Treating Yourself and Your Hair

by iwanthair Posted on February 16, 2012

Keeping your hair healthy and shiny takes planning and commitment. It’s really easy for your hair to get the short end of the beauty stick. But, if you take just a few extra minutes during your hair care routine, it can make a different in the way you look and feel. Try some of the suggestions below to give yourself and your hair a special treat.

Shampoo Less. Avoid washing your hair every day. Washing is an important part of hair care, but if you do it too frequently you could end up damaging your hair. Aim to wash your hair every other day or even every three days if you can. “Hair looks its best when the natural oils from the scalp are allowed to reach the ends,” says Sally Hershberger, executive style director for John Frieda/Sheer Blonde. Even though the shampoo bottles advise you to “rinse and repeat”, washing only one time will get your hair as clean as it needs to be.

Brush Gently. After you’ve found a brush that is right for your hair type, texture, and density, brush your hair gently. After you’ve washed your hair, run your fingers through it to untangle the knots. Allow your hair to dry and then take a wide-toothed comb and run it through your hair, beginning close to the ends and away from the roots. Begin at the ends and work your way up. “Anything more than that is unnecessary friction, which can lead to breakage,” says Amy J. McMichael, M.D., an associate professor of dermatology at Wake Forest University School of Medicine, in Winston-Salem, North Carolina.

Treat Dandruff. If those little white flakes are getting the best of you, don’t mask them. Treat them. Dandruff is obviously not a life threatening disease, but it can worsen if it’s not treated. Start by visiting your local drug store and purchase two or three shampoos designed to treat dandruff. You may have to experiment a little bit until you find one that works for you. Once you find the product that rids your hair of dandruff, make sure you keep searching for at least one more product that works, too. Often, your favorite shampoo will stop working if you’ve used it too frequently. Therefore, it’s always a good idea to have an alternate shampoo at the ready.

Consider purchasing a quality wig. Picture exactly how you’d like your hair to look. Think of every little detail—color, texture, length, cut, feel. You could have your perfect dream hairstyle at the snap of your fingers. Quality human hair wigs range in price, style, and texture. Purchasing a wig that is made specifically for you could be the one saving grace that gets you through bad hair days and makes you feel better.

Having beautiful hair is a huge self-confidence booster. Similarly, when your hair is not as shiny, full, or sexy as you’d like, your self-esteem can take a major hit.

Sometimes busyness can trick you into thinking you don’t have time to take care of your hair. However, if you take just a few minutes every day to give your hair some TLC, you can move closer to the type of hair that you want.

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Okay, I’ve Resolved to Exercise in 2012: Now What?

by iwanthair Posted on January 27, 2012

Did you make a New Years resolution to exercise and get in shape? If so, congratulations! Speaking your hope into existence is the first step into making it a reality. There are many different ways to fulfill your New Years resolution without freezing your nose off walking in the cold or paying hefty fees to belong to a posh gym.  Shirley Archer, the 2008 IDEA Fitness Instructor of the Year and author of The Strength & Toning Deck, says, “exercise should fit the person, not vice versa. And the same goes for exercise facilities and equipment. It’s all about finding the right fit. Working out takes time, effort and commitment.” There are ways to get in shape that work for you, your budget, and your lifestyle.  

The Gym. Joining a gym is the most common response that people have when they want to lose weight or get into shape. Gyms are a perfect option for many people. They offer a variety of machines, a place to shower and change, and a plethora of classes. However, exercising at the gym doesn’t work for everyone. If you’re extremely busy with limited free time or financial resources, joining a gym may not a great choice for you. However, if you’re highly motivated to exercise and can make space in your daily schedule to get to the gym, a full gym membership may be the perfect choice.

Depending on where you live and how upscale your local gym is, memberships can be as high as $100 per month and as low as $10 per month. Make sure you do your homework before you commit to a gym membership. Understand the fine print of the contract and make sure that you know what you are signing. Talk to people who belong to the gym and ask them about the culture of the gym, cleanliness, and rapport between gym staff and clients. Ask for a complete tour of the facilities, including the locker room and shower facilities.

Home Workouts. For the busy person with limited time or odd working hours, home workouts couldn’t be a better fit. Don’t get off work till 2am? No worries! You can arrive home and workout before you shower and get some rest. Are you self-conscious about your body and prefer to workout alone? Pop in a workout DVD and you have a personal trainer walking you through every step of an exercise routine. There are many different options for home workout DVD’s. Browse around the net and check out video samples of at-home workout regimens online. You have your choice of intensity, length, instructor, and music. You can customize the perfect workout routine in your own home. If you like the versatility of working out at the gym but prefer the comfort of your own home, consider building an at-home gym. Building an at-home gym takes commitment, education, and money. Shop around and ask for guidance from professionals before buying an at-home gym.

A large part of keeping your New Years resolution to exercise is to properly plan before you begin. If you hate exercising outdoors but don’t have enough money for the gym, find an option that works for you. If you love the outdoors and thrive on fresh air, don’t spend a fortune on a set of indoor workout DVDs. You know yourself best. Planning to transform your life for the New Year is exciting, but it also takes precision and strategy. Set yourself up for success and build an exercise program that will help you stick to it and meet your goals.  And then be sure to throw away that kaftan.  You won’t be needing it this summer after all.

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Vacuum Wig Part 2: The Initial Appointment and Beyond

by iwanthair Posted on January 19, 2012

If you’ve decided that a vacuum cap wig or hair prosthesis is something that’s right for you, it’s time to make an appointment with a hair loss professional such as Transitions International Group. It is important to choose a professional who has worked with vacuum wigs and is well versed in the process of making these very special wigs. After you’ve made your first appointment, anxiety may start to creep in, but take heart: the result will be amazing.

Hair and Scalp Assessment. The first part of an initial consultation will include a complete hair and scalp evaluation.

Tracing the Hairline. Following your hair loss evaluation, your consultant who in many cases may be the owner of the clinic, will use a transferrable pencil and draw the outside lines of your hairline directly onto your head. This is done in order for the professional to obtain an outline of your head for the mold.

Creating the mold. Next, a mold of your head will be created using multiple layers of plaster. The plaster dries very quickly and creates a rigid mold of your head. This mold is what will be used to create the base of the wig that you will eventually wear.

A Matter of Style. After the mold has been created, it is time to talk about the fun stuff: your hairstyle. You should come prepared with pictures of hairstyles that you would like to replicate. They may be from magazines, or from your family collection of snapshots when you were younger. Your hair replacement consultant will help you choose the color, length, density, highlights, lowlights, and wave that is right for you. Experts will explore your preferences and desires and help to create a wig that matches the style that is most flattering for your complexion and lifestyle.

Making your new wig. The manufacturing process can take anywhere from 4 to 6 months. The mold needs to go to the factory in order for a test cap to be made. The hair loss professional will test the cap on you to make sure it is a perfect fit. Your hair loss consultant may also send a small sample of hair that is to be used in the manufacturing of the hairpiece. Once the hair and the cap have been approved, the hair is then injected into the cap.

You and Your New Wig. After your custom wig has been created, your hair replacement studio will make an appointment with you to come in for fitting and cut in, making sure your look is exactly the way you want it to be. After your wig is styled just the way you want it, they will show you how to care for it and then you’re off to show the world the new you!

Purchasing a vacuum cap wig a commitment both in terms of time and resources. The end result will be absolutely amazing. All of the hassles that come with traditional hairpieces are non-existent with a vacuum wig. If chronic hair loss is something that has controlled your life, this is your time to take it back.

Additional information on wigs and other female hair loss solutions, please contact Transitions International Group to schedule a free hair loss evaluation and to get all your hair restoration questions answered completely and fully.

 

Posted in alopecia, balding, Breast Cancer, Chemotherapy, Female Hair Loss, hair loss, Human hair wigs, wigs | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

Vacuum Cap Wigs: A Custom Fit for Alopecia Totalis

by iwanthair Posted on January 12, 2012

Vacuum Wigs Part 1: FAQ

So what exactly is a vacuum hair prosthesis? A vacuum hair prosthesis (or wig) is created by taking a mold that is tailored specifically for the curvature and shape of head. Hair is attached to the resulting base and styled to your specifications. A vacuum wig is made of hypoallergenic materials that will wisk away sweat, which often cause itching and odor. The base of the wig secures to your head via a vacuum seal that makes it extraordinarly secure. When the wig is placed on the head with a perfect shape, it creates a vacuum seal and it won’t come off unless you intentionally break the seal and remove it. The beauty of a vacuum hairpiece is that it is not necessary to use medical adhesives or tape to secure it in place. The vacuum seal alone will hold it securely in place.

Is a Vacuum wig right for me? In order to create a vacuum wig, a trained hair loss professional will create a mold of your head. For a vacuum wig to work, it is also necessary that you be completely bald. This is an ideal solution for the person who is suffering from Alopecia Totalis or Alopecia Universalis.

If you are suffering from hair loss, but you still have some hair on your head, there are a host of other hair loss solutions available which you can explore with your hair loss consultant.

How much does it cost? A quality vacuum hair prosthesis or wig can range in price from $1,500 to $2,900. Several fittings are usually required, and when the final wig is ready, your hair replacement clinic will “cut it in,” styling it just the way you want it. The end result is fabulous. Caring for your new wig is also extremely easy. A quality human hair wig can be styled, moussed, colored, put up, taken down, everything you can do with your own natural growing hair.

Will a vacuum wig fall off? The vacuum wig, by its nature, is extremely secure. It will not fall off like many fashion wigs you might buy online or at the mall. A custom vacuum wig or hair prosthesis will not come off unless it is taken off intentionally. To remove it, simply place your fingers underneath the edge of the wig’s base in order to release the suction.

Is a vacuum wig comfortable? A quality custom made vacuum wig is extremely comfortable. May clients report that they totally forget that it is on their head. It quite literally becomes part of you. Many people with Alopecia Totalis or Alopecia Universalis opt for this type of hair loss solution since it meets their needs and allows them the lifestyle freedom they desire.

How do I care for my Vacuum Wig? Caring for a vacuum wig is similar to caring for your own naturally growing hair, since it is designed for extended wear. May clients never remove it. Simply shower and shampoo as you normally would and wash it and condition it as if it were your own growing hair.

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Not All Wigs Are Created Equal

by iwanthair Posted on December 21, 2011

Wigs have gotten a bad rap over the years. A lot of the negativity you hear about wigs is true, especially when it comes to fashion wigs, off the shelf, at the mall. But there is a lot of misinformation out there. Not all wigs are created equal and it’s important that you know why. Wigs vary based on the type of hair, kind of stitching, and style.

Fashion wigs. A fashion wig is one that is generic, machine made, the hair is typically synthetic, and it is of overall low quality. If you walk into a mall searching for a wig, you will most likely find fashion wigs starting at about twenty dollars. They are quick, convenient, and cheap. However, you’ll get what you pay for. People who are committed to their appearance leave the mall wigs at the mall and look for a serious option that is high quality, durable, and comfortable. If you’re looking for a wig that will keep you looking your best, then the only place to go is to a trained hair replacement professional.

Processed human hair wigs. Wigs made from human hair will likely give you the look that you’re hoping for. An obvious benefit to human hair wigs is that the hair feels and looks completely natural. Human hair can be styled and washed similarly to how you are accustomed. When choosing a human hair wig, consider the thickness of the hair and the method of hair attachment. Wigs that use thick hair are less expensive because there is less hair needed than wigs that use thinner hair. However, wigs that use thinner hair are more natural looking. When it comes to such an important and in many cases life changing purchase decision, it’s always advisable to find a trusted hair loss professional in your area to ensure that you are receiving the best quality product. Another factor to consider is how the hair is attached to the base.

Part of taking care of yourself is finding a wig that reflects the true you. You might be tempted to run down the street and buy a wig that is cheap and convenient, but that choice will have consequences down the road. Consider that purchasing a wig is an investment rather than an impulse buy. A high quality wig is something that you will have and enjoy for many years. Therefore, you want to invest in a wig that you’ll feel comfortable wearing to a variety of functions.

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Conquering Stress: A Short Guide to Keeping Your Cool

by iwanthair Posted on December 19, 2011

Stress is an unavoidable part of life. For some, stress may feel like a permanent fixture and for others it may come around only once in awhile. Regardless of which camp fits your life the best, it’s important to know how to cope with stress so it doesn’t get the better of you. Stress isn’t going anywhere so it’s time to learn how to deal with it.

Learn about stress. Before beginning a conversation about stress, it’s important to distinguish helpful and unhelpful types of stress. If you’re about to score the final goal in your team’s championship game, you’re likely to get a jittery stomach, clammy hands, and dilated pupils. In this case, stress is helping you stay focused. It may even help you play better! The same is true for the stress that shows up during a presentation you’re making to a room full of people at work. A short jolt of stress in these situations is helping you to stay aware and attentive for a period of time.

However, science has determined that chronic stress is quite harmful for the human body. When you experience stress, hormones are released to make your blood pressure, heart rate, and blood sugar increase. When these hormones are released consistently, mental and physical health issues are more likely to follow. (McCubbin, 1993).

Making Stress Your Servant. It might sound counterintuitive, but in order to get rid of stress, you just might need to befriend it first. That’s right. Make stress your friend. Stress will look different for you than it does for your acquaintance, sister, or colleague at work. Learn about how your mind and body respond to stress. Keep a journal or a list. How does your body feel when stress is first coming around? When stress is getting bigger what are some of the thoughts that are spinning around in your mind? Who helps to make stress smaller? Ask yourself these questions and others in order to understand the ins and outs of the stress that is particular to you, your life, your mind, and your body. Once you have an understanding and appreciation for the intricacies of your personal reactions to stress, it might be easier to strategize how to conquer it and make it work for you instead of against you.

Strategize. After befriending stress, I’m sure you could come up with some thoughts, events, and people that stress doesn’t like very much. Drs. Chiesa and Serrettia report that meditation is an activity that brings around calmness and decreases stress for many people. The Sleep Better Council reports that 65% of Americans are losing sleep because of stress. If you fall into this camp, assess what may be keeping you up and commit to sleeping until you are rested. There may be other activities that you can do to decrease the presence of stress in your life. Try making a list and incorporating at least one idea per day.

Celebrate. Don’t forget to celebrate your stress-free moments. Relish in the times when stress isn’t around. If you’re having a day that is calm, fun, and happy, make sure to mark that in some way. You might write about your day in a journal. You could talk to a friend about how you kept stress away. You could simply make a note of it in your mind. Regardless of how you choose to do it, make sure you give yourself some credit for the skills that you used to live in line with your preferred way of being.

Stress is an inevitable part of life that has serious consequences if left unchecked. Stress may trick you into a way of thinking that drags you away from your preferred way of acting. Stay strong in the face of stress and surround yourself with people who are also committed to kicking stress out the door.

References

www.bettersleep.org.

Chiesa, A. & Serretti, A. (2009). Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction for stress management in health people: A review and meta-analysis. The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, 15(5), 593-600.

McCubbin, M. A. (1993). Family Stress Theory and the Development of Nursing Knowledge About Family Adaptation. In S. L. Feetham, S. B. Meister, J. M. Bell & C. L. Gillis (Eds.), The Nursing of Families (pp. 46-58). New Bury Park Sage.

 

 

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Psoriasis and Your Scalp

by iwanthair Posted on December 14, 2011

Experts at the U.S. National Library of Medicine describe psoriasis as a common, noncontagious skin condition that causes skin redness and scaling. According to the NIH, as many as 7.5 million Americans have psoriasis. Evidence points to a genetic component of psoriasis; the disease is often passed from one family generation to another. The most common form, plaque psoriasis, appears as red lesions on the skin covered by silvery white scale. According to the National Psoriasis Foundation, at least half of all people who are diagnosed with psoriasis have it on their scalp.

Diagnosis. If you’re experiencing the early signs of psoriasis, visit your primary care doctor or a dermatologist as soon as possible. It’s completely normal to feel nervous about bringing your concerns to a doctor. However, it’s important to learn exactly what’s going on with your skin in order to know how to most effectively treat it. Charlie Berger, a registered nurse who has worked in dermatology for 17 years and is also the facilitator of a psoriasis support group, advises patients to bring a list of questions with them to the doctor. He also suggests, “keeping a daily log that indicates if you’re flared, not flared, how you’re doing each day”.

Treatment. Salicyclic acid and coal tar are both approved by the Food and Drug Administration to treat psoriasis. Both of these products are available over the counter and/or with a prescription by your doctor. Salicyclic acid softens the scale and makes it easier to remove. Often, salicyclic acid is found in shampoos and soaps. Be careful to avoid treatments with high concentrations of salicyclic acid as it may irritate your skin more than it helps it. Additionally, salicyclic acid may weaken your hair and facilitate breakage. Coal tar is also found in shampoos that are geared toward people struggling with psoriasis. Again, beware of shampoos that contain high amounts of tar as it may cause staining to your scalp and damage to your hair. Remember that these shampoos are meant for your scalp, not for your hair. Therefore, concentrate on massaging them into your scalp only. You can use another shampoo and conditioner for your hair to reduce the odor of the medicated products.

Psoriasis is a medical condition that may have far reaching effects on a person’s quality of life. Depending on where the lesions are located and the level of irritation, you may struggle to lead the full life you want. However, medical doctors and patients are in conversation about the most efficacious treatment for psoriasis. In the meantime, there are many different approaches to coping with the symptoms associated with psoriasis. Some days may be harder than others. Consider joining a psoriasis support group and/or talking to friends, family, and other people who support you. Remember the skills you have utilized in the past and rely on them when psoriasis is getting you down.

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Childhood Hair Loss

by iwanthair Posted on December 13, 2011

Pediatric hair loss can be devastating. Many believe that hair loss in children is not very common. However, statistics indicate that about 3% of all pediatric visits are related to childhood hair loss. The following conditions are responsible for the vast majority of pediatric hair loss: (1) tinea capitis, (2) alopecia areata, (3) trauma to the hair shaft, and (4) telogen effluvium.

The good news is that hair loss in a majority of children will resolve itself. If this is the case for your child, coping with hair loss and the regrowth period will take center stage. However, about 40% of incidences of childhood hair loss do not resolve. And if you’re a parent to a child in that 40% whose hair loss does not correct itself, coping with your child’s hair loss is only a part of the process. Seeking a medical consultation and going for a second (and sometimes third!) opinion may be necessary in order to find out what is causing your child’s hair loss.

Tinea capitis is the most common form of hair loss in children. According to Dr. Kao, Clinical Professor of Dermatopathology, Department of Dermatology, University of Maryland School of Medicine and George Washington University Medical School, tinea capitis is a disease caused by a fungal infection of the skin on the scalp, eyebrows, and eyelashes. This particular type of fungus primarily attacks hair shafts and follicles. You may also have heard tinea capitis being referred to as ringworm of the scalp.

Tinea capitis often looks like patches of red, inflamed scalp, which results in the hair becoming brittle and breaking off a few millimeters above the scalp. Children are most likely to contract this disease between the ages of three and seven. Treatment for this condition varies based on type of fungus and intensity of inflammation. Usually, medical care will include oral therapy, topical treatments, antifungal medications, shampoos, or a combination of some or all of the above.

Trauma to the hair shaft is another common cause of hair loss in children, often presenting itself in the form of traction alopecia. Trichotillomania, the compulsive habit of hair pulling, is another form of trauma that is rarely discussed and often misunderstood. Parents can help alleviate traction alopecia by monitoring the type of hair ties and styles that their child wears. Elastic bands can pull the hair and traumatize the hair shaft if the elastic tangles with the hair or pulls the hair too thightly. Additionally, tying children’s hair in extremely tight styles and leaving their hair in the same position can strain the hair follicle and damage the shaft. Consider changing your child’s style often in order to allow different parts of your child’s hair to relax and flow in its natural way.

Being a kid is challenging enough, never mind having to worry about hair loss. If you’re a parent to a child managing hair loss, it is important to remain optimistic, present a positive outlook and remind your child of his or her strengths and skills. Hair loss can be embarrassing for children. A trained hair loss professional may be able to help with a realistic hair prosthesis or wig to help you child feel as part of their peer group and to fit in at school.

 

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Hair Fashions for the Holidays

by iwanthair Posted on December 10, 2011

Do you need a new do for your holiday events this year? Want to branch out and try a new style that’s easy to pull-off and beautiful to boot? If thinning hair or balding has got you thinking that looking your best for the holidays is impossible, think again. Check out some styles below that will get you in the holiday spirit and take away some of your beauty stress.

Rock a braid. Braids are all the fashion these days, says In Style magazine. There are many versions that stray from the traditional braid that allow for a lot of versatility. Depending on the occasion, a braid can be dressy, casual, sophisticated, or sexy. It’s all in how you style your hair and the type of braid that you use. If you’re going to an evening party you might consider a braid that falls loose along your hairline. Part your hair deep on the side of your head that is most appropriate for your hair thickness. Braid a thick piece across your hairline and secure it to your head with pins on the back of your head. You can then tie the rest of your hair into a bun or ponytail. This look is chic and sexy. It also allows for some flexibility if you’re trying to draw attention away from certain areas of your head or conceal an area where your hair is thinning.

Half-Up, Half-Down. Cosmopolitan magazine suggests running mousse through your wet hair and scrunching your hair with your hands to make waves and curls. To prevent damaging your hair, refrain from using a curling iron or blow dryer. After you’ve finished scrunching your locks, take pieces of hair around your ears and move your fingers back and upwards slightly. When you have a sufficient amount of hair to make a half ponytail, tie it together with an elastic or clip. If thinning hair is something you’re managing, try to part your hair to either side. Sometimes shifting your part can conceal bald spots and/or areas where hair may be thinner. Letting down a few pieces of hair around your face is another flattering look that may also camouflage areas where your hair is less dense.

Don a beautiful Human Hair Wig. The last thing you need at the holidays is more stress and anxiety. If hair loss and thinning have left you feeling self-conscious, consider purchasing a beautiful 100% human hair wig from a reputable hair replacement studio. It is important to purchase a wig from a professional; avoid running out to the mall and grabbing any wig that looks good on the shelf, because chances are, that’s the only place it will look good.

When choosing a wig, it’s essential for a hair restoration professional to help you through the process in order for you to get the natural, beautiful look that’s perfect for you. A trained hair restoration specialist can help you explore the possible hair types, textures, and colors with you to ensure that your expectations are met. When you’ve chosen a wig, the next step is to have the wig styled. This part is easier. All you need is your imagination! Your hair replacement studio will cut your wig in for you and give you the style you’ve always wanted. Enjoy your hair. After all, hair is supposed to be fun!

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Shauna Gordon has Alopecia Areata

by iwanthair Posted on December 8, 2011

(Hillsdale.Net) — A brave fifth-grader stood in front of the Hillsdale Preparatory School’s student body earlier this week to teach them about Alopecia Areata (AA), an autoimmune disease she’s been diagnosed with.

Shauna Gordon wears a wig to school because her hair began falling out over the summer, and she is now partially bald.

“It was shocking,” Gordon told her schoolmates. “I couldn’t believe this was happening to me.”

AA causes hair loss in patches. It is unpredictable and incurable, affecting everyone differently. Some people will be completely bald, while others will have some hair. It may grow back and stay, or grow back and fall out again. For some, it will never grow back. There is also a condition called Alopecia Universalis, which is the total loss of all body hair.

Read the rest of the story here.

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