Hair Loss (Part 1)

Losing your hair can be unpleasant and difficult to cope with.  Your best defense on how to deal with these side effects which are causing your hair loss is consulting your medical health team. It may also be difficult to cope with your personal reaction to hair loss. After all, you have lived with your hair for a long time. It is a part of who you are. Now, your hair loss will be a visible sign that something is happening to you. How do you explain it? Do you have to explain it at all? And how will you react to the change in your self -image as a result of hair loss? Dealing with these questions is a challenge to most people. It is a challenge you can now face, and face confidently. For one thing, you know in advance that the hair loss is likely to happen. And you know why. You will not have to explain your hair loss when you plan in advance to do something about it. Take care of this as soon as possible, before the hair loss occurs. Considering hair prostheses or wigs now will allow you to make adjustments to it on your own terms, not when you do not have the choice. It will make the transition easier.

Hair Loss due to Chemotherapy:

Hair loss (alopecia) is a common side effect of chemotherapy, but not all drugs cause hair loss. Your doctor can tell you if hair loss might occur with the drug or drugs you are taking. When hair loss does occur, the hair may become thinner or fall out entirely. Hair loss can occur on all parts of the body, including the head, face, arms and legs, underarms, and pubic area. The natural hair usually grows back after the treatments are over. Some people even start to get their hair back while they are still having treatments. Sometimes, hair may grow back a different color or texture. Hair loss is not always immediate. It may begin several weeks after the first treatment or after a few treatments. Many people say their head becomes sensitive before losing hair. Hair may fall out gradually or in clumps. Any hair that is still growing may become dull and dry.

How can I care for my scalp and hair during chemotherapy?

• Use a mild shampoo.
• Use a soft hair brush.
• Use low heat when drying your hair.
• Have your hair cut short. A shorter style will make your hair look thicker and fuller. It also will make hair loss easier to manage if it occurs.
• Use a sun screen, sun block, hat, or scarf to protect your scalp from the sun if you lose hair on your head.
• Avoid brush rollers to set your hair.
• Avoid applying dyes, perms, or relaxers to your hair.

Some people who lose all or most of their hair choose to wear turbans, scarves, caps, wigs, or hair pieces. Others leave their head uncovered. Still others switch back and forth, depending on whether they are in public or at home with friends and family members. There are no "right" or "wrong" choices; do whatever feels comfortable for you. If you choose to cover your head, purchase your wig or hairpiece before you lose a lot of hair. That way, you can match your current hair style and color. You may be able to buy a wig or hairpiece at a specialty salon just for cancer patients. You also can buy a wig or hair piece by contacting us, TrinityLacewigs.Com, online at www.trinitylacewigs.com or by phone at 210-858-8554. Take your full lace wig to your hairdresser for styling and cutting to frame your face.

Some health insurance policies cover the cost of a hairpiece needed because of cancer treatment. It is also a tax-deductible expense. Be sure to check your policy and ask your doctor for a "prescription." Please see the Medical and Insurance Claims information within our blog for more information. Losing hair from your head, face, or body can be hard to accept. Feeling angry or depressed is common and perfectly understandable. At the same time, keep in mind that it is a temporary side effect. Talking about your feelings can help. If possible, share your thoughts with someone who has had a similar experience.

Why Black Women Are Losing Their Hair (A Recommendation)

Why (Black) Women Are Losing Their Hair

Hair loss is reaching epidemic numbers.  Millions of women and men suffer from hair thinning and balding.  

Even prior to my training in Trichology as a stylist, I noticed that more and more of prospective clients were calling for help because they could no longer conceal their hair loss.

This was the start of my unquenchable desire to learn as much as I could about why women are losing their hair.  Trichology certification (at that time) seemed like an impossible feat, so i started learning about the causations of losing hair with a book.

This is a recent photo of me holding up one of the best resources I used early on before my Trichology practice.  Yes, I am surprised that the book cover is still in tact, LOL! :-) Recently, I had a conversation with a stylist who was inquiring on some basic symptoms one of her clients was having with her hair.  I started asking questions and relating them to the structure of the hair shaft, the hair growth cycle and some prelimary information about what was causing the Trichorrhexis Nodosa (or hair breakage).

She was impressed, I was flattered; however, I remember how I learned the basics of hair and the causations of hair loss with a book I purchased and studied sooo long ago.  This book was so impressionable that I have even shared it with some of my more savy clients who wanted to be in partnership with me on their journey to regain their hair.  It can be appreciated by both the professional stylist and the client.

This book has been in my (arsenal) library for close to two decades and I highly recommend it.  If you are interested learning more about the book, check here: Why Black Women Are Losing Their Hair

As always, wishing you the best.  What do you have to lose but more hair!

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The Four (4) C's of Wig Selection

If you are new to wigs and need help in deciding on which one is best suited for you, let me introduce you to the Four (4) C’s of choosing commercial hair. Like selecting a diamond, choosing a wig requires some understanding and appreciation for details.

In my world, diamonds are a girl’s best friend and so are wigs and I understand and appreciate both :-) :

1 CUT – Choose a flattering cut and style

2 CAP (size) – Determine the correct size wig for a comfortable fit. 95% of clients can wear average (stock) size; however, there are those who require a petite or large size.

3 COMPOSITION – Determine whether Human hair or Synthetic hair is the right choice for you. There are pros and cons to both.

4 COLOR – Always conduct a color consultation to determine the most complimentary color for your client.

And if I were to suggest another “C” make sure to properly CARE and maintain your wigs.

How To Apply

Purchasing a Wig
Step1
Measure your head (Click here for measurements). Take the following measurements: circumference of head (which measures around the hairline), front to nape, from ear to ear across the forehead, from ear to ear over the top of the head, temple to temple around the back of the head, and across the nape of the neck.
 
Step 2
Use these measurements when purchasing the lace wig. Depending on your measurement, you can decide if you can use a stock wig or if you need to purchase a custom wig. This is very important for a realistic looking wig with a tight hold. 


Step 3
Shop for wigs in person to ensure that you are getting good quality. After you have educated yourself on what to expect in a wig and what to ask for, you may decide to purchase your lace wig online. A good wig can cost anywhere from $250 - $1,000.
 
Preparing the Lace Wig
Step 1Cut the excess lace off the wig leaving about ¼ inch of lace around the hairline. Take your time and do this very carefully so as not to remove too much or too little lace.

Step 2
Turn the wig inside out and spray the inside of the cap with a knot sealer, such as Seal the Knots, then blow-dry the lace wig to seal the knots. Repeat this process 3 times. This will extend the life of your wig.

Step 3
Pre-fit the wig on your head to determine where it will lay on your head.

Step 4Braid the hair on the head in cornrows to have the hair lie flat on the head.

Step 5Trim the hairline around the head to remove hairline hair. This should be done with a clipper or razor so that the wig is applied to a smooth hairless surface (optional).

Step 6Apply alcohol around the hairline to remove any natural oils from your skin.

Applying the Lace Wig
Step 1
Apply adhesives around the front of the hairline using the adhesive applicator. Using the adhesive application brush, smooth out hair around the front of the hairline. Allow this adhesive to dry for 7 to 10 minutes before proceeding. Depending upon the glue you may want to apply the wig on 1/4 of your head at a time.
 
Step 2
When the glue for the first section is dry, apply the wig to that area starting at the center of the forehead and then working to the right and the left. Stick the wig to the glue 1 inch at a time. 

Step 3
As you place the edge of the wig in the glue, rub your finger in a circular motion to make the wig stick and give the appearance of baby hair coming from the scalp, which will make the wig look more natural.
 
Step 4
Proceed to the sides of the head and back hairlines in the same manner, after the front of the wig is applied. Repeat Steps 1 - 3 until the entire head is completed.

Step 5Trim and style the wig as needed. Treat your wig as you would your own hair, covering it at night before you go to bed and following manufacturing instructions for care.

Hair Club

                                          Hair Club

What is a hair club?  A hair club is one option that many people consider when they decide to take action or deal with their hair loss.  These hair clubs have gained much popularity due to their numerous advertisements, television infomercials, magazine and internet ads.

This option is usually a very expensive and time consuming choice.

Once you commit to a hair club you are signing up for a long-term service with both up-front and on-going expenses.  The best option is to purchase your very own hair unit directly.  When you purchase your own hair unit, you can take care of your hair needs personally in the comfort of your own home.

The majority of hair clubs require that you sign a contract.  Once you are a member of a hair club, you are obligated to rely on them for all of your hair care services.  As the owner of your own hair unit, you are no longer committed to making expensive appointments for maintenance.  You can maintain your personal hair needs on your own, anytime!

At Trinity Lace Wigs, we do not have contracts.  If you already own a hair unit, provide us the information to duplicate your unit at a fraction of the cost.  If you don't...do not worry; we are here to assist you in choosing the right unit for you.   No matter who you are we can help.

Wiggin’ It For Fun

Wigs can be an essential part of any healthy hair regimen. Many women wear them when they need to give their hair a break from manipulation and over-styling, or during extended periods of extreme weather that can cause their hair to dry out. Wigs and extensions are part of their arsenal of protective styles, but in order to reap the full benefits of wearing them, they should steer clear of the following unhealthy practices.

Wearing them too long

Yes, we get it - wigs are very convenient! Many women love the fact that they can wake up with bed head and 5 minutes later walk out the door with hair on fleek. Wigs save time, but if worn extensively they can actually become damaging from neglecting the health of your actual hair. Wearing wigs doesn’t mean you should neglect your natural tresses. Give your hair a break from wigs about every three weeks.

Medical Grade Adhesives/Tapes

Wigs can be an amazing alternative and protective style. However, attaching wigs directly to a healthy hairline is a recipe for disaster and actually defeats the purpose of protective styling. Adhesives can tear your hair out from the roots or cause damage at the shaft. To avoid this, use glue-less wigs that you can easily attach on and off seamlessly matching your hairline.

Remind your clients to be responsible when wearing wigs as an alternative or protective style.  If they aren’t suffering from any hair loss issues, you want to ensure they never will.  Have fun, wiggin’ out! 

Trinity Lace Wigs' FAQ(s) - Part 2

8. What is the difference between Swiss and French Lace?
 

Each lace wig unit is constructed from either French or Swiss Lace. French Lace is more durable and may last better over time. It is less detectable and not as delicate as the Swiss Lace. Swiss Lace is slightly less detectable than the French Lace. With this being said, it is also less durable and easier to rip. TrinityLacewigs.Com stock lace wig units come constructed from French Lace. However, those skilled at the application of lace wig units sometime prefer the Swiss Lace. We recommend the use of French Lace for beginners and those who may not be comfortable with the delicate nature of the Swiss Lace.
 

9. How do I apply my lace wig?
 

TrinityLacewigs.Com units are applied with a special adhesive or tape that is safe for human skin. The adhesive secures the hair unit along the hairline. The adhesive disappears into the lace front and creates the illusion of hair growing directly out of your scalp. The adhesive IS NOT used directly on the hair. You may also purchase heavy duty adhesives or tape tabs to secure your wigs. We sell the highest quality adhesive on our website. The lace wig units are easy to attach. Your unit will come with FREE instructions on how to apply and care for your unit. We accept no responsibility for the manner in which this product is applied, used or misused.
***If this is your first time using a TrinityLacewigs.Com unit, we recommend you purchase both the adhesive and remover at the time the wig is purchased.
 

10. How long will the adhesive hold?
 

The average hold time is 1 to 6 weeks. This may vary depending on your skin type - the adhesive will not last as long on oily skin. There are several types of adhesives to choose from. If you exercise regularly or will be swimming in your lace wig unit, you may want a more durable adhesive. A Maximum Hold adhesive provides a 3 to 6 week hold. Regular hold adhesives are normally daily wear adhesives which provide a 2 to 10 day hold. These adhesive would be recommended for touch-ups. Consider your need carefully before selecting an adhesive. Choose a wig adhesive remover that works with nearly all hair adhesives. Check out our link toAdhesives/Supplies.
 

11. I am very active, can a lace wig be worn while swimming or exercising?
 

Your TrinityLacewigs.Com unit can be worn like your natural hair. You can engage in all your normal activities including swimming and exercising while wearing your wig. You should wait a minimum of 24 hours after application before allowing the hair to become wet.

 

12. Can my hair replacement unit be parted?
 

Yes, your TrinityLacewigs.Com unit is constructed as a full lace unit and made with a "freestyle part" which allows the wig to be parted anywhere. However, a front lace unit only offers frontal parting where the lace is constructed.
 

13. How long will my wig last?
 

With proper care and maintenance, your TrinityLacewigs.Com unit may last up to two to five years.  You will receive instructions on lace wig care with your purchase.
 

14. Can I return an item for a refund?
 

NO REFUNDS!! NO EXCEPTIONS. SEE POLICY INFORMATION REGARDING EXCHANGE POLICY. Due to the personal nature of the product, we must adhere to a strict policy on returns and exchanges. This is a necessary health precaution.