Alopecia and Doctor Visits Co-pays

Photo credit: www.aocd.org

Pictured above is Alopecia Areata.  It is categorized by a bald patch or patches - big or small in any area of the head or body.  It can be seen in children at any age as well as adults.  Apparently, one's own body or genetics can trigger it, and it may disappear on its own later.

My reason for writing this article is because people globally are experiencing "balding" or "thinning" and they are running to the dermatologist paying expensive co-pays just to be told "you have alopecia."

Well, excuse me, alopecia means "hair loss."  Who needs to pay a specialist $50 for five minutes of precious time just to be told "you have hair loss." Patients can see that they have hair loss which is why they came in- remember?  The question is why do they have hair loss?

Unfortunately, in most cases, the specialist can only guess and prescribe some topical treatment.  For many patients, the doctor visit feels like a "waste of money and time."

First of all, I suggest people make sure that the bald patch is NOT a ringworm.  If it is not a parasite, then alopecia can be triggered by traction such as 

1. wearing a baseball cap or hat too much,
2. braids that look good, but are too heavy for the person's fine hair
3. headbands with teeth that irritate the scalp as it moves or
4. wigs or hairpieces with comb attachment that irritate the scalp as it moves.

Other alopecia can be caused by 

1. stress, 
2. allergic reactions to a chemical or a hairdressing, 
3. post-pregnancy or 
4. possibly an imbalanced diet such as the Atkins Diet for months past what is recommended.

People really should try to eliminate all possible causes of hair loss.  It can save you a co-pay.

Also, there used to be a shot that can administered to the bald patch and a hard thump to get the circulation going in the area . . .  I was told about this by a friend, but it was a solution over 20 years ago.  It may be a lost "solution" that did not get past down.  I don't know, but I had a friend that swore by it.

On a separate note, dermatologists are good for diagnosing scalp and skin conditions such as

1. eczema
2. psoriasis
3. dermatitis
4. dandruff and so on.

As for a custom hair maintenance regimen that is separate from scalp disorders, a cosmetologist who is well experienced with various different hair types and races can better recommend shampoos and conditioners to deliver the style that you are looking for.

Lightweight Headbands

I have a whole inventory of hair accessories that I had been collecting over the years anticipating that as my locs gained length that I would have more styling options.  So I am having some headband fun!

The headbands are thin, fabric covered, and lightweight.  I have three colors:  brown, red, and black.  I do not remember where I purchased them from but they were a set of three.  They do not stress my locs nor my head.

By the way, I found a new MAC blush powder that I like called "Peachtwist."

Headbands and Center Puffs

This look has to be the top hairstyle of this year!

I am always tickled to see so many ladies with headbands and a center puff!   

Well, I decided to play with a stress-free headband myself as well. 

It is fun and allows me to eliminate my normal side part.

(Sorry no cosmetic makeup here!)

Headbands also keep my locs out of my way when working in the salon.

Does Hair Really Grow Evenly?

 As I was looking at some of the bushes that needed re-shaping, I realized that I could still see the bush's original shape, but some limbs were overachievers sticking out.

Different bush above, but it too seems to grow unevenly.  Don't you wonder if the same thing happens with our hair?

Many people are always trimming to keep a shape whether talking about hair or bushes. Many wonder if they are ever going to grow out evenly.

Curls hide a multitude of errors so having perfectly shaped hair is not necessary for those embracing wet sets and protective styling.

We should NOT expect our hair to grow evenly.  We should expect to get it shaped every six months to keep it on track if longer length is a goal.

Just a little food for thought from "Mother Nature."

Jumbo, Mega Jumbo and Expression Braids

I was in the Family Dollar store when I asked the cashier "Do you sell Jumbo Braiding hair?"  Their answer was as I had expected.  "No" . . . but she continued speaking . . . "I think the Dollar General store sells some."  So at the Dollar General store for the purchase price of $.99 USD (ninety nine cents plus tax), I was able to purchase a small pack of 26" Jumbo Braiding hair.  Synthetic Fiber.  The most popular color #2.

Apparently, crochet braids, box braids, and senegalese twists are very popular braiding requests. So the beauty supply stores have a high demand for jumbo braiding hair.  Considering the packs are only half as full as they used to be for the same price, people are buying twice the amount of packages.  So buying 14  (fourteen) packs of  jumbo braids is not as insane as my initial opinion on the matter.

Be careful about the fiber that the Jumbo braid is made of.  I was told 100% Kanekalon was the best way to go especially for Senegalese twists, tree braids, and crochet braids.  However, other braiding styles work fine with "Realistic Fiber," Toyokalon, and Synthetic Fibers.

Bijoux brand sells a Mega Jumbo braid at 64 inches versus their Xpression Braid at 84 inches. I strongly suggest making sure that you confirm with the braider which braid length and which fiber content to buy to complete your desired braided hairstyling.