Hair Solutions of Long Island

Let’s start with another question. How many of you pull your hair tight into a ponytail or a bun? Most of us do that (or have done it) but have you ever thought about what happens to your hair when you do that? When your hair is pulled too tightly, this can cause hair loss that could cause damage to the hair follicles. Here is what you need to know to protect your hair against follicular damage.

ALOPECIA DEFINED

The term “alopecia” is used to describe ANY type of hair loss. It is most often used in reference to significant and noticeable hair loss. It can happen for several reasons and most often it is because of a disturbance in the follicle. Not all forms of alopecia are permanent and some will allow your hair to regrow when the conditions improve in your scalp and follicles.

SO, WHAT IS “TRACTION ALOPECIA”?

Traction alopecia happens from hair being pulled too tightly for too long because it tugs on the follicle. Over a period of time, those hairs become weak and fall out. The hair that falls out as a result of this happens outside of the normal hair growth cycle. Usually, when a hair falls out in this manner, it will regrow later. Most often, traction alopecia does not cause serious damage, unless it continues to happen for an extended period of time and causes damage to the follicle.

If your hairline is receding hairline (temples or forehead and/or the nape) you could be developing traction alopecia. Other signs could be:

• Small pimples developing on the scalp or at the base of any braids.
• You have areas of skin that is shiny on your head, which is common in cases that are more severe.
• The hair part widens, exposing more of your scalp as it does.

If this sounds like what you have, it is important to start working on stopping the traction alopecia from occurring. It is possible to do this simply by changing the way you style your hair.

WHAT IS “SCARRING ALOPECIA”?

You cause damage to the hair follicle by not stopping the traction alopecia from occurring i.e. no more ponytails etc. Scar tissue develops in the follicle and if it becomes even slightly significant, it can make it next to impossible for the hair to continue to grow. When scarring alopecia forms you may find that your hair is no longer growing at a healthy rate and that your hair has stopped growing in areas. The receding hairline will remain the same.

There is no cure for scarring alopecia and it can’t be reversed if the damage is significant. That is why it’s imperative to stop traction alopecia as soon as you begin to notice any of the symptoms of it.

WHAT SHOULD YOU DO NOW?

A change of hairstyle is a HUGE help! So, no more cornrows, braids, dreadlocks, and tight ponytails! Frequent use of extensions and weaves also do damage. Even benign items like tight elastic headbands or helmets worn for sports can cause traction alopecia. Long hair also can be a cause as the weight of it pulls continuously on your scalp. Products like hair relaxers and perms can also increase your risks.
If you are seeing the signs of scarring alopecia, work to change what is causing it. By limiting the amount of pull on your hair, you are able to avoid much of the damage to it.

October means it is Breast Cancer Awareness Month and we want to take this time to recognize what this month means to the many women who have been diagnosed with breast cancer. It is devastating news to receive and can often be prevented by women getting an annual mammogram. We all make excuses. Too busy. Too much on your plate. Stop reading right now, and make that appointment because this can save your life.

EARLY SCREENING

Today’s technology makes this screening quick and painless. The process does not hurt and can be done in a matter of minutes. IT IS LIFESAVING! Finding it early will save you. This type of cancer is highly treatable with a great success rate, but you must do these annual exams!

Breast cancer is very treatable in the early stage. Yet, at this stage, the condition is very hard to detect on your own. You may not feel different. A self-examination is not likely to be able to catch the smallest nodule. The yearly screening is all it takes to really learn what your options are.

When caught early, here are several benefits:

• Being that it is in the early stage means any type of treatment is going to be more localized and less painful for all who are involved in the process.
• Routine screenings can also help you to learn more about your risks and to spot any concerns as early as possible.
  The bottom line is this – the use of a breast cancer screening can save your life. Early detection makes it possible for you to get it taken care of immediately. This increases the odds that you will live and also allows you to have the confidence you need going forward.

WHAT SHOULD YOU DO?

Here are some guidelines to remember about screenings:

• If you are between the ages of 40 and 44, you should start getting a mammogram for the first time. • For women aged 45 through 54, it is necessary to have an annual mammogram. Make this annual process a habit.
• Don’t neglect a screening because you are over the age of 55. Some doctors may tell you that you can skip a year providing there is no history of breast cancer in your family.

It is important to always conduct self-examinations. In addition, always follow up with an annual visit to your doctor, especially if you have any concerns. Mark your calendar to do it on the month of your birthday. That’s an easy way to remember to get it done! . This is by far the most powerful step you can take in protecting your health long-term and allowing you to get early treatment if you need it. This can save your life and it only takes a few minutes.

Many people are diagnosed with Alopecia Areata but did you know that it is an autoimmune disease?

An autoimmune disease is a breakdown of your body’s immune system. Alopecia Areata attacks the healthy hair follicles on the head resulting in patches of hair falling out. They are usually round in shape and about the size of a quarter. Some have more severe hair loss while others lose only a small. For many, it creates a host of concerns especially when it comes to self-awareness and image.

According to the National Alopecia Areata Foundation, more than 6.8 million people have been diagnosed with it in the United States, and as many as 147 million people globally experience some form of this condition.

WHAT CAUSE IT TO HAPPEN?

A specific reason has not yet been determined. Researchers continue studying to understand what triggers the body’s immune system to respond this way. Many studies have indicated that stress plays a significant role in the development and early onset of the condition. Stress (which can affect all people of all ages) can be a catalyst to this condition as well as hair loss in general. In these difficult times many people (most) are feeling extremely high levels of stress. Try some yoga, meditation, or some simple breathing exercises to help reduce stress. There may also be a genetic susceptibility.

WHAT CAN BE DONE ABOUT IT?

In some situations, people with mild symptoms (like small coin-sized area(s) of hair loss); the condition may correct itself within a few months. Sometimes corticosteroids can help. This is an anti-inflammatory treatment/drug that can help to suppress the immune system. It works to possibly reduce the frequency of flare ups or the severity of alopecia and is often given as a topical ointment, but it can also be administered orally or via an injection. Unfortunately, there is no cure for Alopecia Areata and many men and women who have it will see it come and go over time. In some cases, medications and treatment options can help to reduce the flare ups but some have side effects and are only effective for a limited amount of time. Many people Alopecia Areata often see their hair grow back depending on the severity of their condition.

JOIN IN

The National Alopecia Areata Foundation would love you to get out there and educate the public on what this condition is and how it impacts the quality of life for many men and women. The organization offers a variety of ideas like hosting an awareness day, craft fair, or other family-friendly events. Of course that needs to be adjusted during these times of social distancing. Learn more about Alopecia Areata by visiting the NAAF.org website. You can help be a part of changing the image and the lives of those who are living with this condition.

Contact our team at Hair Solutions of Long Island for a complimentary, private consultation to learn about the options we have available for Alopecia Areata.

Raise your hand if you’re under stress! Just turning on the TV these days is enough to stress us out. Let’s face it, we’re all affected in one way or another by the global pandemic, some of us more than others. The way we deal with stress varies from person to person and makes a difference in our lives.

When you feel stressed, the last thing you’re thinking about is your hair. We all know that stress is not good for your body, and your overall health. You’ve probably never even thought about it not being good for your hair. Our doctors tell us to reduce stress. Ha! Easy for them to say!

Did you know that when we are stressed it creates changes in our hormones? They shift their focus and instead of doing what they usually do, they deal with the threat that seems to be present. This will cause a shift in hormones and creates changes to your body in multiple ways.

WORK ON WHAT YOU CAN CHANGE ABOUT YOU

So let’s try to reduce stress by focusing on the things we CAN control and letting go of what we can’t.

• Our internal health is important so start with taking vitamins and supplements. These can greatly improve your well-being as well as your hair and nails. Speak to an expert in your local vitamin store as to what they recommend to help combat the effects of stress.
• Take advantage of the summer weather by taking a stroll and soaking up some of Mother Nature’s Vitamin D. Stop and literally smell the flowers, look at the sky, view some sunsets (or sunrises) and do so in a very conscious and deliberate way.
• Eat healthy!! Fill your plate with fruits and vegetables. Read labels. If you can’t pronounce it then don’t buy it. My mantra is “if you can read it, you can eat it”!
• Listen to your favorite music
• Meditate, yoga, practice mindfulness. Those are proven methods of reducing stress.

If you are really feeling stressed out, perhaps losing sleep or not eating (or eating poorly) then speak with a mental health professional. It really can help!

Unless you address your stress it could continue to cause issues in your life and lead to more shedding and more hair loss.

WORK ON WHAT YOU CAN CHANGE ABOUT YOUR HAIR

What can you do to make sure your hair is as healthy as possible?

• Start by using products that are naturally based and created with your health in mind. Stay away from harsh chemicals. Take advantage of the warm weather and let your hair dry naturally. If you really feel the need to use heat styling instruments, use it for less time and try a lower setting.
• Moisturize your scalp with a good line of moisturizing shampoos and conditioners. The sun, salt water, and pools can be very drying. Now that salons are open for all services, call and make an appointment for a soothing scalp treatment.
• Try to avoid tension on your hair by avoiding ponytails and buns as they can increase the amount of hair loss you have. You may also want to work with your hairstylist to come up with new styling techniques and help you hide any areas that may appear to be thinning.

The good news is that stress related hair loss usually reverses itself once the stress is reduced. You can very likely see your hair growth cycle return to normal which takes approximately three to nine months.

In the interim, if you’re really not happy with the current state of your hair, that’s okay. You can invest in a hair topper or volumizer to help give you the look you want. There are many options available, and they really look natural. Why not treat yourself to a new you while you wait for your hair to come back in?

Taking these steps and working closely with a hair professional, it is possible to have the beautiful hair you desire again. For your overall health, work to reduce the stress you have in your life. It’s not easy but it is achievable. Doing this can improve the amount of hair loss you’re experiencing as well as greatly improve your quality of life!

To learn more about the treatments and options available for you, please contact the staff at www.HairsolutionsLI.com

January is the time we tend to look at ourselves from a different perspective.

We think about our health most of all. It’s also a time when many people jump on the latest fad diets which aren’t necessarily healthy. Many of those diets lack the nutrition our body requires to maintain healthy skin and hair. This blog is going to discuss FIVE ESSENTIAL FOODS you should add to your diet to help start the NEW YEAR with healthy hair!

1) LEAN PROTEINS

You may be looking to improve how full your hair looks. Eating lean proteins like turkey and chicken can encourage hair to grow and can help move it out of the rest phase. It’s important to choose lean meats and avoid meats with saturated fats.

2) EGGS!!

Did you know that eggs have biotin in them? Biotin is needed in your body to help convert certain nutrients into energy. It also plays an important role in the health of your hair, skin, and nails. A lack of biotin can lead to hair loss or thinning. Eggs are also an excellent source of protein and iron which are both essential to hair growth. A good sign that you need biotin is to look at your nails. Are they brittle? Try adding more eggs to your diet!

3) SPINACH!

Popeye knew what he was talking about! Spinach really does boost your muscles but did you know that it can also give your hair the healthy boost it needs too? Eating a diet rich with leafy greens can make a difference to your dry, brittle hair. In addition to having vitamin A and iron, it also has folate, vitamin C and beta carotene. Those help give you healthier hair production and a healthier scalp. BONUS, eating spinach can help add more moisture to your hair which aids in avoiding hair breakage. Add more leafy green vegetables to your diet, like kale, collard, cabbage and start the year off right!

4) SWEET POTATOES!

I yam what I yam! (back to Popeye!) Sweet potatoes add more vibrancy and shine to your hair. They’re loaded with antioxidants which help remove toxins from the body’s cells and also help to stimulate health overall. The orange color is signals beta carotene, which is essential for your body’s overall health and can help protect your hair from being dull or dry. Sweet potatoes, carrots, pumpkin, squash are among orange foods that will be great to eat to bring back the shine in your hair!

5) FATTY FISH!

We need healthy fats for our brain and our hair. You can get those fats from a variety of sources like avocadoes, eggs, and even dark chocolate!! One of the best sources comes from fatty fish like salmon, mackerel, herring, and sardines. They’re loaded with omega- fatty acids and helps protect your hair from damage and it adds a boost of nutrition to practically every cell in your body. Shoot for eating three or more servings per week of this type of healthy oil!

There are many reasons why your hair may not look as healthy as you’d like. Try a change in your diet and you may see a significant improvement. Your hair is a good barometer of the health within your body. In addition to the 5 suggestions above it is recommended that you remove processed foods from your diet and limit saturated fats. Replacing those with nutrient rich foods and you will be well on your way to having the healthy hair quality you desire.

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month This month our blogs are dedicated to the survivors, loved ones, and to those who lost the battle.

WHY DO PEOPLE LOSE THEIR HAIR?
Chemotherapy uses a variety of drugs to stop cancer cells from dividing and prevent them from growing. These drugs are very aggressive and don’t discriminate between bad cancer cells and other rapidly growing good cells in our body. As a result, they attack the cells that are in your hair roots as those are fast growing cells. Not every form of chemo causes hair loss and your oncologist will advise you whether or not to expect it based on the chemo you will be receiving. In addition to the hair on their head some people will lose hair over the entire body. You may not end up with complete baldness, but it is possible.

SO WHAT HAPPENS NEXT?
Hair loss usually starts within two to four weeks after beginning chemotherapy treatment. You could notice large clumps of hair falling out on your pillow, in the drain, or in your brush or comb. Many people also feel a bit tender on their scalp. Throughout the treatment, you can expect to see hair loss and it could also continue for a few weeks after your treatment is complete. This varies from one person to the next. In addition to the potential effects of feeling ill from the chemo, hair loss can add to your feelings of depression and can be very emotionally debilitating.

The good news is that this type of hair loss is usually not permanent. Once your chemotherapy is complete you should see your hair begin to grow back after a few weeks. It does take time for your normal hair growth cycle to start over. Typically that is about three months or more. During the time from the beginning of chemo until your hair has grown back you do have options. It’s a matter of personal preference if you want to wear a wig or not. You can simply show off your baldness. For those who do not want to do this, you might want to consider a wig that is designed with you in mind. Some are made with softer interiors that are easier and gentler on tender scalps while others are not.

After speaking with your doctor and understanding what to expect regarding your hair, talk to a hair professional about the options that are available for you. Did you know that styles can be cut on the wig to create a look that’s right for you? If you or a loved one has started (or will be starting) chemotherapy and would like to learn more information about the wigs and cranial prostheses options available please contact the team at Hair Solutions of Long Island for a free, no obligation consultation conducted confidentially in a private room.

As October is upon us, let’s take a moment to think of the women we love who have dealt with (& dealing with) this upsetting diagnosis. To those we lost and to the survivors – we keep you near and dear.

Yes, we are busy. We have long to-do lists. So can’t we add a 30 minute mammogram to that list? Did you know that many times breast cancer can be detected early based on getting a regular screening? Making time for this can save your life. If you have not done so yet, consider scheduling an appointment today!

EARLY SCREENING CAN SAVE YOUR LIFE!

It doesn’t hurt (well, maybe a little uncomfortable) and can be done in a matter of minutes, however, it is lifesaving. In many ways, this type of cancer, when caught early, is highly treatable with a good success rate. Make that appointment NOW!
Did you know that in its earliest stage, self-examination is not likely catch it?

Did you know more than 90% of women diagnosed with breast cancer at the earliest stage survive their disease for at least 5 years compared to around 15% for women diagnosed with the most advanced stage of disease? At an early stage, treatment is more localized and therefore less painful for the patient and their loved ones.

The bottom line is this – the use of a breast cancer screening can save your life. Early detection makes it possible for you to get it cared for right away. This maximizes your chances to live as well as allows you to have the confidence you need going forward.

WHAT SHOULD YOU DO?

Screening tests are designed to make it possible to find breast cancer long before there are any symptoms present. Most of the time, a breast exam should be done by your gynecologist at your annual exam as well as on your own each month. Here are some guidelines to remember about screenings: (these guidelines are based on women with average risk)

• Women aged 40 to 44 years should have the choice to start annual breast cancer screening with mammograms. The risks of screening as well as the potential benefits should be considered.
• Women aged 45 through 49 should get mammograms annually.
• Women aged 50 to 54 years should get mammograms every year.
• Women aged 55 years and older should switch to mammograms every 2 years, or have the choice to continue yearly screening. This type of screening is only allowable at a reduced frequency when the individual has no history of breast cancer.
• Women aged 75 or older: Current evidence is insufficient to assess the balance of benefits and harms of screening mammography in women aged 75 years or older.

It is important to still conduct self-examinations. In addition to this, it is important to follow up with a doctor if you have any concerns. If possible, encourage your friends to get a screening as well. This is by far the most powerful step you can take in protecting your health long-term and allowing you to get early treatment if you need it. This can be life-changing, and it only takes a matter of a few minutes to complete.

Are you losing hair? Seeing your hair falling out in amounts more than usual can be alarming. Did you know that the average person loses as much as 100 strands a day? It you are seeing significantly more hair in your shower than you’re accustomed to, it could be time to see your doctor. In most cases, speaking with your doctor will put your mind at ease by discovering that it isn’t anything serious.
You probably know that genetics and/or stress can be a cause for hair loss so let’s examine other reasons hair can fall out besides those factors.

1. YO-YO DIETING
Many of us have checked out the “latest and greatest” weight loss diet de jour in search of that miracle. Paleo, Keto, Whole 30. No fat, no carbs, etc. While some of these may be good for you and produce the desired results, what Is NOT good for you is bouncing around from one diet to another with no specific diet in between. This is called yo-yo because you go up and down in your weight and in your food intake. This can easily create a situation where your hormones and metabolism are no longer regulated properly. Such changes in hormones always lead to complications related to hair loss.

2. POST-PARTUM
Of the many changes our bodies experience after childbirth, losing hair is quite common. The reason this happens is due to the estrogen changes that occurred during your pregnancy. A lot of women report fuller hair on their head during pregnancy. This is also because of the shift in estrogen levels. As your body returns to its normal state, it will shed a lot of that excess hair. Conversely, many women see a significant increase of natural hair growth in the three to six months after giving birth. While your hair may be falling out now, give it some time and see what happens. Relax, you will most likely see a change in the near future.

3. YOU COULD BE ANEMIC
Fear not! Anemia is not all that uncommon and can usually be managed by diet and supplements. This is one of the reasons to see your doctor for blood work to determine the cause of your hair loss. Hair loss due to anemia could result in a large amount of hair loss in a short amount of time.

4. YOU MIGHT HAVE AN AUTOIMMUNE DISORDER
An autoimmune disease is a condition in which your immune system mistakenly attacks your body. Our immune system guards us against bacteria and viruses. When it senses them, it sends out cells to attack them. Basically, when you have an autoimmune disease your immune system turns against you. When the immune system begins attacking your skin or hair follicles, it can cause hair loss. Once again, it’s recommended to have blood tests to rule out (or confirm) any type of autoimmune condition. Autoimmune diseases are not uncommon. They create temporary changes to your body, significant inflammation to the hair follicles, or even scarring of them in some cases. Treatment sooner, rather than later, is imperative.

5. TRAUMA
Many things count as trauma. Death of a loved one, an accident, physical and/or emotional abuse, and divorce are common situations that affect our stress hormones which could lead to hair loss. Cortisol is the primary stress hormone and it alters the immune system responses and suppresses the digestive system, the reproductive system and growth processes.

By kicking your stress hormones into action, its taking nutrients and oxygen away from your hair follicles, and, the hormones that are important to help you to deal with trauma, are also bad for hair growth.

If you are suffering from any of these situations, seek out care from your doctor. Your hair care professional can also provide you with the best solutions to deal with your hair loss.

Did you know that most people who have scalp inflammation do not know it? Our bodies know it even before we do. Our immune system kicks in and works overtime to fight it, thus resulting in you feeling fatigued and out of sorts and you’d never suspect your scalp as the source.

A common condition called folliculitis can affect the scalp and any areas of the skin where there are hair follicles. It often begins as a rash or pimples but can develop into a bacterial or fungal infection. Most of the time, it is simple to treat. Gone untreated, it could spread and result in permanent hair loss due to the damaged hair follicles. This can also create scarring.

Do you have it? To find out consider these common signs of scalp inflammation.

Scalp Pain
Do you feel pain when touching or brushing your hair/scalp? This is caused by the inflamed nerve endings on the scalp. Untreated, this will cause itching and could also cause a burning sensation. It will drive you crazy and you’ll want to constantly scratch your head. Yet, doing this can lead to even more pain and discomfort for you. As with most things, left untreated it can worsen.

Bumps
Look at your scalp carefully (or ask your stylist or a loved one to take a look). You’ll know just where to look because most likely you’d have already felt them or felt itchy. Red bumps and, in some cases, white-headed bumps, can develop in areas where there is inflammation. These tend to cluster and occur around the hair follicles, which could impact your hair growth as well as be the cause of hair loss.

What Should You Do?
If you have any of the signs above, it is likely that you have an inflammation of the scalp. It is very important to take action as soon as possible! Rest assured. Caught early –when the area is just tender or when small pimples or bumps begin – it is generally easy to treat. This may mean you’ll see your hair begin to grow back fuller and healthier. You may also be able to avoid any permanent follicle damage or scaring. Keep in mind that the longer you wait to get treatment, the more likely the condition will worsen.