Hair Loss

Hair Loss

There are many hair loss products on the market that help with thinning hair and baldness Hair loss is a major problem for men and women especially as people begin to age Men experience patch or pattern baldness while women tend to experience all over hair thinness Add chemotherapy and a condition called alopecia acreata and hair loss products become a huge industry. Monoxidil is the active ingredient in Rogaine It is currently the only FDA approved medication for hair loss Topical Monoxidil is more effective if you begin treatment as soon as possible and if you use it twice a day Results for Monoxidil do vary however Some people say Rogaine helps prevent more hair from falling out while others say that Rogaine grows short thin hair that never progresses beyond peach fuzz

Hair loss for women is different than for men Men experience patch baldness while women experience all over thinning Rogaine recently came out with a product for women to help combat all over thinning Like Rogaine for men results in Rogaine for women vary though its said that it works well in the forehead area

Oral Monoxidil is a relatively new product on the market Oral Monoxidil may work better than topical Monoxidil for some people However there are many side effects associated with oral Monoxidil including lowering of blood pressure an increase in the heart rate and weight gain fluid retention Consult a physician before choosing this treatment

Finasteride is a prescription drug It is an oral medication and you may have heard of it as Propecia It does not have FDA approval at this time Results vary though some experts claim combining Finasteride and Monoxidil is a great way to repair hair loss Finasteride does not work well on female hair loss Talk to your care provider about this hair loss product

One option for coping with hair loss is to hide it with a wig toupee or hair extensions Wigs and toupees have been growing more and more lifelike and no longer carry the reputation they once did These hair loss products can be made of synthetic plastic hair human hair or both Some hair extensions attach to real hair which can be helpful if youre experiencing hair thinning

Wigs and Toupees usually cover the scalp or parts of the scalp and may be held in place by skin adhesives

Wigs toupees and hair extensions can be expensive and can require expensive maintenance If you are going through hair replacement surgery chemotherapy or have alopecia acreata a wig or a toupee may be a great temporary solution to your hair loss

Synthetic Wigs

Synthetic Wigs

Some people prefer synthetic wigs since they are easier to maintain hold a hair style longer dry faster after washing and are less Costlyer than human hair wigs However you can not use hot styling products on synthetic hair since heat will melt it Human hair wigs feel and look more like real hair than synthetics In addition they can be restyled with curling irons hot rollers and blow dryers It depends on the wig Most wigs are made with European hair rather than Asian Indian hair European hair is finer but less durable If you are considering a wig you will want to discuss the pros and cons of various hair types with your wigmaker Different varieties will vary in cost as well as texture and style If you have natural hair you can use special clips to hold the wig in place If you have a great deal of hair you may want to wear a skull cap over your hair and then place the wig on top of it If you dont have any hair doublesided sticky tape is usually used to hold a wig in place It does take some practice to learn how to put a wig on your head so ask for assistance from your wigmaker and be prepared to practice a few times to make sure its on correctly
You have to care for human hair wigs very carefully First if youre not wearing a skull cap it is important to make sure your scalp is oil free When you shower or bathe thoroughly wash your scalp or whats left of your hair with shampoo or soap If your scalp is greasy beneath your wig the wig may not stay positioned properly in addition it can absorb the oils from the scalp making your wig look greasy

Do not wash your wig every day it will start to break down and may even develop bald patches Try to wash your wig every six to eight wearings in warm weather and every twelve to fifteen wearings in cooler weather Of course if you notice your wig looks especially greasy or dirty wash it more frequently Before washing your wig youll want to get rid of any tangles Wash your wig in a basin of cool water with wig shampoo added to it Let the wig soak for a few minutes and then gently squeeze out the water Rinse it well in cool water Gently shampoo the wig without overly massaging the shampoo into it Then rinse it again in cool water If you want to use a wig conditioner apply it for five minutes and then rinse your wig in cool water again Gently squeeze out the water before drying your wig

To dry gently towel dry Then let your wig air dry on a dry towel or a wire head form that allows for circulation Once the wig is dry style it normally You can also use blow dryers to dry human hair wigs Use only a special wire wig brush or a pick to style your wig Do not rip the brush through the hair but work it through gently to untangle it You can use heat styling products but be careful not to have the heat up too high excessive heat can burn your wig You can use wig spray or even a light hairspray to hold a style in place One of the huge benefits to human hair wigs is that you can use any styling products you want though you may want to use good quality ones that your wig maker recommends so you dont cause too much wear and tear to your wigs Costume wigs are a quick and easy way to transform an everyday hair style into something outrageous and unexpected For a flawless look however wearers must understand the properties of these specialty wigs and how to wear them Because novelty wigs are designed to be worn for fun rather than for long periods of time they are not as durable as traditional wigs The vast majority of costume hairpieces are made from artificial materials typically very inexpensive and flimsy synthetics Because of this they cannot be styled with heating tools such as blow dryers or curling irons which would melt the fibers Furthermore most novelty wigs use harsh dyes to achieve unnatural colors such as the popular rainbow clown look and those chemicals may cause irritation to sensitive skin. While these may seem like undesirable properties costume and disguise wigs are really quite durable for their purpose shortterm wear for disguises parties and special events These wigs are not typically appropriate for longterm use however because they are very recognizable can fall apart quite easily and are not made for extremely comfortable or formfitting wear

The available selection of costume hairpieces varies each year depending on what movies and television shows are popular though most styles can be found at seasonal costume stores A more limited selection is usually available at major store chains typically beginning in midSeptember To buy costume wigs outside the Halloween season consumers may be forced to shop online or order through a specialty catalog

If you cant find the exact novelty wig you were hoping for it is possible to alter existing styles to add individual flair While these costume pieces cannot be subjected to the same heat and chemical stresses that real hair can be they can be cut to a shorter length and possibly dyed to a different color though it is advisable to test any dyes on hidden sections before adding the chemicals to the entire wig Other options include adding a glitter spray or creating a new look with themed accessories

Always be sure your hair is clean before wearing a novelty wig If necessary use hair gel or other holding products to keep your hair back a thin ponytail holder or head band may be necessary so it is not visible beneath the wig Some costume wigs are equipped with elastic or adjustable ties for a snug fit though they can be easily tugged off and should not be subjected to undue stress For a firmer grip consider using small clips or bobby pins to secure the wig

Despite the fact that costume wigs are not meant for longterm wear caring for them properly will ensure that they can be reused Take care not to expose the wig to unnecessary chemicals apply makeup body paint or other products before putting on the wig Remove the wig promptly and shake and brush it gently to remove dust debris and other particles that may have become lodged in the strands When storing the wig protect it from dust with a plastic bag or cloth cover and if possible store it on a mannequin head to keep its shape If that is not possible store it flat not rolled or folded and avoid placing it beneath heavy objects or at the bottom of a box. Costume wigs can turn an ordinary costume into an extraordinary new look Despite their fragility by paying special attention to how to wear care for and store the wigs they can be reused many times for many different outfits and will continue to surprise and delight unsuspecting individuals for years.

TRIMMERS

TRIMMERS

If you want to maintain a short easy hair cut you may discover that trimmers completely replace your barber or hairstylist On the other hand a trimmer may just hold you over between hair cuts Hair clippers are also an excellent tool to have on hand for small grooming needs such as sideburn or nose hair trimming Hair trimmers run the gamut in functionality and price ranges Depending on your needs you may find a basic trimmer will do the trick but if you need additional attachments or a more powerful motor you may opt for a higherend model The following are just a few of the many available options

As with any purchase a small amount of research will pay off before buying Review trimmer availability at Amazon com and other online retailers then check the customer reviews Those who have used the product will offer helpful feedback about the trimmer that you are considering Some important factors to consider when shopping for your hair trimmer include

Price
If you have a certain budget to stick to there is a nice range of price points to choose from
Styling
Some models are more ergonomically designed and lightweight than others which may or may not be a consideration for your purchase
Attachments Accessories
Depending on your needs you may want extra bells and whistles such as additional sizes of clipper attachments guide combs to create blended styling a cape or even a case to hold everything
Noise Level
Most modernday hair trimmers have very quiet motors but there are some models that claim to be extremely quiet
Hair Type
Some trimmers are better equipped to handle thick long hair while others are recommended for the challenge of trimming wet hair

Some electric shavers do double duty providing a clean close shave while including a trimmer for additional grooming This is a handy tool if you dont need the full functionality of trimmers but need to do some facial grooming such as evening a sideburn or trimming a moustache

To prolong the life of your hair trimmers you will need to clean them regularly Refer to the manual for specific directions but generally you will need to clean trimmers thoroughly after each use removing any clipped hair and using a small cleaning brush to clean more precisely Additionally trimmers may need to be oiled at regular intervals to ensure that they continue to run smoothly If you are using a cordless trimmer be sure to recharge the batteries so that the unit operates well for the next trim

For best results you should opt for styling tools that can give professional results which often means more expensive equipment similar to what your professional stylist would use in the hair salon This may seem costly at first but better quality equipment will last longer gives more styling options and is a better investment for a great style At the same time it is not necessary to purchase high end equipment for simple styles the key is to look for features you need and avoid extra gimmicks that add to the price tag but not to your style

Even the best hair styling equipment can have disastrous results if not used properly however Before using a new tool ask your stylist for tips on how to use it properly and thoroughly read the manufacturers instructions and style guide if available Getting the technique right for a new piece of equipment may take some practice and experimentation but in no time at all youll find yourself able to craft stunning coifs like a professional.

Hair Transplants

Many people wonder about hair transplants for a variety of reasons Are you worried that your thinning hair or receding hairline makes you look older than you are Just want to have a full head of hair again A transplant may be an option

A hair transplant uses your own hair to fill in bald or thinning spots The surgeon takes the hair from whats called a permanent donor site an area of the scalp thats not likely to become bald and move it to a bald location Think about that fringe thats left on even very bald men For some reason transplanted hair from that fringe isnt likely to fall out even when placed in a previously bald spot

Early transplants were of questionable success The transplanted hair certainly grew but it was arranged in individual plugs like the hair on a dolls head and was very obvious Today surgeons have refined the technique They can now transplant the hairs just one or two at a time creating a more natural look

There are several different types of transplant surgeries A common method involves taking one or more strips of hair from the permanent donor site and then dividing the strips into smaller pieces called grafts containing one to six hairs The smallest pieces with just one or two hairs are known as mini or micrografts The pieces are placed into small incisions in the balding part of the scalp This type of transplant may require several sessions over many months to adequately fill in a bald or thinning area

Another method involves cutting a flap of hairbearing skin and then simply rotating that flap into the bald area This method doesnt allow the careful arrangement of hair that micrografting does Your doctor can help you decide if a flap is a good choice for you

There is another surgical option which is not a transplant Scalp reduction involves removing some of the bald skin and stretching the remaining skin over the area Newer versions of the surgery sometimes use skin expanders devices placed under the hairbearing skin to stretch it for a period of weeks before the surgery

Most surgeons require you to be in generally good health to have hair transplant surgery If you smoke youll need to stop a week or two before the procedure and try to abstain for a while afterward because smoking can impair healing You may also need to stop some medications temporarily Your surgeon may ask you to wash with a special antibacterial shampoo before your procedure Hair restoration surgeries are usually done on an outpatient basis with local anesthesia Youll need someone to drive you home afterward

Any surgical procedure requires a period of healing Expect some pain and maybe a headache especially in the first couple of days You will probably be told not to wash your hair for the first day or two If your procedure requires stitches expect to have them taken out after about ten days

Hair transplants take a while to become established Its perfectly normal for grafted hair to fall out sometime in the first six weeks In most cases it will begin to grow again about five or six weeks later and continue growing at about half an inch per month

Be sure to find an experienced surgeon who can show you examples of his or her work If you dont like the way other patients surgeries turned out find another doctor The surgeon should be willing to discuss risks of the surgery candidly and should be honest about what you can expect Issues like how thick you can expect the hair to be how natural it will look how much of your scalp will be covered and how many treatments will be needed should all be explored thoroughly

There are two proven hairrestoration drugs on the market Minoxidil is applied as a cream It slows down hair loss and stimulates new growth Finasteride is taken as a pill It helps you hold on to the hair you already have Women of childbearing age shouldnt use finasteride because it can cause birth defects Some women will also benefit from spironolactone which interferes with male hormones that can cause hair loss

If youre a man remember that replacing your thinning hair isnt the only way to get a sexy youthful look Bald can be just as attractive Think about celebrities like Yul Brunner bald as a billiard ball but a Hollywood heartthrob for decades Patrick Stewart bald handsome and sophisticated… and the many action heroes whose shaved heads give them that toughguy look

Women may have a harder time with thinning hair since its not supposed to happen A conversation with your hairstylist can give you ideas on how to disguise the balding spot Fashionable wigs let you change your hairstyle daily Or you may want to consider a medical treatment like minoxidil

Hair Dryers

Hair Dryers

Hair dryers are the most common type of hair styling tool available but not every dryer is suitable for every head of hair Before purchasing a new blow dryer consider how you use the tool how your hair reacts to it and what you can do to protect your hair from heat damage There are several types of blow dryers available and you should choose the one that best suits your drying and styling needs Standard models offer a variety of features such as

Multiple heat settings including a cool setting to help set curls or gel
Assorted attachments for different styling needs
Voltage adaptors suitable for travel
Safety sensors and fan cages
Higher quality models may feature specialty technology such as ionic dryers which use negatively charged ions rather than the positive ions emitted by standard dryers in order to help preserve the hairs moisture and dry hair more quickly Another specialty design is the ceramic dryer which provides more even heat and has more sophisticated temperature regulators to prevent damage

Hair dryers range from under $10 to over $150 depending on the model and its features Specialty dryers with advanced technology are generally more expensive and must usually be purchased from a salon The less Costlyest models are also the least beneficial for hair and while they may provide initial savings the damage they cause could lead to substantial costs in terms of additional conditioners and deep treatments to overcome heat damage A midrange dryer is the best choice for most users and the best way to cut costs is to select a model that offers only the features you regularly use rather than upgrades that will not affect your styling habits

The best way to choose your perfect hair dryer is to judge how you will use it While inexpensive models may be inappropriate for extensive styling their lack of temperature settings can scorch hair they are suitable for someone who only uses a dryer infrequently or someone with short hair who can dry their hair quickly If you often use a dryer to style your locks and add more volume you may prefer a midrange model that offers more attachments and options The most expensive dryers are best for individuals who use them for extensive styling or whose hair is extremely sensitive to heat damage

Used properly a dryer can help smooth hair add volume and even condition hair when combined with heatactivated conditioners and other hair products To use the dryer effectively direct the hot air flow down the strands from the root toward the tip reversing the direction will inflate hair follicles and cause frizzy dull hair For more even heat application and control keep the dryer at least eight inches from hair at all times unless the styling technique specifically calls for closer use Wrapping hair around a wide brush can help control the strands to apply heat evenly and add volume

To avoid excessive heat damage try to limit the amount of heat that is applied to hair Letting locks dry naturally even partway before using a dryer will help minimize damage Keeping the tool further away from hair helps prevent scorching and use the lowest possible heat setting to accomplish the styling task Do not apply heat to hair for lengthy periods of time keep both the dryer and the hair moving to prevent concentrating the heat in one location If you use hair dryers frequently consider using heatactivated leave in conditioners to safeguard your tresses from severe damage

In addition to heatactivated conditioners regular dryer users should consider investing in periodic deep conditioning treatments as well as a daily conditioner Because frequent dryer use can deplete hairs natural moisture a moisturizing shampoo may also be a wise investment If you are unsure whether or not your hair has been heat damaged consult a professional stylist at your regular salon and ask for recommendations about protective measures

Hair dryers are the most frequently used hair styling tools but improper use can result in severe heat damage and dull lifeless hair To use a dryer effectively choose the model that best suits your needs and try to limit the amount of heat you apply Adding heat treatment products and conditioners can help moderate damage and careful use can result in superior hair styles that never look like a dryer has been used at all
Hair Trimmers
HairFrom basic models to full kits with a variety of clipper sizes and accessories hair trimmers are a great way to save a few bucks on a haircut and make general grooming easier

Barber Shears

Barber Shears

Barber shears are the industry standard Theyre ideal for haircutting because they produce results cleanly and precisely in one fluid stroke Hairstylists choose the right shears based on a number of criteria including the type of style they specialize in and the way they hold the scissors

The price of scissors runs the gamut from very low to surprisingly high If youre a beginner or just need a basic pair to see you through a few touchups or minor trim at home a lowend pair found at your local drugstore for example is a suitable choice Top quality shears on the other hand are not made for everyone Theyre especially suited to serious stylists and cosmetologists Prices vary but may tip the $500 mark for some scissor styles

You have some choices to make before you select the right pair of scissors Of course youll also want to shop around for the best rates Beveled blades feature one serrated edge and are ideal for layer cuts tapered cuts and the scissor over the comb method Convex blades are razor sharp and promise a clean smooth flawless cut They are ideal for slide cutting Opposing grips feature handles of the same length that are symmetrical to the center screw It is perfect for individuals who cut with the thumb and middle finger Offset grips feature a short thumb handle and a longer finger handle This allows natural fluid movement and is ideal for individuals who cut with the thumb and ring finger Crane grips feature a long finger handle and an angled thumb This ensures less strain on the wrist and shoulder and allows a freer open cut Standard thumb scissors feature a removable and reversible finger resting piece that can be attached to either the left or right This allows individuals greater versatility with left and right hand use
Cutaway thumb scissors do not feature the reversible finger resting piece but does provide exceptional comfort
Anatomic thumb scissors allow for greater radial movement due to its curved design Thus it provides more freedom of movement for the stylist Rotating thumb scissors are a new advancement in the haircutting industry They reduce hand and wrist strain and feature an open hand grip design which reduces thumb travel and creates a more comfortable experience for the stylist Choosing the blade length is really a matter of comfort and preferred styling methods You will find you probably need to utilize several different types of scissors but your hand should feel comfortable no matter what size it is.

Short blades are useful for detailed touchups such as cutting around the ears or very close to the skin This type of blade is recommended for all stylists chances are it will be used frequently for more intricate cutting The blade should be no longer than 5 5 inches Long blades are ideal for cutting thick hair slide cutting scissor over comb methods and bobs to name a few The above mentioned traits are the standards for selecting a pair of scissors Some other features that stylists may choose to focus on include the production material of the shears the method of production of the shears and the tension system the shears provide