Top 3 Care Tips for Your Hair Addition

Posted on May 15, 2012 by Sheryl

Hair Prosthesis Institute recommends three important steps to care for your human hair addition:

1. Rinse.

2. Rinse again.

3.  Rinse some more.

If you’re getting the idea that a thorough rinsing after shampoo and conditioning is of the utmost importance–you’re right!

But before you rinse, we realize you must actually use the shampoo and conditioner and we’ve got an important tip about how to approach that step. When applying shampoo and conditioner, apply product about two inches from the base.  This is a best practice for those wearing a human hair addition because if the conditioner comes in contact with the knots attached to the base, it could cause the individual hair knots to loosen and shed prematurely.

During the shampooing, conditioning, rinsing and even towel drying, take care that the water and your movements go in the natural, downward direction the full length of the hair.  You never want to move in circular, irregular motions during those steps as it could lead to tangling.

If you don’t have a hand-held shower head, you should add that to your gift list and install it immediately upon receipt.

Using a hand-held shower massage set at the most powerful setting is the greatest method to accomplishing a complete rinsing of the hair addition.  This handy bath tool is also ideal to help eliminate any build up on the scalp that may occur under the base of a bonded unit between reapplication appointments.

I hope this information has been a good reminder of the best way to apply products and the importance of a thorough rinsing for your human hair addition to maintain its beauty as long as possible.

 

Posted in hair enhancement, Hair Loss, Hair Prosthesis Institute, Healthy Habits, human hair addition, natural hair prosthesis, women's hair replacement | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

Edible Easter Activity for Kids – or Kids at Heart!

Posted on April 3, 2012 by Sheryl

If you’re looking for something fun to do that will keep the kids distracted while the Easter Bunny hides the eggs, I think this little treat will do nicely.

I noticed several different types of recipes for Easter treats, but this one looked relatively simple and no baking required.   It can serve as an activity AND a treat!  Nothing like keeping little hands and big imaginations busy!

Click here for Easter Bunny Marshmallow Pop Directions.

Happy Easter!

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Clip Tips from Hair Prosthesis Institute

Posted on March 29, 2012 by Sheryl

One of the variety of methods that our clients use to attach a hair enhancement is with comb clips.  While many of our clients have the ability to alternate between clipping and using a medical adhesive, using clips is the best solution for those who want the versatility of removing their hair enhancement themselves.

Here’s three tips for those using comb clips:

  1. Move it or lose it – Have your stylist move the position of the comb clips on your hair enhancement every 2-3 months.  This will help to avoid clipping to the same area of natural growth hair for an extended period of time which could result in traction alopecia if the comb clip positions aren’t rotated regularly.
  2. Stay secure – Take the time to make sure your clips are securely sewn to the hair addition and in good working condition.   If any are lose or not working correctly, have them secured or replaced by your hair restoration professional.  You’ll be much more confident knowing your hair enhancement  is securely fastened.
  3. Tight is not right – You want the clips to feel secure to your natural growth hair, but not too tight.  If the clips are fastened too tight, they can also pull excessively on your natural growth hair, possibly resulting in additional hair loss in that area.  We suggest to fasten all comb clips, then loosen the front clip  because it gets more tension.  Loosening it slightly will ease the tension, but still remain secure.

Hair Prosthesis Institute offers a wide variety of attachment options, in addition to comb clips.  The type of attachment used is ultimately selected by the individual, based on their activity level and personal preference that fits their lifestyle. 

A human hair enhancement using any of the attachment methods offered by HPI will provide a beautiful, natural look.   Practicing the proper wear and care techniques will ensure you get the most from your hair addition experience.

Posted in hair enhancement, Hair Loss, Hair Prosthesis Institute, human hair addition, natural hair prosthesis, women's hair loss, women's hair replacement | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

Hair Prosthesis Institute Welcomes New Employees

Posted on March 28, 2012 by Sheryl

Recently we added a couple of new faces to the Hair Prosthesis Institute team.  They are both genuinely friendly and eager to serve you.

The smile of Valerie Williams will greet you at the front desk or when you call our office.  She is originally from Illinois, but she’s lived in Tennessee for the past 18 years, so she’s practically a southern girl by now!  Valerie and her family live in the Bellevue area.  Their home was flooded in May 2010, but she, her husband and two sons have moved into a new location and all is well.

When Valerie isn’t manning the front desk at HPI, she enjoys watching UT football and reading.  She’s currently reading “The Hunger Games” expecting to finish it before seeing the movie.

 Kim Holmes will assist the stylists, so you say “hi” when you see her in the salon area.  Kim is a local girl, from the Pegram area.   Not only is she new to HPI, she’s also newly wed!

I asked what motivated her to become a cosmetologist.  “When I was younger I had the most unruly hair and I went to a stylist that made it beautiful.  From then on, I knew I wanted to make others feel as beautiful as I did that day.”

On her days off, this trendy girl can be found home with her new hubby and playing with Mitzi, her Yorkie.

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Meet Hair Prosthesis Institute at Southern Women’s Show April 12-15

Posted on March 27, 2012 by Sheryl

You know spring is here when you see this face around town!  Mark your calendar April 12-15 to join Hair Prosthesis Institute at the Southern Women’s Show.  The annual event will be held at the Nashville Convention Center April 12-15; Thursday & Saturday 10 a.m.-7 p.m., Friday 10 a.m.-8 p.m. and Sunday 11 a.m.-6 p.m.

Have you, a friend or family member noticed your hair thinning but not sure what to do?  We understand.  Hair loss, especially for women, is an emotional issue.  It robs women of their self-confidence and keeps them from enjoying life as they should.  We’re thankful for the opportunity to have a booth at this event to show women not familiar with Hair Prosthesis Institute that we have all sorts of options to offer to women experiencing hair loss.

The booth number for Hair Prosthesis Institute is 604.  Stop by and view before and after photos of actual clients, pick up some informative literature and register to win a free custom hair addition or six months of laser light therapy sessions to be given away after the show.

For money-saving coupons toward the admission price, click on this link:  https://southernshows.com/wna/?show_coupon=1     Offers are for $1 off the admission general price or save $5 off after 5:00 p.m. on April 13 with the other printable coupon!

Looking forward to meeting you there!

Posted in Alopecia, Children with Hair Loss, Female Pattern Thinning, Hair Loss, Hair Prosthesis Institute, Laser Light Therapy, medical hair loss, Thin hair, Thinning hair, Wigs, women's hair loss | Tagged , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Shawn Camp Donates Hair to HeartStrings

Posted on March 20, 2012 by Sheryl

While every hair donation is equally appreciated, I thought you’d be interested to know some famous locks were recently added to our collection.

Not long ago successful songwriter and performer, Shawn Camp, decided to cut his infamous long locks to sport a shorter style.  When our client and former Hair Prosthesis Institute employee, Ann, heard about Shawn’s plan, she immediately suggested he donate his hair to HeartStrings.  Shawn was more than happy to comply with her request. 

HeartStrings was created by Hair Prosthesis Institute owner, Sheryl McCaleb.  Hair donations to HeartStrings are used to create custom human hair prosthesis and enhancements for children in need.  These children are typically from the Tennessee and surrounding area.

We’re honored to have Shawn’s thoughtful donation and it will certainly be put to good use!  Although we keep all our client information confidential, we have to smile.  Just imagine the surprise of a child needing a full cranial prosthesis if they knew part of their long, auburn locks once belonged to a famous singer/songwriter!

Posted in Children with Hair Loss, hair enhancement, Hair Prosthesis Institute, Heart Strings, HeartStrings, human hair addition, medical hair loss, natural hair prosthesis | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Dry Hair? We Can Help You Fix the Frizz!

Posted on March 8, 2012 by Sheryl

How many times have you been frustrated by your frizzy hair?  No matter how much you condition or use different products to moisturize your hair, you just can’t seem to find the right combination to fix the problem.

Hair Prosthesis Institute is willing to share a little secret with you:  usually, the problem stems from too much of a good thing — using too much product!

Hair that is overconditioned can mimmick the appearance of dry, frizzy hair.

So now that Hair Prosthesis Institute has helped to identify a possible cause of your dry hair, we’re also going to share a tip for a possible solution: baking soda!

  1. Mix about two tablespoons of baking soda into an equal part of your shampoo to create a paste.
  2. Apply to wet hair, beginning approximately two inches from the scalp to the ends.
  3. DON’T SCRUB! Work the mixture through the length of the hair, combing gently through with your fingers to avoid tangles.
  4. Rinse thoroughly.
  5. Condition & rinse thoroughly.

This process may help strip product build up from the hair and should only be performed when the hair feels heavy and unmanageable, as needed every few months.

We also recommend using HPI Deep Penetrating Conditioner,  no more than once every two-four weeks.  This is a concentrated product, so you shouldn’t have to use more than a teaspoon per application.

In between this maintenance regimen, Hair Prosthesis Institute recommends using a lighter finishing rinse or conditioner, such as Transitions Deep Conditioner, after every shampoo session to keep your hair looking its healthiest.

This process is especially helpful to maintain a beautiful, healthy-looking human hair addition.  As always is the case with hair additions, keep product application, especially conditioner, away from the base.  Conditioner on the base can cause the hair knots to loosen, causing it to shed.

By adjusting your routine to include baking soda with your shampoo once every few months, coupled with using HPI Deep Penetrating Conditioner every 2-4 weeks, should be helpful to keep the dry, fly-away frizz at bay!

 

Posted in Dry Hair, Frizzy Hair, hair enhancement, Hair Prosthesis Institute, Healthy Habits, human hair addition, natural hair prosthesis, Transitions International | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Eyebrows 101

Posted on February 22, 2012 by Sheryl

Ladies, as we age many of us will experience thinning hair.  But have you noticed your eyebrows may be fading away too?  Strong, but natural-looking eyebrows help to frame your eyes and adds a youthful feature to your face.

At Hair Prosthesis Institute we see many women who have thinning eyebrows, lose their eyebrows during chemo treatments or may not have eyebrows because of alopecia.  In any instance, eyebrows can be cosmetically shaped to appear thicker or even drawn on if they are missing. 

One important tip for shaping eyebrows is to use an angled brush and shadow powder as opposed to drawing harsh lines with an eyebrow pencil.  This will help to enhance your eyebrows with a natural look.

Here’s a helpful video to demonstrate exactly how to arch your eyebrows and what’s needed to achieve the best brows your eyes have ever had.

Posted in Alopecia, Chemotherapy, Female Pattern Thinning, Hair Loss, Hair Prosthesis Institute, Thin eyebrows, thinning brows, Thinning hair | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Let HPI Be Your Seatmate

Posted on February 17, 2012 by Sheryl

We’ve all heard ”It’s not the destination, it’s the journey.”  As wise as that quote may be, today I found an interesting spin on those original words of wisdom:

“It’s not the journey or the destination.  It’s the seatmate.”

How many times have you anticipated a great experience only to have it ruined by someone who didn’t share your perspective?  Don’t despair.  Take heart that the opposite concept also holds true. 

You may be dreading a terrible occasion and your “seatmate” can turn the tide to something much better than originally expected.

After a consultation at Hair Prosthesis Institute, many times we can physically see a look of relief on our consult’s face.  They didn’t know what to expect when they made the appointment.  Hair loss for women is such a personal, scary topic to discuss, especially with a total stranger, but the HPI staff is sensitive to their specific needs. 

That’s why Hair Prosthesis Institute is the best “seatmate” for the journey of female hair loss.

This week alone, we have been a “seatmate” to children with alopecia and trichotillomania, women and children losing hair while undergoing chemo treatments and ladies of all ages with female pattern thinning.  Each have different needs, but having a knowlegable, experienced and compassionate “seatmate” makes the journey easier.

One of our recent clients especially touched my heart when she commented, “I was so dreading losing my hair, but you all have been so great.   When I left the consultation last week I was so glad we had come by and afterward I wasn’t worried about losing my hair any more.” 

That’s what a great “seatmate” is for.  Making the journey as easy as possible.

Posted in Alopecia, Breast Cancer, Children with Hair Loss, Female Pattern Thinning, Hair Prosthesis Institute, medical hair loss, Trichotillomania | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Teen Alopecia

Posted on February 9, 2012 by Sheryl

At Hair Prosthesis Institute, we serve a wide variety of women and children with different kinds of hair loss.  While many people assume someone without hair is a cancer patient, it’s very likely they could be making the wrong assumption.

Alopecia is a form of hair loss caused by an autoimmune disorder.  It can present as one or more bald spots on the scalp (alopecia areata); totally bald scalp (alopecia totalis)  or the most rare form with no hair anywhere on the body, including eyebrows and eyelashes (alopecia universalis).  Alopecia universalis affects 1 in 100,000 people.

Alopecia is completely unpredictable.  It can happen without warning, and after an episode of shedding, the hair may or may not grow back.  There’s no cure, so those that suffer from alopecia are left to deal with the condition the best way they can.

Now imagine being a child or teenager and dealing with alopecia.  It’s traumatic enough to unexpectedly lose your hair, but factor in the reaction or taunting you may receive from your classmates. 

Loren Barr is a teenager with alopecia universalis.  She is using her experience to teach others to be accepting of their differences.  Click here to continue reading the full article about Loren and her journey with alopecia.

 

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