Alopecia: What is it and how can we treat it?

Alopecia is a type of hair loss which is caused by the immune system mistakenly attacking the hair follicles.  It is thought to affect as many as 1 per 100 people in the UK, and whilst for some sufferers the effects will be temporary, for others the results are permanent.  There are three main types of alopecia:

Alopecia Areata – This is where the hair loss occurs in patches, often in the shape and size of a coin.  Whilst some sufferers may only experience one or two patches, others will experience several.  Alternatively, the hair can become patchy all over the head.  The hair loss can occur very rapidly for some people, whereas for others it can fall out gradually over weeks or months.  

Alopecia Totalis – This is a more severe form of alopecia which involves hair loss all over the head.  It can follow on from a slow developing Alopecia Areata, but for others it can occur very suddenly.

Alopecia Universalis – This is the most advanced form of the condition, whereby the sufferer will not only lose hair from the head, but from the body and face as well.

Causes of Alopecia

Whilst we know that alopecia is caused by a malfunction with the immune system, it is not known why this occurs.  Some scientists believe the condition to be genetic, whilst others feel that external factors such as stress can trigger alopecia.

How is alopecia treated?

There is no cure for alopecia, and for many sufferers, the hair will grow back in its own time.  Whilst the hair loss itself is not life threatening nor does it cause physical harm, the psychological and emotional effects of the loss of hair can be devastating for many patients.  There are various treatments which patients may be able to try to see if hair growth can be stimulated, such as corticosteroid injections, topical corticosteroids, immunotherapy and ultraviolet light treatment, though these are not always successful and can cause unpleasant side effects. 

Alternatively, the hair loss can be disguised using wigs, hair pieces, scarves or hats.  In the past, many wigs were very unnatural looking and uncomfortable to wear, however techniques have improved greatly in recent years and patients can choose from synthetic or real hair wigs to cover their heads. The wigs provide a practical solution for the hair loss, whether the wig is required just for a few weeks or months, or if the loss is to be more permanent.  

Our team at Pink Hair Solutions have over 25 years’ of experience at creating hair replacement solutions for women who are experiencing hair loss.  We will endeavour to recommend a hair piece which suits the individual’s lifestyle and budget, and we’ll provide full instructions related to taking good care of the hair piece.  To find out more, call the team on 0121 350 3826.

Breast Cancer Awareness Month 2016 – Wigs & Hairpieces and Mastectomy Lingerie

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, a worldwide campaign that takes place every year to raise awareness of breast cancer and help raise funds for education and research. By raising awareness and educating people about the signs of breast cancer, more preventative action can be taken to save lives. On Friday 21^st October, people around the UK will be wearing pink and organising fundraising events to spread the word about breast cancer.

Wear it pink provides a simple and fun way to show support for Breast Cancer Awareness Month and help raise funds for research into how to prevent breast cancer, detect it earlier and treat it at every stage to prevent lives from being taken.

Breast Cancer rates are rising and 1 in 8 women will be effected by this disease. With some patients facing chemotherapy which can result in losing their hair.  

We at Pink Hair Solutions are committed to supporting women on their journey. With more than 25 years of experience in dealing with hair loss of all types, we specialise in providing wigs for women going through chemotherapy. As everyone is different, we can provide a wide range of different hair pieces to suit each individual. 

Some ladies prefer wigs that are made with human hair as they can be washed, styled, blow dried and straightened, so they require styling just as you would style your own hair. 

Due to advancements in synthetic wigs, they are increasingly popular and have a number of advantages over human hair wigs:

·         Already produced in production and can be trimmed as required

• The colour does not fade as quickly as human hair does
• When washing in luke-warm water, the shape naturally falls back into place
• Synthetic wigs can be placed on and slipped off with ease – this can be a big benefit for people that have had a mastectomy and may have some trouble lifting their arms

Save The Date

Monday 6th February 10:00 - 15:00 Amoena will be holding a Mastectomy and Swimwear open day at Pink Hair Solutions including fittings, information, Light Refreshments and Jewellery, so don't miss out!

For more information on wigs and hairpieces for people undergoing chemotherapy, you can call 0121 350 3826, or visit us at 86 – 88 Hawthorn Road, Birmingham, B44 8QP. As well as wigs and hair pieces.

Pink Customers Shave Heads to Support Friend With Cancer

At Pink Hair Solutions we are experienced in dealing with all types of hair loss and over the years have supported countless women to cope with losing their hair, in many different circumstances.   We understand what it means to be confronted with hair loss, which is why it is always so uplifting to hear your positive stories.

Recently these two inspirational ladies came into the salon to have their heads shaved as part of a fundraising activity.  The ladies were supporting their friend, currently affected by cancer, and wanted to show their solidarity and raise some money for a good cause.

We are all very proud of you here at Pink! 

To find out more about the hair replacement services we offer please call us on 0121 350 3826 or call into our salon.