Kayla Martell had competed five times for the title of Miss Delaware. The first three times she competed without a wig and the final two times she competed with a blond wig, including the final competition in which she was crowned Miss Delaware. In her interview with CBSnews, Miss Martell stated, “when I competed without the wig it was great because I was really representing who I am.”

She often expresses that she feels as comfortable with her wigs as she does without them. In fact, she states that she didn’t even own a wig until she began wearing it for competition. On a daily basis, doing things like shopping, spending time with friends, and working out, Kayla proudly sports her clean-shaven head, or the very short fuzzy style that grows naturally. For this reason she felt no conflict in competing with her wig in the National Miss America contest. She easily removes and reaffixes her wig on television and claims that family support and her position as a role model is what gives her the confidence to compete and be herself.

Just as she appears in public spaces both with and without her wig, she encourages women and girls to make that decision for themselves with no moral right or wrong attached to their choice. Her blog, Kalya’s Corner, aims to create “a safe space,” entertain and also raise awareness about “the many causes of women’s hair loss.” She offers advice, insights, and creates a forum for women and children who suffer from hair loss to ask questions and benefit from her experience. Also in her blog, she addresses varied topics from whether or not there should be a bald Barbie, to interviewing women undergoing chemotherapy.

This young woman shows us that we’re able to pursue our passions and desires fearlessly. Once you are able to embrace your hair loss and view yourself as beautiful, desirable, even a role model to other women, others will be able to view you in that light. It’s not only a matter of inner beauty it’s also a matter of letting what is inside, how you feel about yourself, show through on the outside.

External Links: Kayla’s Corner Blog

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!

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.

Alopecia areata causes hair loss in patches. Many people struggle with the unpredictability of alopecia areata. The condition impacts each person differently. One person may loose a small patch of hair on the back of his or her head whereas another person may be completely bald. For some, hair will grow back entirely. For others, hair loss could be permanent. Given the uncertainty of the disease, a child or young teenager doesn’t need another burden like bullying.

“We were not overly surprised to learn that children with a disability are more vulnerable to bullying, because of a lower self-esteem, sometimes differences in appearance or because they have special needs,” said researcher Mariane Sentenac, of the University Paul Sabatier in Toulouse, France. If your child is working through the psychological effects of alopecia or hair loss in any of it’s many and varied forms, assisting your child in building alternate support networks is critical. Sentenac says, “In my view, good relations with teachers and parents could play an important role in preventing and detecting bullying behaviors between students because they are in a position to observe two different aspects of the adolescent’s life.”

Parents can also support children by being actively involved in their children’s lives. When parents understand the emotional and psychological impact of bullying on their children’s well-being, there is room for communication. “Improving parent-child communication and parental involvement with their children could have a substantial impact on child bullying,” said Rashmi Shetgiri, MD, MSHS, lead author of a study on bullying. Parents can begin facilitating conversations with their child in a way that empowers the child and leaves space for the child to share his/her story.

Although many young alopecia sufferes report that they “got used to” the taunts at school, this is far from ideal. Children should never feel unsafe at school or become accustomed to daily bullying.

Nothing is more important than the emotional, physical, and psychological safety of your child. Creating safe spaces to talk at home, building social networks for your child, and advocating for your child’s safety are all ways that you can help fight bullying and it’s effects.

References:
Sentenac M, et al. Victims of bullying among students with a disability or chronic illness and their peers: a cross-national study between Ireland and France. J Adol Health online, 2010.

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 hairpiece 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 keep the hairpiece clean? 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.

What is dandruff? According to MediLexicon, dandruff is “the presence, in varying amounts, of white or gray scales in the hair of the scalp, due to excessive or normal exfoliation of the epidermis.” The most common sign of dandruff is white flakes on the scalp and in the hair. The white flakes become most noticeable when they fall on the person’s shoulders, especially if that person is wearing dark colored clothing. People with dandruff may feel that their scalp is tight and itchy. Dandruff also has emotional and psychological side effects. Often, dandruff brings about low self-esteem. Individuals suffering from dandruff may feel embarrassed by their condition, which could prevent them from attending social events and approaching new people or even buying that new outfit they want.

Why does it happen? Here is the low-down from WebMD. Skin cells are constantly renewing and replicating, even on our scalp. When new skin cells are created, the old ones are pushed out of the body. When someone has dandruff, skin cells are created faster, which means that more dead cells are produced. When too many skin cells are produced the body is unsure what to do with them. The white flakes accumulate and stick to the scalp and hair. Some people experience dandruff at certain points in their life (acute dandruff) whereas other experience dandruff consistently (chronic dandruff).

How do you treat dandruff?
One of the many myths about dandruff is that the white flakes are caused by dry skin. This myth encourages people to use heavy conditioners and oils in their hair as a way to “treat” the dandruff. “The majority of dandruff cases clear up on their own or with over-the-counter shampoos. Trying to nix flakes with moisturizing stylers like oils and pomades is only a temporary fix.

“Dandruff is actually an inflammatory scalp disease unrelated to dryness,” says Dr. McMichael. If you want to get rid of dandruff once and for all, visit your local drug store and purchase a shampoo specifically for the treatment of dandruff.

Scott McCarty, owner of Shear Pointe Hair Restoration Center in Detroit, cautions dandruff sufferers against sticking to one shampoo. “You may need to alternate between several shampoos that work for you in case one seems to lose its effectiveness or one particular shampoo is causing your hair to become unmanageable. Be sure to use a good quality conditioner as well. This is especially important if you are wearing added hair. Your local hair replacement professional knows your scalp and hair intimately, so ask them for a product recommendation that they feel will suit your particular hair and scalp, and will also work well with your hair addition or hair replacement solution.”

If you’ve tried at-home remedies and you’re still scratching your scalp, consult your primary care physician. If you continue to itch your head, the scalp may become red, cracked, and swollen. When symptoms become severe, it’s important to seek medical attention to ensure that dandruff symptoms aren’t in fact masking a more serious disease.

Dandruff is clearly not a serious, life threatening condition. However, it is one that affects the way we view ourselves and in turn how others view us. Treating dandruff is relatively straightforward, but you have to know how to treat it first.

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.

Hair and Scalp Assessment. The first part of an initial consultation will include a complete hair and scalp evaluation.

Tracing the Hairline. Following your hair loss evaluation, your consultant who in many cases may be the owner of the clinic, will use a transferrable pencil and draw the outside lines of your hairline directly onto your head. This is done in order for the professional to obtain an outline of your head for the mold.

Creating the mold. Next, a mold of your head will be created using multiple layers of plaster. The plaster dries very quickly and creates a rigid mold of your head. This mold is what will be used to create the base of the wig that you will eventually wear.

A Matter of Style. After the mold has been created, it is time to talk about the fun stuff: your hairstyle. You should come prepared with pictures of hairstyles that you would like to replicate. They may be from magazines, or from your family collection of snapshots when you were younger. Your hair replacement consultant will help you choose the color, length, density, highlights, lowlights, and wave that is right for you. Experts will explore your preferences and desires and help to create a wig that matches the style that is most flattering for your complexion and lifestyle.

Making your new wig. The manufacturing process can take anywhere from 4 to 6 months. The mold needs to go to the factory in order for a test cap to be made. The hair loss professional will test the cap on you to make sure it is a perfect fit. Your hair loss consultant may also send a small sample of hair that is to be used in the manufacturing of the hairpiece. Once the hair and the cap have been approved, the hair is then injected into the cap.

You and Your New Wig. After your custom wig has been created, your hair replacement studio will make an appointment with you to come in for fitting and cut in, making sure your look is exactly the way you want it to be. After your wig is styled just the way you want it, they will show you how to care for it and then you’re off to show the world the new you!

Purchasing a vacuum cap wig a commitment both in terms of time and resources. The end result will be absolutely amazing. All of the hassles that come with traditional hairpieces are non-existent with a vacuum wig. If chronic hair loss is something that has controlled your life, this is your time to take it back.

Additional information on wigs and other female hair loss solutions, please contact Embassy Studio in Chicago, Illinois to schedule a free hair loss evaluation and to get all your hair restoration questions answered completely and fully.

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.

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.