7 questions to Jean-Christophe Robelot, at the head of the company EVA DORIA

1. Could you describe to us the wig market in a few words and a few figures ?

The wig market is on the rise essentially due to a growing number of cancers in France and abroad. The market is worth about 35 million Euros and affects 90% of ill persons. The left 10% will be more about the hair accessory or for festive events.
In general, this market provides wigs made of synthetic hair. The wigs made of natural hair do exist but they are quite expensive.

2. Who's the target ?
In general, the wig attracts sick women or women who lose their hair for stress reason. 7 million women suffer from hair loss or lack of density and 78% of the women who lost their hair buy a wig.

3. We all saw a man who was wearing a wig in a wrong way. Is the wig of nowadays the same as those of our grand parents' ? if it's not the case, did it evolve ?

Yes the wig did evolve ! But it is important to understand the different possibilities to treat the alopecia problem :
Men will be able to benefit from significant advances regarding the hair complements. Nowadays, skull prints and hair prints are made and enable the fabrication of tailor made membranes which will adapt perfectly to the natural implant, the size of the skull and the type of hair wanted. It will be possible to integrate to these membranes, made of natural hair, grey hair if it helps to respect the harmony of the client's hair.
Women suffering from a loss of density even material loss will get very adapted answers. In fact, for about 15 years, we've been noticing a real hair loss in more and more women and the solution is the volumizer; a kind of net which is clipped wherever you want on the head and which creates a mass impression.
Finally, regarding the total hair loss, this is a real technologic challenge to create lighter and more comfortable wigs. The weight definitely remains the major issue because the quality of the synthetic fibers has greatly improved in order to create very natural effect. Some of the products weight between 35 and 45 grams ! The tightening methods have become also very efficient so that the wig doesn't move too much.

4. The subject of the wig is sometimes delicate for the persons concerned. How can you reassure them ?
Everything depends on the ability to listen and to advice. A real professional listens with intention her/his client, in a pleasant and confidential place and explains in detail how things will happen with pedagogy and empathy.
I observe, nowadays, a growing number of professionals, old or new in this activity, who really have in mind these notions and apply them with rigor.

5. In general, where can you find wigs, any advice ?
In general, you can find them in some of hairdressing salons, some parapharmacies and/or pharmacies and finally in some shops specialized in all kind of accessory. I would recommend all the professional approved by the INCA (national cancer institute).
As far as we are concerned, the distribution of our products is for professionals who share our very rigorous ethics policy and favor the comfort and the confidentiality and most of them aproved by the INCA. In any case, the first appointment will be determinant for the next step with a professional: if it is reassuring, things are likely to be ok then.

6. How could you describe a quality wig ? Are there traps to avoid ? Nowadays, a quality product is as light as possible and which gives a natural effect and prevents the unpleasant effects of the sweating. In the contrary, a product too heavy, uncomfortable and which is composed of shiny fibers is not recommended.

7. The price of the wigs is sometimes considered very high even prohibitive. Are there special system supports ?
First, only those with a disease will be able to justify a repayment of 125€. More and more mutual funds will add a complement (you must ask your mutual fund). With or without repayment if the price seems to be to prohibitive, you must meet one or two other professionals and you must compare the different propositions.
According to me, the price of a quality product is between 300€ and 400€. However, for the persons with very little money, EVA DORIA created a collection with prices between 125€ and 150€ and which seem an interesting alternative.