What is Trichotillomania and How Can I Regrow My Hair?

Trichotillomania, known as trich or TTM, is a compulsive related disorder causing people to pull their hair out, from their scalp, eyelashes and eyebrows, pubic area or any other area of the body. It is not exactly known what causes the condition, although experts suggest a number of possible factors, including stress and anxiety, genetics, self-harm, hormone imbalances, or obsessive compulsive behaviour. Sufferers will most likely experience the following:

• Persistent pulling or plucking of hair, leading to noticeable hair loss
•  Anxiety or a building tension before hair is pulled and a sense of relief once plucked
•  It impacts upon their ability to deal with social, career-related or other aspects of everyday life
•   The problem is not linked to another medical disorder

Many people suffering from trichotillomania incur noticeable bald patches from pulling their hair, however the level of hair pulling and its effects vary widely, as does the area affected and the treatment needed. Although some may be able to control their urges, others may find it unbearable and could cause permanent damage to the hair follicles. In many cases, sufferers may be able to fully regrow their hair once they have stopped pulling, yet for more severe cases where damage has resulted, the hair follicles may not be able to regenerate, causing permanent hair loss.

Improving the condition of hair

There are a number of things you can do or changes you can make to your lifestyle, to speed up hair regrowth if you have stopped pulling, or strengthen the condition of the hair:

Take on a healthy balanced diet: Although this is a simple change, making sure you’re feeding your body with essential nutrients - vegetables, fruits and proteins – will help hair grow more effectively.  Proteins are essential for hair regrowth as hair is comprised of mostly protein. Minimising your intake of processed foods and consuming lean meat, fish rich essential fatty acids, or protein in eggs, pulses and nuts, will give your body the right fuel it needs to repair hair follicles and strengthen hair strands. 

Supplements: Although it is probably better to get the vitamins and minerals you need for healthy hair from your diet, there are supplements available which can aid hair regrowth. Biotin, a B vitamin, and vitamin E supplements, are commonly used to support speedy hair growth and re-establish your natural growth cycle. Biotin will help to generate amino acids, which form proteins, and vitamin E acts as an antioxidant to help restore damaged follicles and promote hair growth. Massaging castor oil, high in vitamin E and protein, into the affected area, can also be an effective treatment for hair regrowth for those suffering from trichotillomania. 

For baldness caused by the disorder, minoxidil is a medication in lotion form, which can be used in some cases to help with the regrowth process – seek professional advice.

Coping with trichotillomania

For women who have been pulling their hair out for a number of years, it is advisable to get checked for signs of hair thinning, telogen effluvium or female pattern hair loss. Whether the effects are permanent or temporary however, hair loss through trichotillomania can be a highly distressing experience, which can offset an ongoing hair pulling cycle. Sufferers may feel embarrassed about their condition or guilty about their behaviour, affecting confidence and happiness.

Many women opt for hair pieces or wigs to cope with hair loss, as they can help maintain self-esteem and comfortableness in everyday situations. Hair pieces are highly effective for trichotillomania sufferers, as they can be customised to match the colour of the wearer’s existing hair and can be subtly placed to cover partial areas or fully cover the head. Mane Spray can also be used to give the illusion of full hair coverage if hair loss is less severe and is available in various different colours to match the natural hair colour. There are a variety of different types of natural looking hair pieces and wigs available we have available to help people with trichotillomania feel more confident in themselves during their difficult time, without impacting on daily activities.

For more information and advice, feel free to give us a call on 0121 350 3826.

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.