Boston Women's Hair Loss Restoration and Replacement
If those little white flakes from your scalp have kept you away from black shirts for too long, don’t worry—there is a solution. If dandruff has got you down, you’re in good company. According to recent reports, fifty percent of people in Europe and North America have dandruff. If you’re not quite sure what dandruff is or how to treat it, here is a crash course in dandruff.
What is dandruff? According to MediLexicon, dandruff is “the presence, in varying amounts, of white or gray scales in the hair of the scalp, due to excessive or normal exfoliation of the epidermis.” The most common sign of dandruff is white flakes on the scalp and in the hair. The white flakes become most noticeable when they fall on the person’s shoulders, especially if that person is wearing dark colored clothing. People with dandruff may feel that their scalp is tight and itchy. Dandruff also has emotional and psychological side effects. Often, dandruff brings about low self-esteem. Individuals suffering from dandruff may feel embarrassed by their condition, which could prevent them from attending social events and approaching new people or even buying that new outfit they want.Why does it happen? Here is the low-down from WebMD. Skin cells are constantly renewing and replicating, even on our scalp. When new skin cells are created, the old ones are pushed out of the body. When someone has dandruff, skin cells are created faster, which means that more dead cells are produced. When too many skin cells are produced the body is unsure what to do with them. The white flakes accumulate and stick to the scalp and hair. Some people experience dandruff at certain points in their life (acute dandruff) whereas other experience dandruff consistently (chronic dandruff).
How do you treat dandruff?
One of the many myths about dandruff is that the white flakes are caused by dry skin. This myth encourages people to use heavy conditioners and oils in their hair as a way to “treat” the dandruff. “The majority of dandruff cases clear up on their own or with over-the-counter shampoos. Trying to nix flakes with moisturizing stylers like oils and pomades is only a temporary fix.
“Dandruff is actually an inflammatory scalp disease unrelated to dryness,” says Dr. McMichael. If you want to get rid of dandruff once and for all, visit your local drug store and purchase a shampoo specifically for the treatment of dandruff.
Scott McCarty, owner of Shear Pointe Hair Restoration Center in Detroit, cautions dandruff sufferers against sticking to one shampoo. “You may need to alternate between several shampoos that work for you in case one seems to lose its effectiveness or one particular shampoo is causing your hair to become unmanageable. Be sure to use a good quality conditioner as well. This is especially important if you are wearing added hair. Your local hair replacement professional knows your scalp and hair intimately, so ask them for a product recommendation that they feel will suit your particular hair and scalp, and will also work well with your hair addition or hair replacement solution.”
If you’ve tried at-home remedies and you’re still scratching your scalp, consult your primary care physician. If you continue to itch your head, the scalp may become red, cracked, and swollen. When symptoms become severe, it’s important to seek medical attention to ensure that dandruff symptoms aren’t in fact masking a more serious disease.
Dandruff is clearly not a serious, life threatening condition. However, it is one that affects the way we view ourselves and in turn how others view us. Treating dandruff is relatively straightforward, but you have to know how to treat it first.
In: Alopecia|balding|female hair loss|hair loss|human hair wigs|wigs
29 Feb 2012According to a survey funded by the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD), 16% of American schoolchildren report being bullied by another student in the current academic term. Unfortunately, Nathan Fitzharris was a part of the 16% of bullied children. Nathan Fitzharris, aged 10, lost the hair on his head, eyebrows, and eyelashes as a result of an autoimmune disease called alopecia areata. Bullies at school convinced the young boy that he was going to die of cancer because of his hair loss. Nathan explains, “I felt upset when people said mean things but I’ve got used to it.”
Alopecia areata causes hair loss in patches. Many people struggle with the unpredictability of alopecia areata. The condition impacts each person differently. One person may loose a small patch of hair on the back of his or her head whereas another person may be completely bald. For some, hair will grow back entirely. For others, hair loss could be permanent. Given the uncertainty of the disease, a child or young teenager doesn’t need another burden like bullying.
“We were not overly surprised to learn that children with a disability are more vulnerable to bullying, because of a lower self-esteem, sometimes differences in appearance or because they have special needs,” said researcher Mariane Sentenac, of the University Paul Sabatier in Toulouse, France. If your child is working through the psychological effects of alopecia or hair loss in any of it’s many and varied forms, assisting your child in building alternate support networks is critical. Sentenac says, “In my view, good relations with teachers and parents could play an important role in preventing and detecting bullying behaviors between students because they are in a position to observe two different aspects of the adolescent’s life.”
Parents can also support children by being actively involved in their children’s lives. When parents understand the emotional and psychological impact of bullying on their children’s well-being, there is room for communication. “Improving parent-child communication and parental involvement with their children could have a substantial impact on child bullying,” said Rashmi Shetgiri, MD, MSHS, lead author of a study on bullying. Parents can begin facilitating conversations with their child in a way that empowers the child and leaves space for the child to share his/her story.
Although many young alopecia sufferes report that they “got used to” the taunts at school, this is far from ideal. Children should never feel unsafe at school or become accustomed to daily bullying.
Nothing is more important than the emotional, physical, and psychological safety of your child. Creating safe spaces to talk at home, building social networks for your child, and advocating for your child’s safety are all ways that you can help fight bullying and it’s effects.
References:
Sentenac M, et al. Victims of bullying among students with a disability or chronic illness and their peers: a cross-national study between Ireland and France. J Adol Health online, 2010.
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.
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 hairpiece 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 keep the hairpiece clean? 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.
In: Alopecia|Chemotherapy Wigs|female hair loss|hair loss|human hair wigs|wigs
16 Feb 2012If 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 PK Walsh Hair Solutions for Women in Boston, Massachusetts. 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 PK Walsh Hair Solutions for Women in Boston, Massachusetts to schedule a free hair loss evaluation and to get all your hair restoration questions answered completely and fully.
In: female hair loss|hair loss|Hair Loss Products|hair loss solutions|hair loss treatment|health|human hair wigs|wigs
1 Feb 2012Keeping 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.
In: Alopecia|Chemotherapy|Chemotherapy Wigs|female hair loss|wigs
12 Jan 2012Vacuum 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.
The following description of Trichotillomania is copied directly from:
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmedhealth/PMH0002485/
“Trichotillomania is hair loss from repeated urges to pull or twist the hair until it breaks off. Patients are unable to stop this behavior, even as their hair becomes thinner.
Causes, Incidence and Risk Factors. Trichotillomania is a type of impulsive control disorder. Its causes are not clearly understood. It may affect as much as 4% of the population. Women are four times more likely to be affected than men.
Symptoms usually begin before age 17. The hair may come out in round patches or across the scalp. The effect is an uneven appearance. The person may pluck other hairy areas, such as the eyebrows, eyelashes, or body hair.
These symptoms are usually seen in children:
Most people with this disorder also have problems with:
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According to MayoClinic.com, for some people, trichotillomania may be mild and generally manageable. For others, the urge to pull hair is overwhelming and can be accompanied by considerable distress. Some treatment options have helped many people reduce their hair pulling or stop entirely.
An article on Trichotillomania at Wikipedia.org suggests that support groups and internet sites such as the Trichotillomania Learning Center can provide recommended educational material and help persons with trichotillomania in maintaining a positive attitude and overcoming the fear of being alone with the disease.
Trichotillomania is classified as an impulse control disorder and leads to noticeable hair loss, distress, and social or functional impairment. Teens and adults with the disorder may find coping with the disorder in every day life somewhat easier by consulting a trained hair loss professional who may recommend a wig or hair prosthesis to mask the resulting hair loss and allow the sufferer to interact normally in social and public situations such as work and school.
Resources:
Trichotillomania Learning Center
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.
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
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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