What Are Cranial Prosthesis Maintenance Fees – And What Should You Expect?

Hairline Illusions
Mar 1, 2023
2 min read

Updated: Jul 8

A high-quality cranial prosthesis (also called a medical wig or hair system) can provide significant confidence and comfort for those who wear them. However, like natural hair or any specialized garment, these prostheses require regular professional maintenance to preserve their appearance, longevity, and proper fit.

What Are Maintenance Fees?

Maintenance fees cover the professional services needed to keep a cranial prosthesis in optimal condition. These services are typically required 1–2 times per year, depending on frequency of wear and home care practices.

Standard maintenance services generally include:

Replacement of worn combs, clips, or bands
Minor cap repairs for issues like loose seams or edge fraying
Cap sealing to maintain proper fit and comfort
System evaluation to identify early signs of wear
Light detangling or tension adjustments when needed

These routine services help ensure the unit remains secure, comfortable, and natural-looking, particularly important for daily wearers or those using prostheses for medical reasons.

What's Not Covered in Basic Maintenance

Standard maintenance fees typically do not include extensive or restorative repairs, which are usually billed separately:

Hair loss or shedding restoration
Lace replacement or re-fronting
Complete re-ventilation or injection of new hair
Damage from improper care, excessive heat, or adhesive issues

Think of maintenance as preventative care rather than comprehensive repair or replacement service.

Budgeting for Maintenance Costs

Industry professionals generally recommend budgeting 15–20% of the prosthesis's original value annually for basic maintenance and minor repairs:

For daily wearers or those using prostheses for medical purposes, regular professional maintenance can significantly extend the system's lifespan, especially for units made with rare human hair or advanced cap constructions.

What to Expect During Maintenance Visits

When scheduling maintenance services, be prepared to:

Deliver the unit in clean condition (unless cleaning is included in the service)
Provide detailed notes about any discomfort, loose areas, or shedding concerns
Allow 1–3 weeks for service completion, depending on the work required

Some wearers choose annual prepaid maintenance plans, while others prefer individual service appointments. Consider your wearing frequency and lifestyle when deciding which approach works best.

The Value of Regular Maintenance

Regular professional maintenance serves as protection for your investment. Skipping routine care often leads to premature deterioration and more expensive repairs later.

A properly maintained cranial prosthesis not only looks better but typically lasts significantly longer than one that receives only home care. With just 1–2 professional visits annually, the maintenance commitment is relatively minimal for the extended lifespan and improved appearance it provides.

Understanding these costs upfront allows for better financial planning and helps ensure your prosthesis continues to meet your needs effectively over time.