Duramed FUTURES Tour professionals Cindy Lee-Pridgen and Kim Welch cut their long hair at the Duramed Championship in Mason, Ohio. The cut hair will be donated for wigs for cancer patients. Cindy organized the cutting in honor of her mother, who died two years ago of cancer.

My hair’s the length of my chin. I’ve parted it to the side and looks a little better, should I go back for layers?

Most women at some point in their lives dreams of having long flawless hair. And the women that have painstakingly grown their hair will agree that it takes quite a bit of time and effort to keep their hair in top condition. Most of us have tried to grow our hair but often fall at the first hurdle. It gets to that awkward stage where it’s longer than normal but not long enough, it’s hard to style and most of us give up and get it cut.
In this day and age we don’t have to wait for anything. The instant way to getting the long hair we want is by buying either long haired wigs or long pieces of hair extensions. Hair extensions have been around for a number of years now and many movie and music stars have all adorned them at some point. They are the perfect way to create an instant long haired look.
Like anything new it’s not long before variations come out and the same can be said about hair extensions. However wearing wigs is not a new thing as it goes back a long way. As far back as the Egyptian times both men and women wore wigs or hair pieces. During the late 1800′s human hair pieces were used for the first time but not until recently were human hair extensions available.
In the beginning extensions were only worn by either the very rich or celebrities. I think the main celebrity that made hair extensions very main stream was Victoria Beckham who had dozens of hair styles based around extensions. One day she would have short cropped hair, the next she had longer hair. Being one of the most photographed women in the world, her image was on the cover of every magazine and newspaper. With this type of publicity and her and her husband’s popularity it wasn’t long before people saw the true potential of hair extensions.
There are many different types of hair extensions some are more permanent than others. If your after a non or semi permanent option you should think about clip in hair extensions. These extensions are really very easy to apply and come in all different colours and lengths. You can get them to completely match your own hair to give you longer hair, lowlights, highlights or just added volume. Clip in hair extensions come in one or multiple pieces of varying widths with a strong practically invisible clip. These clips make attaching them to your own hair very quick and simple and are virtually undetectable.
Permanent hair extensions are the ones that are fused to the hair. With this fusion method about 20 to 50 strands of human extension hair have a warm protein glue applied all around it. Then they use a clear plastic template to isolate the portion of natural hair from the rest of the scalp, the glued extension hair is then attached to a small portion of the natural hair which is pulled through a hole in the template. Then the two lots of hair are rolled together in the fingers until a smooth protein bond is made. All of this needs to get done for each extension which is why it is a long and tedious procedure. The extensions last for between 3 and 6 months before they will need either removing or redoing.
Another method is by using pre tipped strands which is where the extension strands are pre tipped with protein glue. This glue then melts and bonds to the natural hair when using a heated hair connector tool. It is thought this method uses’ less glue as it is premeasured so it leaves the hair better bonded and less likely to chip away.
If you choose to have the permanent hair extensions make sure you use a salon or hair dresser that has experience in applying them. There are plenty of scare stories where people have lost their real hair because the hairdresser want experienced enough and burnt the hair or used too much glue. Getting a realistic affect will only happen when an experience hair dressers applies them. It makes sense to try and use the clip on ones until you’re really sure you want the permanent ones. Clip on hair extensions are just if not more realistic than the fused on method, but the real bonus is that you are not messing with your natural hair, you are just adding more hair via clip which can be removed when and wherever you want. And each clip is only a few pounds out and they last for years.

Image Center relocated from Newport News VA now in Atlanta. Celeste Taylor does a hair replacement on a woman with pattern baldness on live TV-network news- also cuts wigs for cancer patients/ www.imagecenterga.com

Fashion has always played a huge part in the lives of women throughout the world. It is all about having the right shoes, the right bag, and the right outfit, but right along with the style is the hairdo. Women have been inventing new ways to wear their hair along with new techniques and product to help them achieve their new look. Over time however, women have discovered that utilizing too many different types of treatments, like blow-drying, straightening, curling, and the constant use of products, can leave a hair dry and brittle. Of course, in retaliation to these damaging effects, many companies have produced a number of new products that focus on re-hydrating and mending damaged hair. Many women have found even better ways to protect their hair from the damaging side effects that occur, by investing in wigs. With a wig, a woman can have it styled any way she wants, whenever she wants. As such, rather than having a single cut to style, she has thousands of different looks at her disposal. However, some women out there have not looked into this new alternative because they have heard that wigs are made of poor quality synthetic hair, or they have personally had a bad experience with a synthetic wig. Due to the grand advances in the wig industry over the last couple of years, it is time to try wigs again. Many companies are now selling wigs made of real human hair that has either been donated or sold to a wig making company. This allows women to manage their wigs as if it was their own hair because these wigs work with treatments and products in the same manner. It is a lot of fun to be able to change a look on a whim, and if a woman does not like it, she is not stuck with that look until her hair grows back. In addition to wigs, the hair extension pieces have risen in popularity. With one of these pieces, a woman can make her own hair seem thicker or longer with a snap-on piece of hair. As with the wig, these pieces are available in a variety of different lengths and colors, and are made of real hair.

There are some medications that can cause hair loss as a side effect. This side effect has physical and emotional effects on the body. While the damage may be predominantly physical, its effects can go beyond that. People place so much value on physical appearance, especially the hair. It is a reflection of beauty and other aesthetic purposes. Anything that causes hair loss is indeed a concern to many. Hence, people are always keen on discovering why certain medications cause hair loss or alopecia.

Use of Tamoxifen

A popular anti-cancer drug called Tamoxifen is known for causing hair loss as a side effect. Tamoxifen is a drug used in treating breast cancer. It is an important chemotherapy or anti-cancer medication that kills the cancer cells.

It is important to note that most breast cancer cases happen on women. Ladies are especially concerned about looks and the appearance of their hair. This means that more women have to suffer with Tamoxifen’s hair loss effect.

Why is there hair loss with Tamoxifen?

Anti-cancer drugs work by detecting cancer cells and killing them. The mechanism by which the drug detects these cancer cells in the body is by looking for the rapidly multiplying cells. Rapid proliferation and division of cells is a distinguishing characteristic of cancer cells from normal cells. However, there are other normal cells in the body that have rapid multiplication and growth. This includes the hair follicles, the cells responsible for hair growth. Anti-cancer cells like Tamoxifen cannot distinguish this cell from the cancer cells so they also attack the hair cells. This is the mechanism why Tamoxifen cause hair loss.

How can you cope up with hair loss with Tamoxifen?

1. Wig – The wig can serve as a cover for the head to hide the balding process associated with Tamoxifen use. This decreases the worries of seeing your hair grow thinner. 2. Shave head short – Shorter locks will be easier to lose than longer and thicker ones. It is easier and less shocking to look at short strands of hair goes down the shower or come tangled in your combs. 3. Hair accessories like hats and scarves – These can be attractive and trendy hair accessories that could make it easier to accept and cope with hair loss.

Ladies (and gentlemen), tell me if this story sounds familiar. . .

I began wearing lace wigs after on again – off again, tumultuous relationships with other types of hair extensions. I tried braids, bonded human hair extensions, sewn in human hair weaves, synthetic and human hair beauty supply store wigs. . . Until one day - I FINALLY I found the love of my life, the commited relationship that has stood the test of time. . . a full lace wig.  

Ladies, if you haven’t “fallen in love” yet with full lace wigs (and yes - once you fall, it will be plural = wigS) – allow me to share my hair mistakes, the pros & cons, and the money ups and downs. The information that you are about to read will save you a lot of time and money. Allow me to introduce you to your future hair love – full lace wigs.

Full lace wigs have a lower annual cost and provide more styling options when compared to other types of human hair extensions.   At ShopLaceWigs. com we challenge our clients to accept our progressive approach to business. Compare and save!

KEEP THESE THINGS IN MIND:

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 The pros outweigh any cons when it comes to a lace wig – the added cost benefits + versatility + quality = make a lace wig the better choice for most people.

 

Hair structure and various hairs available today


Hair structure and various hairs available today

Hair extensions can dramatically improve your appearance. However, before you take the plunge and go in for hair extensions it would help to understand the quality of hair extensions and what the typical structure of hair is like.

The hair structure


The hair structure

The hair when observed on a microscopic level is actually composed of various layers. The outer coating is known as ‘cuticle’ and comprises many long cells which overlap with one another. They align in a unidirectional manner and is the main component that keeps the moisture in the hair intact. It also guards against the weather and other elements. In fact, shiny hair is a sign of having a healthy cuticle.

How to determine an extension’s quality?


How to determine an extension’s quality?

The best way to gauge the quality of a hair extension is by assessing the cuticle. Usually, prices can also be an indicator of the overall quality. The more the price of the extension the more will be the quality and vice versa. Also, if the layers of the cuticle are intact and facing the same direction it means it is a healthy cuticle and so the price of the hair extension will also be higher. Bad quality cuticles indicate interlocking cells which can cause matted and knotted hair.

Types of hair and their structure differences


Types of hair and their structure differences

The hair used in the extension industry can originate from various countries. Each ethnic race has a different hair structure. Here we discuss some of them:

European hair:

Indian hair:

Asian hair:

Remi hair:

Synthetic hair:

An innovative nonsurgical hair replacement solution specifically designed for medical hair replacement applications was released by a Chicago-based hair loss solutions company, White Cliffs Hair Studio.   The so-called “HRD” or “Hair Reconstruction Device” hair system – a state-of-the-art Cancer Wig – answers the unique needs of those in the Chicago area who have suffered impermanent hair loss due to Cancer treatments such as radiation and chemotherapy. “This is not like the simple Cancer wigs that all of the Chicago hair replacement studios are currently offering,” says Paul Sandor, owner and operator of White Cliffs’ Chicago hair replacement studio.   “Our HRD Cancer wig is sturdy and durable and exactly duplicates the patient’s hair to what it looked like before the hair loss occurred. “More importantly, the HRD Cancer wig, while only a temporary solution until a patient’s hair grows back, can be adhered to the patient’s head for extended periods of time.   This allows the patient to perform all normal living activities while wearing the HRC Cancer wig including exercising and showering and sleeping. According to Sandor, the process is a simple one.   “After the diagnosis, the patient comes into our studio before the radiation or chemo treatment, the earlier the better.   We will then design the hair system, or “Cancer wig” to exactly duplicate the patient’s hair as it is before she loses that hair,” says Sandor.    “We’re talking about the hair texture, color, density, part and hairline. The works. “For many years, medical experts have insisted that Cancer patients who are able to go through the process of the difficult treatments, like radiation and chemotherapy, will heal faster and easier if they look in the mirror and see a healthier self looking back at them. Linda Sweeny of Round Lake Beach, Illinois, a suburb of Chicago, lost her hair after chemotherapy.    “I never saw myself looking so ill,” said Sweeny.   “The hospital helped me with my hair system while I was still being treated.   When I came home, I never had to see myself without hair and neither did my children.   In the end, it allowed us all to feel better.   Because I was able to live in this particular Cancer wig, I didn’t have to wear a non-custom wig that altered my appearance in a different way and my neighbors and co-workers never knew I was sick.   That’s how I wanted it. “Sandor is quick to point out that even the best, most expertly made Cancer wigs can only be as good as the professionals who maintain it for the patients throughout the process.   “The FDA has listed our solution as an acceptable prosthetic for this application,” says Sandor.   “But even more important than that is the level of training our staff has undertaken to apply these Cancer wigs to a patient so that it looks natural and undetectable. “The White Cliffs Chicago hair replacement staff is highly trained and that, along with their natural talent and compassion for this very special group of clients, is allowing White Cliffs Hair Studio of Chicago to offer Cancer patients something unique and different that actually works helps them not just to look better but to feel better.

How to apply hair extensions?


How to apply hair extensions?

You could always visit a professional salon to get your hair extensions applied. However, if you are the DIY kind who loves to get hands on with things then you could apply hair extensions on your own as well. Here are some things to look out for as well as useful tips and tricks.

Get the tools in place


Get the tools in place

Firstly, before you begin attaching your hair extensions you need to ensure that all of the tools are in place. The last thing you want is to go searching for the tools while you are in the middle of applying an extension! Make sure you have a comb, hair clip and hairspray to keep your hair partitions in place.

Sectioning your hair


Sectioning your hair

Make sure to comb back all of your hair so that it is separated from the rest of the face. Then, slowly partition the portions of this hair so that you can easily place the extensions on each section. If you happen to have long hair then a high quality grip will help to keep the hair in place. You might also want to place a grip on top of the hair to keep the hair in the same place.

Using the clip extensions


Using the clip extensions

This is probably the only kind of hair extensions that you can apply on your own. The other variants are only meant to be applied under professional supervision. When you are using the clip hair extensions then make sure to apply a bit of hairspray onto the hair first. This will add volume and firmness to the hair texture. Then open up one clip of a hair extension piece and place it on the back of the hair. Continue this process until you have reached the front portion of the hair. The way to add the clip type hair extension is to gently place the clip on the portion of hair you want to attach it to. Then clip it on and continue with all of the clip extensions.

Glue based method


Glue based method

You can also use glue to bond the hair extensions onto the portion of hair you want. However, it is recommended that only a professional stylist perform this for you. You can achieve a long and flowy look by using the modulating technique. You can also apply lots of extensions by using a glue which is high in keratin. However, if you have thin hair, then do not try this technique as the bond can look very thick or may show.

Non glue methods


Non glue methods

You can also apply hair extensions without usage of glue. You can choose to braid the extensions on your hair or use tiny tubes to attach the extensions. Sometimes, even dental floss can be used for attachment and then removed leaving an invisible thread. Silicon pads can also be used for a softer mode of attachment using manual methods. Microcylinder shells can also be used at times along with a silicon coating to attach the extensions on a strand basis.

Once you have attached your hair extensions finish off by applying hairspray and then gently brushing downwards starting from bottom and then working your way up.

If you have any general related questions, for hair extensions, please visit our hair extension forums