Hair Loss and Menopause-How does menopause affect my hair?

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Hair Loss and Menopause-How does menopause affect my hair?

We have clients tell us often that once they were in menopause, they started losing hair. This can be very hard for a woman as our hair is part of our identity. Here we are going to give you some information about menopause and how it may affect your hair. 

Menopause typically happens to women between the age of 45 and 55, about 12 months after a woman’s last period. Menopause is a normal part of aging for women, as it can typically last about 7 years but can be as long as 14 years. The duration of menopause is different for every woman depending on the woman’s lifestyle factors, such as smoking, age, race and ethnicity. Many women have trouble with menopausal symptoms, such as loss and thinning of hair, hot flashes, weight gain, trouble sleeping and more.

Menopausal hair loss vs hair shedding:

Humans typically lose on average about 50 to 100 strands of hair a day.  This is known as hair shedding. Hair shedding is a natural process of hairs falling out and new hairs growing in. When menopausal hair loss begins to occur, it is when hair shedding starts to become more evident. 

Some signs of menopausal hair loss:

– Your hairbrush filling with hair more frequently

– More hairs collect in the shower drain

– Finding your hair around the sink or on your pillow or clothes 

– Hair breakage becomes more common

When symptoms like these continue you may notice your part widening, your ponytail looking thinner, and thinning patches on your scalp.

How we really feel: 

For many women, having control over our hair, such as how we choose to style, cut and wear it, is a big factor in our self-expression and personality. Losing hair can mean that we may feel less ourselves, as having control over our hair can be a lot harder with less of it.

It is important to remember that when losing hair during menopause there is nothing medically wrong, unless accompanied by other symptoms. Experiencing hair loss and thinning during menopause is completely normal to most women. Fortunately, there are solutions to being able to have a full head of hair during menopause and to decreasing the amount of hair you lose and keeping your hair from thinning and this is where we can help.

Solutions:

  • Visiting with an expert at STRUT Hair Solutions about the types of products such as wigs, hair toppers, hair pieces and extensions that are available can help you recover with confidence overnight. STRUT is dedicated to helping women who are experiencing hair loss. We are committed to doing our small part to help you regain your confidence! 
  • Topical solutions such as thickening serums can help improve hair appearance. Products such as Unveil No. 3 Hair thickening serum helps to produce a fuller, thicker head of hair. Unveil’s Thicker Hair Serum is easy to use and is only to be applied to your scalp once a day and you’ll see results in as little as 4 weeks. 
  •  Reducing the use of heat damaging tools such as straighteners and hair dryers can also improve hair appearance. Less heat = less damage.
  •  A healthy diet means a healthy body. Having a healthy diet can also help to improve hair appearance. It is important that you take care of your body during menopause as your body is undergoing a lot of changes. The best way to do so is maintaining a healthy diet.
  •  Many medications have an abundance of side effects. Checking any medications that you use can help reduce hair loss and thinning. Medications that can cause hair loss include:
    •  Antidepressants
    •  Disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDS) used to treat rheumatoid arthritis and other autoimmune diseases
    •  Epilepsy medications
    •  Heart medications (blood thinners and beta-blockers)
    •  Medications used to treat hyperthyroidism 

In Summary:

Hair loss during menopause is a difficult symptom for many women. Having the creative freedom to style, cut and wear our hair makes us a part of who we are. When hair loss is experienced from menopause this can take a toll on our mental health and confidence. Fortunately, there are solutions to helping improve hair appearance, such as visiting with an expert at STRUT Hair Solutions and choosing a hair product that is perfect for you, Unveil’s Thicker Hair Serum, reducing the use of heat damaging tools, a healthy diet, and the use of medications. Remember to be kind to your body during menopause and encourage healthy practices that can reduce hair loss and thinning.

Women’s Hair Shedding Versus Women’s Hair Loss

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Women’s Hair Shedding Versus Women’s Hair Loss

 

When a woman suddenly loses a lot of hair, as opposed to the average loss of 50-100 hairs per day, it is referred to as hair loss. The medical term would be Alopecia (and, it’s important to note that there are 3 types of alopecia). Most women typically lose between 50 and 100 individual hairs each day.

Hair shedding is a natural process in which some hairs fall out and new hairs grow in, depending on which hair cycle that hair is currently in.

Hair loss occurs when the balance between growth and fallout is interrupted—when less hair grows in, and more hair falls out.

Hair shedding is not the same as hair loss. As mentioned above, shedding your hair is completely normal. It is when the balance of losing approximately 50-100 hairs per day becomes excessive, that we know it’s classified as hair loss.

 

The three cycles of hair growth are as follows:

ANAGEN: The anagen phase (AKA the growing phase) can span from two to eight years. Approximately 85% to 90% of the hair on your head falls into this phase.

CATAGEN: Hair follicles shrink during the catagen phase (AKA the transition phase), which lasts for about two to three weeks.

TELOGEN: It takes two to four months for the telogen phase (AKA the resting phase) to complete. At the end of this stage, the hair starts to fall out.

What types of hair loss are there?

  1. Anagen effluvium
  2. Telogen effluvium
  3. FPHL – Female pattern hair loss (androgenetic alopecia)

Anagen effluvium is caused by drugs, medication, or medical treatments that poison a hair follicle during the growth phase (like chemotherapy). This is why people can lose their hair during chemo, get what’s colloquially called “chemo hair,” or have a mixture of both.

Telogen effluvium: This condition develops when more hair follicles reach the telogen phase, which is when hair begins to fall out.

The most prevalent variety is androgenetic alopecia, often known as female pattern hair loss (FPHL) or baldness. The hair becomes thinner on the sides and at the top of the head.

 

Which kinds of women are most likely to experience hair loss?

Anyone can experience hair loss no matter their age, lifestyle, or hair-styling habits. However, these are the women who are most prone to hair loss: 

  • Women over the age of 40.
  • Women who have thyroid problems.
  • Women who are malnourished/not getting enough nutrition in their daily food.
  • Women who are pregnan.
  • Women who have recently given birth.
  • Women who are in menopause.
  • Women who have undergone chemotherapy and those who have been affected by other medications, drugs, or medical treatments.
  • Women who often wear hairstyles that pull on the hair (like tight ponytails always in the same spot, tight braids that pull on the hair, weaves which pull on the hair, or other tight styles) or who use harsh chemicals on their hair.

 

How do you treat hair loss? 

There are a number of treatments for women’s hair loss, as there are no one-size-fits-all solutions. 

  • Some women find that changing their diet and taking supplements (such as biotin, B12, or high-quality multivitamins) can help restore their hair. Supplementation is huge, as we don’t get enough vitamins and nutrients from the foods we eat nowadays. Unveil has a supplement with all the vital nutrients your hair and skin need for overall wellness, from the inside out.
  • In cases of pregnancy or recent pregnancy, the hair usually comes back on its own with time. You can speed this process up again with supplementation or with a topical solution such as our Unveil No.3 Hair Thickening Serum.
  • For hair loss caused by tight hairstyles, braids, ponytails, or weaves, hair loss can often be stopped or reversed by stopping wearing those hairstyles or using harsh chemical treatments on the hair.
  • Minoxidil (Rogaine®) is also approved for treating FPHL. The only drawback is that you must take it exactly according to directions or it may not work, and you must use it indefinitely. Meaning, if you stop taking it, your hair loss will continue. 
  • Certain shampoos, conditioners, hair serums, and sprays can also help prevent hair loss or restore the lost hair. They often have specialized ingredients which target hair loss and help strengthen the hair that is already there. 

Many women who undergo medical hair loss, who are doing chemotherapy for example, wear wigs or turbans during their treatment. Since their natural hair is usually unable to grow during treatment, they generally choose to wear a wig that matches the way their hair looked before treatment, to not draw attention to any change in hairstyle. Others go for colors they’ve never dared to dye their hair before, or switch between short and long styles for fun.

Long story short, there’s no one-size-fits-all approach here! 

The founder of Strut, Helena Gibson, created Unveil Restorative Hair Care. This is a line of restorative hair loss treatments/products with proprietary blends of active ingredients, such plant stem cell cultures and tetrapeptides to strengthen existing hairs and promote hair growth. We are so sure you’ll love our products that we stand behind them with a money-back, satisfaction guarantee! Our products are also free of toxins, known carcinogens, and hormone disruptors, and they also support your overall restorative wellness.  

Breast Cancer Awareness Month … Show You Care, Wear Pink Hair!

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Did you know that 1 in 8 women in the U.S. will be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime? This month is a time to come together, to raise awareness and promote early detection.

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How to Wear a Wig this Summer and Stay Cool

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Counting down with our top 5 tips for rocking a wig this summer. Look your best with a new summer hair style while staying cool with these tips!

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Tips to Choose the Right Wig

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Choosing the right wig that compliments your style can be difficult. There’s a reason clients contact Strut Hair Solutions for a Discovery Session. This guide will give you a detailed look on various wig types and wig styles, while making recommendations on how to choose a wig.

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How to Wear Wigs and Make them Look Real

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Perhaps you know exactly which wig you desire, but you’re not so sure how to wear it so that it looks natural. I want to share some tips and tricks that will make your wig look like it’s growing out of your own scalp, so you can look and feel confident!

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Wig FAQs – Top Questions About Wigs

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Wigs are trending by the minute not only for celebrities or medical reasons but for everyday use in any household. Bad hair day? Hair thinning? Want to preserve your hair? You are not alone! New or experienced to wigs, our hair experts curated an extensive Wig FAQs to guide you on your beauty investment.

Choosing the Right Type of Wig

Let’s start with the different types of wigs on the market. One of the most common topics you’ll find is the debate between Human hair vs Synthetic Hair. Although human hair is costlier, it looks natural, is durable, can be styled with various tools and dyed or highlighted professionally as you would your normal hair. Synthetic hair costs less and also has many advantages, such as holding style regardless of weather or wash, low maintenance and various style options.

The types of human hair wigs, are either chemically treated or not:  Processed vs. Unprocessed. Processed hair basically means the hair has been chemically treated by dipping in an acrylic acid to strip the natural effects, giving the styling abilities the manufacturer would like. Typically, processed wigs have an added silicone coat to give a shine that looks great but will not last as long as an unprocessed wig.

Wig Faqs: Unprocessed wigs, aka remy hair, Remy vs. Non Remy, are not chemically treated, typically come from one donor and look dull. Although your eyes will automatically veer towards the processed look, we highly recommend unprocessed hair. Don’t worry though, our award-winning salon and wig services can add the colors and depth you want to your wig.

What’s the Difference Between Wigs and Hairpieces?

The main difference between wigs and hair pieces is the amount of coverage. Wigs cover the entire scalp. You can put it on as needed, tuck in your hair and go! Style your wig in various ways and add different depth or color as needed. A lace front wig sew-in provides an extremely natural look matching your current hairline making it very hard to detect.

Wig Faqs: Hair pieces are customized to your hair, filling in thinning and/or balding areas providing a fuller look. The various types depend on the area that you need focus on: hair toppers, hair extensions, hair pieces and volumizers. Hair pieces can be styled with your current hair, come in different thickness and can also be perfectly color matched. In order to obtain a seamless integration, it is important that you select the correct length, and type of hair (curly, straight, wavy) to match yours.

Still not sure which is best for you? We understand everyone’s needs are different and sometimes you need to try on dozens of wigs before you really know. We are here to help and are more than happy to offer a private one-on-one free consultation. Contact us if you need our experts to visit your current salon, hospital, or home when necessary.

How to Care for Your Wigs

Our guide to wig care will give you all the do’s and don’ts so you can do your best protecting your investment. Most of the tips we share could be done at home yourself. However, we offer all of these services in studio if you’re unsure or just would like us to do it.

Wig  Faqs: To clean your wig you must first detangle using a wide tooth comb. You can brush through gently but try not to pull. Prepare a bowl of cold water and mix a cap full of shampoo in. Soak for about three to five minutes. Remove your wig and refill the bowl with fresh cold water removing any soapy suds. Immerse your wig in the cold water once again. While your wig is wet, place it on a wig stand and spray conditioner. Allow your wig to dry, keeping in mind that you should never blow dry synthetic hair. If you have a synthetic wig the style will appear once again. With human hair, you will need to style your hair to your desire every time you wash. Our recommendation is to wash your wigs about every 7 to 10th time that you wear it.

How Do I Find a Wig to Buy?

As you begin to search for your wig of preference, we highly suggest you stick to a style you are comfortable with for your first investment. The wig to buy is a style that compliments the shape of your face and fits your lifestyle whether you are considering exercise, every day attire, etc. You can search our various lengths, colors and styles  for both synthetic and human hair on our site: Shop for Wigs Online!  

We are here to help you and are more than happy to offer a private one-on-one free consultation.

Wigs with Bangs Style Guide

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Bangs are simply the best. It is a timeless addition that any woman can create to instantly make a statement. The choices of bang variation are endless as well. Many people view bangs as an accessory-level piece, but in some cases, they can steal the show.  Some wigs already incorporate bangs, or they can simply be cut in or, added on as an extra hairpiece or hair topper. Bangs are very youthful, I like to say they can be an instant facelift.

The Best Face-Type for Bangs

Square faces take the cake when looking at bang additions. The key is to highlight your solid jawline as the superstar, using the magic of bangs. Styles that are most complimenting are generally medium to short in length with some sort of texture. This could include tendrils, loose curls, or wispy bangs. It’s a smart thought to stay away from pin-straight styles, as these will make your features look sharper, instead of complementing them. Consider trying Cat by Ellen Willie, as it accentuates both the wispy bangs, and loose curls. It features a monofilament crown, natural-feeling synthetic hair, and is offered in a vast array of colors.

You don’t have a square-shaped head? Don’t fret. Bangs can improve any hairstyle, no matter your shape. Let’s explore more reasons why you should consider a wig with bangs.

Why You Should Choose Wigs with Bangs

Ever hear of “The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills?” The iconic show’s stars are known for their eye-catching hair. Lisa Rinna spices boasts a pixie-shag with all sorts of adjustments for each episode. However, the television diva is always rocking one thing: Stellar bangs.

You can still have great bangs without being a total diva. There are many softer options as well. Long side bangs that gently kiss the forehead are a popular option for women seeking subtle bang additions. They can be short enough to act as the focus point of your style, but they can boast enough length to tuck behind your ear. Now how’s that for flexibility?

Need more reasons to get bangs? They are an ideal way to “shake things up.” New job? Traveling somewhere for an extended time period? Ending a relationship? Whatever it is, bangs can act as a subtle “changing of the seasons” for your personal appearance and self-perception.

Does the question, “are bangs in style?” sound familiar? News flash: Bangs have been involved in fashion through the past 100 years, and they’re still extremely fashionable to this day. Plus, it’s easier than ever to add bangs to your look without the commitment or risk of a bad haircut. Bangs today and gone tomorrow.

How to take Bangs on a “Test-Drive”

A set of clip-on bangs is a safe way to find out if bangs are for you. They can easily be clipped onto your hairline and will easily change your style without the sheers. Clip-in bangs typically come in a variety of colors, which makes finding your favorite shade a piece of cake. Some are made of human hair, and some are made synthetic hair; regardless, it will surely feel just like your own hair once installed. The great thing is that you can trim and change the style of your clip-on bangs, just as if it were your actual hair. Except there are no consequences in this case!

Another option at your disposal is to purchase a full wig with bangs already cut in. This is a smart move if your hair is short and you don’t want to wait for it to grow out to add clip-on bangs. Even better, it gives you the ease of going between short to long in an instant. For this kind of look, check out Avery by Noriko which features a full bang and long layers with tousled curls.

Wigs with Bangs

This feminine look will have your friends adding bangs to their style in days!

Where to Shop for Wigs with Bangs and Other Bang Accessories?

Strut Hair Solutions offers a wide variety of wigs with bangs, hairpieces, and clip-ons. It is in your hair’s best interest to seek the guidance of a trained professional in alternative hair to find the best fit for your lifestyle and budget. For additional information on wigs and hair pieces, contact us today. We look forward to serving you and creating the hair you’ve always wanted!

What’s the difference between Remy Hair and Non-Remy Hair?

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Remy hair is often used in marketing and selling purposes that generally misleads the client into thinking they are getting the best grade of hair.

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