Tag: Private salon

Chemotherapy and hair loss.

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Young woman with flowers

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

Lymphoma: The Paul Foundation’s Swirl Event

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swirl

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.

Upcoming Cancer Awareness Suppport

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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.

Private Salon: Is it right for you?

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Human wig out of box

Why a private salon?

In this big, global world sometimes we can become overwhelmed with options. When faced with hair loss, there are many choices to make. If your goal is to find the least expensive option and you really don’t need a professional, then the internet can serve you well. However, if you’re looking for value and individualized attention, a private salon can provide all of that and more for you.

As a private salon we have years of knowledge, experience in the field, we consistently comb the globe for product, and pursue continuing education all to bring you the very best. We work hard to make sure the product that we offer you isn’t something you’ll find all over the internet. Pictures can be quite deceiving; what may look beautiful online oftentimes has been styled and adjusted by a professional.

Are wigs sold online less expensive? Some are, some are not. Continuity is not always a guarantee – I have spoken with clients who ordered the same product twice and have received completely different versions. There can be hidden costs such as restocking fees that can be as much as 20% of the purchase price if you need to return. Every wig needs some adjustments or styling which can require a work from a professional. The picture in this post features a synthetic hair wig taken directly out of a box; unless you are adept at styling, using the proper tools and understanding variables that can damage a wig (e.g., heat tolerance) it may become a challenge.

A brick and mortar, private salon excels in personalized customer service and devotes the time needed to deliver that will not be competitive with prices online. If you’re someone who appreciates having a stylist that can work with you one-on-one to achieve your personalized look, then booking a consultation is your next step. Given the large amount of diversity in product, it can take more then one appointment to achieve the perfect fit or style.

Consider how much money you spend to maintain your hair. Now factor in hair cuts, coloring, and highlights over a year. You’ll realize that many hair options will cost you about the same (or sometimes even a little less) than what you would normally spend on hair maintenance in a year.

Here is an excerpt on Yelp from just one of our clients::

“In her intimate salon, Ms. D’Angelo keeps everything very personal and very private. She works one-on-one with her clients, by appointment only. She has created a warm and welcoming environment where she focuses on what is best for her clients. What she does comes from her heart. It is clear that she is not driven by “selling,” but rather by helping her clients through what is most likely the most difficult time of their lives. With her expertise in all types of hair, Ms. D’Angelo was able to help me understand all of my options and help me choose the best solution to meet my needs. We discussed the differences between real hair and synthetic. I was able to pick the style, color and cut to my complete satisfaction. Throughout, she was extremely patient and very creative. Her work is amazing and I can honestly say that she exceeded my expectations. “

Visit our website at www.althairsolutions.com or call (203) 987 – 5948 ext. 1 to learn more.

My Hair Twin | Alternative Hair Solutions

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How much will my wig cost?

My journey into the world of hair options began when I was 41. Of course, the need for hair options came at a time when my natural tresses where absolutely perfect. My hair was finally the right length, the right color, and had the right amount of highlights. Was it the perfect storm, or was it nature’s cruelty set out to humble me? I’m not really sure, but I soon learned that my exact hair twin was out there in the form of a beautiful wig.

At the time of my pending chemo I dreaded the thought of my next steps. Feeling the reality of it all setting in, I waited until the final moments to see what exactly was available to me. In my very first appointment I found my hair twin! While that’s not always how it happens, I was lucky enough to have it happen for me.  The experience can be compared to finding the perfect wedding dress. You may love it initially, but it might take a few minor adjustments or additional fittings to get it exactly the way you feel most comfortable.  Sometimes customizing the wig for your face will require a trim or an added layer and possibly a highlight or two.

My hair twin became my better half. Since it was not subjected to being slept on (bed-head), washed, over dried, or other factors such as high humidity, over processing, or a scissor-happy hair stylist, I soon learned that I could easily slip my hair on and have it perfect in under five minutes. As someone who always struggled with blow-drying her own hair, I began to wonder if this could actually be quite a blessing. It was instant gratification for something I had previously labored on for hours. In today’s microwave society, I have to ask: who doesn’t like instant results?

Now that my hair has returned to normal, I must admit that I have an even greater appreciation for the ability to have perfect tresses in an instant. Once you get past the initial diagnosis, there’s a lot of freedom in the wonderful options available today.

Come visit us for a complimentary consultation call 203 987 5948 ext 1 or drop by our website at www.althairsolutions.com

Grieving Hair Loss

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grieving-woman-350

Embracing hair loss isn’t easy. Grieve, it’s ok, actually it is normal.

I wish I could tell you it was easy. I can’t. What I can tell you is that understanding your solutions makes the process much more manageable. So first and foremost: It’s ok to grieve your hair loss.

We understand. Working with many clients who have had both temporary and permanent hair loss has allowed us to understand and help you through the the process.

Temporary hair loss from chemo or some type’s of alopecia comes with the comfort that we just need to bridge this moment in time.

Permanent hair loss can be more challenging because of the obvious.

In time, it does get easier especially if you have familiarized your self with the multitude of options available to you. For some it can open up a whole new world.  When you think about how much time, money and effort is expended on perfecting your tresses and realize you can have exactly what you want by exploring the different options that are now available.

The next perk is your wig/hairpiece.

With proper care, it will stay the way you purchased it. You just don’t have the maintenance involved with your own hair. Just think, no roots in a few weeks, no grey peaking through, highlights and a haircut that doesn’t grow out. None of the usual upkeep our original tresses require.

The initial outlay of money is sometimes overwhelming to comprehend but if you total up all that you spend throughout the year you will find it pretty much runs about the same costs without requiring the time natural hair can ask of us.

One of the perks many seem to enjoy is the ability to change cut, color or length without the commitment. Many times hair wearers will choose to have a few different looks to enjoy in a moments notice or whenever the mood suits them.

The greatest fear we come across is most do not want hair to feel heavy or hot. With the cap selections today, many wigs (in several different price ranges) are extremely comfortable to wear. You can be as active as you would like when you select the right cap and hair. It’s possible to have a style you can even wear off your face or in a pony tail.

Grieving hair loss is ok, it is actually normal. Then come visit to learn about your options our private salon can offer you with total discretion. For your piece of mind.

After all, your hair is our business and your privacy, our main concern. Call (203) 987-5948 ext 1 or visit www.althairsolutions.com

Bridge the gap of temporary female hair loss

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hair loss option

Hair loss can happen quite rapidly.

Why me? Is a very common reaction to hair loss. Whether hair loss is from stress, chemo, nutrition, over styling, medications, Androgenetic alopecia or an auto immune disease it really doesn’t matter as much physiologically as the initial shock of why me? One day you can have a full head of hair and then the next you notice it is thinning quite rapidly. Knowing your options to bridge the gap is important to reduce the stress that is associated with hair loss.

My personal experience with hair loss was chemo driven however the emotional cycle was not very different then my female friends who have experienced both thinning and total hair loss for different reasons.

I found it helpful to know the human hair growth cycle and that more then 97% of female hair loss is temporary and not permanent. Every one of us both male and female are losing hair every day. One look at our hair growth cycle and we understand that every hair is at a different stage of the growth cycle. Sometimes we simply need to bridge the gap of female hair loss. Wigs and hair pieces are great options.

  1. Anagen (Growing Phase) lasts 2 – 7 years
  2. Catagen (Regression Phase) hair follicle shrinks. Lasts approx 30 days
  3. Exogen (Shedding Phase) resting hair becomes terminal and gradually loosened. Lasts approx 10 Days
  4. Telogen (Resting Phase) Lasts  approx 3 months

If hair enters the resting phase too early, excess shedding and noticeable thinning of hair can occur. Over time the length of the Anagen stage decreases. Hair can become weaker and thinner after each cycle. This is just one of the reasons it is important to have a diet that is rich in specific nutrients to maintain normal, healthy hair growth.

Supplements like saw palmetto can be beneficial to help block DHT.  Having your scalp cleansed with a DHT blocker shampoo is one more tool in you hair loss tool belt. You should see a dermatologist to help you discern if either of these may be helpful in your individual situation.

You may find comfort in knowing that there are many solutions to bridge the gap of your temporary or permanent hair loss. There are non surgical options that are not only painless but they offer instant gratification with a lush, beautiful head of hair that can be either bonded or not. Come visit our private salon to see which option is best for you.

Call (203) 987 – 5948 ext 1 or visit www.althairsolutions.com

 

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.