At Alternative Hair, we know and understand that heads come in all shapes and sizes and do
not necessarily correspond to your body type. You could be petite with a larger head
circumference or larger boned with a small head circumference. When fitted correctly, once
you have adjusted to the concept of wearing hair, you shouldn’t be aware that you have
something on your head. There are 6 measurements that determine a size, it is possible that
your individual measurements could span two sizes.
In addition to the standard petite, regular and large size wigs, we also have sizes that accommodate clients that fall between standard measurements. This can allow us to provide a stock product for clients who might otherwise need a custom order, thus saving both time and money. Visit our website at www.althairsolutions.com or call (203) 987 -5948 ext 1 to set up a first time, complimentary consultation. #wecanhelp, #althairsolutions
When a woman is faced with the devastation of hair loss, whether a temporary incident or a more permanent condition, it can be both scary as well as depressing. It doesn’t have to be that way. There is a wealth of product available to remedy the situation. It’s 2018 and there is no shame associated with wearing hair.
Alternative Hair Solutions is committed to prioritizing women with medical hair loss. For us, It is not an afterthought, it is our only thought. We are not a hair salon, but rather a private studio whose client base is predominately women with hair loss.
Our business was spawned out of an escalating need for high quality, natural looking products.
We have an extensive assortment of carefully curated hair systems from around the globe. If a wig is needed or desired, we have a full line of varied cap constructions, densities and hair types. We also have a diverse group of options for localized hair loss which can result from many things such as different types of alopecia, female pattern baldness or cold cap applications, to name a few.
We work tirelessly to get the word out to professionals on the front lines such as nurse navigators, patient coordinators or social workers who are faced daily with the question” Where do I go?”
We offer a complimentary consultation by appointment only. 203 987 5948 ext. 1. #althairsolutions
#Wecanhelp
This upcoming week while spring should be making its debut here in the Northeast, flowers aren’t the only thing that will be in bloom! You might notice your hair looking and feeling fuller it is because your hair can hit peak anagen (hair growth) during this season.
It is no secret that heat expands and cold contracts which can explain why hair is fuller in the warmer climates or seasons and limp in the colder climates or seasons. Hair is affected by the same thing as plants: moisture. Moisture stimulates growth so humidity (cold or warm) will stimulate growth.
Electricity or fly away hair we generally see during the cold winter months generally happens because there is no moisture in your hair or in the air (DRY HEAT) temps below 32 for an extended time.
In addition, to maximize growth you may find that adding protein, zinc and iron to your diet (perhaps a grilled salmon or chicken over spinach once or twice a week) can make a difference over a few weeks time.
Another idea for when we are between seasons, consider treating yourself to a topper that can help add the fullness spring brings.
Please be aware, Toppers (also can be called wiglets) are not a one size fits all. To ensure a perfect fit you need to consider where your hair loss/thinness is and what you would like to achieve from your topper. They are available in both synthetic and human hair.
Synthetic toppers are what you “see” is what you get. Human hair toppers can be styled and colored to suit your personal style. They usually require a professional touch, a point to consider when choosing where to purchase one.
Many times a salon or studio will only service what they sell so they can be sure of the quality, type, styling ability and origin of the product.
Happy Spring and hats off to fuller hair Visit our website www.althairsolutions.com
As someone diagnosed with breast cancer I didn’t want to be part of “The Club” so when it was offered to me to go for a Look Good Feel Better session, immediately I said “No,thank you”. After all, I had a terrific support team and the last thing I wanted to be reminded of was my diagnosis. Somehow I believed by not being associated with support groups, I was somehow handling my own journey. I was strong. I was different then others.
How silly of me! I can only tell you that now. I am a fully certified volunteer for the program. Each month, I have the privileged of being present with some of the bravest and beautiful woman I have had the pleasure to meet. When the session begins we are all strangers with a common denominator: the big C. As the session ends we are all team members ready to fight back on the identity loss that can come from this illness.
We share tips and walk you through a step by step program that the American Cancer Society has worked long and hard to provide. There are fabulous make up and skin care products available for each participant. It is also a great resource for wigs both human and synthetic including care and tips on other accessories.
This is the first part in a series I will be posting about. I am interested to hear your questions. Please feel free to comment.
We can help! Visit www.althairsolutions.com or call (203) 987 5948 Ext 1
If you are planning to wear a wig daily, whatever your reasons, you need to have realistic expectations about the longevity and how to get the most out of your purchase. Despite the wonderful products that are available today, it is still a wig and will not have the exact same properties as the hair that grows out of our heads. We do strongly recommend that when making your purchase, you consider buying two as that will extend the life expectancy of both pieces. With the vast selection of price points available, chances are you can find two pieces that together will fit into your budget.
For those committed to human hair, be sure to consider that it must be cared for the same way as the hair on your head, so it is not low maintenance. It will need to be washed more frequently, blown and styled for it to look exactly as you want. You may become adept at doing this yourself, or you may need to take it to a salon for styling. Having a backup synthetic version will enable you to pull it on and go, not care about humidity or heat and its effects. Because there is a permanent style to a synthetic wig, it will retain the same look as the day you purchased it. Synthetics sometimes can have a bit of a shine; this can be remedied with a dry shampoo.
If you choose to sleep in a wig, which isn’t recommended, the lifespan will definitely be affected. You cannot control how you move in your sleep and therefore, you could spend extended periods of time with hair askew in different directions with the weight of your head in it.
Wigs should be brushed to remove tangles each time you wear it. Turn the wig inside out to comb the return at the nape of the neck. Do so gently, with short strokes working from the bottom up. Never start at the top and vigorously brush to the bottom. This will yank the hair and can cause damage to the strands.
Synthetic wigs can suffer from friction frizz if you are wearing a longer length that grazed your collar, particularly in the winter when we wear coats. There are de-tangling sprays or processes available at wig salons that can aid this situation.
Likewise, you should also be cognizant of how you handle the hair when the wig is on your head. Repeatedly running your fingers through the top of your hair to brush away from the face can cause a lace front wig to roll or rip. The lace front can be replaced at a cost, but then comes the issue of matching the color or grade of lace. It is best to refrain from habits such as these. A simple solution for this is to spray a wig brush with an approved hairspray for wigs and brush gently away from the hairline. You should let the hairspray dry completely before wearing it.
If you wash your wig frequently, it is imperative that you rinse the hair thoroughly. Avoid putting conditioners or oils close to the base. It should be at least 2 inches from the base, never near the roots. Apply from the bottom and work your way up the hair.
Always be sure to “block” your wig after washing, meaning place it on a mannequin head. A rubber one is preferable as it allow the piece to breathe. Placing it on a head will prevent hair from coming back through the cap and it will also prevent the wig from stretching providing that the head is smaller than your head.
It is not recommended to chemically process a human hair wig if you want it to last and remain as it was when you purchased it. There are consequences and noticeable differences ranging anywhere from breakage, to flattening to a loss of shine and or color. You can never know exactly how your wig will react and there is no recourse for damage to the wig, it is at your own risk. Additionally, if you do so, it voids any and all manufacturer warranty.
Please schedule a consultation by calling (203) 987-5948 ext 1 or visit our website www.althairsolutions.com
Chemotherapy drugs will cause different degrees of hair loss from very little to total. In addition to the specific drug the other factors that can influence hair loss are the dose, how it’s administered, the combination of drugs, and other individual characteristics.
Hair loss can begin to occur two – four weeks after your first treatment. The way in which it will fall out can vary greatly from person to person. Many well meaning people may share their personal story but remember their story may not be your story.
In general, hair loss happens throughout treatment and may continue to fall out for a few weeks post treatment. The good news is hair loss can be a sign that the chemotherapy is working to some degree. It is not dangerous. However it can be disheartening to look in the mirror or run your fingers through your hair and feel the difference in thickness.
It can fall out gently (you may notice some on your pillowcase or in your hairbrush) or it can fall out in clumps. Please be kind to your scalp as it may feel tender to the touch. Being gentle with your brush or comb is a good idea.
Many times when it grows back it can be a different texture or color then your previous hair. Most of these changes are not permanent. It takes time for your hair to return to some form of its original look and feel. Many times you may choose to continue to wear your wig if you have chosen to get one or a pretty hat or scarf.
As you prepare to go for treatment you should be kind to your hair. Less is more. Stay away from coloring or bleaching as that may make your hair brittle. Minimize the use of hot blow dryers, flat irons and curling irons. Use a gentle shampoo preferably fragrance free.
You may want to consider shaving your hair but should you choose to do prior to beginning Chemotherapy since your scalp may become tender to the touch.
Choosing how you will cover your hear is a good decision to make at this time. It is very important to use a high SPF sunscreen if you do not cover your head as the skin on your scalp is much fairer then the rest of your body since it has not had as much sun exposure over the years.
Using a soft cotton or satin pillowcase may feel better and cause less irritation to your scalp or you can purchase a good cotton sleep cap.
As your hair grows back refrain from coloring or processing it in any way give it time to thicken and become healthy hair again. Be patient.
We offer complimentary 30 minute consultations if you would like to learn more about options we offer. Visit www.althairsolutions.com or call (203) 987-5948 ext 1
Some of the most popular questions that we receive are about insurance coverage. First, insurance coverage answers may vary from company to company, and the amount of coverage also can vary. The insured patient should have a benefit booklet, and details should be outlined under prosthetic devices. You may call your company direct, but do not say the word “wig” as it can have several meanings. Most importantly, it implies that it is cosmetic in nature. Hair loss stops being a cosmetic problem and becomes a medical issue when it interferes with your life. If a person does not want to go out because of hair loss then it directly interferes with their quality of life.
When speaking to your insurance company, you should say: “I am going to get a full, cranial hair prosthesis, and I have a prescription from my physician. Does my insurance policy cover it?”
As a patient, you will need a prescription from your doctor. It must be written for a full, cranial prosthesis on a standard prescription form. You will also need a paid receipt from the place of purchase.
Keep a copy of your prescription and a paid bill for tax purposes. Sales tax is not charged in most states for a medical prosthesis. Check with your accountant – there is a possibility for a full, cranial prosthesis to be written off (if a person itemizes deductions). When you file, do not include head ware or hats even if you wear them for the same reason.
Finally, if you lose your hair for medical reasons, it can no longer be considered a cosmetic issue.
We are trying to do our part to help eradicate cancer in our lifetime. At Alternative Hair Solutions in Greenwich, Conn, we have experienced the journey of the diagnosis, personally. We understand the power of the impact those words can have. We offer solutions for medical hair loss. As a stylist, Diane D’Angelo’s niche has always been women with hair challenges. Her total focus and commitment is to help ease the angst associated with medical hair loss. We look to help make it one less thing to worry about so that you can focus on what’s most important.
In the upcoming cancer awareness months we are proud contributors/sponsors to the following events:
November: We will support THE LYMPHOMA RESEARCH FOUNDATION/THE PAUL FOUNDATION-Swirl NYC on November 10,2016 if you would like to join us you may go to: lymphoma.org/swirlNYC or if you are unable to attend you may donate directly at http://www.pwsfoundation.org/
On October 2, 2016 we joined forces THE SUPPORT Connection annual Breast and Ovarian Cancer Fundraiser 2016. Donations are still being accepted at http://www.firstgiving.com/fundraiser/daria-rocco-1/walk2016. Support Connection is an amazing organization located in Westchester County. Our team is Daria’s Angels which was founded in 2003.
Please join us in any way you can to support the heroic efforts of these wonderful organizations
Or call (203) 987 5948 ext 1 or visit www.althairsolutions.com to learn more.
Life leads us down many paths and the impetus can be a frightening root cause. Alternative Hair Solutions in Greenwich, Conn was spawned when cancer reared it’s ugly head once too many times. As a stylist, Diane D’Angelo’s niche has always been women with hair challenges. Her total focus and commitment is to help ease the angst associated with medical hair .
loss.
In the upcoming cancer awareness months we are proud contributors/sponsors to the following events:
October: THE SUPPORT CONNECTION annual breast walk on October 2, 2016 http://www.firstgiving.com/fundraiser/daria-rocco-1/walk2016 to donate. Support Connection is an amazing organization located in Westchester County. The walk takes place at FDR Park Yorktown Heights, NY. Our team is Daria’s Angels which was founded in 2003. We will meet at 9:30 am under the big oak tree. Just look for our team banner Daria’s Angels
November: We will support THE LYMPHOMA RESEARCH FOUNDATION/THE PAUL FOUNDATION-Swirl NYC on November 10,2016 if you would like to join us you may go to: lymphoma.org/swirlNYC or if you are unable to attend you may donate directly at http://www.pwsfoundation.org/
We are trying to do our part to help eradicate cancer in our lifetime.
Please join us in any way you can to support the heroic efforts of these wonderful organizations
Or call (203) 987 5948 ext 1 or visit www.althairsolutions.com to learn more.
Did you know that stress is one of the most common causes of hair loss in woman? Your body’s way of responding to any kind of demand or threat can be both internal and/or external. Gaining weight and hair thinning are just two ways of your body reacting. When you experience stress your nervous system responds by releasing a flood of stress hormones, including adrenaline and cortisol into your body.
Generally it is physiological stress that causes hair loss. Some physiological stress examples are: major surgery, a weight gain/loss of more the 15 pounds, severe calorie restriction and going off oral contraceptives are the most common ones. This type of hair loss is usually temporary as long as the stress is temporary. Once the stress event is over hair generally begins to grow back and the normal hair cycle resumes.
Be patient and kind to your self. For your piece of mind, know that clip in toppers or wigs can help bridge this temporary hair loss time. Owning this type of accessory can be a huge time saver for the busy woman. You hair can look terrific in just a few minutes when you learn how how simple it is to wear.
To learn more visit www.althairsolutions.com or call (203) 987 4948 ext 1
