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As Glenn Frey sang: The heat is on!  Summer is here and you may be out and about more often. One of the challenges this time of the year is keeping your hair looking fabulous. Your hair is exposed to all kinds of damaging conditions throughout the summer season. So, what can help?

Less Heat!

This is important! Reduce your amount of heat styling! Blow dryers, flat irons, and curling irons, in addition to sun exposure, create high levels of damage or the potential for it.

Deep Condition!

When shopping, look for products that address the areas of concern specific to your hair. Speaking with your stylist can help you know what to look for. This can differ from one person to the next. Deep conditioning it is an effective way to heal your hair. It restores the overall balance and boosts its shine and beauty.

Use Hair Products with UV Protection!

Do you apply sunscreen to your skin? Of course you do! You probably do not go outside without it. Most people don’t think about UV damage to their hair. These days, most face makeup has and SPF factor in it. Did you know that you can find many fantastic and highly effective hair care products that include UV protection in them also? Using these products on your hair can help to protect your hair and your scalp from UV rays, one of the highest risks to your hair and scalp’s health. Have you ever had a sunburn on your scalp? Not only does it hurt but when it starts to peel, it looks like dandruff. Look for a leave in conditioner with UV protection and thermal protectants in it. Hats are also your BFF!

Comb Instead of Brush!

Use a wide toothed comb and comb gently from the bottom up. Skipping the brush may be the best way to reduce damage. Remember, at this point, your hair is probably already damaged even if you have taken good care of it. Using a brush puts more stress on your hair and causes further damage. A comb reduces that risk significantly.

Rinse and Wash!

After coming out of the water, whether it’s a pool or the ocean make sure to rinse your hair. Chlorine and salt water can strip your hair of its natural oils, leaving it feeling dry and like straw. After a cooling dip or all out swim, rinse your hair with cool water. After that rinse wash your hair with a mild sulfate-free shampoo, condition and rinse well. Now it’s time to use your UV protection LEAVE IN conditioning spray again.

You can significantly improve the way your hair looks and feels by following those steps. The key is to focus on simple things that can reduce the intensity of damage to your hair. With a little bit of extra effort, and maybe a visit to your hair care professional, you can definitely see improvement all summer long and see less overall damage to your hair in the short and long term.

Contact the hair specialists at Hair Solutions of Long Island  to learn more!

Are you losing your hair? There are a lot of misconceptions about what causes hair loss and how to fix it. In this blog we will discuss some of the myths about hair loss. Ask yourself if there’s been a change in your health both physical as well as mental health? Hormonal imbalance, stress, or a poor diet can all be causes of hair loss.

Don’t just figure it out on your own. It’s best to consult with a hair professional and your doctor to determine what the possible underlying causes can be.

Here are some of the most common MYTHS regarding hair loss.

1st Myth: Hair Loss Is Permanent

Although, there ARE some forms of hair loss that CANNOT be reversed it is NOT true in many cases! Irreversible hair loss happens when the hair follicle is damaged to the point that it cannot produce hair again. The good news is that there are many types of hair loss that can be reversed by determining what the underlying cause of the hair loss is and then (if possible) correcting it. For example, if you’ve experienced significant trauma, it may be possible to reverse that type of hair loss by reducing the amount of stress. Self-care like practicing mindfulness, yoga, or meditation helps. Even quiet time to read can help reduce the stress in your life. If you experienced a lot of hair shedding after having a baby, chances are good that your hair will start growing again in 3 to 4 months after the hair shed.

2nd Myth: Only Men Lose Their Hair

It is a common misconception that losing your hair does not happen if you are a woman. The fact is both women and men experience hair loss. It is estimated that 30 million women in the United States have thinning hair or hair loss.

However, most women suffer from hair loss in a different way than men. Male pattern baldness often happens at the top of the head and the hairline begins to recede, leading to balding. Female Pattern Baldness is hormonal and is an over-all thinning which maintains the appearance of a normal hairline.

3rd Myth: Shampooing Too Often Causes Hair Loss

Washing your hair often is not going to affect the overall growth of your hair, nor will it cause hair loss.

In fact, skipping days may make you think that you are losing more hair based on what you see in your shower drain. That’s because we all shed every day. Our shedding is most often noticed in the drain after we shampoo and condition our hair. When you shampoo daily you will notice less hair in the drain. When you shampoo less often, you will see more hair in the drain but that is because you didn’t wash it the day before. This is your normal amount of shedding. That does not mean you are pulling more hair out. That hair probably would have fallen out otherwise. If, on the other hand, you ARE pulling on it hard, wearing it in tight ponytails or otherwise being abrasive, that could be the cause of a form of hair loss called traction alopecia.

4th Myth: Vitamins Promote Hair Growth

Hair and nails need vitamins and nutrients to grow and thrive in general. Vitamins alone aren’t enough. To promote your growth, improve your diet. More fruits and veggies, less processed foods. You know this! And, of course, reduce stress!

5th Myth: Cutting Your Hair More Often Leads to Faster Growth

No matter how often you cut your hair, it will not accelerate its growth. It has nothing to do with your hair’s growth cycle.

If you are losing hair and don’t know why, do something, take action. Do not ignore it because new hair loss, especially if it is substantial, could be an indication of another health problem. See your doctor to find out what might be going on. Most of the time you will get answers and be able to correct it.

If you are experiencing hair loss or thinning hair, contact our TEAM at Hair Solutions of Long Island for your complimentary consultation!

Alopecia is no joke!

We all saw it! We all heard it! The slap heard ‘round the world!

We at HSLI feel that it was a lost teaching moment.

If only Will Smith supported his wife with a hug instead of the path he chose, the world would be talking and learning about Jada Pinkett- Smith and alopecia. Instead everyone’s talking about Chris Rock and Will Smith. A missed opportunity.

Here is the teaching and learning moment that could’ve been and should’ve been.

What is alopecia and are there different types?

The meaning of “Alopecia” is “a loss of hair” but did you know that there are 5 types of alopecia?

1) Androgenic alopecia. This is the most common and can occur for both women and men. It’s also known as male- or female-pattern hair loss. In women, your hair will thin but your hairline usually won’t recede and you’re unlikely to become totally bald. Women notice it because they see a widening of their part.

2) Alopecia areata. This produces patches of hair loss. The patches can show up anywhere on your body, but most commonly on the scalp. Alopecia areata is a type of autoimmune disease. Your immune system attacks your hair follicles resulting in patches approximately the size of a quarter. Your hair may grow back on its own without treatment but it’s also possible for it to fall out again.

3) Alopecia totalis. This is a form of alopecia areata that makes you lose all the hair on your scalp. It is a rare autoimmune disease, in which genetics plays a role.

4) Traction alopecia. This is caused by putting stress on hair through repeated pulling or stretching. Tight ponytails, buns, dreadlocks, hair extensions, weaves, or braids are often the cause. The continuous pulling on the hair can damage the hair follicles. If the pulling on your hair persists, it can cause permanent hair loss. Switching over to less-damaging hairstyles and rotating hairstyles can go a long way toward reversing traction alopecia.

5) Cicatricial alopecia. This is a “scarring” type of alopecia. It involves inflammation that destroys hair follicles. The destroyed follicles get replaced by scar tissue, resulting in permanent hair loss in the area. Sometimes the condition brings on symptoms like itching, pain, and a sensation of heat.

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.

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

HOW DOES VITAMIN D AFFECT OUR HAIR?
Did you know that Vitamin D can improve your overall hair health and wellbeing?
It’s an essential nutrient your body needs yet more and more people are coming up deficient.

What Does It Do?
Vitamin D helps stimulate hair growth and it also boosts immunity and keeps your bones strong. It also stimulates new cell development which helps your body rejuvenate and heal. It aides in creating healthy skin from the top of your head to the tips of your toes!

We naturally get Vitamin D through our (safe) exposure to the sun. People who live in climates that are not conducive to being outside year round can become depleted in the colder months. It is easy to get in the form of a supplement. Whatever form you chose, bear in mind that you need it.

How Does Being Deficient in Vitamin D Impact Your Hair?
Here’s what can happen: Hair loss! Why? When your body does not have enough Vitamin D, it can’t stimulate new hair follicle growth. It also can’t stimulate old hair follicles to grow hair; another important task it helps to support.

Some research suggests that a person with a Vitamin D deficiency is at a higher risk for developing alopecia areata. This is an autoimmune condition that leads to the bald areas on the head and possibly other areas of the body too. Alopecia areata can happen at any age but was seen in some studies as being associated with Vitamin D deficiency in women who were between the ages of 18 and 45.

How to Correct Vitamin D Deficiency
Mother Nature is wonderful! It doesn’t take much sun exposure for the body to produce Vitamin D. Even committed proponents of unprotected sun exposure recommend no more than 10 to 15 minutes of exposure to arms, legs, abdomen and back, two to three times a week, followed by good sun protection. That minor amount of exposure produces all the vitamin D your body can muster. Beyond that, your body automatically starts to dispose of vitamin D to avoid an overload of the vitamin, at which point your sun exposure is giving you nothing but sun damage without any of the presumed benefit.

Supplements can be purchased over the counter or by prescription. As with anything, consult with your doctor as to the dose. It will vary depending upon how deficient you are.
Some foods carry Vitamin D in such as salmon and mackerel. You may also get it from cod liver oil and fortified foods such as orange juice, milk, and some cereals. Look for products labeled as having a good source of Vitamin D.

For those who may have hair loss, having your Vitamin D levels checked can provide some insight into your overall health and wellbeing. Then, adjust your intake to ensure you are getting enough nutrients into your diet to stimulate healthy hair growth.
To learn more, please call us for a complimentary consultation.

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 to 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?

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.

Did you know that alopecia it is an autoimmune disease?

The definition of 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 are continuing to 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 with 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.

You might’ve heard by now of the phrase “Long Haulers” which simply put, are people who are experiencing long term complications as a result of having had COVID-19. Among the many long term issues people are experiencing is hair loss. There is not yet any definitive information out yet about the cause of hair loss being related to the coronavirus yet there are large numbers of people who are reporting a significant amount of hair loss after having C-19. Often, this symptom does not present right away. It presents in about two to three months after having the virus. It isn’t evident right after being sick because of the growth phases of the hair growth cycle.

The Hair Growth Cycle

For most people, this condition will improve once the hair growth cycle catches up. Here are three phases to this cycle.

1) The growth phase is called anagen. This is where your hair is growing normally.

2) The resting phase is called catagen. In this phase, your hair doesn’t grow in length but it remains in place. You won’t recognize it as not growing because each follicle is on its own schedule.

3) The final phase is the shedding phase or telogen phase. An estimated 10 to 15 percent of your scalp hairs are in this phase. Hair doesn’t grow during the telogen phase. At the end of this 3- to 4-month phase, some of your hair falls out. Losing up to 100 hairs a day is normal. When a hair falls out, a new hair is grown in the same hair follicle, and the growing cycle begins again. Most of the time, about 90 percent of your hair strands are in the growth stage at any given time. About 5 percent are in each of the other phases. That is why you may not notice what is happening. However, when a sudden change in the body occurs that shocks the system, which results in telogen effluvium.

Let’s Talk About Telogen Effluvium!

WHAT IS THAT? It’s the technical term for a form of hair loss that usually happens after stress, a shock, or a traumatic event. Doctors believe this is what’s happening. It comes from the result of an abnormal shift in the hair growth cycle and is not a new condition. We are only recently hearing this phrase because of Covid.
Your body experiences significant shock after an illness like COVID-19. In addition to C-19, here are some other reasons that your hair can go into TE:

• Childbirth: postpartum hair loss. This can resolve after a few months or transition into female pattern alopecia.
• Physiological neonatal hair loss
• Acute or chronic illness, especially if there is fever
• Surgical operation
• Accident
• Psychological stress
• Weight loss, unusual diet, or nutritional deficiency (iron deficiency/)
• Certain medications
• Endocrine disorders (hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism)
• Discontinuing the contraceptive pill
• Overseas travel resulting in jetlag
• Skin disease affecting the scalp (erythroderma)
• Excessive sun exposure.

If you had COVID-19 and you are experiencing hair loss, let your doctor know. As noted, we do not know what the long term implications of this virus are, (long haulers) but based on the understanding of the growth phase and the fact that the hair follicles are not damaged during this process, it is safe to say most people will see their hair begin to regrow again. You may need to simply wait until your body heals and gets caught up with the hair loss it has experienced. It’s often temporary but it can also be permanent.

There are treatments that can slow down the shedding process so please feel free to contact the Hair Specialists at Hair Solutions of Long Island to learn more.

INFLAMMATION OF THE SCALP
Do you have inflammation of the scalp? Most people who have inflammation do not recognize it. Yet, if you were to treat it, there’s a good chance that you would notice the difference. You might even notice your skin feels a bit softer. Often people with scalp inflammation feel tired and worn out. This is because the body is constantly fighting off the inflammation.

SO, DO YOU HAVE IT?
There are some key signs that indicate you may have inflammation of the scalp. If you notice these about yourself, it is time to turn your hair stylist for help. Your doctor can also offer solutions to help you once you address the underlying cause of it. Let’s see what the signs are.

WHAT IS THE INFLAMMATION?
General scalp inflammation is called folliculitis. This is a common condition affecting the scalp and other areas of the skin where hair grows. Most of the time, this begins as a bacterial or fungal infection but it can lead to a serious issue if left untreated. Most of the time, it is treatable. In addition, the infection can spread if it is not treated properly! Not treating it can cause permanent hair loss because of the damage to the hair follicles. This can also create scarring.

DO YOU HAVE IT?
BUMPS
Look at your scalp carefully (or have a loved one do it). You will want to look for areas with bumps. Red bumps and, in some cases, white-headed bumps, can develop in areas where significant inflammation exists. These tend to occur in small clusters on the skin. They also occur around the hair follicles, which can mean your hair growth can be impacted as well.

SKIN PAIN
Some people feel a significant amount of pain from inflammation on their scalp. This is because the nerve endings are inflamed and can also create an itchy scalp. It can sometimes cause a burning sensation too. When this occurs, it’s hard not to scratch but doing this can lead to even more pain and discomfort.

In some cases the condition can get worse. You may develop skin that is painful to touch. You may also find that the skin is reddish in color, but this does not always happen. If you touch the area and it hurts, this means your skin is reacting to something in some way and should not be ignored.

BLISTERS
Some people also experience pus-filled blisters. This can happen in a minor way, or it can be a significant outbreak across all areas. The blisters on the skin can be very painful. They tend to be small, but when scratched open, it can create moisture on the skin of the scalp. Over time, this fluid can encourage the infection to spread further. For this reason, it is best to treat this condition before it worsens.

WHAT SHOULD YOU DO?
If you have signs of scalp inflammation, it is very important to take action to treat it. The good news is there are treatment options available for most people. If you catch it early – such as when the area is just tender or when small pimples or bumps exist – it is generally easy to treat. This may mean you can see your hair begin to grow back properly. The longer you wait to get treatment, the more likely the condition is to spread and worsen.

NIP IT IN THE BUD!

Itching is often one of the first signs of scalp disorder. However, many types of ailments can cause itching, such as oily or dry dandruff, oily or dry scalp, eczema, psoriasis. To provide the best solution on the long term, it is important to properly identify the cause of itchiness.
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, call us for a complimentary consultation with one of our experts.

COULD YOUR BEVERAGE BE CAUSING YOUR HAIR LOSS?

If you’ve lost a significant amount of hair, I’m sure you’ve been told (or read) that it could be hereditary or possibly due to a poor diet. Both could be true. Did you know there is growing research linking hair loss to a variety of environmental factors? One of those factors is artificial sweeteners. You may be consuming these products because you think they are better for you than sugar, but research shows they are causing a variety of health issues, hair loss being one of them.

WHAT IS WRONG WITH YOUR SWEETENER?

We all know by now that it’s best to eat organic and natural. Artificial products include components that our bodies don’t recognize and don’t know how to process. Artificial sweeteners are popular for those seeking a no-calorie sugar and widely used in sugar-free products. Research shows that these products may actually be a huge problem for our bodies.

Aspartame has been linked to many types of health problems. Did you know that the FDA has received numerous complaints related to aspartame ranging from birth defects to brain cancer – and many other ailments in between? What is causing these type of reactions? It could be in components that are present in artificial sweeteners, specifically, aspartic acid and phenylalanine could be the culprits.
Phenylalanine once it enters into the body breaks off from the product. When this happens, it forms methanol. This methanol is then changed into alcohol dehydrogenase by an enzyme, and then becomes formaldehyde. That substance remains in the body’s cells. In the body this can impact the protein structures present.

SO, WHAT THE HECK DOES THIS HAVE TO DO WITH HAIR LOSS?

Basically this process causes this toxin to enter the body and wreak havoc on your body’s cells. Researchers are not quite sure how the process works but they do know that aspartame can cause this toxin and impacts the health of hair follicles. In some people, this causes the hair to simply fall out and creates hair shedding. This happens because the formaldehyde itself causes the hair to enter the telogen resting phase, the phase in which hair sheds and does not grow for three or so months.

DON’T PANIC

It doesn’t happen to everyone who consumes aspartame. Many people don’t make the connection between the artificial sweetener and their hair loss. This product has been used heavily in products that claim to be low calorie or sugar-free. It’s in many types of diet soda you may be drinking. It could also be found in many of the diet foods you think you are buying to lose weight.
Ask yourself –
• Have you recently switched your diet to include more of these non-sugar products?
• Are you drinking more diet soda or other sweet, but no-sugar drinks and foods?
• If you stopped using these products, do you notice your hair starting to return?

If this sounds like you, you may want to check out ways to improve your diet and reduce your consumption of aspartame. One problem is that this is an FDA approved product which means it is widely used in many of foods you may already be consuming.

For those who have hair loss that is not otherwise explained, the use of diet products can be a key indicator to a large problem. Stop using aspartame for 6-12 months and see if you notice an improvement. The good news is a diet change could be all that you need to see improvements.

To learn more about your thinning hair or hair loss, please contact Hair Solutions of Long Island and schedule your complimentary consultation.