Unfortunately, hair loss is something that many women face during their lifetime. In fact, female pattern hair loss affects almost 40 percent of American women. This can lead to loss of self-esteem and confidence, an unfortunate side effect of the condition.

However, hair loss doesn’t mean you should also lose your self-esteem. This New Year could be your best one yet!

My Story of Hair Loss

For me, hair loss was a result of stress. A move, a break up and family issues were causing me to lose sleep and, even worse, my hair. I noticed it in the shower at first. The average woman can lose between 50 to 100 hairs per day, but it was clear my problem was far greater than normal.

Before I knew it, my hair was starting to look thin in places it had never before, and my confidence was dashed.

Fortunately, the stresses in my life have calmed substantially. That, combined with tailored treatment and careful planning, have curbed any continued hair loss. But I understand the pain and loss of self-worth women experience when their hair is affected.

Types of Hair Loss in Women

To combat your hair loss and bring back your confidence, it’s important to understand the type of hair loss you are experiencing.

Some hair loss, like mine, happens due to lifestyle changes or adjustments. The following can affect your hair in different ways:

Stress or anxiety

Pregnancy

Hormonal birth control

There are also medical reasons that women may face hair loss, such as alopecia or complications from medicine.

Finding the Light in 2017

Make the resolution to remain positive and focused on yourself in the New Year. Though you may feel your self-confidence wither, remind yourself that you are beautiful, strong and capable of everything. Positive affirmations can go a long way toward making self-esteem soar.

You may also consider visiting a hair loss studio in the New Year.

Meeting with hair-loss experts could be the first step to finding the root cause of your female hair loss and determining a plan of action.

The New Year represents a new start. Make the focus of next year you — and start building the path to self-confidence and self-esteem. You’re worth it!

If you’re suffering from hair loss make 2017 the year you do something about it! Come see us at Van Scoy Hair Clinics. We offer proven non-surgical, non-invasive hair replacement and hair loss treatment solutions for men and women of all hair types. To schedule a free consultation call us at (419) 289-6665 or to contact us via email click here.

 

Photo Credit: RyanMcGuire Via Pixabay

medicationsMedications often have side effects that can make using them seem as troublesome as the problem they treat. A large number of drugs made to handle all sorts of conditions can cause hair loss. This is often a shocking experience and can have a huge impact on how a person lives their life. However, more often than not drug-induced hair loss is reversible.

How Drugs can Cause Hair Loss

The most common way that drugs cause hair loss is by changing the typical growth cycle of hair on the scalp. In the two to six years anagen phase, the hair grows. During the three-month long telogen phase, the hair rests and near the end hair falls out to be replaced by new growth.

Consequently, there are two types of drug-induced hair loss: telogen effluvium and anagen effluvium.

Telogen effluvium

The most common form of drug-induced hair loss is telogen effluvium and it happens around four months after using the drug. Telogen effluvium makes follicles shift into the resting phase and fall out prematurely. Typically patients with this condition lose from 100 to 150 hairs daily.

Anagen effluvium

The second type of hair loss is anagen effluvium, which happens, of course, in the anagen phase of the hair cycle, as the hair grows actively. This type of hair loss stops the matrix cells from making new hairs and from going through their regular dividing process. This condition starts within days or weeks of starting the medication. This kind of hair loss happens when people take chemotherapy drugs and it can be severe, resulting in a person losing the hair on their head, eyelashes, eyebrows, and other areas of the body.

The amount of hair loss depends on the kind of drug and the size of the dosage primarily, but also how sensitive the patient is to the effect of the drug.

The Types of Drugs that Cause Hair Loss

Here is a list of common drugs that can cause hair loss:

Acne medications with vitamin A (retinoids)

Chemotherapy drugs

Antibiotics and antifungal drugs

Antidepressants

Anti-clotting drugs

Cholesterol-lowering drugs

Immune system suppressants the

Steroids

Weight loss drugs

High blood pressure medications, such as beta-blockers and diuretics

Hormone replacement therapy

Regardless of the cause of your hair loss, whether it’s temporary or permanent Van Scoy Hair Clinics will find the hair loss solution that is right for you. We offer non-surgical, non-invasive hair replacement treatment solutions. To schedule a free consultation call us at (419) 289-6665 or to contact us via email click here.

 

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hair hacks

With the holidays coming up, it’s time to dress up, look good and have fun. You don’t need to worry about breaking the bank with your next beauty routine, though. Here are some hair hacks and tricks you can do from home to make your hair the star of the holiday season.

Sparkling, Sweet Tresses

Have you ever thought about using honey for extra hair shine? Try mixing a cup of your regular conditioner with a few tablespoons of honey. While your hair is still wet, apply the mixture all over, and then leave it to set for about half an hour. The mixture closes your hair cuticle, causing an extraordinary shine. Make sure to wash it off well afterward.

Condition with Coconut Oil

Another way to get your hair silky soft is to apply coconut oil every day. This natural oil has miraculous properties that give your hair and skin a healthy, beautiful glow. You can condition as part of your morning hair care routine or apply at night.

Baking Soda for DIY Hair Spa

Instead of going to the salon for a Hair Spa, do your own at home. Baking soda therapy is a cheap option using a single ingredient you probably already have in your kitchen cupboard. Make a mixture of 3 tablespoons of baking soda and water and set it in your hair after the shampoo. Leave it for five minutes while you give your scalp a massage. You will definitely feel the difference!

Coffee-colored Hair

Want to dye your hair but afraid of ruining your precious strands? Use organic coffee to avoid the harsh chemicals that are normally found in store-bought hair dyes. Brew an extra strong amount of coffee, and then place it in a bowl. You can use the fine espresso grind for darker color.

After washing your hair, dip your strands into the bowl or sink, combing it gently to avoid tangles. For extra softness, you can add your regular conditioner to the coffee. Remember that the final color will vary, depending on your natural hair color.

These hair hacks can help get you through the Holidays but if you’re suffering from thinning hair or hair loss you’re probably beyond a DIY phase. At Van Scoy Hair Clinics we offer non-Surgical, non-invasive hair replacement and hair loss treatment solutions for men and women of all hair types individually customized to your specific needs, degree and type of hair loss, and lifestyle. To schedule a free consultation call us at (419) 289-6665 or to contact us via email click here.

 

Photo Credit: brenkee Via Pixabay

 

 

 

holidaysYou’ve already booked your tickets to go home for the holidays, but as the departure date approaches, you’re beginning to feel anxious. You know that you’ve been battling hair loss this year, and so you’re a bit worried about seeing people who remember you with a thick head of hair.

While many people struggle with hair loss, it’s not uncommon for your confidence to take a hit when your hair looks thinner than you’d like. Rather than just crossing your fingers and hoping for the best, here are five tips to help you become more zen about your thinning locks before your big holiday trip.

  1. Don’t Stress

It’s easy to worry about seeing family and friends when your physical appearance has changed, but stress can actually accelerate hair loss. Try to fit regular exercise and breaks into the busy holiday season to manage mild anxiety as it appears. Yoga and meditation are also good ways to stay stress-free.

  1. Get a Cut and Color You Love

Don’t ignore your hair just because it’s thinning. Invest in an excellent cut before the holidays, so you can confidently attend holiday parties and get-togethers. If you want to make your hair appear thicker, consult with your hairstylist. Dyeing your hair or cutting it shorter are two ways to boost thinning strands.

  1. Ditch Your Frenemies

The friends you visit should like you for your sparkling personality — not the hair on your head. If you have friends who are unkind, maybe it’s time to skip visiting them this year. Instead of going to a big holiday celebration, try organizing small meet-ups with the friends you really want to see while you’re in town.

  1. Consider Wearing a Wig

If the idea of rocking your existing hair is making you anxious, think about investing in a wig for the holiday season. Plenty of Hollywood starlets use wigs to quickly change their looks and give their hair a rest, so don’t be afraid to try this trend if it interests you. That way you can enjoy the holidays and get ready to tackle your hair loss in the New Year.

  1. Remember That Everyone Changes

Chances are you won’t be the only one whose appearance has changed during the past year. Some relatives will have gained a few pounds, while others will have gained a few wrinkles. Remember: The purpose of the holidays is to see the people you love, so work on treating everyone with grace and love. By not giving voice to unkind remarks and gossip, you’ll set the tone for your holiday celebrations and encourage others to be just as kind.

If going home for the holidays is giving you anxiety due to hair loss just know that you’re not alone. At Van Scoy Hair Clinics we offer both surgical and non-surgical hair restoration solutions for anyone suffering from thinning hair or hair loss. Need a wig for this holiday season? We specialize in custom human hair wigs. To schedule a free consultation call us at (419) 289-6665 or to contact us via email click here.

 

 

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no-shave novemberNo-Shave November started as an act of remembrance. In November 2007, after a battle against colon cancer – the second leading cause of cancer death in the U.S. – Matt Hill of Chicago left behind eight devoted children who dedicated themselves to raising cancer awareness. What started as a basement-borne endeavor that collected $2,000 in 2009 has evolved into a national charity that raised one million dollars in 2014. No-Shave November makes a difference in the lives of the afflicted and their families, and you can help.

The Premise

Participants refrain from shaving in November and donate the money saved to cancer research. Donations range from the cost of a few razors to the price of a salon visit, or from a few dollars to around $100. Donations benefit American Cancer Society, Prevent Cancer Foundation, Fight Colorectal Cancer and St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

How to Help

  1. Create a profile at No-Shave November. Visitors can donate through your page and you or your team will earn a slot on the site’s leaderboard to track your progress.
  1. Share your No-Shave profile on social media and embolden your friends, family and colleagues to get involved.
  1. Put down that razor and let that ‘stache grow, baby!

How to Do It With Style

Mustaches start with light beards. It’s easier to shape a mustache from a canvas of hair than shave around your desired style each day. Nurture hair growth with adequate rest, nutrition and skin care. After you get a healthy layer of stubble, choose a style.

The Gunslinger

Whether you’re a neo-Westerner who fanboys over Trejo and Tarantino, or a classicist to whom no one but Eastwood, Elliot and Wayne can do the genre justice, the gunslinger is for you.

The Basterd

Lieutenant Aldo Raine didn’t come down from the Smoky Mountains, cross 5,000 miles of water and jump out of an air-o-plane to sport a baby face – he rocked an Errol Flynn-esque pencil mustache. Brad Pitt’s role in “Inglourious Basterds” rekindled the love affair with the pencil-thin ‘stache, and you have a few styles to choose from.

The Cloon

Everybody loves George Clooney, and when he grows out his mustache a la “The Monuments Men,” the world collectively swoons. The style is called the chevron, made famous by a P.I. you may know who goes by Magnum.

Being a part of No-Shave November is a great way to give back and help fight cancer. Sadly, many lives are greatly affected and turned upside down by this relentless disease. If you or someone you know is suffering from hair loss due to medical reasons Van Scoy Hair Clinics are here to help get you through this difficult time. To schedule a free consultation call us at (419) 289-6665 or to contact us via email click here.

 

 

Photo Credit: Gwyndafh Via Pixabay

Chemotherapy & Breast Cancer Wigs

October is a special month to many. So many people see it as the first full month of fall (the BEST season ever). Others love the Halloween spirit and joy that it comes with. We think everyone can appreciate the month of fall for everything it stands for, as it is Breast Cancer Awareness month. Organizations like the NFL are proud supporters of finding a cure for breast cancer, along with many other professional sports franchises. We just wanted to take a moment to share our support for finding a cure, and that we know first hand the toll cancer can take on an individual.

At Van Scoy Hair Clinics, we work with many cancer patients day in and day out helping them find the perfect look. As we all know, chemotherapy is an aggressive treatment that has a few side effects. One of which being hair loss. With everything that is happening in our client’s life, we don’t want them to have to worry about their hair as well.

So we take our 100% natural human hair wigs and customize them to fit whomever is in need. We style them to exactly what each client would like, and after we are done, all they have to worry about is being the person they’ve always been, while focusing on getting better.

Here at Van Scoy Hair Clinics, privacy and security are our priority. Many of our clients want to be discrete about their hair loss and chemo, so they come to us even before the hair loss begins. We can closely match up what your natural hair looks like, and our custom chemotherapy wigs. So if that’s you today, or you are suffering from any other hair loss condition, come set up a free consultation and we can talk about the best solution for you!

Photo Credit: Susan G. Komena® via Flickr Creative Commons

Going GrayGrowing older means growing accustomed to changes in your appearance. However, even the most self-assured people can be startled when they see their first gray hair. For some, a few strands of silver here and there are the only hair color changes until well into there 50s. Others see a significant loss of hair pigment in there 20s. Understanding the science of going gray can make the transition easier.

The Average Progression of Changes in Hair Color

While a variety of factors influence changes in your appearance as you age, race plays a major role in when the average person’s hair begins to gray. Caucasians usually see their first silver strands in their mid-30s, while Asians usually don’t begin the transition until their late 30s. African-Americans keep their original hair color longest, with gray hair holding off until their mid-40s. By the age of 50, roughly half the members of all races have significantly grayed.

The Power of Genetics in Hair Pigmentation

The relationship between genetics and hair color has been established for decades, but it wasn’t until March of 2016 that researchers published some amazing new findings. They have isolated the specific genes responsible for the shape, color and distribution of your hair. This proves conclusively that the timing of your gray hairs is strongly predetermined by your genetic heritage.

Locating the specific genes responsible for when and how your hair loses pigment could have important implications, as it may soon be possible to develop therapies that slow the process down. In the meantime, look to your parents’ and grandparents’ experiences to get an idea of what you can expect.

The Impact of Your Health and Lifestyle on Hair Color

Though many people insist that stress causes hair to turn gray, scientists have not yet proved this. However, there are health-related issues that contribute to premature loss of hair pigment. For example, low levels of vitamin B-12, thyroid problems, or pituitary gland disorders have been linked with early grays. Fortunately, when these health conditions are corrected, hair pigment usually returns. Smoking and other substance abuse contribute to early grays in addition to giving skin an aged appearance. Those who wish to look younger longer are wise to avoid these lifestyle choices.

If your changing hair color has caught you by surprise, don’t worry. Whether to embrace the new look or dye it into submission is a decision you can make over and over again, as new hair growth offers you endless opportunities for imaginative colors and styles.

Your hair going gray can be alarming but if you’re experiencing hair loss it can be devastating. At Van Scoy Hair Clinics we understand what you’re going through and we will find the hair loss solution that’s right for you. To schedule a free consultation call us at (419) 289-6665 or to contact us via email click here.

 

Photo Credit: Ray Dumas Via Flickr Creative Commons

Sources:

http://www.nature.com/ncomms/2016/160301/ncomms10815/full/ncomms10815.html

http://www.webmd.com/beauty/hair-nails/abcs-premature-graying?__hstc=23243621.6cbd93eb3f705410c835dc197205db73.1468140840899.1471380887205.1471393813553.72&__hssc=23243621.434.1471393813553&__hsfp=1838948086

 

Hair LossAs I entered my mother’s home, I was greeted by a picture of myself on my wedding day. Prominently displayed upon the mantle, I hardly recognized the person staring back at me. It had only been five years since that day, but it felt like a lifetime. With a big jolly grin and long hair cascading over one shoulder, this distant stranger was the epitome of femininity. For a moment, I felt a pang of the realization that I was suffering from hair loss, so then I quickly retreated to the powder room. Looking in the mirror, I removed my old pink baseball cap and strategically finger-combed the remaining strands of my locks to hide the gleaming scalp beneath. I took a deep breath and prepared to consult with my lifelong confidant. I called for my mother with tears in my eyes and she came to greet me. She uttered comforting words as I detailed how the child in the grocery store glared at me when I removed my hat.

For the last few years, I had done everything in my power to hide my hair loss. I had hairstyles that disguised bald spots and a collection of hats that would make department stores envious. When I could no longer style my hair to hide the balding, I stopped attending social outings with friends and family for fear that I would need to remove my hat. I imagined the reactions of strangers and close friends and shuddered at the embarrassment. Some days, I felt so down that I called in sick to work. I skipped play-dates and trips to the park with my daughter for fear of judgment from other mothers and children. Perhaps worst of all, I began to push my husband away. I could not fathom how he could still find me attractive, and became insecure and jealous. I was certainly not the woman he fell in love with. I was a woman in hiding.

I could not continue living amidst a fog of depression. I wanted to participate in life again. I wanted to send a message to my daughter that beauty was more than thick, lustrous hair and make-up. That day, I decided that my diagnosis would no longer define me. I returned home and made an appointment to begin hair-loss treatment, despite the embarrassment. I greeted my daughter hat-less as the big, yellow bus pulled up and we walked hand in hand to the playground. As my husband joined us on the swings, he kissed my forehead and declared that I was as beautiful as the day he married me and, for the first time in years, I believed him.

If your hair loss has been controlling your life and you’re looking for the confidence to do something about it Van Scoy Hair Clinics can help you get your life back. Take the first step and schedule a free consultation today by calling us at (419) 289-6665 or to contact us via email click here.

 

Photo Credit: Konstantin Stepanov Via Flickr Creative Commons

 

FrizzDuring summertime, the combination of high temperatures and humidity can give you frizzy hair. Aside from managing your locks with hairstyles like braids, ponytails and chignons, you can attack the root cause of the problem: dryness. This can be alleviated with moisturizing agents that can be found in your refrigerator or kitchen cabinets. You can also reduce the loss of your mane’s natural oils with certain hair care practices.

 

  1. Olive Oil Deep Conditioner

Extra virgin olive oil makes a highly emollient and penetrating conditioner. Dilute the oil with water and then apply it to your hair. Cover with a shower cap and leave on for the desired time, which can range from 20 minutes to all night. Shampoo your hair, being careful not to fall in the tub or shower stall made slick with the oil.

  1. Coconut Milk Treatment

Plentiful in healthy fat, coconut milk makes a treatment that produces a smooth, shiny mane. Heat two tablespoons and apply it to your hair. Cover your head with a towel or shower cap and leave the milk in overnight. Wash it out in the morning.

  1. Apple Cider Vinegar Rinse

The acid in apple cider vinegar has properties that calm frizzy hair. After shampooing, give your hair a final rinse with a solution of the vinegar mixed with equal amounts of water. This can be done every two to four weeks.

  1. Avocado Mask

Extraordinarily hydrating, avocados are rich in vitamin E and fatty acids, both of which help control hair made unruly by humidity. Make a mask by mashing a ripe avocado and mixing it with a little olive oil. Apply it to freshly shampooed hair, and leave it in for 30 minutes to an hour before rinsing.

  1. Cold Water Wash

Hot water strips away the sebum that acts as your hair’s natural moisturizer. Cold water retains the sebum as well as closes the cuticles, a benefit that seals in moisture. Shower with water that is lukewarm rather than hot, and give your hair a final rinse with cold water.

  1. Protective Hair Care

Instead of using a blow dryer, let your hair air-dry whenever possible. Distribute the sebum through your hair shaft using a boar bristle brush, stroking from the roots to the tips. In addition, wash your hair after swimming in chlorinated pool water.

Try some of these natural remedies for frizzy hair. You may be surprised at how well they can tame your wild tresses in the summertime.

These are great tips for battling frizz but suffering from thinning hair or hair loss may be a bigger issue for you. At Van Soy Hair Clinics we will find the hair loss solution that’s right for you. To schedule a free consultation call us at (419) 289-6665 or to contact us via email click here.

 

Photo Credit: donniesays Via Flickr Creative Commons

scarvesSummer can be hard on natural hair. Regular swimming can dry out strands and cause breakage, while UV rays can bleach dark locks. Plus, going from air-conditioned buildings out into the hot sun can also stress your hair. While protective styles can help your hair avoid damage during the summer months, scarves are unique hair accessories that allow you to create physical barriers between your strands and common hair hazards. Below are several ways to incorporate scarves into your summer hair care routine.

Protect Hair From Hat Damage

Hats will protect your hair and face from punishing UV rays, but they can also leach moisture from your hair and cause breakage. Therefore, if you want to wear cute hats this summer, consider using a beautiful scarf to cover your hair completely underneath the hat. A thin silk cap is the perfect barrier between a beautiful sun hat and your delicate strands. Use a solid-colored cap to let your hat take center stage, or use a brightly patterned scarf to add a hint of color to an otherwise simple outfit.

Condition Your Hair All Day Long

Summer moisture loss, which causes split ends and frizzy hair, can also lead to hair breakage. Even if you’re using a daily conditioner, you may need to soak your strands in a heavy hair mask to protect against further deterioration. Rather than waiting for some time at home to pamper your hair, sneak in a deep conditioning treatment by coating your hair with your favorite product and wearing a scarf over it.

Prevent UV Color Damage

Both natural and color-treated hair is subject to bleaching and brassiness caused by repeated exposure to the sun. A UV-protective serum will act as a sunscreen for your hair, but this category of products does have its limitations. If you’re planning on spending some quality time near the pool or on the beach, try adding a head wrap to cover all of your strands and boost the SPF your hair receives.

Update Your Normal Protective Hairstyle

You’ve found the Holy Grail of low-manipulation summer hairstyles, but you’re reluctant to commit to that style all summer long. Instead of trying out new hair trends, try adding different scarves to your ‘do to update your day-to-day fashion looks. Leopard, camouflage and bohemian prints are all hot for 2016. Also, don’t stick to the usual scarves-as-headbands style. Under scarves, scarf pompadours and turban wraps are some other fun styles to try.

Beautiful scarves are a timeless accessory to help you battle moisture loss and fading. Before your strands wilt in the summer heat, grab a few scarves and experiment with some new hairstyles.

Using a scarf to protect your hair from sun damage is smart, but if you’re using a scarf to cover up hair loss it’s time to do something about it. At Van Scoy Hair Clinics our hair restoration specialists can answer all of your hair loss questions and help you find the solution that’s right for you. To schedule a free consultation call us at (419) 289-6665 or to contact us via email click here.

 

 

Photo Credit: WOCinTech Chat Via Flickr Creative Commons