Hair loss is medical. Your solution should be too.

A cranial prosthesis is a full-scalp hair system prescribed as a medical device for diagnosed hair loss — chemotherapy, alopecia, trichotillomania, or another named condition. The physical piece can be identical to a fine fashion wig; what differs is everything around it: a physician's prescription, custom fitting documentation, and clinical terminology on the receipt (HCPCS A9282 or S8095). That language is what triggers insurance coverage — insurers reimburse 'cranial prostheses,' not 'wigs.' The distinction also changes the fitting itself: a prosthesis is measured to your scalp, built around sensitive skin, and documented from the first appointment. At Dorin, every medical fitting is recorded with the correct language from the start, so if you decide to submit a claim later, the paperwork already exists.

You do not need a prescription to book a consultation or purchase a piece — anyone experiencing hair loss is welcome at the atelier. A prescription becomes necessary only when money is coming from insurance, FSA, or HSA: reimbursement requires a physician's order that says 'cranial prosthesis for [your diagnosis]', signed by your oncologist, dermatologist, or primary care physician. The wording matters — a prescription for a 'wig' is routinely denied, while the identical piece prescribed as a 'cranial prosthesis' is covered by many plans. If your doctor hasn't written one before, we can advise on the exact wording at your consultation. Many clients book the fitting first and bring the prescription to a later appointment; the order doesn't matter as long as both exist when you file the claim.

A hand-tied, 100% human hair cranial prosthesis typically lasts 2 to 5 years with proper care — regular gentle washing, conditioning, and storage on a stand when not worn. Synthetic pieces, by comparison, usually last 6 to 18 months before the fibers dull and mat, which is one reason Dorin builds exclusively in human hair. Lifespan also depends on wear pattern: a piece worn daily through Florida heat and humidity ages faster than one alternated with scarves or a second piece. Most insurance plans that cover cranial prostheses allow one replacement per plan year or per hair-loss incident, so a well-maintained Dorin piece usually outlasts the benefit cycle. We also offer maintenance — cleaning, restyling, and repairs — that extends life considerably; many clients' pieces are refreshed rather than replaced.

Yes — you can come in before, during, or after chemotherapy treatment. In fact, many clients prefer to be fitted before significant hair loss begins: matching your natural color, texture, and hairline is most precise while your hair is still present, and your piece is ready the moment you want it. If you're mid-treatment, we work gently around sensitive scalps — cap constructions with soft linings, no rushing, breaks whenever you need them. If treatment has ended and hair is regrowing, we fit pieces that transition with you. The atelier is private and women-only, one appointment at a time, and you're welcome to bring someone you trust. Whatever stage you're at is the right stage to come in — the consultation is complimentary and nothing is decided until you're ready.

Bring whatever you have from this list — none of it is required for a first visit: your physician's prescription for a 'cranial prosthesis' if you have one, your insurance card so we can help you read the benefit language, your FSA or HSA card if you plan to pay with it, and photos of your natural hair color and length from before any loss — they're the single most useful matching reference we can have. If you'd like company, bring a trusted person; the atelier is private and women-only, so it will be just you, your guest, and your stylist. If you arrive with nothing but questions, that's fine too — the consultation is complimentary, and documentation can always follow at the fitting.

The initial cranial prosthesis consultation at Dorin is complimentary — there is no charge to come in, discuss your diagnosis and options, and understand the process. The prosthesis itself is priced by hair type, length, and cap construction, and we review it transparently at the consultation with no pressure to decide on the spot. Because a Dorin piece is hand-tied in 100% human hair to your exact measurements, it is an investment — but one that insurance, FSA, and HSA funds can offset when prescribed for a diagnosed condition, and one that lasts 2 to 5 years with care. Ask about payment options at your visit, and bring your insurance card: reviewing your benefit language is part of the free consultation, not an upsell.