The Importance of Image and the Role Your Hair Plays

Image is the first thing we see in other people.  How tall they are. How they dress. We check if they are wearing too much make-up. We notice if they are overweight. We look at their stance, how they walk, their speech patterns, if they have a tick or even if they what their tattoos depict. The same thing goes for your hair.

Hair

We are judgmental people. One of the first things we notice is their hair. Is it blonde? Is it well groomed? Are they bald? How bald? It is a primary way we describe someone to other people.  Hair is obvious. It is a key characteristic in describing someone. Studies have shown (in the past) that men with hair are viewed sexier than men without. That doesn’t mean that bald men aren’t sexy. But if you ask any bald man if he would like to have his hair back, at no charge, chances are good he will say yes.

Women love their hairstyle and colors. They color it to cover the grey. They put extensions in it so it looks loner and thicker. They may get perms, relaxers or highlights just to change the physical appearance of it. They grow it long, cut it short, or may make a change because they just feel like it.  Hair is often (not always) one of a woman’s key identifying elements.

We often choose our mate by physical attraction. We are all attracted to someone who is well dressed, nice features, smells good, nice physique, or some other physical asset. This is before they even speak!  But the hair is, simply put, the icing on the cake.

If you don’t like your hairstyle, do something about it.  How we see ourselves is often a reflection of our self-confidence and a projection of how we feel inside. So in an image conscious society, think about all the physical details that define you.  Are your shoes shined?  Are your teeth white?  Do you wear clean clothes?  Does your outfit clash?  As your mother used to say, “Is your hair combed?”  Image matters!

Laser for Hair Stimulation

What does laser hair stimulation do? It is non-diffused light that penetrates the scalp about 4 millimeters. This increases blood and oxygen flow to the hair bulb. The idea is to deliver nutrients in the blood stream faster to the hair follicle so that it becomes a fatter, mature hair more quickly. This form of bio stimulation helps increase cell growth and has been used to help heal skin disorders as well.

As cells absorb light, a steady regimen of this should increase hair density by over thirty percent over a nine to twelve month period. We have seen these results in our studio. The downside, however, is if the individual does not use laser on the necessary recommended basis the results will not be as visually apparent. This does work in the majority of cases!

Laser Hair Stimulation

Other benefits include:

  • Will stop DHT hair shedding
  • Pigment reinstatement
  • Better curl retention
  • No heat
  • Repairs and improves hair shaft quality
  • Pain free
  • Stimulates hair follicle and regrowth
  • No side effects

This is a non-invasive therapy that is a type of homeopathy like acupuncture or chiropractic.

Laser has been used for men and women with hereditary hair loss, prescription/medical induced hair thinning, surgical hair restoration healing, and women with post-partum hair loss. We also recommend a topical lotion and an herbal supplement so that with a “three prong” approach, you are affecting your hair systemically (through your bloodstream) with the herb, topically with the lotion and sub-epidermisly with the laser.

The Power of Minoxidil

Minoxidil

Minoxidil is a topical solution some men and women use to treat hair loss. It is available in 2% and 5% concentration and sometimes is available with a higher dosage by prescription only. It can come in liquid or foam form, depending on the fabricator and needs to be applied twice daily. Success is varied though up to 40% of test patients have reported some increase of hair regrowth.

Minoxidil is a vasodilator which means it helps blood flow more freely in your vascular system. As hair is fed by blood the principle is to deliver nutrients to the hair follicle faster to slow down hair loss and increase hair regrowth. Often minoxidil is used with laser therapy and propecia or saw palmetto, thus having multiple regimens concomitantly to slow down hair loss.

It is important that to give any regimen a fair try, the individual must use the product for a minimum of six months to determine its effectiveness. As hair thinning is progressive and takes a long time to become visible, a solution takes time to have any noticeable effect. As each person’s body chemistry is different the efficacy of minoxidil and its results are impossible to predict. All you can do is try!

Finding the Right Fit (For Hair Systems, Wigs, & Hair Pieces)

Non-surgical Hairhair additions are made to augment (supplement) an individual’s hair if they want more density due to thinning, length challenges, or alopecia of some kind.

Sometimes they don’t fit and are too large. Why?

A proper plaster mold or tape template must be taken tightly off the individuals head. It is then sent to the factory where a foam block is made so that there is a hard foam form for base manufacture in terms of size, shape and contour. Occasionally the base of the wig or hair system isn’t made snug to the foam block and the system is “sloppy” and loose.  An experienced technician can size the unit and take tucks in so that the system fits more snugly. Sometimes the system when it is well worn will stretch out and also needs those same tucks.  An analogy would be how socks age after 100 washes! They droop at your ankles as the elastic is worn out and the material is all stretched out.

If the system or wig is too loose when new, sometimes it needs to be remade. Of course I am assuming that the mold was made properly and didn’t stretch out itself.  If the technician is using an old mold, it can deform over time due to exposure to heat and cold. That is why it is necessary to take a new mold from time to time so that the fit is exact when a new order at the factory goes into the foam making stage.

There are other explanations why a system or wig doesn’t fit but the above examples are the primary reasons. Questions?  Email me@hello@eldoradohair.com

Conditioners?

Conditioners

The importance of conditioner on hair systems cannot be underestimated. Conditioner helps the hair “move” more freely as well as untangles matted hair. It allows a comb or brush to move the hair in the desired direction and coats the hair to help strengthen it. BUT do not over condition the hair system. Usually one to two minutes is sufficient.

Over-conditioning the hair can accelerate hair loss due to the conditioner loosening the hair knot in the foundation. Sometimes over conditioning can cause the hair to mat as well. We are talking about conditioners used in the shower. A good leave in conditioner also helps the hair leaving it with a healthy sheen. Look for one that also has sunscreen to help retard fading.

Pay Attention to Your Hairline

hairlinePay Attention to Your Hairline

The front hairline is crucial to making a hair system look real.  If it is too high your forehead may look disproportional to your face. If it is too low, your hairline may scream “HAIRPIECE!” Women, make sure your hair color is slightly lighter around your face – it may soften your facial features.

If you wear your hair with the hair line exposed, make sure you:

#1: Secure the front edge properly.

#2: Make sure density along the hairline is appropriate.

#3: Double-check your hair color is consistent with your temples.

#4: Don’t wear a hairstyle that commands too much attention.

#5: Examine your front hairline haircut – it is less forgiving than the sides, top, or back of the head. It will show density inconsistencies, as well as a poor cut line.

The idea is to have as natural looking a hair system as possible. Ask a close friend or relative their honest opinion. You want the best results for your personal image investment!

The Next Step

If you’d like to discuss your hair replacement options click HERE to book your free consultation. We’d love to answer all of your hair replacement questions!

Make it a great week,

Marty Greenblatt

How to Deal with Tangled Hair

tangled hairHow to Deal with Matted & Tangled Hair

Hair systems can have problems with matting and tangling. The hair can actually bind to itself as if it was working itself into the base. It can also get an elastic feel like a rubber band that is stretched out. Processed hair needs products to make it more manageable. This applies to “live” growing human hair as well as hair in wigs, hair pieces, and hair systems. Tangled hair is not fun to deal with!

A good leave in conditioner will help untangle some of the knotting. Using a conditioner in the shower for about 2 to 3 minutes will help loosen the tangling so it can be brushed out. Using a leave-in conditioner after showering (while the hair is still damp) will also help. Don’t use force when brushing as that will cause hair breakage and fallout. Easy, smooth stokes of a brush, with patience, will alleviate the problem.

Hair styles when wet, not dry so it is helpful to have some water in the hair to help it move and disperse the pray in product better. Hair does not move well when it is dry so make sure you spray water at least 12 inches from your head. The mist will also water down the conditioner, allowing it to “move.” You can use a hair spray to hold the style at that point or even use gel or mouse. You can achieve a wet or dry look depending on what product you use and how much moisture is in your hair.

The Next Step

Interested in learning about hair replacement options? Click HERE to book your free consultation. We’d love to answer all of your hair replacement questions!

Make it a great week,

Marty Greenblatt

Tape or Glue? Choose the Right Adhesive.

adhesivesTape or Glue? Choose the Right Adhesive.

Some people attach their hair systems with tape or adhesive. I am often asked what method to use. Personally I like tape. Tape is essentially “adhesive” deposited on some type of backing. I like it because it is easy to remove. There are a number of tapes available – red tape, blue tape, clear tape, hurricane tape, no messy residue tape, lace tape, brown liner tape, yellow liner tape…the list can go on and on.

So, what about glues or adhesives? There are lots of options: silicone adhesive, acrylic adhesive, latex adhesive, daily wear adhesive, clear adhesive, white adhesive, yellow colored adhesive, thick adhesive, and thin adhesive. So many options can leave you scratching your head and wondering, “What should I use?”

Find the Right Solution for You

Everyone has their own opinion on what adhesive or tape to use. Your skin type can sometimes determine what is best for you. Your choice to be bonded, the amount of hair you have, skin type, manual dexterity, and lifestyle choice will also determine whether you want to use tape or adhesive.

My best recommendation is to consult your hair replacement center professional. They will know what works for you and should be able to give you the knowledge necessary to answer your questions. It all boils down to your hair attachment method being the right fit for your personal lifestyle.

The Next Step

If you’d like to discuss your options click HERE to book your free consultation. We’d love to answer all of your hair replacement questions!

Make it a great week,

Marty Greenblatt

Alopecia 101: Facts & Solutions

alopecia 101: facts & solutionsAlopecia 101: Facts & Solutions

Alopecia is a follicular disorder that affects men and women at any age. It is an auto-immune deficiency that can be triggered at any age due to stress, medication, hormonal imbalance, weight loss or a variety of other reason. It may or may not be hereditary. There are different types of alopecia but we will talk about the two primary types: Alopecia Areata and Alopecia Totalis.

Alopecia Areata is bald or thinning areas on the scalp that occur in random spots. There does not seem to be any consistent pattern to where the balding or thinning may occur. Alopecia Totalis is loss or all of one’s head of hair. Both types are traumatic to the individual as they may have had full head of hair only weeks prior to the occurrence.

Hair Replacement Solutions

Selection of a wig or hair piece is crucial. It is a good idea to match the individual’s original hair color. A similar hairstyle may help them transition during this troubling time. If the individual is a woman and she wears shoulder length hair, it is recommended that the wig be human hair. Most synthetic fibers will fray at the ends and look unnatural over time. Synthetic cannot tolerate friction and will frizz on the end. Unless the person wants to replace the wig frequently to maintain a fresh look, most synthetics will not suffice.

There are different qualities to human hair. Some human hair is thicker in diameter than other hair so it is important to get an education on what type of hair is best for you. Price will be a factor with better quality human hair as well. Human hair has more resilience than synthetic fiber. It can be permed, colored, and tolerate heat – unlike synthetic fiber.

Take the Next Step

Are you ready to get great hair? Speak with a hair professional to get a better idea of what you may need! We’d be happy to answer any questions you may have. Simply click HERE to request your free hair analysis.

Make it a great day,

Marty Greenblatt

How to Choose a Flattering Hairstyle

Flattering hairstyle

How to Choose a Flattering Hairstyle

Whether you are a man or a woman, when wearing a hair system it is important to choose an easy, low maintenance and flattering hair style.

1. Consider Styling Time

Do you spend little time styling your hair? Are you a very busy person with no time to waste? Obviously you need a “wash-and-go” hair style. Are you a man of leisure?  A gentleman farmer with time to kill? Than you can pick a hairstyle that will take a bit of time to get perfect, and hopefully have the wallet to maintain it!

2. Pick an Appropriate Style

Seriously, when choosing a style, be real with yourself.  If you are conservative, it may not be consistent to pick that aging rock star look. If you are a model, maybe longer hair with some “electric” highlights are in order. Most importantly, think about who you are, how much time you spend grooming your hair, and what image you want to convey to your colleagues, customers and friends. 

3. Choose the Right Color + Texture

The same goes for hair color and wave pattern. If you are a mortician, it is unlikely you are going to get fire engine red hair.  If you are 60 years old, that Elvis pompadour may not be appropriate or believable. Finger waves went out in the sixties. You don’t see many Jheri Curls in public. If you are greying, please don’t use too dark a hair color on your hair! Look at your skin tone and if you are very fair in skin tone, blonde may not be the right answer.

Conclusion

The whole key is to have a hair style that compliments your features. Accentuate your eyes, jawline, lips, and nose.  Hair shapes the face, like the frame of a fine painting!

I want to leave you with a question:

What tips do you have for picking the right hairstyle and color?

Make it a great week,

Marty Greenblatt

StatisticsReview of Eldorado Hair Replacement Center