Losing your hair during treatment or because of a medical condition can feel deeply personal. At Eminere Hair Extensions & Salon in Lincoln Park, Chicago, we create custom cranial prostheses (medical wigs) in a calm, private setting, with one-on-one care from consultation to final fitting. Our goal is simple: to help you look and feel like yourself again.
What Is a Cranial Prosthesis?
A cranial prosthesis is a custom hair replacement made for someone experiencing hair loss related to a medical condition or treatment. It may look like a wig, but it is made around your own head measurements, comfort needs and style, and the term “cranial prosthesis” is the one insurance companies typically use.
Each piece is customized for:
- Head shape and measurements, for a secure, comfortable fit
- Hair color, texture, density and length
- Hairline and parting, for a natural look
- Your daily routine and how you plan to wear it
Who It’s For
Many of our clients are experiencing hair loss related to:
- Chemotherapy or radiation treatment
- Alopecia (areata, totalis, universalis)
- Trichotillomania
- Lupus and other autoimmune conditions
- Burns or other medically documented hair loss
If you are about to begin treatment, you’re welcome to come in before your hair changes. That gives us time to match your current color, cut and style. Questions about the cause of your hair loss, your scalp or your treatment are best answered by your physician or dermatologist. We focus on the hair replacement side and are happy to work alongside your care team.
Your Private Consultation
Your first visit is a private, one-on-one cranial prosthesis consultation. We’ll go over every option and its cost with you in person, with no pressure.
During your consultation we will:
- Talk about your situation, your goals and how you like to wear your hair
- Take head measurements and look at your hair color, texture and hairline
- Walk you through the options that fit your needs and budget
- Explain the insurance paperwork and what to ask your doctor for
- Answer every question you have, with no pressure
You are welcome to bring a family member or friend for support.
Insurance & What to Ask Your Doctor For
Many health plans include some coverage for a cranial prosthesis when it is medically necessary, but coverage varies by plan and is not guaranteed. Eminere Hair holds an Illinois durable medical equipment (DME) license, and we can help you with the documentation and claim paperwork.
Before your appointment:
- Ask your doctor for a prescription that says “cranial prosthesis.” Avoid the word “wig.” The prescription should include your diagnosis and the reason for your hair loss.
- Ask for a letter of medical necessity if your plan requires one.
- Call your insurance company and ask: Does my plan cover a cranial prosthesis? Is there a dollar limit or one per year? Do I need pre-authorization? Is my deductible or coinsurance applied? Do I file the claim myself, or can the provider submit it?
- Bring your prescription and insurance card to your consultation. We will provide an itemized receipt with the standard billing code. Insurers commonly use HCPCS code A9282 for wigs/cranial prostheses.
Note that Original Medicare lists wigs as not covered. If you have a Medicare Advantage or other plan, check with that plan directly. Payment plans are also available. See our Payment Plans page.
Private, Discreet Appointments
We know this isn’t an ordinary salon visit. Your appointments are private and unhurried, and your information stays confidential. We’re located at 2618 N. Halsted St. in Lincoln Park.
Custom Fit, Styling & Care
Once your cranial prosthesis is ready, we fit it in a private appointment, then cut and style it so it suits you. We’ll show you how to put it on, how to wash and store it, and how to keep it looking its best.
Toppers & Non-Surgical Hair Replacement
Not everyone needs a full cranial prosthesis. If you have thinning or partial hair loss, a custom topper or hair integration system may be a better fit. These add coverage and volume while blending with your own hair, and there’s no surgery involved. We’ll talk through every option during your consultation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a cranial prosthesis the same as a wig?
It looks like a wig, but a cranial prosthesis is custom-made for someone with medical hair loss and fitted to their head measurements, comfort needs and style. “Cranial prosthesis” is also the term most insurance companies use.
How much does a cranial prosthesis cost?
It depends on the hair, the base and how custom the piece is. We go over every option and its cost with you at your private consultation, with no pressure. Payment plans are available, and we help with insurance paperwork.
Will my insurance cover a cranial prosthesis?
It depends on your plan. Many plans offer some coverage with a doctor’s prescription, but coverage is not guaranteed. We help with documentation and claim paperwork, and we recommend calling your insurer before your visit.
What should my doctor write on the prescription?
Ask for a prescription for a “cranial prosthesis” (not a “wig”) that includes your diagnosis and the reason for your hair loss. Some plans also require a letter of medical necessity.
When should I come in if I’m starting chemotherapy?
Many clients come in before treatment begins so we can match their current hair color, texture and style. Your oncology team can tell you what to expect for your treatment.
Are appointments private?
Yes. Cranial prosthesis appointments are one-on-one and private, and you’re welcome to bring someone for support.
Do you offer options for thinning hair?
Yes. For partial hair loss or thinning, we offer custom toppers and non-surgical hair integration systems. We’ll recommend the best option during your consultation.
Ready When You Are
Take the first step in a private, supportive setting. Book your private cranial prosthesis consultation online, or call us at 312-523-8270 with any questions.
Eminere Hair Extensions & Salon · 2618 N. Halsted St., Chicago, IL 60614 · 312-523-8270 · Instagram @eminerehairextensions
We provide cosmetic hair replacement services. We do not diagnose or treat medical conditions; please consult your physician or dermatologist about the cause of hair loss and any scalp concerns.