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.

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.

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.

You may think since Hair Prosthesis Institute is a salon for women’s hair restoration that we wouldn’t be interested in sports, much less the Super Bowl. 

Of course, we’re disappointed that our beloved Tennessee Titans aren’t participating, but we’re always interested in a reason to socialize.  And in the south, when we socialize, you know there’s food involved.

I thought I would share this recipe with those of you looking for a hearty appetizer for your Super Bowl party that’s sure to satisfy the appetite of your armchair quarterbacks. 

Reuben Dip

Ingredients:

          1 – 8 oz. pkg. cream cheese, room temp & cut into bits

          ½ cup sour cream

          2 t. onion, finely chopped

          1 T. ketchup

          2 T. spicy brown mustard

          1 cup grated swiss cheese

          1 cup chopped sauerkraut, drained

          ½ lb. corned beef, chopped

Directions:

• Combine cream cheese, sour cream with mixer or in food processor.
• Add onion, ketchup and mustard.
• Stir in sauerkraut, swiss cheese and corned beef.
• Pour into small baking dish that’s coated with non-stick spray.
• Bake covered with lid or foil at 375 degrees for 30 minutes.
• Remove cover and bake five additional minutes
• Serve with party bread or rye crackers.

Enjoy and I hope your favorite team wins!

On my desk at HPI, I have a small flip book with various quotes.  Some are meant to lighten the day with a laugh.  Other words of wisdom inspire me.  The quote I flipped to yesterday described our staff completely.

“It’s a rare person who can take care of hearts while also taking care of business.”

While I’m sure this philosphy applies to many avenues, it just struck me that this is the core of what we do. 

Women associate their hair directly to their femininity and beauty.  When genetics or medical treatments cause the hair to shed, it adversely affects a woman’s identity, self-esteem and self-confidence.   It’s not unusual for a previously outgoing woman to become socially withdrawn and always self-conscious of her appearance when faced with female pattern thinning, alopecia or any other hair loss disorder. 

HPI is an expert in the hair restoration business, but it’s the caring staff of Hair Prosthesis Institute that makes the experience special.  They not only restore the hair of women and children, but also nurture the emotions surrounded with their particular hair loss problem. 

The smiles of our clients, watching the self-confidence re-emerge as they leave our salon is a priceless reward to us.  It’s in that moment we know we have taken care of our business of hair, but also of someone’s heart.

Hair Prosthesis Institute has long held to the philosphy that when you look good on the outside, you feel better on the inside.

While it’s important for the self-esteem of every woman with hair loss, it’s never more crucial than for women battling cancer.   Imagine dealing with the emotional issue of losing your hair while also fighting for your life…a bit overwhelming, isn’t it?

Many women that are about to start chemo treatments consult with HPI before losing their hair to protect their privacy.  How do you ask?  By ensuring they can get a style and color the same as their natural growth hair, it helps to continue looking like themselves, keeping co-workers and aquaintences usually from even noticing they are sick.  Less disruption and personally invasive questions, the easier it makes it for women who wish to keep their personal issues private.

The more HPI can help women look like themselves,  the more energy they can devote to healing and less to being self-conscious about the way they look.  Hair may be the most noticeable beauty asset affected by chemo treatments, but there’s more that can be done.

I want to share an article that was published in our local paper this past week regarding the organization Look Good, Feel Better.  They provide group beauty sessions for women undergoing chemo treatments.  These free classes are typically held during a lunch hour in different locations periodically around the area.

Click here to read the complete article.

Hair Prosthesis Institute is an expert in non-surgical hair replacement for women and children.  It’s particularly rewarding to see a child’s self esteem begin to be restored as they leave their appointment with hair.

So, it’s in the interest of children with hair loss, especially girls, that the maker of Barbie dolls, Mattel, is being pressured to create a bald Barbie.  This version would relate to children losing hair from not only cancer treatments, but alopecia and trichotillomania.

I grew up playing with Barbie dolls, but I don’t recall there being many choices.   I think my sister had Olympic Gymnist Barbie.    I was perfectly happy with Malibu Barbie.  That’s the one my friends had and for me at the time, that’s what it was all about. 

As far as identifying with our Barbies, trust me when I say that my sister and I were about as far removed from a Malibu beach babe and gymnastic star as two little Tennessee girls could have been.  But we enjoyed the fantasy world and companionship that our Barbies provided.

Since then, Barbie’s persona has become a bit more real.  Sure, there’s still the princess and fairy versions, but keeping them company on the store shelves are Doctor Barbie, Teacher Barbie, Marine biologis Barbie, Nurse Barbie and thousands of sold-separately accessories. 

Is this public request going too far or is it time to add another Barbie version to the shelf that represents an ignored segment of Barbie admirers?  Check out the complete Huffington Post article here.

How many of you made new year’s resolutions?  The definition of “resolve” is “to come to a definite or earnest decision.”  The “decision” is usually tied to a plan of action.

It’s my experience at HPI that it’s not that women with hair loss don’t want to keep their resolution to solve their hair loss problem–they just may not know where to begin the process!

An internet search targeting “women’s hair loss” or “female pattern thinning” will provide over three million resulting links.  Where do you go from there?

Here are five tips to begin your quest to finally conquer your hair loss this year:

1. Get a medical check up.  Some hair loss is a symptom of other underlying medical issues, such as thyroid or hormone problems.

2. See a dermatologist.  If your overall health is in good standing, a dermatologist should be able to diagnose your type of hair loss.  Once you know what type of hair loss you have, you’ll have a better idea of the type of solution you need. 

3. Ask for referrals.  Your doctor, hairdresser, even close friends or family may be able to refer you to a repretable hair replacement establishment to consult.  Otherwise, look for hair replacement businesses in your area online or through the telephone book.

4.  Schedule a consultation.  Don’t let your fear of the unknown rob you from this imperative step!  Most hair replacement businesses offer free consultations.  You are doing yourself such a disservice if you don’t take advantage of these offers!

For instance, consultations at Hair Prosthesis Institute are free, private and very casual.   It’s the best way to learn what a hair replacement company can do for your specific hair loss situation.  Plus, it gives you an added opportunity to get the feel for a company and their services.  

5.  Follow your heart.  After consulting with a few hair replacement businesses, consider what they’ve presented to you.  Keep in mind, if it sounds too good to be true, be wary and do further research if needed.  Any hair replacement provider worth their salt will patiently answer your questions to help you make an informed decision. 

As you compare prices, also consider the quality of the hair each company provides.  Would you be comfortable with their processes, staff and surroundings? 

Each step is important to helping you complete the path to freedom from your hair loss problem.  Don’t let this year be like all the others.  Be proactive.  Do your research and keep your resolution to solve your hair loss problem this year, once and for all! 

At Hair Prosthesis Institute, we see many women who suffer hair loss as a result of Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome.   Although hair loss is only one of several symptoms of PCOS, one major problem with PCOS is that it zaps energy levels.

Normally when a little pick-me-up is needed, you might reach for a caffeinated beverage, but according to Christine DeZarn of the PCOS Association, that’s a terrible idea for women with PCOS. 

Drinks with caffeine can actually be one of the worst choices for PCOS sufferers because they usually are high in sugar with little nutritional value.  Weight gain and insulin resistance issues, which are also symptoms of PCOS, would be even more aggravated by such a beverage selection.

A better drink choice for women with PCOS would be water.  While this might be surprising because water isn’t usually considered an energy drink, it keeps the body better hydrated, thus helping it to work more efficiently and restoring natural energy.

So the next time you’re considering a cup of joe, reach for a reusable water bottle and fill it with water to go instead.

When HPI was approached to help grant a wish of new hair to seven-year-old Leukemia patient, Aniyah, of course we we wanted to make that wish come true.

December 9th was National Believe Day and at a local Macy’s, they celebrated the day by proclaiming Aniyah as “Princess for a Day.”  She received a makeover, complete with a manicure and pedicure, and a shopping spree at the mall.

Stephanie, our Client Coordinator, met Aniyah during her makeover session.  Stephanie took the measurements necessary to create a new full hair prosthesis just for her.

Be sure to watch our blog for more to come when HPI fulfills Aniyah’s wish for new hair.