to understand that alopecia is an autoimmune condition, not just a cosmetic issue. The journey through this condition can be tough both physically and emotionally, especially when you have to look for solutions like wigs or hair toppers in Auckland, Hamilton and beyond.
Alopecia is an autoimmune disease where your body's immune system attacks hair follicles by mistake and causes hair loss on the scalp or the entire body. This chronic inflammatory condition won't threaten your life or cause pain, though some people's skin gets irritated in affected areas. The worldwide prevalence of alopecia shows that about 1 in 1,000 people have it, with a lifetime risk of about 2%.
Unlike regular baldness from ageing, alopecia can show up in anyone, whatever their age or gender, and it affects males and females equally. Hair typically falls out without warning in small, round patches about the size of a 50-cent piece. Many people find this sudden change shocking and distressing.
Hair loss from alopecia doesn't follow any pattern; some people deal with it off and on throughout their lives, while others might experience just one episode. Recovery varies, too. Your hair might grow back completely, or it might not. Scientists haven't found a cure yet, but treatments exist that could help hair grow back faster.
Alopecia shows up in several different forms, and each one affects people in its own way:
Other types of hair loss exist beyond autoimmune alopecia. These include androgenic alopecia (pattern baldness), cicatricial alopecia (scarring), and traction alopecia (from repeated pulling) Each type brings its own set of challenges.
Hair loss affects much more than physical appearance. In fact, hair plays a significant role in self-identity, body image, and social acceptance. This makes its loss exceptionally hard to handle.
Mental health challenges hit people with alopecia hard. About 66% to 74% of patients develop psychiatric disorders during their lifetime. Depression touches 38-39% of people with alopecia, while generalised anxiety disorder affects 39-62%, these numbers are nowhere near what we see in the general population.
The sort of thing I love about human resilience shows up in an interesting way: people who've lost all their hair sometimes cope better than those with partial loss. Studies reveal that folks with 21-49% or 50-94% scalp hair loss reported bigger life disruptions compared to those with 95-100% hair loss. This suggests that hair loss might lead to better adaptation strategies over time.
Custom Hair Company understands both physical and emotional aspects of living with alopecia. Our team works with each client compassionately. We know finding the right wig or hair topper isn't just about looks, it helps restore confidence and improves life quality. Twenty years of creating personalised hair solutions have shown us how the right hair system can lift the psychological burden of hair loss.
This complex relationship highlights why we need an all-encompassing approach to manage alopecia, one that helps with both physical symptoms and emotional well-being. Understanding these connections helps us support people through their alopecia challenges with dignity and resilience.
Life with alopecia often splits into "before" and "after" hair loss phases. People need real solutions to look good and feel like themselves again. Wigs and hair toppers have become game-changers that give instant results when medical treatments don't deliver.
A quality wig or hair topper does way more than change how you look. These give an instant boost to self-esteem that changes lives for people dealing with alopecia. The right wig works as both physical coverage and emotional armour that helps you face the world with new confidence.
Our clients at Custom Hair Company often say getting their first properly fitted wig or hair topper feels like "getting myself back." This shows how deeply hair connects to who we are. People call hair our "crowning glory" for good reason; it shapes how we see ourselves and how others see us.
Wigs and hair toppers offer both mental healing and physical coverage. They bring back normal life during the tough alopecia journey.
Medical treatments for alopecia might work for some people, but come with major downsides. These treatments need months before showing results, might cause side effects, and don't always work well. Wigs or hair toppers give instant, visible results without any medical procedures.
Quick results matter more than you might think. Clients leave our Custom Hair Company studio with a complete solution instead of starting a long treatment process with uncertain outcomes. This instant change helps people who feel emotional distress from alopecia and you don’t always have to come in, we can do your consultation via video.
Wigs and hair toppers offer variety that medical treatments can't match. You can have different wig or hair topper styles for various occasions, moods, or seasons, something impossible with medical hair restoration. This includes trying different colours too, letting you express yourself in ways natural hair might not allow.
Modern wigs and hair toppers have come a long way in comfort and looking real. New materials and construction techniques mean high-quality wigs from specialists like our team at Custom Hair Company feel great all day long. Light caps, breathable materials, and secure fits let you wear wigs confidently during any activity.
Wigs and hair toppers work alongside medical treatments, too. Many people use both approaches, wearing a wig or hair topper for coverage while trying medications or procedures that might regrow hair later.
Wigs and hair toppers let you try new looks. Many clients find styles they love that they wouldn't have tried with their natural hair. This freedom to experiment brings unexpected joy during a challenging time.
Custom Hair Company has spent over 20 years making personalised human hair wigs, hair toppers and other hair pieces for women, men, and children across New Zealand with alopecia. Our big selection of stock and in-house stylists can customise your wig right away, so you don't have to wait to feel confident again. From our Hamilton base, we understand what alopecia warriors face and create natural-looking, custom-fit hair systems with care and skill.
Wigs and hair toppers give powerful, instant solutions that tackle both physical and emotional sides of alopecia. They help bridge the gap between hair loss and possible regrowth, bringing coverage, comfort, confidence, and control during this life change.
People new to replacement hair options often feel overwhelmed when deciding between full wigs and hair toppers. Each option has its own benefits based on your hair loss pattern, daily routine, and what matters most to you.
Full wigs cover your entire scalp. They work well for people who have lost all their hair as well as partial loss from conditions like alopecia universalis or totalis. These complete hair systems give you a finished look with one simple step since you don't need to blend them with your natural hair.
Today's full wigs come in several cap styles that each bring something different:
Our team at Custom Hair Company sees fantastic results with full wigs among clients who have advanced alopecia or are going through chemotherapy. These wigs give you back a full head of hair right away without needing any natural hair underneath.
Full wigs stay in place using different methods. You can use adjustable straps, clips, adhesive tapes, or vacuum fit systems if you've lost all your hair. This security helps you feel confident during exercise or on windy days when other options might not work as well.
Hair toppers (also known as partial wigs, wiglets, or hair enhancers) target specific spots where your hair is thinning instead of covering your whole head. These pieces attach to your existing hair and come in many sizes and shapes to match different hair loss patterns.
These work great for conditions like female pattern hair loss, patchy loss from alopecia areata, or thinning at the crown or part line. The best part is that they blend seamlessly with your natural hair to create a look that's virtually undetectable.
Most toppers use pressure-sensitive clips that attach to sections of your natural hair. If you have more thinning, wider base toppers with extra clips give you better security and coverage.
Success with a topper really comes down to having enough natural hair for attachment. Our Hamilton studio helps clients figure out if their hair density works better with a topper or if they should consider a full wig.
No matter where you are in New Zealand, our Hamilton studio team gets a full picture of each client's situation to suggest the best option. A client with overall thinning might do better with a light full wig, while someone with crown thinning might find a topper more comfortable and natural.
Custom Hair Company's 20+ years of experience shows that many clients end up with both types. They might use a topper day-to-day and keep a full wig for times when their natural hair needs treatment or special events. This approach lets them adapt as their hair loss changes. Also see our article on Good, Honest Advice about Hair Toppers.
The choice between a full wig and a hair topper comes down to your specific hair loss pattern, what you need for your lifestyle, and what feels right to you.
Picking the right wig or hair topper for alopecia needs more than just looking at how it appears. Our team at Custom Hair Company helps clients make this choice. We've spent over 20 years creating custom hair solutions that work for each person.
The biggest choice you'll face when picking a wig or hair topper in New Zealand comes down to human hair or synthetic fibres.
Human Hair Wigs:
"Instead of frequently replacing synthetic wigs, investing in a high-quality human hair wig can be more cost-effective in the long run," our team at Custom Hair Company suggests. "Good care means you'll enjoy its beauty and durability for years."
Synthetic options work great if you have temporary hair loss. But if you have alopecia totalis or universalis, human hair might be worth the extra cost because it looks more natural and offers more styling choices.
The way a wig cap is made changes how it feels and looks. Here are the main types you'll find in Hamilton:
Lace Front Wigs: These have a see-through mesh at the front hairline that makes hair look like it's growing from your scalp. You can style the hair away from your face while keeping things natural-looking. They work great if you want a realistic hairline.
Silk Caps: These use a skin-like material at the crown where each hair is tied by hand. You get:
Hand-Tied Caps: These caps give you the most comfort and natural movement because every hair is hand-knotted. They cost more but feel incredibly soft against your scalp, perfect if alopecia has left you without hair.
Traditional/Wefted Caps: These cost less and have machine-sewn hair wefts on a stretchy base. They're cheaper but won't look as natural at the part or hairline.
Our team often suggests combination caps with silk tops and lace fronts. These give you the best mix of natural looks and value.
Getting a natural look means paying attention to your wig or hair topper's colour, length, and texture. We tell our alopecia clients:
Colour Selection: Pick shades that work with your skin tone and eye colour rather than matching your old hair exactly. Slightly lighter shades near your face often look more flattering and youthful.
Length Considerations: Long dramatic styles might tempt you, but medium lengths usually look more natural and take less work. Our stylists can adjust the length during your visit to frame your face perfectly.
Texture Matching: The texture should look like your natural hair or the style you want. If you still have some hair, matching its texture helps blend your natural hair with the wig smoothly.
You can receive personalised help in Hamilton through our complimentary consultations. Meet us at our private studio or chat by video from anywhere in New Zealand. Our experts will pick options that fit your needs and show you how the final result will look.
We keep lots of wigs, hair toppers and hair pieces in stock, and our stylists can customise your choice right away. You won't wait long to find your perfect match. Whether you need a synthetic wig or want a premium human hair option, we'll help you find the ideal wig or hair topper for your hair loss journey.
Your experience with wig or hair topper confidence starts after you pick your ideal hair system. A good wig or hair topper becomes perfect through proper fitting, styling, and customisation. It feels like your own hair. These elements make a significant difference to those with alopecia seeking natural-looking solutions.
Your comfort and security depend on accurate measurements. Custom Hair Company uses a detailed measuring technique, where we capture nine different points around your head to ensure your wig fits perfectly. A well-fitted wig should sit about an inch behind your natural hairline. It needs to feel snug without causing pressure points or headaches.
The fine-tuning of adjustable features becomes vital after your original fitting. Quality wigs come with:
Clients with complete hair loss from alopecia universalis benefit from silicone strips or wig adhesives, which create a secure bond with the scalp. You retain control during physical activities without uncomfortable movement throughout the day.
A properly fitted wig moves naturally with your head and feels comfortable enough to wear all day. Your comfort level and needs might change over time, so schedule follow-up appointments.
Natural appearance comes from proper wig or hair topper selection and smart styling. Our Hamilton stylists suggest keeping volume at the root area. Flat, plastered-down hair signals "wig" to observers right away.
Human hair wigs or hair toppers need lukewarm water and specific wig care products during washing. Blot excess moisture with a microfibre towel after washing. Let it air-dry on a wig stand. Rubbing or wringing can damage delicate hair fibres.
Heat styling human hair wigs and hair toppers requires a heat protectant. Keep tools on low to medium settings. Style the front hairline and part area first. These visible sections create the impression of natural growth.
Perfect hairlines rarely exist naturally. Creating subtle irregularities along the front edge improves realism dramatically. Our stylists show you how to adjust your hairline for that lived-in look.
Undetectable hair systems need personalised customisation. Our Hamilton studio offers many refinement options for your new wig or hair topper.
Cutting and shaping services bring life to generic styles. We frame your face perfectly and lift your natural features. This process takes into account your face shape, lifestyle needs, and priorities to create a unique result.
Professional colouring techniques add subtle highlights, lowlights, or root shadowing. These mimic natural hair growth patterns. Dimensional colour effects create depth that single-process colours cannot match.
Strategic thinning creates breathable, lightweight wigs and hair toppers. Many off-the-shelf wigs and hair toppers have more hair than natural heads. Your wig or topper moves like natural hair and stays undetectable.
Custom Hair Company's team brings 20 years of experience in creating personalised hair solutions. Proper fitting, styling and customisation are vital steps in your alopecia experience. Our extensive stock range and in-house stylists ensure you leave our Hamilton studio with confidence. Your wig will fit perfectly and look beautiful.
Your wig or hair topper is an investment that needs proper care to look its best, especially when you use wigs or toppers daily to manage alopecia. A good care routine will keep your wig or hair topper looking natural and beautiful longer.
The cleaning schedule depends on how often you wear your hair piece. Synthetic wigs and toppers need washing every 15-20 wears. Human hair wigs and toppers work best with cleaning after 7-10 wears. Our team at Custom Hair Company suggests specialised wig shampoo and conditioner. Regular hair products can harm your wig or hair topper's delicate fibres.
Here's a simple cleaning process- human hair wigs and topper only need to be washed every 30 wears- the less washing the better. We provide specialty shampoo and conditioner with all our human hair pieces to ensure the correct products are used at home.
Dip the wig/topper head first into the cold water a pull through the water gently ensuring all the hair and water run the same way, no swirling or scrubbing is needed.
Smart storage makes a big difference. Your wig or topper needs a mannequin head or wig stand when you're not wearing it. This helps maintain its shape. Keep it away from sunlight, heat, and humid areas that can fade colours and harm fibres.
Human hair wigs can last beyond 12 months with good care and hair toppers 2 years. Synthetic wigs or toppers usually last 4-6 months with regular wear. These tips will help your wig or topper last longer:
Our Hamilton based studio helps extend your wig or topper's life with professional refreshing services, deep conditioning treatments, and expert reshaping.
We've seen many wig and topper care mistakes in our 20+ years of creating personalised hair solutions. Here are the key things to avoid:
Never sleep or shower in your wig or hair topper. Nighttime wear creates friction that causes tangling and matting. Regular brushes can damage your wig by pulling and stretching the cap construction.
Regular styling products with alcohol can dry out human hair wigs and damage synthetic fibres. Synthetic wigs need protection from high heat near ovens, barbecues, or hair dryers that can ruin the fibres permanently.
These care tips will help your Custom Hair Company wig remain beautiful and boost your confidence throughout your hair replacement journey.
Getting financial help for quality wigs is a vital concern for alopecia sufferers in New Zealand. The good news is that several funding options and support networks can help with hair replacement costs.
Te Whatu Ora (formerly Ministry of Health) provides a Wig and Hairpiece Service Payment that helps reduce costs for people who experience hair loss due to medical conditions. The funding amounts depend on specific circumstances:
These subsidies cover wigs, toppers and extend to headwear like hats, turbans, and eyebrow wigs. Many people in the alopecia community point out that current subsidy levels only cover about 10% of actual wig costs.
How to apply for Ministry of Health funding
You'll need a healthcare professional's confirmation to start the process. Then the following eligibility criteria will require you to be:
You must submit three key documents:
Our team at Custom Hair Company in Hamilton knows these requirements well. We help our clients with the paperwork to make sure they get their entitled funding easily.
Most people are surprised by how common hair loss is; therefore, it's ideal to start meeting others who understand the alopecia experience and help you to get any emotional support you may need. AlopeciaNZ leads the way as the main national charity and support network for people with alopecia. They bring people together through conferences, kids' camps, and educational talks across the country.
If you or someone you love is living with alopecia, it's okay to feel overwhelmed, emotionally, mentally, or even physically. The impact of hair loss goes far beyond appearance, and support can make all the difference. Whether you need advice, a listening ear, or help exploring hair loss solutions, there are trusted services and communities here to help.
These resources are free, confidential, and led by people who understand what you're going through:
Alopecia Aotearoa Support Group – A welcoming online and in-person community offering connection, advice, and real stories from people who get it.
Visit: www.alopecianz.co.nz
Look Good Feel Better NZ – Free programmes that help people manage the visible side effects of health conditions, including hair loss, with confidence and self-care tools.
Visit: www.lgfb.co.nz
GPs or Dermatologists – If you haven't already, speak to your GP about a referral to a dermatologist. They can help with diagnosis, treatment options, and medical support.
Mental Health Support – Hair loss can affect mental well-being. Services like 1737 – Need to Talk? Offer free, 24/7 mental health support via phone or text.
Call or text: 1737
You don't have to go through this alone. There's strength in asking for help, and there's a whole community ready to support you every step of the way. Our Custom Hair Company team can link you to these support networks as you start your wig experience.
Hair loss from alopecia brings challenges way beyond what people see. This article shows how the right wig can transform your appearance and confidence by a lot. Quality hair replacement options give you quick solutions that work when medical treatments don't deliver - whether you have patchy loss, complete baldness, or anything in between.
Finding your perfect wig needs careful thought about several things. You'll want to know the pros and cons of human hair versus synthetic options to match your lifestyle and budget. Plus, picking the right cap construction, be it lace front, silk, or hand-tied, makes a huge difference in comfort and natural looks. Your wig will stay beautiful longer with proper fitting, styling, and regular care.
Money remains a big worry for many alopecia sufferers. The Ministry of Health's subsidies help, but working through the application process can feel like too much, which is why our caring team at Custom Hair Company helps clients handle these paperwork requirements and connects them with supportive community networks.
Our Hamilton studio draws from 20 years of experience to help restore your confidence with personalised hair solutions. We help women, men, and children all over New Zealand through face-to-face and online consultations, so it doesn't matter if you're looking for a wig in Auckland, Hamilton, Wellington, or beyond - we are 'Hair to Help.'
And better yet, you won't wait long for your custom-fit hair system because we keep plenty of stock and have talented stylists in-house. Each client gets genuine care from our team. We know a wig means more than looks; it helps bring back your sense of self.
The path with alopecia definitely has its challenging moments, but finding the right hair solution shouldn't be one of them. Everyone deserves to feel good about how they look, whatever their hair loss situation. Our expert guidance, quality products, and caring service show our commitment to being 'Hair to Help' you through this chapter with dignity and style.
Get in touch with us today at Custom Hair Company Ph: 07 929 1258
