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Frequently Asked Questions

Questions regarding my hair

What if I have short hair?

If you wear a cap and some hair sticks out, we can generally make a custom hairband for you
using your own hair. We consider a minimum length of about 10 cm (4 inches). If you send us a
photo of your hairstyle, we will quickly assess if we can make a custom hairband for you. Send
your photo to info@toupim.com, and we will let you know as soon as possible if your
hair is long enough.

What if I have very thin or little hair?

We can also make a custom headband from thin or little hair. However, we will most likely need to use some donor hair. The donor hair is used purely for “filling,” so the custom headband doesn’t become too thin.

What if my hair is already falling out?

If your hair is already falling out, contact us as soon as possible so we can discuss the best course of action.

What if I’ve already lost my hair?

We can still explore how we can help you. Please contact us to discuss your situation.

What if I have alopecia?

We also make hairbands for people with alopecia. Sometimes using their own hair, sometimes using donor hair given by a friend or family member, and sometimes using hair donated to us. Contact us to discuss your situation, and we’ll create a plan that suits you.

I’ve dyed my hair, is that a problem?

No, this is not a problem at all!

For Whom?

What age groups are own-hairbands for?

A Toupim own-hairband is for all ages. We have helped girls and women aged 3 to 86. It is definitely not just for young people or only for women with long hair. We are proud that it is suitable for all ages and can be made from almost any hair length. See examples of hairbands we have made here.

Is it also for men?

Yes, we have also made men happy with a hairband from their own hair.

Is it also for children?

Absolutely, a Toupim own-hairband is very suitable for children because it looks so natural and is very easy to put on and take off. For children, it’s ideal that it doesn’t itch or scratch.

Wigs, Caps, and Hats

I would like a full wig made from my own hair, is that possible?

We understand that’s what you prefer, but unfortunately, it’s not possible to make a wig solely
from your own hair. You would need the hair of four people for that. So, it can never be made just
from your own hair. With the hair from one head, you can make exactly the hairband needed for
a custom hairband.

The effect is really special. With a custom hairband combined with a cap, you see yourself in the
mirror. Although you’re wearing a cap, it’s still completely you. Your hair smells the same and
feels the same. The cap isn’t very noticeable; it’s very natural. The whole look is very discreet
and doesn’t make you identifiable as a patient.

If you’re unsure, we offer the opportunity to choose a custom hairband and experience it. If
you’re not 100% happy, return your custom hairband under our satisfaction guarantee.

Why must it always be combined with a cap or hat?

Due to the required volume of hair, it’s not possible to make a fully covering wig solely from your own hair (you would need the hair of four people for a fully covering wig). A cap also hides the fact that the hair isn’t attached to the head. The hairband under a cap is not recognizable as a wig and that doesn’t make you identifiable as a patient.

What’s the difference between a hairband and a wig?

The major difference with our hairband is that it’s your hair. It’s always a 100% match. You can’t
achieve that effect with a wig made of synthetic hair or someone else’s real hair.

Recently, a man came to pick up his wife’s custom hairband and summed it up well: “We bought a very expensive wig, it turned out really nice, but despite everyone saying it looks good, the most important person didn’t agree: my wife. When she looked in the mirror, she didn’t see herself but someone with a wig on her head. That’s why we’re now opting for a custom hairband so she can see herself again.”

Additionally, there are a few significant practical advantages:
A custom hairband doesn’t itch or scratch the (sensitive) scalp.
It’s less warm.
It’s easy to put on.
It’s very comfortable due to the soft hairband.
It doesn’t slide when your hair starts growing back.

A disadvantage compared to a wig is that a hairband doesn’t provide full coverage, and you always wear it with a cap, hat, or scarf. Our customers’ experience is that you get used to this
fairly quickly once you’ve accepted that you have to do something with the unpleasant fact that your hair will fall out. You will have to wear something on your head to cover the baldness (if you choose to) and the first thing you’ll probably grab is a cap.

If you’re still not happy with the custom hairband, you can always return it under our satisfaction guarantee. Our primary goal is that you’re happy with your custom hairband.

What if I usually never wear a cap?

Not everyone is used to wearing caps or hats, and it can feel a bit odd to choose a solution that requires it; however, if you have no hair at all, that’s likely the first thing you’ll grab. The special thing is that when you look in the mirror and put on your own hair, it feels immediately familiar, and you look 100% like yourself again, even with a cap. You don’t experience that familiarity with any other solution, no matter how beautifully the full wigs are made. And according to our customers, that’s the big difference.

The Cutting

When should I cut it off and why is that the best time?

We recommend cutting your hair one week after the first chemo session, as the hair is still in good condition and hasn’t started falling out yet. You can cut it earlier if you prefer, but it’s not necessary. One week after the first chemo, it’s a bit easier to cut it short all at once because you know it will fall out soon. This way, you minimize the time between cutting it off and the actual falling out of the short hair.

Do I need to come in?

No, you definitely don’t have to (but you can if you want). One of the benefits of a custom hairband is that you can arrange everything from home. Based on photos, we can make a perfect custom hairband for you. We deliver worldwide and have made girls and women happy with their own hair, even in Australia!

How does the cutting process work?

You can cut your hair at home with your family or a friend. If you prefer your own hairdresser to do it, that’s fine too. We will send videos to you and you can show your hairdresser. We are here to help in every step of the way to make you feel comfortable.

If you cut it yourself, these are the steps to follow. Follow the instructions precisely so we can make the best possible custom hairband for you.

First, shampoo and rinse your hair twice on the day of the cut and then blow-dry it or let it air dry thoroughly. Don’t use any styling products; leave it as it is (so no blow-drying it into a nice wave or straightening it).

Then divide your hair into 15-30 ponytails. It’s very important to bind the ponytails close to the scalp with an elastic band (about 1 inch from the scalp). Then cut the ponytail about 0.5 inches from the scalp.

After cutting it, trim the hair with clippers. Do not shave it bald, but trim it neatly. You will still have a layer of hair about 0.5 inches long.

Note: The advice from the hospital is to let this layer fall out gradually, not to shave it off when it starts to fall out. There should be something left to fall out; otherwise, you might get small wounds.

Now measure: follow the measuring instructions carefully.

Then bind all the ponytails (including the elastic bands) together at the top. Put them in a sturdy bag and then in a sturdy (bubble) envelope and send the whole package addressed to Toupim. Please seal the envelope extra carefully; it’s like gold! Make sure your name and address are on a piece of paper inside with the hair as well, so we know who it’s from. Also, always put your address and zip code on the outside of the envelope.

Always ensure that you have filled in the Toupim form before you start cutting. This form explains a step-by-step process and video showing exactly what to do and where to send your hair. So, don’t just start cutting! You only have one chance to get it right.

Can I cut it into a bob?

Unfortunately, that doesn’t work. To make the best possible own-hairband, we need all the hair in its full length, even if you have long hair. The (very important) volume is close to your scalp. Always contact Toupim first so we can give you specific advice based on your photos.

The hairdresser says I have very long hair, so it doesn’t need to be ultra-short?

Unfortunately, it doesn’t work that way. To make the best possible own-hairband, we need all the hair in its full length, even if you have long hair. The (very important) volume is close to your scalp. Always contact Toupim first so we can give you specific advice based on your photos.

The nurse said I don’t need to cut it until after the second session?

Sometimes the nurse says the hair doesn’t fall out until after the second session. Should I really cut it 7 days after the first chemo session? Yes, our experience is that the hair falls out due to the first session. Don’t wait too long. Otherwise, we can’t make an own-hairband anymore.

Delivery Time, Costs, and Insurance

How does insurance work?

At this time, we are only covered by insurance in Europe. If anything changes, we will notify you. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause. If you have additional questions, please don’t hesitate to email info@toupim.com and we can see what we can do to help you!

How much does a Toupim own-hairband cost?

The price of the Toupim custom hairband starts at $1,175. There are three packages: Basic, Complete, and Fast & Carefree. The prices for the packages can be found here. Each package offers different delivery times, accessories and production times based on your needs.

What if a Toupim own-hairband is too expensive for me?

We try to keep the own-hairband as financially accessible as possible. That’s why we haven’t increased the price since 2021.
After you’ve gone through the process and the hairband is still in good condition, you can use the “return service.” You return your hairband, we refurbish it, and try to make someone who has already lost their hair happy with it. For this, we thank you with $100. We will pick it up through DHL and gift you with $100.

It is said that it takes a long time to be ready?

No, the own-hairband is made within 48 hours to a maximum of 21 days, depending on the chosen package.

It is said that it can’t be made from your own hair that has already undergone chemo?

Yes, it can 😊. We have over 15 years of experience and have made thousands of own-hairbands from all types of hair, including hair that has undergone a chemo session. If you follow the advice precisely (cutting 1 week after the first chemo), we can make a beautiful own-hairband for you. Watch videos of women and girls we have made happy with a own-hairband here.

How Do I Maintain and Treat My Own-Hairband? How Long Does It Last?

How about washing and maintenance?

An own-hairband is easy to maintain. The hair doesn’t get greasy from the scalp, and you don’t sleep with it. Therefore, it doesn’t need to be washed often, maybe once every 2 or 3 months. You wash the hair with your trusted shampoo. You can wash the band itself with soap. You will receive a hardcopy user manual upon delivery. The own-hairband doesn’t require further maintenance (unlike many wigs). You don’t need to store it on a stand, for example. You can simply lay it on a table or hang it in a bag on a chair.

Can I blow-dry or style my hair?

You can blow-dry your hair as usual. You can also style the hair carefully with a straightener or curling iron, just as you normally would.

Can I exercise/swim with it?

A Toupim own-hairband is suitable for exercising or swimming. It’s not a problem if it gets wet. However, it takes a little longer for the hairband to dry thoroughly.

How long does the hairband last?

Your own-hairband easily lasts 1.5 – 2 years. It’s mainly the fabric of the hairband that might wear out, which we can replace if necessary. We guarantee that the hairband will last at least 1 year.

If I no longer wear it, can I make someone else happy with it?

If you no longer use your own-hairband and it is still in reasonable condition, you can choose to return it to Toupim. We will refurbish it and try to make someone else happy with it. As a thank you for returning it, we will give you $50 back for your hairband. Contact us if you want to return your own-hairband.

Satisfaction Guarantee

What if I’m not happy with the result?

All we want is for you to be happy with the result. If you’re not, you can use the Satisfaction Guarantee policy and return your custom hairband at your cost. Hopefully, we can make someone else happy with it.