Shear Pointe Blog

Turn Hair Loss into Your Dream Come True

shearpointe — Thu, 17 May 2012 14:53:24 +0000

When we talk about hair loss it is often in the context of how to survive it, to recover from it, or deal with the physical and emotional impacts of it. However, hair loss can actually be viewed as an opportunity to reinvent yourself.

Jennifer Lopez, eat your heart out! Think about it. Many women simply accept the hair they were born with and remain confined to the color, texture or length with only minor alterations here and there—an occasional cut, dye or straightener. But if you are a woman experiencing female hair loss (whether genetic or medically realated), you have the chance to go drastic with a beautiful investment in a full cap 100% human hair wig, hair additions, or hair extensions.

You can even go for that daring cut you’ve been thinking about for months or years. Now you can go for that celebrity style you’ve always dreamed of but were too nervous to experiment with.

Jennifer Lopez’s long and lush look: Jennifer Lopez’s hair is well known for being golden blond, long and wavy. She often achieves this look by layering hair extensions at different levels in her hair depending on whether she is going for big and bouncy, straight and sleek, or wavy and round. But to get that J-Lo look, you needn’t spend hours at the salon or risk further damage to your hair if you are already in some stage of hair loss. There are many options for full cap custom made 100% human hair wigs that still allow you the Jennifer Lopez fullness. Whether you choose a full lace or a suction cap you can create a custom wig designed to your specifications, to fit your head with your styling choices. Search for a hairloss expert in your area who can decide which wig is the right choice for you.

Ashley Simpson and the short look: Last year, Ashley Simpson made many appearances with a short blond haircut. This is a sleek and simple look with a side part, hair long at the top, with a nice swooping bang combed to the front. It can work with any color and is a style perfect for women with fine, thinning hair, or female pattern hair loss mainly at the crown of their head. You are able to manipulate the part and lengths at different points on your head. This way you can take full advantage of those areas where your hair is thickest and camouflage those areas that might be thinning.

Alek Wek and the extremely short look: The bald look for women can be truly striking. Supermodel Alek Wek started her career with a completely bald head and hasn’t let her hair exceed more than a ¼ inch long since. Alek’s great bone structure has allowed her to don this distinct look. But she is in company with many actresses who over the years have opted to keep their bald heads as a high fashion statement after removing their hair for one role or another. The most popular are Sigorney Weaver, Demi Moore and more recently Natalie Portman. Even the partially shaved head on celebrities like Cassie and Rihana are gaining popularity. Admittedly, these styles are on the edgy-side of the spectrum. But if you are in the position to be bold and in the mood to be experimental this look could be an option for you.

Regardless of what you ultimately choose, remember to stay open to the possibilities and enjoy the process. Remember, hair is supposed to be fun! Hair loss doesn’t have to be painful. On the contrary, the experience can be entirely transformed if you transform your perspective!

Powerful Women Like Short Hair?

shearpointe — Wed, 09 May 2012 13:03:38 +0000

Have you ever noticed that some of the most powerful and wealthy women in the world have short hair? A great example is Hillary Clinton on her 2008 presidential campaign. If you notice, Hillary’s hair was often shoulder length or longer until right before she announced her campaign to run for the first female president of the United States. If you start to look deeper at some of the world’s wealthiest women you’ll also notice that many of them keep their hair well above their shoulders. Here a few examples:

(1) Liliane Bettencourt, founder of L’Oréal, one of the world’s largest cosmetics and beauty companies is on the list of wealthiest woman. She is worth over $24 billion. She decided to cut her hair at the end of World War I when short hairstyles became fashionable, and still has short hair today.

Susanne Klatten

(2) Susanne Klatten inherited a stake in automaker BMW from late father Herbert Quandt and is worth thirteen billion dollars. She has made slight changes to her hair over the years, occasionally adding or removing a bang or part, but has always kept it quite short and strikingly blond.

(3) Rosalía Mera Goyenechea is one of the richest women in Spain and is listed on Forbes.com as one of the wealthiest people in the world. She is a clothing and lingerie designer whose net worth is $4.5 billion. Even with her sandy blond highlights, her hair has never been longer than a few inches!

(4) Politician Mayawati is the President of the Bahujan Samaj Party in India and Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh, one of India’s most populous and influential states. She is one of the most powerful women in the world. Her style remains masculine as she combs her hair back with a simple side part.

On the Forbes list of 100 most powerful women in the world, about two thirds of the women have short hair. Could this be a coincidence? Certainly hair-length is not a measure of power. The US magazine has measured “power” as a composite of public profile, calculated using press mentions, and financial heft. So the question becomes why does short hair seem to go hand and hand with power? Do women cut their hair on the road to success?

There are several possibilities. There is a trend that encourages women to dress conservatively, wear only light make-up, and to wear little or no perfume in the business world. Perhaps the hair cut is among these features that tend toward masculine norms. Those more masculine tendencies are often more closely associated with authority. Additionally, long hair is often associated with beauty, as we see with most of our celebrities, actresses, singers, and models. Thus to distinguish themselves, businesswomen may opt for an alternative short look. Some may even say that these powerful women prefer to keep their hair short just for the sake of convenience. As long hair requires more maintenance, the women in the corporate world choose something short for its ease. What have you found in your experience? Does short hair help you in your career?

References:

Forbes.com, Economic Times

The Sunshine Vitamin

shearpointe — Tue, 24 Apr 2012 12:58:36 +0000

Vitamin D is an essential vitamin to assist in your body’s functioning. The National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) found that 7.6 million children were vitamin D deficient and 50.8 million were vitamin D insufficient. Juhi Kumar, M.D., M.P.H., a fellow in pediatrics at Children’s Hospital at Montefiore Medical Center, The University Hospital and Academic Medical Center for Albert Einstein College of Medicine, stated, “we expected the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency would be high, but the magnitude of the problem nationwide was shocking.” Given these jarring statistics, it is clear that we need to be proactive in ensuring that we provide our body with the vitamins necessary for it to succeed.

Why is it Vitamin D Important?

Vitamin D for humans is obtained from exposure to sunlight, food, and dietary supplements. There are a number of benefits associated with Vitamin D, which is sometimes referred to as the “sunshine vitamin.” According to the National Institute of Health, an important job of vitamin D is to regulate calcium levels in the body. People who are exposed to normal quantities of sunlight do not need vitamin D supplements because sunlight promotes sufficient vitamin D synthesis in the skin.

Vitamin D also helps the body stay immune to the common cold. By regulating calcium in the body, Vitamin D helps bones to grow and to stay healthy. According to Dr. Sahelian and other physicians around the globe, Vitamin D helps to keep away depression symptoms. Furthermore, it is an agent that facilitates weight loss. Usage of Vitamin D in moderate or recommended quantities by your doctor may help keep away small illnesses like the common cold and other more serious health issues. Consider visiting your doctor to see if your vitamin D levels are acceptable.

Healthy Bones, Proteins, and Immune System

We all know the important role that bones play in the human body. Not only do we need them but also they’ve got to be strong. According to the National Institute of Health, vitamin D helps your bones maintain the right nutrition levels essential to a healthy life style. Vitamin D may become especially important for older adults whose bones are likely more brittle and fragile. Vitamin D also helps the body to keep proteins and salt levels on track. This allows your body parts to receive the desired level of nutrition.

The American Cancer Society reports that studies suggest that risk of developing some types of cancer is lower for people who have higher levels of vitamin D in the body. Proper vitamin D intake may improve the immune system and reduce the probability of falling victim to many common and uncommon viruses.

Major Vitamin D Sources

Major sources of Vitamin D include milk, dairy products, cereals, eggs, cod liver oil, some sea food products, and others. The most important and easily accessible source of vitamin D is taken for granted: sunlight. Exposure to the sun is a natural, moderate way is an ideal way for you to get your fix of vitamin D. However, the American Cancer Society reminds us that prolonged exposure to sunlight can place you at risk for skin cancer. Therefore, make sure you use sunscreen along with appropriate clothing when heading out to catch some rays.

Talking to Friends and Family about Your Hair Loss

shearpointe — Wed, 18 Apr 2012 13:06:25 +0000

Hair loss is a part of life for many women that impacts the relationships we have with our family, friends, and colleagues. Many people who haven’t experienced hair loss may not understand the challenge of having conversations with loved ones about hair loss. However, if you’re in the thick of it, I’m sure you know the importance of being prepared both mentally and emotionally for these conversations. Friends and family can be great supporters when they understand how and when to help.

Female Hair Loss

Women experience hair loss for a wide variety of reasons. For many, medical treatment such as chemotherapy has caused temporary hair loss. For others, hair loss occurred spontaneously and will not re-grow. Women often experience anxiety as a result of their hair loss because of concerns around the judgment of others. Many women have tried conventional and alternative solutions to help their hair grow. However, these solutions may not have worked at all or they only worked moderately and only serve to increase a sense of isolation and helplessness.

The Psychosocial Problem

Research has demonstrated that the emotional and mental issues that surface after hair loss may be more impactful than the hair loss itself. According to David H. Kingsley, PhD., research shows that hair loss often results in lowered self-esteem, increased depression and anxiety, perceived lack of self-control, and avoidance of social gatherings. While many respondents experienced these symptoms in different intensities and with varying duration, a problem experienced by many was the lack of support from friends and family.

Feeling loved, validated, and understood by the people in your life is a vital part of keeping yourself happy and healthy in the face of life’s difficulties, including female hair loss.

Help from Your Support System

Dr. Kinglsey suggests that family and friends must take the hair loss seriously. Women especially benefit from the unconditional support of their closest friends and family to walk through this difficult time together. Additionally, your physician and hair care consultants can provide encouragement and a listening ear. However, the only way that people in your life will know how to help is if you talk with them about your feelings and tell them the best way to support you.

You can begin a conversation by sharing how your hair loss began and describing the effects it has had on your life. Make sure to discuss the emotional impact of the hair loss, specifically speaking to the effects on your relationships. You can explore your reactions to hair loss by thinking through how the stress has changed across time, in different contexts, and with different people.

After you share your side of the story it is then the responsibility of your friends and family members to give a voice to their emotions and thoughts. They may have concerns and ideas that they, too, want to talk about concerning your hair loss. Listen empathically to your loved ones and offer support. Once you have both shared your emotions and reactions, there is common ground to move forward.

How to Feel Sexy After Hair Loss

shearpointe — Tue, 10 Apr 2012 12:56:50 +0000

Female hair loss is a growing issue in the United States and elsewhere. According to Alopecia Studies & Hair Loss Alopecia Information, 40% of women by the age of 50 years old will show signs of hair loss. Hair loss is an increasing problem for women; however, it doesn’t have to be a beauty problem. Does staying sexy after hair loss sound impossible? Well rest assured, it most certainly is possible to stay sexy, even if you’re hair is thin or balding. Hairstyle is an important part of how we see ourselves as women. The common expression, “a first impression is the last impression,” may also ring true for your hairstyle. Once people see your style, they may never forget. Therefore, it’s important to be the confident, sexy person you are from the inside out.

Identification of the Problem

If you’re worried about hair thinning, begin to check your pillow in the morning. The friction between your head and the pillow can pull out your hair, especially if the hair is loosely attached to your scalp. Also, look in the shower drain and hairbrush and measure how much hair you’re losing. If you see hairless patches on your head, that is a clear message that the hair loss has begin. However, it does not happen overnight so keep track of your hair thinning so you aren’t caught by surprise if bald patches appear. If you notice more hairs on your pillow or brush than normal, it’s time to take precautionary measures. If you see that hair thinning and baldness has occurred, start checking out options for hair care and repair. Success is not guaranteed, but you should still visit a hair care professional to avoid more loss than necessary.

Don’t hide the patches

When people begin to experience hair loss or thinning, the first response is usually to cover up the balding spot by combing hair in a way to hide it. This isn’t your only option! Visit a hair loss consultant near you to learn about other options, such as wigs and hair extensions. Also, you can check out various magazines and online sites that offer alternatives that are a perfect fit for your style and life.

Cuts Your Locks

A common misconception held by many women with thinning hair is that growing it long will hide it. Unfortunately, long hair tends to highlight thinning and bald patches more than a shorter cut. Many women also fear that if they cut their hair it won’t grow back. Instead of getting a trim, they go months without a haircut. This can cause other problems such as split ends and damaged hair. Regardless of how fast (or slow) your hair grows, resolve to make a date with your hairdresser every six weeks for a quick trim. If your hair is beginning to thin, take a trip to your local Transitions hair loss studio or clinic and check out the many hair loss treatment options available there, including topical hair loss control products and FDA approved laser hair therapy.

The Clean Shave

This option is certainly not for the faint of heart. If bald patches on your head are too large or numerous to cover or camouflage, consider shaving your head clean of all hair. A clean, shaven head is not the end of the world. You can still pull off the sexy factor without hair. When you are completely bald, you also have the option of using a vacuum wig. This is a wig that attaches to your scalp via a vacuum seal. To learn more about this amazing alterative for active lifestyle women, make an appointment to see a trusted hair loss professional near you.

Most of us know how important a stylish ‘do can be for a first impression, which is why we spend so much time and money on hair care and products. While losing hair can be difficult, almost all of us have to face it in different stages of our lives. There are several things you can do to look sexy even after losing your locks. When hair begins to thin, don’t hesitate. Seek out a trusted hair loss professional and discover a whole new, sexy you.

Hair Extensions That Work For YOU

shearpointe — Fri, 06 Apr 2012 13:36:28 +0000

The technology around the applications of hair extensions has become very sophisticated. Hair extensions are now available for women of different ethnicities and with different hair types almost completely indiscriminately. Really, it’s just about finding the application that is best for you. The basics: Hair extensions can be made of a many different materials, including synthetic materials (which are the least expensive), horsehair (believe it or not), and other synthetic materials. The best hair extensions, of course, have always been made with virgin European 100% human hair extensions. These look, feel, move like natural human hair, because that’s exactly what they are. Most human hair used in hair extensions comes from women in Southeast Asia or India who may sell their long ponytails or they may shave it in religious sacrifice. The hair in both cases is gathered and sold to companies or individuals that then resell it to distributors who wash and sort it. It then exported to the US and elsewhere. Hair extensions can be a good way to make a change or add volume with minimal damage to your natural hair. Contact a hair replacement expert in your area for more information on finding out which type of hair extensions are right for you.

Hair Care Products: Does the Brand Name Really Matter?

shearpointe — Tue, 03 Apr 2012 12:56:09 +0000

We’ve all experienced those moments in the supermarket, pharmacy or department store when its time to choose a new hair care product. We begin to ask ourselves, “What’s the difference between these two brands?” and follow it up with, “is the difference really worth that much more? It’s all soap anyway, right?” Well, in fact choosing the store brand, or other significantly less expensive hair products can actually make a difference in performance. Bargain shopping is always a wise route, but when it comes to hair treatment, cheaper is not always better.

In a conversation with professional hairstylist, Nicole Brown, she described situations that she often encounters with her clients concerning saving money. One of these situations includes clients being concerned with trying to save on hair care. One particular client said that one of the things that she would do was wash her hair at home first before coming into the salon for her appointment. At home, the client would use cheap products to wash her hair. Brown warned her client on several occasions about the dangers of washing her hair with cheap, uncertified products. Doing so can damage and break your hair. The client didn’t listen and continued to go on compromising the quality of her products. Unfortunately, over time her client’s hair began to break off dramatically and became weak and thin. Her long hair had to be cut short to give it time to rebuild itself.

Choosing the right hair care products if you are wearing a wig or hair replacement system can be even more challenging, since you are now dealing with non-growing hair as well as your own natural growing hair. In this instance, it is wise to consult with your hair replacement studio or clinic for a recommendation. They are familiar with your own natural hair type, as well as your wig or hair replacement system, your lifestyle, your level of personal activity and a host of other factors, and can make a professionally informed recommendation that you will be happy with and can live with for a long time.

Inexpensive (i.e. cheap) products can keep money in your pocket in the short-term. Maintaining healthy hair, particularly if you are wearing a hair replacement system, a hair integration, or wig not only ensures that your hair will look it’s best, but it also ensures that your investment in yourself and your hair is being well taken care of.

Good Hair and Bad Hair: Re-examining the Beauty Myth

shearpointe — Wed, 28 Mar 2012 13:06:55 +0000

According to the National Cancer Institute there are over 5,000 chemicals that are used in hair products that are reported to be carcinogenic. Other chemicals that are used in coloring, permanents, perms, bleaching, and relaxing products, may damage hair cause breakage. These products may also lead to dry and unhealthy hair. Some holistic health professionals and dermatologists suggest that using these products on a limited basis may not cause permanent damage, but using them consistently may not be healthy and could lead to seriously damaged hair. However, people continue to use these products in the pursuit of beauty, or, more specifically, “good hair.”

What exactly is “Good Hair?”

There are about 100,000 hairs on the average human scalp. Human hair comes in many colors, shapes and types. Hair can be curly, course, straight, wavy, kinky, long, short, brown, blond, red, black, gray, and white. Regardless of ethnicity or hair type, the fundamental composition of hair is the same. So, what makes one better than the other, if it is all the same substance?

The dispute on what is good hair and what is bad hair and what is deemed beautiful has been debated for a millennia. Societal practices and customs have determined what is perceived as good or bad hair and what is thought to be beautiful hair. These ideas come from preconceived notions and societally determined values of beauty. It is heavily reinforced though the media and in popular culture. Fashion designer Zahiyya Abdul-Karim, owner of Region, a small apparel company that promotes natural beauty for women, added her thoughts to the good/bad hair debate. “The only good hair is healthy hair. Adding chemicals to hair makes it weak and damages the hair. The less chemicals you use, the better off your hair will be.”

Good hair does not just stop at the locks on your head. Physicians on the website WebMD argue, “when it comes to healthy hair, it’s not just what you put on your tresses that count—it’s what you put in your body, too.” The best way to have healthy hair is through having a balanced lifestyle and diet. The use of natural and organic hair lotions and moisturizes can be a start. Eating balanced meals and following a diet plan is another important part of taking care of your body. And when you care for your body, your hair will reap the benefits.

Having a positive attitude about yourself is helpful for your self-esteem and overall well-being. If you can look in the mirror every morning and appreciate the beauty in front of you, it’s one step in the direction to loving yourself. Beauty may be a debated hot topic for the next 100,000 years. But the most important thing embracing your own innate beauty, taking good care of yourself and your hair, and just simply “embracing the journey.”

References:

“Hair dyes and cancer risk reviewed”. National Cancer Institute. 10 Aug. 2011 http://cancer.gov

U.S. Department of Health & Human Services NATIONAL INSTITUTES OF HEALTH. http://www.nih.gov/

Parker, Hilary. “Top10 the food for healty hair”. WebMD (2012) http://www.webmd.com/healthy-beauty/features/top-10-foods-for-healthy-hair

Interview

Zahiyya Abdul-Karim, owner of Region, 11 Feb, 2012. www.regionusa.com

Staying Healthy During Flu Season

shearpointe — Wed, 21 Mar 2012 15:30:01 +0000

According to WebMD, the best way to protect yourself during Flu season is to build a strong immune system either by healthy living, adequate diet or vaccination. Surprisingly, it doesn’t take much to keep yourself healthy and happy. However, in order to keep your immune system strong you have to take a few conscientious steps. If healthy habits are accompanied by appropriate diet, going through the flu season without getting sick is certainly possible. There are a few simple lifestyle changes that you can make to help keep the flu away from you and your family.

Getting the Right Nutrition

According to the National Institute of Health, what we eat is very important for building our immune system. A diet comprised of seasonal fruits and vegetables can help keep a person healthy. Nature does not work in random ways; the fruits and vegetables that are in season can be part of your daily meals and snacks. Try to cut down on processed foods in order to help you have well-rounded meals.

Fluids are for You

The Center for Disease Control suggests drinking plenty of water when you have the flu. However, your diligent water drinking doesn’t have to start when you get a nasty bug. If you drink water everyday, your chances of getting the flu are less than if you are dehydrated. Carry around a water bottle and make sure you’re filling it up throughout your day. If you work in an office that tends to be warm, freeze your water the night before and drink cool, refreshing water all day long.

Exercise

Exercise is always recommended because it keeps your body strong and active. A strong and active body usually includes a strong immune system. Recent medical findings suggest that a moderate amount of daily exercise will lead to a sustained body response in the face of illness. Therefore, if you’re not already hitting the gym, now might be the perfect time to start. If you’re not sure where to start, consider purchasing a membership to a gym, starting a home exercise program (there are plenty of DVDs out there), or talking a short walk outside. Remember to consult with your doctor before beginning a new exercise regimen.

Treating Yourself and Your Hair

shearpointe — Fri, 09 Mar 2012 18:35:59 +0000

Keeping your hair healthy and shiny takes planning and commitment. It’s really easy for your hair to get the short end of the beauty stick. But, if you take just a few extra minutes during your hair care routine, it can make a different in the way you look and feel. Try some of the suggestions below to give yourself and your hair a special treat.

Shampoo Less. Avoid washing your hair every day. Washing is an important part of hair care, but if you do it too frequently you could end up damaging your hair. Aim to wash your hair every other day or even every three days if you can. “Hair looks its best when the natural oils from the scalp are allowed to reach the ends,” says Sally Hershberger, executive style director for John Frieda/Sheer Blonde. Even though the shampoo bottles advise you to “rinse and repeat”, washing only one time will get your hair as clean as it needs to be.

Brush Gently. After you’ve found a brush that is right for your hair type, texture, and density, brush your hair gently. After you’ve washed your hair, run your fingers through it to untangle the knots. Allow your hair to dry and then take a wide-toothed comb and run it through your hair, beginning close to the ends and away from the roots. Begin at the ends and work your way up. “Anything more than that is unnecessary friction, which can lead to breakage,” says Amy J. McMichael, M.D., an associate professor of dermatology at Wake Forest University School of Medicine, in Winston-Salem, North Carolina.

Treat Dandruff. If those little white flakes are getting the best of you, don’t mask them. Treat them. Dandruff is obviously not a life threatening disease, but it can worsen if it’s not treated. Start by visiting your local drug store and purchase two or three shampoos designed to treat dandruff. You may have to experiment a little bit until you find one that works for you. Once you find the product that rids your hair of dandruff, make sure you keep searching for at least one more product that works, too. Often, your favorite shampoo will stop working if you’ve used it too frequently. Therefore, it’s always a good idea to have an alternate shampoo at the ready.

Consider purchasing a quality wig. Picture exactly how you’d like your hair to look. Think of every little detail—color, texture, length, cut, feel. You could have your perfect dream hairstyle at the snap of your fingers. Quality human hair wigs range in price, style, and texture. Purchasing a wig that is made specifically for you could be the one saving grace that gets you through bad hair days and makes you feel better.

Having beautiful hair is a huge self-confidence booster. Similarly, when your hair is not as shiny, full, or sexy as you’d like, your self-esteem can take a major hit.

Sometimes busyness can trick you into thinking you don’t have time to take care of your hair. However, if you take just a few minutes every day to give your hair some TLC, you can move closer to the type of hair that you want.