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.

Diagnosis. If you’re experiencing the early signs of psoriasis, visit your primary care doctor or a dermatologist as soon as possible. It’s completely normal to feel nervous about bringing your concerns to a doctor. However, it’s important to learn exactly what’s going on with your skin in order to know how to most effectively treat it. Charlie Berger, a registered nurse who has worked in dermatology for 17 years and is also the facilitator of a psoriasis support group, advises patients to bring a list of questions with them to the doctor. He also suggests, “keeping a daily log that indicates if you’re flared, not flared, how you’re doing each day”.

Treatment. Salicyclic acid and coal tar are both approved by the Food and Drug Administration to treat psoriasis. Both of these products are available over the counter and/or with a prescription by your doctor. Salicyclic acid softens the scale and makes it easier to remove. Often, salicyclic acid is found in shampoos and soaps. Be careful to avoid treatments with high concentrations of salicyclic acid as it may irritate your skin more than it helps it. Additionally, salicyclic acid may weaken your hair and facilitate breakage. Coal tar is also found in shampoos that are geared toward people struggling with psoriasis. Again, beware of shampoos that contain high amounts of tar as it may cause staining to your scalp and damage to your hair. Remember that these shampoos are meant for your scalp, not for your hair. Therefore, concentrate on massaging them into your scalp only. You can use another shampoo and conditioner for your hair to reduce the odor of the medicated products.

Psoriasis is a medical condition that may have far reaching effects on a person’s quality of life. Depending on where the lesions are located and the level of irritation, you may struggle to lead the full life you want. However, medical doctors and patients are in conversation about the most efficacious treatment for psoriasis. In the meantime, there are many different approaches to coping with the symptoms associated with psoriasis. Some days may be harder than others. Consider joining a psoriasis support group and/or talking to friends, family, and other people who support you. Remember the skills you have utilized in the past and rely on them when psoriasis is getting you down.

Pediatric hair loss can be devastating

The good news is that hair loss in a majority of children will resolve itself. If this is the case for your child, coping with hair loss and the regrowth period will take center stage. However, about 40% of incidences of childhood hair loss do not resolve. And if you’re a parent to a child in that 40% whose hair loss does not correct itself, coping with your child’s hair loss is only a part of the process. Seeking a medical consultation and going for a second (and sometimes third!) opinion may be necessary in order to find out what is causing your child’s hair loss.

Tinea capitis is the most common form of hair loss in children. According to Dr. Kao, Clinical Professor of Dermatopathology, Department of Dermatology, University of Maryland School of Medicine and George Washington University Medical School, tinea capitis is a disease caused by a fungal infection of the skin on the scalp, eyebrows, and eyelashes. This particular type of fungus primarily attacks hair shafts and follicles. You may also have heard tinea capitis being referred to as ringworm of the scalp.

Tinea capitis often looks like patches of red, inflamed scalp, which results in the hair becoming brittle and breaking off a few millimeters above the scalp. Children are most likely to contract this disease between the ages of three and seven. Treatment for this condition varies based on type of fungus and intensity of inflammation. Usually, medical care will include oral therapy, topical treatments, antifungal medications, shampoos, or a combination of some or all of the above.

Trauma to the hair shaft is another common cause of hair loss in children, often presenting itself in the form of traction alopecia. Trichotillomania, the compulsive habit of hair pulling, is another form of trauma that is rarely discussed and often misunderstood. Parents can help alleviate traction alopecia by monitoring the type of hair ties and styles that their child wears. Elastic bands can pull the hair and traumatize the hair shaft if the elastic tangles with the hair or pulls the hair too thightly. Additionally, tying children’s hair in extremely tight styles and leaving their hair in the same position can strain the hair follicle and damage the shaft. Consider changing your child’s style often in order to allow different parts of your child’s hair to relax and flow in its natural way.

Being a kid is challenging enough, never mind having to worry about hair loss. If you’re a parent to a child managing hair loss, it is important to remain optimistic, present a positive outlook and remind your child of his or her strengths and skills. Hair loss can be embarrassing for children. A trained hair loss professional may be able to help with a realistic hair prosthesis or wig to help you child feel as part of their peer group and to fit in at school.

Shauna Gordon wears a wig to school because her hair began falling out over the summer, and she is now partially bald.

“It was shocking,” Gordon told her schoolmates. “I couldn’t believe this was happening to me.”

AA causes hair loss in patches. It is unpredictable and incurable, affecting everyone differently. Some people will be completely bald, while others will have some hair. It may grow back and stay, or grow back and fall out again. For some, it will never grow back. There is also a condition called Alopecia Universalis, which is the total loss of all body hair.

Read the rest of the story here.

Diagnosis. If you’re experiencing the early signs of psoriasis, visit your primary care doctor or a dermatologist as soon as possible. It’s completely normal to feel nervous about bringing your concerns to a doctor. However, it’s important to learn exactly what’s going on with your skin in order to know how to most effectively treat it. Charlie Berger, a registered nurse who has worked in dermatology for 17 years and is also the facilitator of a psoriasis support group, advises patients to bring a list of questions with them to the doctor. He also suggests, “keeping a daily log that indicates if you’re flared, not flared, how you’re doing each day”.

Treatment. Salicyclic acid and coal tar are both approved by the Food and Drug Administration to treat psoriasis. Both of these products are available over the counter and/or with a prescription by your doctor. Salicyclic acid softens the scale and makes it easier to remove. Often, salicyclic acid is found in shampoos and soaps. Be careful to avoid treatments with high concentrations of salicyclic acid as it may irritate your skin more than it helps it. Additionally, salicyclic acid may weaken your hair and facilitate breakage. Coal tar is also found in shampoos that are geared toward people struggling with psoriasis. Again, beware of shampoos that contain high amounts of tar as it may cause staining to your scalp and damage to your hair. Remember that these shampoos are meant for your scalp, not for your hair. Therefore, concentrate on massaging them into your scalp only. You can use another shampoo and conditioner for your hair to reduce the odor of the medicated products.

Psoriasis is a medical condition that may have far reaching effects on a person’s quality of life. Depending on where the lesions are located and the level of irritation, you may struggle to lead the full life you want. However, medical doctors and patients are in conversation about the most efficacious treatment for psoriasis. In the meantime, there are many different approaches to coping with the symptoms associated with psoriasis. Some days may be harder than others. Consider joining a psoriasis support group and/or talking to friends, family, and other people who support you. Remember the skills you have utilized in the past and rely on them when psoriasis is getting you down.

Keeping your hair healthy

Maintain a healthy diet. Maintaining a healthy, protein rich diet is an important part of keeping your hair healthy. Science has shown levels of vitamin B and D to correlate with healthy hair in individuals. Dawn Jackson Blatner, RD, a Chicago-based dietitian, says “if you eat a healthy diet, you will grow stronger and healthier cells throughout your entire body—inside and out.”

Brush wisely. Always use a wide-tooth comb when you’re combing your hair. Begin at the root of your hair and gently bring the comb all the way to the end. If you feel that your hair is breaking remove the comb and try to disentangle the hair with your fingers. If at all possible, avoid brushing your hair when it’s wet, since that is when hair is at its weakest.

Dry safely. Avoid drying your hair with a blow dryer. Allow your hair to dry naturally. If you must use a blow dryer, only use it after your hair has dried naturally. Use the blow dryer just for a few minutes to help the hair get completely dry.

Consider your hair washing routine. Hair washing is particular to the type and integrity of your hair. If you have particularly oily hair, you may wash every day or every other day. For people with dryer hair, washing may occur as little as once a week. If you wash your hair daily, consider using a milder shampoo that won’t dry your hair out as much.

Trim your split ends. It is essential for women to get regular trims in order to rid their hair of split ends, says Valerie Monroe, Oprah magazine column writer. Many women don’t realize that untreated split ends become split hairs. You can identify a split end by looking at the ends of your hair. A split end will look exactly how it sounds: a single piece of hair that comes apart into two pieces at the very end

Be gentle with wet hair. Towel dry your hair very carefully when you get out of the shower. Refrain from brushing wet hair in order to prevent damage. Instead of brushing it when it’s wet, brush it well before you wash it. Not only will this help your hair remain unbroken it will also loosen dead flakes and skin from your scalp to help with cleaning during the shampooing process.

We don’t often take the time to care for our hair in a way that will allow it to get healthy and stay healthy. Try to budget a few minutes into your morning and evening schedule to spend some quality time tending to your locks. A few minutes every day may seem like a stretch, but it’ll be worth it when you look in the mirror.

Choosing a shampoo. The first trick to choosing the right shampoo is to determine your scalp type. If you have dry scalp, you’ll want to choose a shampoo specifically for dry scalp. According to Dr. Leong, shampoos made for dry scalp contain more fatty acids, which help the hair to retain moisture. You may also consider choosing a shampoo that has a low pH level, which will make it more acidic. If you have oily scalp, you’ll want to choose a shampoo that will remove the oils from your scalp. However, you don’t want to remove all of the oils since stripping the oils entirely will result in your glands overproducing oil. If your hair is excessively dry, coarse, or curly, you’ll want to use a shampoo for dry hair that will retain water and add more moisture to your locks.

Picking a conditioner. Featured In Style colorist Robert Ramos says that moisture is a critical component of healthy, happy hair. Hair needs water in order to remain flexible, which prevents breaking and other types of damage. Put simply, conditioners are water-based products that moisturize your hair and help to seal in water. Audrey Davis-Sivasothy, published author and “healthy hair enthusiast,” encourages women to steer clear of products that contain petrolatum, mineral oil, or lanolin. These ingredients do not moisturize and may in fact dry your hair. When you’re choosing a conditioner, it is important to know your hair type. If you have oily, limp hair, you’ll want to choose a volumizing conditioner. If your hair is overly dry, look for a deep conditioning, rich, moisturizing conditioner. If you’re using a conditioner to disguise hair thinning, you may consider a conditioner that helps to replenish your hair’s protein and mineral content. Choosing a conditioner that balances your hair’s pH level is also something to consider when you’re deciding which type of product to choose.

Even if you find the perfect products for your hair, it’s important to remember that buildup will still occur. Approximately every ten days you should use a clarifying shampoo, which will remove the buildup of products and give your hair a fresh, clean, look. The products that we use in our hair are one essential part of our hair care system. When you make well-informed choices about the type and quality of product that you use on your hair, you’re taking some ownership in your own hair health. The products that you use will help move your closer to your preferred hairstyle, texture, density, and length.

Our hair represents who we are as a person

Hair density. According to HealthGuidance, Caucasians have the highest hair density, averaging approximately two hundreds strands of hair per square centimeter. Professionals from the Belgravia Center, the UK’s leading hair loss clinic, inform us that blondes have about 146,000 hairs on their heads, black-haired people about 110,000 hairs, brunettes about 100,000 hairs and redheads about 86,000 hairs. Asians have approximately 150 hairs for every square centimeter on the scalp with about 80,000 hair follicles on an adult scalp. African Americans have the lowest hair density, averaging around 130 hairs per square centimeter and about 60,000 hair follicles on an adult scalp.

Hair growth. Hair care experts at the Belgravia Center as well as eHow health author Cindi Pearce share information about hair growth rates between and within ethnic groups. Asian hair, the most common type in the world, is the fastest growing hair. Asian hair growth averages around .5 inches per month whereas African American hair growth hovers somewhere around .3 inches per month. European hair grows on average at a rate of approximately .4 inches per month and has the greatest hair density. Depending on how fast your hair grows as well as the level of damage that occurs, consider going for a trim every six to eight weeks. Split ends are highly damaging to your hair as they can quickly turn from split ends into split hair strands.

Hair texture. Caucasian hair usually appears thicker since it is more difficult to see through the scalp than other ethnic hair types. However, Asian hair is the thickest and coarsest hair of any ethnic group. Unfortunately, Asian hair usually does not cover the scalp as fully. Asian hair is also the straightest hair of any ethnic group.

According to HealthGuidance, African American hair texture varies. Some people have thicker, coarser hair whereas others have finer hair. Many have a mixture of fine and coarse hair. However, since African Americans scalp is darker than that of other ethnicities, thinning hair and balding is generally easier to conceal.

Hair care. Hair care not only differs among ethnic groups but also differs within ethnic groups. Keeping your hair healthy depends on the type, texture, and density of your hair. Additionally, hair care has to be compatible with your monthly budget as well as your lifestyle. Regardless of the type of hair you have, try to keep your hair away from high and frequent heat, especially in the form of curling irons and blow dryers. Allow your hair to air dry as long as possible before blow-drying it. Also try to refrain from treating your hair with harsh chemicals such as dyes and straightening products. Depending on the texture of your hair, you may want to use a heavy or light moisturizing shampoo and conditioner.

Joanne Stone, MD, an ob-gyn at Mount SinaiMedicalCenterand coauthor of Pregnancy for Dummies, explains the medical reason behind this phenomenon that many women experience. There is a three-stage cycle that occurs for hair as it grows. When the stages are complete, the hair falls out and then a new hair starts to grow. Due to the increased amount of estrogen during pregnancy, the hair cycle is stopped at the “resting” phase. This explains why women report having fuller, thicker hair during pregnancy. None of it is falling out! The increased amount of estrogen keeps the hair at the point in the hair growth cycle where it remains implanted in the scalp. However, after Moms give birth, their estrogen levels decrease, which results in hair loss. Most women report that hair loss continues for three to four months, but some say it can last for up to a year.

Now that you know your hair loss is normal and likely not permanent, your stress and anxiety have probably decreased a bit. But, you still have to cope with the impact of hair loss during the few months after pregnancy. Not only do you have to juggle the demands of caring for an infant but also you have to figure out how to cope with your hair loss. If you’re not sure how to hide thinning hair, a receding hairline, or patches of baldness, you’re not alone. Many women with infants are asking the same questions and searching online for answers. There are many options from which you can choose that will fit with your busy schedule and preferred hairstyle and maintenance routine.

Step number one is to pay a visit to your hair stylist. Consider layering your hair, which gives it fullness and body. If you’ve developed a receding hairline, side bangs may be a good option for you. Next, you can try switching to a volumizing shampoo and conditioner to give your hair an extra boost. Purchase a high quality round brush and use it while you’re blowing your hair dry to give it some extra curl and wave.

Hair Extensions. If you’re still unsatisfied, hair extensions are another option. Hair extensions are a great fit for women with postpartum hair loss because there is still a sufficient amount of hair with which to work. Hair extensions will help make your hair look thicker and fuller by adding length and layers to your existing hair. There are several different types of hair, which range in quality and price. I personally prefer 100% natural human hair extensions because they look the most natural, and can be styled and colored. You can’t do that with synthetic hair. (Also, if you take a curling iron to synthetic hair, you will melt it — which is not something you need to worry about with natural human hair).

There are a variety of different methods for extending your hair, which can vary depending on your budget, expectations, degree of hair loss, and personal desires. Depending upon your hair type, you may want to seek out the advice of a trained hair loss professional to determine which type of hair extensions would be best for you.

Spending time with your new baby is the most important part of your life as a Mom. Don’t let thinning hair get the better of you in these precious first months of motherhood. There are many options to help you retain the radiant glow and a full head of hair that you had prior to and during your pregnancy.

1. Choose a shampoo. Choosing a shampoo is not as easy as walking into the store and grabbing the bottle with the snazziest design. When choosing a shampoo you should first identify the type and needs of your hair. If you have curly, processed, or damaged hair, look for rich, creamy shampoos that will moisturize as much as it will clean. If you have limp, oily hair, it may be best to seek a high quality volumizing shampoo.

2. Choose a conditioner. Choosing a conditioner is an important but often neglected part of hair care. If you have curly, processed, or damaged hair, look for a conditioner that will give some extra hydration. If you have oily or limp hair, you’ll want a lighter conditioner. You may also forgo conditioner altogether if you can brush your hair through without it.

3. Comb your dry hair. Experts from TotalBeauty recommend brushing your hair before you jump in the shower. This is a quick tip that you can use to make the washing and conditioning process easier. Brushing before washing loosens dead skin and dirt from your scalp to make the cleaning process easier. Also, brushing your hair after you’ve showered is easier because you’ve taken out most of the tangles beforehand.

4. Wet your hair. Make sure you wet all areas of your hair thoroughly. Use cool or lukewarm water.

5. Shampoo and rinse. Shampoo your hair by squeezing a dollop of shampoo into the palm of your hand. You should be sure to shampoo the scalp thoroughly by gently massaging your scalp. Make sure you rinse until the water runs clear.

6. Re-shampoo and rinse. If you want especially clean hair, you can re-shampoo. If you choose to re-shampoo, do not do this process frequently. It can dry out your hair. Make sure you rinse until the water runs clear.

7. Condition and rinse. Place a quarter size amount of conditioner onto your hands. Rub the conditioner onto the ends of your hair and avoid the hair roots. Allow the conditioner to sit for at approximately 10 minutes. Rinse until the water runs clear.

8. Towel dry your hair. Writers from BionicBeauty suggest using a towel to gently dry your hair. Make sure not to rub your hair. Simply pat it dry to ensure that none breaks with the friction of the towel.

9. Condition your comb. Place a small amount of conditioner on the bristles of your comb. (An excellent spray-on conditioner is readily available through Transitions hair loss providers). After your hair has dried significantly, gently comb small sections of your hair.

10. Blow dry your hair. If you must blow dry your hair, wait as long as you can. When your hair is mostly dry, blow-dry your locks until they are dry. Hold the dryer as far away from your hair as possible and use cool or medium heat.

Even though it takes a little bit longer to wash your hair thoroughly, try not to take any shortcuts. Washing your hair using the above steps is something completely in your control that helps to keep your hair healthy, manageable and looking great.

Want some recommendations for hair care products for your own naturally growing hair as well as your hair addition or wig? Give us a call. Our hair loss specialists can help you find just the right product for your hair and hair replacement system.