One in Four Women Can Experience Hair Loss

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Alopecia part

According to the American Academy of Dermatology, the average person loses anywhere from 50 to 100 strands of hair each day. But hair loss becomes noticeable when the rate of shedding exceeds the rate of re growth or when re growth is thinner than previous.

Although anyone can experience hair loss, women actually make up 40% of American hair loss sufferers — 1 in 4 women in the U.S. (source: American Hair Loss Association). It may not be uncommon it certainly can become upsetting. If you have not experienced hair loss first-hand, it can be difficult to grasp the emotional toll it can take. For many of us, hair can be a surprisingly important part of our identity and for women, our sense of femininity. Although hair loss it can be equally upsetting for men.

Alopecia is the medical term for excessive hair loss. It can be caused by anything from chemotherapy and radiation therapy side effects to stress, age, genetics, poor nutrition and autoimmune disorders. Androgenetic alopecia is genetic and causes 95% of hair loss — often diffuse thinning for women and pattern balding for men. Alopecia areata, and various other types of less common alopecia, are autoimmune disorders resulting in hair loss ranging from small patches to complete hair loss which can be temporary or permanent.

Stress is often a big contributor to hair loss. One of the things we have found with our clients is that once they come in for a private appointment to learn the many options available the stress can become a little less than before. That is important on so many levels for good health.

Knowing your options in a compassionate, private setting, where we will work with you one on one to help you through this time can bring a sense of relief for many. If you or a loved one are experiencing hair loss we can help you learn your options.

Call us today at 203 987 5948 ext 1 or visit www.althairsolutions.com to learn more.

Synthetic Hair or Human Hair, which is right for me?

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human hair
human hair

Synthetic Hair verses Human Hair in both wigs and pieces.

Before I share the options and pros and cons in each direction, my first question to you would be why are you considering alternative hair options?

There is no cookie cutter approach and no one right answer.   Is it because of chemotherapy or other drugs that you may experience thinning or total hair loss which in many cases can be temporary?  Or is it permanent (some medical conditions or different kinds of alopecia’s)? Or is it simply a wardrobe accessory?

Defining how long you will be wearing hair is important.  Human hair wigs or hair pieces last much longer then synthetic options. One good quality human hair wig can out live up to four synthetic wigs depending of course of quality and care.

Synthetic wigs are in most cases less expensive and wash and wear. There is not much styling needed, making it not only quick and easy but also fun. Rain or humidity has little effect on it. The downside is it is not radiant heat durable which means if you like to spend time in the kitchen preparing your favorite pastas and soups over the stove top or opening the oven door; this is definitely not a good choice for you.

Human hair wigs and hair pieces are exactly that.  Just like your own hair it is absolutely beautiful when you spend the time to blow dry and style it after each washing using good hair care products meant for your wig or hair piece. It takes both time and effort to get it looking the way you would like. Rain and humidity is not a human hair wig or pieces friend. Stepping out into the weather can make it look frazzled and will require restyling if you get caught in the elements but it is durable in the kitchen and long lasting.

Answering these few questions will help us help you to narrow down the right hair for your lifestyle. Sometimes the best answer it to own a few different pieces to suite your mood.  When you meet with us for your complimentary consultation you will have the chance to really experience what each type of hair looks and feels like. That is an option that we as a private salon can offer you.  Your time with us is yours alone.

Contact us at www.althairsolutions.com or call 203 987 5948 ext 1 to learn more about what we can offer you or a loved one.

What can I expect to spend on hair?

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How much will my wig cost?
How much will my wig cost?

 

As the Director of Client services one of the most frequently asked questions is “how much will hair cost me”? Since every one of us has different needs, expectations and spending habits, my recommendation is that you evaluate and total your current hair related yearly expenses. Include

1) How often you cut your hair and what does it cost.

2) How often you color your hair and is it a single process, highlights, lowlights

3) Maintenance/ special event styling -glosses, blow outs

This is a good starting point and will give you a realistic budget for the price range that you are in the market for. As with anything, there are vast price ranges for product. Depending on whether you are looking for a wash and wear synthetic that requires no upkeep, a high heat option that can be blown dry and styled, or the many different levels and lengths of human hair which will require much of the same upkeep as your natural hair ,all these factor into the price point.

If you are shopping for medical reasons, be sure to check with your individual insurance carrier. Many health plans cover a cranial prosthesis and with the proper prescription and coded receipt ,you may receive reimbursement for the dollar amount as governed by your plan.

If total head coverage is not needed and you want an option for area replacement that can be worn 24/7, there is non-surgical bonding available. We offer a loyalty program that includes all hair services, as it does require regularly scheduled maintenance.

We offer a one hour complimentary consultation, by appointment only. In our private studio, you can discuss your preferences and experience what we have to offer.

 

Contact www.althairsolutions.com or call 203 987 5948 ext 1 to set up your appointment for you or a loved one.

Internet shopping as it relates to hair.

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Hair tweaks for wigs

In this big global world of options, there are times when small, intimate and private just make better sense.  After all I am talking about your hair. When you purchase hair off the internet you need to consider who will service you? There are times when you may need just a few adjustments to a wig or hair piece to customize it for you.

Having a wig that feels too loose will create a feeling of insecurity. When hair fits right you walk differently. You own it. Your confidence exudes. In most cases the only one who can tell it is not your own hair is the person you tell. Total privacy for me was important.

Maybe you want to tweak the color or add a slight bang. Most stylists are not prepared to cut hair that is not rooted into a scalp.  It is very different when it is attached to a mannequin.  You should realize that unlike your own hair it will not grow back. Any changes are permanent changes and many stylists are just not willing to take that risk. Most salons will not service hair that was not purchased through them.

When you shop on the internet for hair it is important to know what the restocking fees are.  Many times it can be found in the small print.  Hair is very personal and varies from manufacturer to manufacturer much like clothing; you may be a size 8 in one designer and a size 4 in another.  If you order a few different sizes you need to first ask what will that cost you to return the ones that are not the right fit.

Every scalp varies. The amount of hair you have underneath verses a bald head makes the fit differ.  Someone who is first losing hair or has hair first growing back will usually benefit by working with a salon whose primary specialty is wigs and pieces.

The internet to me is an awesome resource for information. As a former wig wearer I was unwilling to leave the unknown variables to the World Wide Web. I needed someone who knew me, my condition and what stage of re growth I was at so that I could transition into my own hair growing back.

If you are the type of person who appreciates the personalized service that can come from a private salon then I encourage you to call our salon and book a complimentary consultation to see if we are a right fit for you.

Visit us at www.althairsolutions.com or call 203 987 5948 and speak with our Director of Client Services at ext 1.

Thinning hair and/or total hair loss| Alternative Hair Solutions

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pdfimg10Thinning hair and/or total hair loss (or more formally known as, alopecia) can occur for many reasons. It can affect just your scalp or your entire body from conditions like trichotillomania, when someone pulls and tugs on their hair creating small patches of scalp consciously or unconsciously, which can lead to partial or total hair loss. It’s more common among teens and college students, especially when they are experiencing pressure from school or social interactions.

A zinc deficiency can lead to a direct result of  thinning hair. It’s often associated with hypothyroidism, which is an overlooked cause of alopecia. Thyroid hormones are essential for the body to absorb zinc. It can also be found in foods like cashews, pumpkin seeds, chick peas and spinach, but sometimes it’s necessary to use supplements.

Other key factors that lead to thinning hair and/or total hair loss include heredity, hormonal changes, medical conditions, medications, or stress; any of those can lead to hair loss or the more formal name alopecia.

Today, stress levels are at an all-time high. Finding better ways to release stress can be helpful.  For example, a good book, exercising, a great massage, a sport, or a hobby is a step in the right direction. Good nutrition is also an important asset for your total body.

For many of us, we don’t even realize when we are internalizing stress. As women, we can be calm, cool, and collected on the outside, but our insides can be a tangled web of emotions that ultimately surface through disease, hair loss, or depression.

Thinning hair and/or total hair loss does not discriminate, regardless of age or gender. There are many different types of alopecia. The usual suspects that can add to your risk factor are family history, age, poor nutrition, stress, or certain medical conditions such as lupus, diabetes, and cancer.

We can control some of the risks of thinning hair and/or total hair loss, but of course, there are several that we cannot. Learning the options that are available to you can provide a source of relief immediately.

For thinning hair, many times a simple clip-on hair piece is all that’s needed. There is also non-surgical bonding for areas of semi-permanent or permanent total hair loss. Wigs either synthetic or human hair are yet another option. Some women choose to just wear a scarf or trendy hat.

Thinning hair and/or total hair loss can either be temporary or permanent; therefore, it’s important to see your doctor as soon as you begin noticing a change in your normal hair, or are experiencing unusually high levels of stress.

Feel free to book a complimentary consultation with us to learn the options available for you or a loved one.  Call 203 987 5948 ext 1 or visit www.althairsolutions.com to learn more.

Wig Shopping – Doesn’t Have To Be Devastating | Alternative Hair Solutions

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IMG_2429WIG SHOPPING – Doesn’t have to be devastating

 

Thrust into a sisterhood that I never wanted to belong to, the thought of losing my hair was equally as devastating as those words “you’ve got cancer”! My hair was a testament to my femininity and my sexuality. It was no consolation when flip comments were made that” it will grow back”. I know it was a genuine attempt to minimize the devastation, however, it was futile.

I am a confident women who started the journey demoralized and feeling bad about myself worried that it would be apparent to the world that I was sick.  Then I got a grip on the situation and I realized  that instead of wallowing in self pity, this could be my opportunity to try looks and colors that I had been curious about but was too afraid to try. I no longer had to commit to chopping my hair into those pixies I loved.  If I tried a pixie and I didn’t like it, it only took one fast swipe to change it up.

I had the options of  synthetic  hair which would insure  I’d always look good even when the humidity was at its highest or human hair ( I defy anyone to identify as not being my own) or a combination of both that would give me the best attributes of each.

I created a pinterest board with pictures of me on  what I considered  to be  my best  hair days. I surrounded those pictures with images of everything that even remotely appealed to me because now was my moment of opportunity. Wig shopping does not have to be devastating!

Looking in the rear view mirror now, I can say with certainty that wig shopping doesn’t have to be devastating! It can transform how you feel about yourself! Shopping for it can be distracting fun, thanks to the terrific options available today.

Shopping for a wig is just that… shopping. Turns out I bought 4 different wigs to have options for different times and moods.

I now I fancy myself somewhat of a pro. My tips to anyone buying wigs are to get a comfortable cap. That is what the hair is attached to.  Do not buy a wig from someone who does not measure your head. Find a stylist who is familiar with fitting a wig as there are 5 sets of measurements to a perfect fit. When the wig fits right, you know it immediately, just like when you find that perfect pair of pants!. You feel confident and secure.  NEVER buy a wig that is too tight. It will never look natural or feel good. Most wigs are adjustable to make them bigger or smaller.  If you are getting a lace front that allows you to wear your hair off your face, match the scalp color to your skin tone and once you have bought it have the lace cut in a zig zag pattern close to your hairline.

A personal tip to anyone buying wigs is if you get itchy, a rat tail comb slid UNDER your wig feels amazing! Just be sure it is never used on top of the cap so as not to damage a hand tied cap.

Visit www.althairsolutions.com to book a complimentary consultation or call 203 987 5948

Rooting For You|Alternative Hair Solutions

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Good hair starts at the roots.  Often it is the most overlooked solution. Alopecia part

Scalps dry as we age.  We also have contributors such as sun exposure and regular color sessions that aid the process. A healthy scalp can result in stronger hair that is less likely to become thin, brittle or even fall out.

There is a wealth of transformative treatments available both over the counter as well as in salons that help the roots. Oils, whether essential,  argan , rose or olive as well as botanical extracts all calm and soothe the scalp. Vitamins B5,C & E are found in many over the counter hair masks.

We try to revive our hair by encouraging absorption, remedy flakiness, boosting circulation with exfoliating massages and scalp brushing, all in an attempt for fuller and shinier manes.

It has been said that some common foods can also aid in the health of your scalp. Green tea for one has the presence of polyphenols helps in keeping your scalp healthy. If your scalp is healthy, then the overall health of your hair improves, as it helps to keep your hair shiny and dandruff free.  Washing your hair with green tea or applying it on your scalp will help to kill your dandruff worries.

Next, eggs are rich in biotin and vitamin B. These two nutrients are very important for the health and maintenance of your hair. Biotin is a star element, which helps to keep your hair shiny and lustrous

If you like nuts you might try walnuts. They are one of the best nuts for your hair nourishment and maintenance. As they are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, biotin, vitamin E and copper they protect your hair against damage from the sun by being a shield when you venture out; they also prevent hair loss and help keep your hair lustrous and rich in color.

Green peas are a well balanced food available for healthy hair. They are loaded with all types of minerals and vitamins like zinc, iron and vitamin B, which help in maintaining the health of your hair and scalp

Hair loss or dandruff is due to low level of hormone androgen production. Include oysters in your diet as they are rich in zinc, which further helps in the production of androgen and hence fights against hair fall and dandruff. Besides, it also helps your locks retain shine and health.

These are just a few foods that have been known to help boost the health of your scalp in conjunction with lots of water to stay hydrated. After all at ALTHAIRSOLUTIONS.COM we are rooting for you to enjoy beautiful healthy looking hair!

Visit our website at althairsolution.com or call 203 987 5948 for more information.

Hair and Gone |Alternative Hair Solutions

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Beautiful asian girl

Hair loss in teenage girls has become more prevalent and with it brings a tremendous amount of stress and social anxiety. Hair can be conceived as central to one’s identity.

There are a multitude of causes to consider for hair loss in teenage girls.

Some  hair loss in teenage girls  is attributed to behavior. TRACTION ALOPECIA- can occur when an unnatural amount of tension is applied to hair for a prolonged period of time. Constantly wearing a tightly pulled ponytail or bun for competition as cheerleaders and dance teams might do is just that. Styling wet hair can be damaging as can over styling hair, particularly with heat tools.

Unconscious hair pulling- TRICHOTILLOMANIA occurs when hair is pulled until it is uprooted. This can leave large areas of thin or damaged hair or total baldness in teenage girls. The good news is that behavioral hair loss can often be reversed by identifying and stopping the actions that cause it.

Hormonal fluctuations  after puberty can trigger ANDROGENETIC ALOPECIA (commonly called female pattern baldness). Keratin may also be a culprit  as that  is the protein that gives strength to cells in the body and if under produced, will result in weakened hair follicles again resulting in  hair loss in teenage girls.

Contrary to the ways many teens live their lives, the right diet, sleep and exercise are important contributors to hair health. The old adage “what you put in is what you get out “ is relevant. Vitamin deficiencies are known to be underlying causes and therefore, eating  citrus and protein rich foods like eggs, green veggies, yogurt and milk will prove beneficial to stop  hair loss in teenage girls .

There are natural methods that may stimulate hair growth and minimize loss. Scalp massage and aromatherapy are two that are commonly adapted.

However if you have already experienced teenage hair loss personally or someone you know has then there are many options available today to minimize the impact. Visit our website www.althairsolutions.com or call for complimentary consultation 203 987-5948 ext. 1

YO GA-Ta Believe | Alternative Hair Solutions

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Young woman with flowers
Young woman with flowers

Yoga is a holistic mind/body medicine. I know now that it improves strength, flexability, and balance while promoting a spiritual sense of well being.

HOWEVER, I must admit that there was a time when yoga conjured up cartoon like images in my mind. Ladies with hefty bouquets of hair under their arms and long grey braids cascading down their backs, bending their bodies into pretzel like positions, sometimes making mysterious sounds. I wondered what planet they were from as I stressed over my real world responsibilities of a single mother trying to balance a career while raising a son?

My current liberated attitude about yoga- the Life Saver, was hard won. A dear friend who weathered a life altering experience with the help of yoga implored me to consider trying it after I was diagnosed with Hodgkins Lymphoma. She promised I would feel stronger and more in control of my life, which was currently out of control.

I felt hypocritical, but, what did I have to lose?

Truth is, what I gained was irreplaceable- pleasure, hope and strength. It taught me to think about tomorrow, not yesterday. I took an active part in clearing those toxins out and helping my body return to health. Deep breathing calmed my tension and anxiety and gave me a wonderful feeling of well being.

The moral to this story is why waste time and energy on doubt? Resilience is an understated fountain of youth- when life knocked me down, yoga gave me the vitality to get back up!

I experienced my own personal growth though yoga, it made me become my best self.

visit us at Alternative Hair Solutions www.althairsolutions.com 203-987-5948 ext 1

My Hairitage | Alternative Hair Solutions

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I’ve always spent an inordinate amount of time seeking follicular perfection! Looking effortless was an exhausting effort. I was challenged — no, rather, petrified — when it came to the simple act of handling a blow dryer and a brush.

Over and over I tried to instill that being “overtressed” adds more years than wrinkles, layers frame the face, hair should have body, hair that is washed too often can be damaged, and that I should resist heated styling tools. After all, well-maintained hair signifies health, youth, and professional credibility. From the Marie Claire magazine, “there is age, and there is hair age,” and I never wanted anyone to guess my age via my hair. I was conscious of having age-appropriate hair while also being trendy — a conundrum of sorts. Why was hair judged so harshly??

After being blindsided by cancer and the impending hair loss, I was thrust unwillingly into the hair o sphere that is wigs and hairpieces. Not having the courage to embrace “bald is beautiful” I had to venture into an arena that I previously thought was for celebrities, definitely not me. As I did my research, I found that wig and hairpiece revenue in the US is quickly heading toward the billion dollar marker. NY Magazine proclaimed “On any given day, New Yorkers encounter as many wigs on their morning commute as fake Goyyard bags”

Thanks to Lady Gaga and Nicki Minaj, wigs are not only accepted, they are touted.

I had to convince myself to embrace it, not to hide or deny it. As a fashion executive for 30+ years, I was used to taking risks. Why should this be any different? Each month as I perused the fashion magazines, I marveled over Anna Wintour’s bob, or wondered if I could possibly rock a pixie like Halle Berry. I got to try them all, something that I would have never done voluntarily. I now subscribe to the mantra that variety is a testament to my creativity.

Wigs today are virtually undetectable thanks to the great strides made in their quality and construction. There’s hair that blows in all directions, real parts that reveal scalp even if you have hair underneath, lace fronts that allow you to wear hair off your face and not hide behind bangs, the botox alternative. There’s highlights, lowlights — you name it.

Gone are the days of me risking my life in a nor’easter to get to a pre-dawn blow dry appointment before work, or spending the equivalent of a night at the Four Seasons to pay for a mediocre hairdo while on vacation. I will gladly visit rain forests or golf in Scotland because I know at the end of the day I won’t resemble a chia pet while pretending to have a good time.

Instead, I now say hello to sleeping in, and indulge my desire to find out if blondes have more fun. Wigs are my opportunity not only to change things up, but also to finally get the follicular perfection I was always longing for.
The most important attribute to pulling off a wig is really just this: ATTITUDE.

Contact us at Alternative Hair Solutions 203 987 5948