Choosing the Right Hairpiece or Wig for Hair Loss

Whatever the cause, experiencing temporary or permanent hair loss can be an extremely challenging time for many women. It may take a while to adjust to the difference, however there are a number of ways to help manage and improve how you feel about these changes.

In recent years wigs and hair pieces have become much more sophisticated and of a higher quality, making them ideal for women who want to cover hair loss without people noticing. As the solution has become more popular, there is also a huge variety of hair pieces to choose from, allowing for personalisation and the ability to match the appearance of natural hair. One of the most common concerns about wearing a wig or hairpiece is that it will look noticeably false or unnatural, yet with the quality and choice available today, you can feel assured that no one will be able to tell that you are wearing one. 

 Why opt for a hairpiece?

Hair can often act as an extension of your personality or individuality, and those experiencing hair loss may feel less confident in themselves or unhappy with their appearance. A wig or hairpiece can really boost self-esteem and return femininity and identity. Additionally, hairpieces can give you the opportunity to try out new styles and experiment with colour. There are countless options to see how short, long, curly, straight, blonde or red hair can transform you!

Another major benefit is the minimal maintenance required – there’ll be no need to spend the time and money on getting your hair manageable and ready in the mornings, on hairstyling products or trips to the hairdresser. Depending on whether you opt for human or synthetic based hair pieces, the amount of upkeep can be minimal or allow you to style the hair in whatever way you choose.

Types of wigs and hairpieces 

Human hair: human hair wigs and hairpieces are highly versatile as they can be styled in the same fashion as natural hair. Like real hair they will lose their style in rain or humidity, and they do require more maintenance than synthetic versions. It’s also important to take the proper care with human hairpieces, as they can become dry without the natural oils from your scalp to condition them. They are the longer lasting option and are a great choice if you regularly like to change your style.

Synthetic hair: although they may not last as long, high quality synthetic wigs and hairpieces are now virtually indistinguishable in appearance from human hair versions. Although they cannot be exposed to heat styling, as this will damage the fibres, they retain their shape well and require little maintenance. There are also ‘heat friendly’ versions available which can be styled with heat, giving wearers the chance to style their hair without the level of upkeep as human hair. 

Wigs can additionally be made in different ways to suit a variety of different purposes. Classic wigs are machine made with traditional wefted rows of hair that are sewn together. These ‘capless’ wigs look natural and are durable and comfortable, however they may provide less versatility with styling. Other types include monofilament wigs, lace front wigs and hand tied caps – to find out which type would best work for you, ask your provider or specialist salon.

Choosing your new style 

Before selecting your wig or hairpiece, you’ll need to get an accurate measurement of your head size. You may find it easier to go to a specialist salon and have this done for you, as they can also advise on what styles would be best suited. If you are due to have chemotherapy it’s a good idea to go to a wig-fitting before hair loss begins, as you’ll be able to find a hairpiece most similar to your natural length, style and colour. You may also find it useful to cut a piece of hair prior to your visit, so that you can better match the colour to your new wig or hairpiece.

Pink Hair Solutions offer a wide range of wigs and hair pieces, styling products and advice suitable for those experiencing hair loss. Our aim is to support you on your journey whatever the cause of hair loss, and help return your femininity, identity and confidence. For more information or to request an appointment, please call us on 0121 350 3826 or visit our website.

Breast Cancer Awareness Month

This month we've seen candy coloured cakes, bright pink beards and even pretty-in-pink landmarks, as Breast Cancer Awareness Month is in full swing. As a worldwide annual campaign, Breast Cancer Awareness Month aims to share the importance of awareness, education and research targeting the disease. Thousands of organisations participate in events, collections and campaigns around the globe, raising the awareness and funds for breast cancer research vital for the lives of so many.

According to Breast Cancer Now, the organisation running the UK’s Wear it Pink campaign, 55,000 people are diagnosed with breast cancer in the UK each year – one person every 10 minutes.  Wearing pink and showing your support this month and on the 23^rd October, will ensure that the charity and other dedicated organisations can continue to help those facing breast cancer from the moment they are diagnosed. 

For many people diagnosed with breast cancer, one of the most distressing side effects of cancer treatment is hair loss. Hair loss is a very visible side effect of treatment that can really impact upon the self-esteem and sense of identity. Everybody adapts differently to hair loss, though for some it can be a devastating experience. 

Following chemotherapy hair loss commonly begins within two to three weeks, affecting body and facial hair including eyebrows and eyelashes. However hair loss is in most cases a temporary side effect of the treatment, so hair will start to grow back after its completion or even towards the end of its course. Hair that grows post-treatment may feel different from the natural pre-existing hair however, as there may be a change in its texture and shape.

Preparing For Hair Loss

• Gradually shortening your hair length before treatment begins is a good way to prepare for its effects and make changes to appearance less prominent. 
• Hats and scarves are versatile, practical and fashionable, keeping the head warm and boosting confidence.
• Wigs made from human or synthetic hair are popular ways to prepare for and remedy the effects of hair loss through cancer treatment, available in a huge amount of styles, designs and colours. We suggest looking for a wig before starting chemotherapy, in that you can match your own hair style and colour if desired. 

At Pink Hair Solutions we can advise about practical issues such as caring for your scalp or wearing a wig, as well as looking at ways to help you adjust to hair loss. We also provide a range of products that will assist your hair in returning to its normal condition, so you can feel comfortable and more confident during and after treatment. To find out more or to book your free consultation, please call us on 0121 350 3826.

Showing our support at the Alopecia UK Big Weekend

Pink Hair Solutions were proud to show their support recently at the Alopecia Big Weekend.  Linda Heeley, Steve Heeley, Kelly Hawkley and Levi Harrison from the Pink team attended the event at the Studio in Lever Street, Manchester.

We arrived at the venue nice and early to set up our large range of stock which included hairpieces, products and hats. 

The event kicked off with a talk from Jen Chambers, who is responsible for the day-to-day operation and development of the charity. Jen is supported by Alopecia UK's Communications Manager, Amy Johnson and a team of core volunteers, all of whom help deliver the services Alopecia UK provides. 

We heard various speakers talk about the latest research and treatments on Alopecia and throughout the day there were a number of live workshops and talks, from eyebrow tattooing to how to make a shape for a custom made unit – which were happy to demonstrate. 

Lunch was a great opportunity to sit down with some of the ladies to share knowledge and experiences and to get more of an understanding of the effects alopecia has on the everyday lives of those affected.

We ended the day on a high with a raffle, which featured great prizes donated by the exhibitors taking part in the workshops and stalls.  Overall the day was a huge success and we were privileged to share this experience with over 200 attendees from all over the UK.

If you would like to talk to us about Alopecia and the treatments and products we offer please speak to the Pink Hair Solutions team today on 0121 350 3826.

The Pink Hair Solutions Team Head to the Alopecia UK Big Weekend!

Here at Pink Hair Solutions, the team are very excited to be heading to the forthcoming Alopecia UK Big Weekend!  We have been invited to exhibit at this exciting event in Manchester on Saturday 12^th September 2015. This will be Alopecia UK’s second large event, and it is hoped that the weekend will be even more successful than the first.

The event will be held on 12^th and 13^th September, and visitors will need to purchase tickets for their chosen day(s).   Tickets can be purchased by clicking here eventbrite.co.uk.  It will be held at The Studio, 51 Lever Street, Manchester, M1 1FN.

The Saturday event is aimed at both adults as well as teenagers, to share information surrounding alopecia.  The line-up for the day involves talks by specialists around topics such as hair thickening cosmetics, scarring alopecia and scalp concealers.  It’s not only the physical side effects of alopecia which will be talked about, but there will also be workshops running on how to develop self-compassion and build emotional resilience when living with alopecia.

In between listening to speakers and attending workshops, visitors are welcome to speak to a number of exhibitors (including Pink Hair Solutions), to discuss wigs and alternative hair and headwear solutions.

There will also be a social event on the Saturday evening (though please note that this is for over 18s only), plus a Coronation Street tour on Sunday – perfect for die-hard Corrie fans!  Guests will be pleased to hear that there will also be plenty to eat and drink too.  Lunch, mid-morning and afternoon snacks, and unlimited tea and coffee will be included within the ticket price.

It is hoped that by sharing information around alopecia, sufferers and their family and friends will learn useful tools and techniques to help them to live with their condition.  It will also reassure them that they are not alone, and that there are many other people in the same position as them. 

Should any of our readers be interested in joining us in Manchester, they should not hesitate to contact us on 0121 377 7689.  We’d love to see you there!

Showing our Support at Mastectomy Bra Open Day

At Pink Hair Solutions we are very proud of the help and support we offer our clients to make a visible difference to their lives and we were lucky to have the opportunity to showcase this support at our recent open day.   

On the 15th July, we invited ladies from near and far to join us for our mastectomy bra open day. 

Our trained and accredited mastectomy bra advisers were on hand to demonstrate the range of bras we stock from leading brands, but it was also the perfect occasion to launch items from our new supplier Trulife.  

This new bra range is available in six different colours and features double pockets, elegant lace and feminine bow detail to ensure you look and feel great.  Best of all these bras are available from £25.00.

The open day was a huge success and we enjoyed spending time chatting and enjoying light refreshments with some lovely ladies.  We also got to show off our range of fashionable hats and headwear, which are perfect for those days when you don’t feel like wearing your hair piece.

If you would like to find out more about our mastectomy lingerie range please visit our website or call the Pink team today on 0121 350 3826 to discuss your requirements in confidence.

Mastectomy Lingerie Open Day

Over the past few months, Pink Hair have been supporting local charities with meetings and events.  Linda Heeley, Director at Pink Hair said: “It has been fabulous to give our time to great causes such as Breast Cancer Care, Alopecia UK and Help Harry Help Others, to share our knowledge and support about dealing with hair loss as well as the side effects of Chemotherapy."

Here at Pink Hair, we will be holding a Mastectomy Lingerie open day on 15th July 2015 from 10.00am to 4.00pm. This is where we will have our expert team on hand for free advice and fittings on a range of lingerie.  At Pink Hair, we are able to provide a confidential and caring environment for our customers to help them through what can be a traumatic, and emotional time. 

Our team of stylists will discuss your concerns, and help you choose the right hair solution.  We have a full range of wigs and hair pieces in stock, along with a range of head-wear and hats to complement your new look.  Your stylist will provide you with after care advice on how to look after your hair at home, and can also advise you on some of the styling services we offer on site.  Please feel free to bring along a family member or friend to your appointment.  

If you would like any information on the charities we are supporting, please visit their websites at: www.hhho.org.uk/ , www.alopeciaonline.org.uk/birmingham-support-group.asp/ , www.breastcancercare.org.uk

To book your complementary consultation with our team at Pink Hair Solutions, please call 0121 350 3826, or for further information, please visit our website at www.pinkhairsolutions.co.uk.

Microscopy Service

At Pink Hair Solutions, Our microscopy service is very popular to assess the condition of individual scalps, hair follicles and bulbs, so we are able to see what is happening with your hair under a microscope.  

This is particularly good for clients experiencing a change in condition of their hair, or in the early stages of hair thinning.  Once the problem has been identified, your consultant will be able to advise you on a selection of hair and scalp products, to strengthen and support your hairs natural lifecycle.  

A Microscopic consultation costs £30.00 and includes the Biosthetician's report and advice.  Please call to arrange an appointment.

Pink Hair Solutions provide a microscopy service, which includes a Biostheticians report and advice.  If you would like more information on this treatment please visit pinkhairsolutions.co.uk

Pink Hair Solutions Are Pleased To Announce They Can Now Work With NHS Patients

We are delighted to announce that Pink Hair Solutions will be working with the NHS Trusts from February 2015 after being successful in their tender process.   Director, Linda Heeley comments - "This is an exciting time for us here at Pink, as previously we have had to turn away NHS patients who have been undergoing treatment and requiring wigs, even though we have been able to support them with cutting and styling.   I'm certain we were considered by the NHS due to our commitment to client and patient care, providing both a comfortable environment for patients to talk about their hair loss experience coupled with our many years of knowledge in the hair replacement industry."  

 

At Pink Hair Solutions we encourage any NHS patients that are referred to us to make an appointment to see one of our consultants who will talk through their requirements in a confidential and private environment.   We have full disabled access and facilities and welcome you to bring along your friends and family who will be inevitably be supporting you.  We can also provide you with advice on your hair maintenance, re-growth and stock a large assortment of stylish hats and scarves. 

For further information on the full range of hair replacement services provided by the friendly team at Pink Hair Solutions, please visit their website or give them a call on 0121 350 3826.