June... The Medical Grade Unit

 

June is a medical grade unit that I purchased from a vendor (I named her). This unit is a part of my venture as a Cranial Prosthesis Specialist. I shopped and shopped and shopped around for a vendor of medical grade units that I could trust to produce some good reliable units. I mean seriously, good quality and care equals satisfied clients and let's be honest, I love happy people!

Anyway, I saw this piece and felt hopeful. Hopeful that I could help others suffering from hair loss, have faith and look forward to some sort of normalcy all while looking cute!! I'm like, oh she's super cute, and would look good on anyone! I liked the look and feel of the cap, her hair looked soft and it is! I was super excited to order and receive her. She's my first medical grade unit available for purchase. 

I liked her so much, I went as far as to styling her. I am NOT a hair stylist. Those are days of the past for me...clearly 😂 because her curls don't look that great. Thankfully she's human and unused, so if this is a unit you want, you can most certainly take her to the salon and have her styled the way you desire. 

To purchase her feel free to click here. To learn more about using your health insurance to purchase her click here.

A Message from Liv

Welcome to the blog page of Livs Wigs LLC

Without further ado, I'll get straight into the point of this post. I promise to try and make it interesting if not entertaining.

So picture it, it's been over four years since I've made a wig let alone wigs, due to an incident that left my right hand partially paralyzed, permanently. Every day simple routines that consist of me using my hand is very challenging. I never once thought about the importance of nerves and muscles along with the vital required usage daily, until this. Something as simple as picking up an apple with this hand, or dare I even say it, typing this post, requires great concentration to get my limb working. With that said, perhaps we'll visit details surrounding that story another time when I'm able to have a glass of wine again. Well wait... no shade but then again, I may not share (and you probably don't care, and that's okay 😂), only because I don't want to relive the past and make the situation be all that I am. I definitely don't want to cry you guys a river with this atrocity, I only want you all to understand that when you are supporting me, you are in fact supporting someone who's life has drastically changed and this person only wants to make the best of that change.

Although I am not a licensed cosmetologist, I do come from a background of hair styling. I started styling hair at the age of 12. One of my mother's best friends paid me faithfully every two weeks to wash and style her hair into a roll (where are all my old school folks? Ya'll may understand this assignment, 😂). I then braided other students' hair in high school. As I transitioned into adulthood, I began cutting hair, continued styling, did weaving techniques, coloring, started loc journeys and I was even featured in Salon Digest magazine (ahhh...good times). I began making wigs in 2012 when I wanted to be Amber Rose and rock the bald look with blonde hair. On days that I wanted long hair, I wore a wig, curly hair? No problem, slap another wig on. Wigs gave me the opportunity to be someone different at my discretion. However, because my hairline wasn't like the average wigs displayed in stores; I spent a lot of time trying to position my unit to cover my excessive hairline and sideburns. To help with my own personal dilemma, I began creating and customizing my own wigs to fit my ginormous head. Sidenote: my momma always said I have a football head, and I think she was right about that. 

Anyway, I began to really enjoy creating wigs. Eventually I ventured into creating closure pieces of all kinds. Creating hair pieces became such a therapeutic journey for me. It was a way to drown out the noise away from home. Somehow, my job at that time, wasn't so stressful anymore because I was creating what I considered to be art, during my time off. And like any artist, I wanted to perfect my craft. I used any free opportunity I had, to practice and make my work perfect. And to test my waters, I began to sell my creative hair pieces on small marketplaces. I was growing, and loving every moment of it. When I wasn't able to create hair pieces anymore over the course of these past four years, I was very hurt. Believe me, I tried to get back into it after the incident, my hand was just not budging. I was so hurt about it, I gave up making hair pieces all together and said f*ck it, I'll just work my 9-5. I was so pissed off and angry about my injury, I threw all my hair sh*t out. Every. Last. Piece. I mean not one lick of resource left to say perhaps start again?! (make note of this as it may be useful information as we go along with individual writing pieces of each unit. I am hoping you will find it funny because it certainly wasn't funny to me as I was exploring) I wasn't thinking about saving any of my materials at all. I'd completely given up on myself.

And then (I'll be very transparent here), I suffered the loss of someone VERY dear to me; my only child (this is another topic that I may share later. I do want to be in a mental space where I can openly talk about that without becoming choked up and crying, because it is very important and could potentially help or even save others. However, right now...it's still fresh and I'm still trying to get through the acceptance stage). 

Hence, the reason I'm back and decided to push myself....So here's the tea; I'd brainstormed ways to help me cope with my loss and I had the brilliant idea of getting back into making hair pieces, help take my mind off of the tragedy, and keep me busy. I've literally just started back up in July of 2023, yikes! It makes sense because it's what I love, it pushes my limits, and I get to help others on my own accord. It's always been very therapeutic for me mentally, and now it will be physically therapeutic (at least I hope so😣). But this time is different, I had the thought of not only exercising my creativity but taking it one step further by becoming a Cranial Prosthesis Specialist (oooooof). I want to take my devotion to others in need of hair replacements further and bond with them like I never have before. I want to provide more durable hair replacements. I do intend to continue creating and hand crafting cosmetic hair pieces to help strengthen my physical and mental abilities in areas that I once was able to accomplish while going over and beyond the unexpected. Simply because the possibilities are endless.

I write this blog with the intention for my clients, visitors, readers, friends, associates, and family members to feel closer to me; understand my own method to my "madness" if you will, and be with me on this healing journey (I am trying not to cry as I write this). I write this blog to help others understand my motivation, because perhaps it may help others in need of advice aside from a hair replacement. It may help others achieve a goal of their own personal healing, because what happens to us does not make us. We make the best out of overcoming what has happened, and it really costs nothing to be kind. So I will leave this post with, I hope you enjoy my writings. I will add posts for each unit I create, handmake, and produce so you are able to get a feel of what I was thinking during the process, and what I feel the result is or should be. Rest assured, each piece is well thought out, I do take pride, and my time in creating them, washing them, taking pictures, and posting to my websites so updates may take some time and I humbly ask for your patience. My goal is to not only educate you and let you into my world, but make you fall in love with my work and OUR journey through life and all of its hardships.

If you've gotten to this point of my blog without falling asleep, thank you. 💕 

Casey Frontal Lace Hair Unit

Casey

Casey is my second handmade piece. In my welcome post you learned about my history with creating hair pieces. What I didn't tell you is, once I made the decision to create them again, I came to the realization that I cannot keep making wigs totally by hand. What do I mean by hand? If you're thinking my injury, nope. Luckily I'm left handed, so writing and sewing with an actual needle and thread and all that good sh*t is easy breezy. I realized I can't keep hand sewing units because it's 2023 and who's buying a handmade wig that's been totally handsewn with thick thread and a loop? A part of growing is getting with the current times so I needed to jump on board with the trolley if I want to make my business a quarter of successful. 

This is the first piece I've ever made on a sewing machine, CORRECTLY. Yes, I actually bought a sewing machine and learned how to sew via YouTube. God bless YouTube, whew! Trial and error... trial and error.

Make no mistake about it, I bought a purple sewing machine (it was so pretty and dainty) and practiced, thought I broke that sh*t only to come to the conclusion that it's not heavy duty. While I thought heavy duty machines were to be used by the experts, come to find out my a** actually needs a heavy duty machine since I'm totally new to this and clueless. 

Anyway, after I f*cked up a couple of hair pieces, I finally got it right with this unit and sewed a few tracks on it. I then mustered up all of my strength to hand tie each strand in the front so she could have a middle or slight side part. Now remember when I said I'd share a story when I could start drinking wine again? Well because I'm fat, the doctor said I need to take a chill pill on fatty foods and wine. I'll admit I was bingeing to help with grief. As a result of the stress from my alcoholic withdrawal, my mind became cloudy. Why am I telling you this? Well during the wash process, I mistakenly scrubbed the inside cap causing some botched edges which then led to me repairing her in an attempt to make her brand new again. I assure you she's never been used, she's totally clean, I didn't drop her in the john and I always wash my hands, like literally all the time. I wash my hands so much, they look like I've dipped them in coke.

So, as a courtesy for f*cking her up, she's listed on my website at a discounted price. Sort of like a truce and please support my just getting back into the swing of learning things with wig making? I mean, my stupid a** even painted her with white marker to help with aligning where my hairline and tracks should be and now it won't wash off, even though I read that the marker is washable. I was just a whole learning mess with this one. This is the result of throwing things out and starting from total scratch, I feel all over the place and like I all of a sudden don't know what the hell I'm doing. I will say though, that making this piece was fun and the anticipation of the end result had me super excited. I laughed and smiled so hard. Not to mention the physical exercise was liberating. She is unplucked and I don't know how to do baby hairs. I sowwy. To watch a snippet of her process click here.

Please also note, the pictures taken are of her being wet and in all honesty I wanted to test out my new photo booth and I didn't want to wait.

Baby steps, one day at a time. I am also happy to report I am smoking a little bit of weed, so I'm able to think a little better now (KIDDING... or am I really? 😂)

Did I mention she's totally washed, conditioned, oiled, clean, and ready to ship? If you're interested in purchasing Casey, click here.

In other news, I do have some discounts going so feel free to visit my website: livswigs.com

Livs Wigs; The Cranial Prosthesis Specialist

 

Greetings from Livs Wigs LLC! Here is where you can learn more about Cranial Prosthesis Medical Grade Units and how it may be covered by your Medical Insurance Coverage. If you are in need of a replacement unit but want to use your medical insurance, please feel free to keep reading!

What is a Cranial Prosthetic?

Of course, we have cosmetic wigs, which are more delicate and are not covered by your medical insurance. Medical grade units, also known as cranial prosthetics, are hair pieces that are made to be more durable for everyday use. Medical grade units are constructed with medical grade material for durability. There are scalp features, stronger lace, and sturdier elastic for a stable hold. Medical grade units aren’t just made for the entire head, there are several hair pieces that are considered medical grade units, and they are meant to cover patterns of hair loss due to medical illness, trauma, and/or side effects to medication. It’s because of this necessity why your medical insurance may cover the costs of your replacement unit.

So how can you apply for a medical grade unit, and have it covered by your insurance? 

Well, first we advise that you call your insurance company and see if it’s covered. When calling, be sure to mention “medical grade unit”. Your insurance company may cover full or partial costs of your medical grade unit. When you connect with your insurance company it may be helpful for you to include some detailed information such as letting them know you have hair loss due to chemotherapy, alopecia, alopecia areata, trichotillomania, and other conditions resulting in hair loss.

It’s important to know the terminology when applying for medical insurance. Other common terms you may use to describe a medical grade unit are cranial hair prosthesis, hair prosthesis, and full cranial prosthesis.

It’s also important to know that coverage of your medical grade unit depends on your plan. Best case scenario, if your medical grade unit is covered under your plan, it’s possible that your insurance may cover the cost upfront without there being an out-of-pocket cost for you, or they may require you to pay for your unit first, while they reimburse you later. Many insurance companies cover 80-100% of the cost for your medical grade unit. One cranial prosthetic unit is allowed per year for medical hair loss (which isn’t a bad thing, most units last for up to a year or longer if properly cared for. Plus, you may grow tired of your unit and there’s nothing wrong with a change – remember, mental and emotional well-being is very important. *smile*)

 

A few types of hair loss covered by medical health insurance include:

 

ü  Hair loss due to Chemotherapy treatment

ü  Alopecia

ü  Radiation Related Hair Loss

ü  Heredity

ü  Skin disease

ü  Stress

ü  Burn victim, trauma

Here are some helpful tips on how to receive your medical grade unit, with the possibility of using your health insurance:

Ø  Connect with your benefits department for your health insurance and ask:

ü  Does your policy cover cranial prosthesis?

ü  If so, ask what type of prosthesis is covered such as human hair or synthetic medical grade?

ü  How much of the medical grade unit cost do they cover?

ü  What specific terminology for your hair replacement unit should the prescription contain?

ü  What is the specific required documentation needed to submit your claim?

 

Please note that when you are reviewing your insurance policy if cranial prosthesis isn’t listed, that doesn’t necessarily mean your replacement unit won’t be covered. (Maybe you’ve read so much, and your eyes got blurry, so you didn’t notice, or maybe it was so tiny on your policy you didn’t see it, or perhaps it simply just wasn’t listed). Either way, it is highly recommended that you always call your health insurance and receive pre-authorization.

 

What next?? Well….

 

ü  You can get a prescription for a “cranial prosthesis” from your physician (or a dermatologist). Make sure that’s the correct terminology required by your health insurance provider. Upon consultation with your physician your prescription should include procedure code "A9282". It’s important that the prescription does not say “wig”. Because a "wig" is considered a cosmetic item and not medically necessary, your insurance will think you’re trying to get a pre-plucked with baby hair, full lace fancy unit and deny your claim. The procedure code/number on your cranial prosthesis prescription is used to submit your insurance claim. Remember, medical grade units are made with medical grade materials, they are made to be more durable and are made to match your personal needs and goals. (I totally hope this makes sense)

ü  Have your physician write a letter, your letter will humanize you, as it should. We are human, we have feelings, we want to feel good. You’re not just a claimant. In your letter, it is important that your physician explains your hair loss and the devastating effects it’s had upon you. Your physician may also state that your prosthesis is not for cosmetic reasons, but for your emotional well-being. (which wouldn’t be a lie emotional well-being is very important).

If your health insurance does not cover the cost of your medical grade unit, you can explore other resources such as the National Alopecia Areata Foundation, or the American Cancer Society. It is important to understand their requirements. You may qualify for financial assistance toward your hair replacement. If you pay for your hair replacement out of pocket, be sure to consult with your CPA for information on tax deductibles.

I am happy to report Livs Wigs LLC is now accepting, Aetna Yay!

Here’s what you should know about Aetna…. The reimbursement rate for participating providers of medical grade replacement units (cranial prostheses) diagnosis code A9282 is $1,000. But again, depending on your plan, please call and be sure your medical grade replacement unit is covered.

UPDATE as of November 7th, 2023, Livs Wigs is now a provider of United Health Care, Oxford. Connect with us for details on how to obtain a unit using your insurance! 

For more information or a consultation to speak more about your needs, wants, and goals, please feel free to connect with Liv Early at learly@livswigs.com. Thank you so much for taking the time to read this piece. I do hope you'll connect with us and give us the opportunity to work with you. We will do our very best to meet your needs and for every sale made, a percentage will be donated to the Jed Foundation (to provide support with teen suicide prevention). 

Cheers to having faith, feeling hopeful, and being fabulous!