Organizations We Love
"...The only nonprofit trade association serving the hair restoration industry."
Project Pink'd is an organization that "provides tools, resources and a strong network to strengthen and renew the mind, body and spirit of breast cancer survivors in Nebraska and Western Iowa."
Trichotillomania is a body focused repetitive behavior (BFRB) characterized by the repetitive pulling of one's own hair.
Children With Hair Loss is a 501 (c) 3 non-profit organization that provides human hair replacements at no cost to children and young adults facing medically-related hair loss.
Types of Hair Loss
Hair loss in any form can be devastating. It can affect almost anyone at many different stages of life and for many different reasons. Some hair loss is temporary and some permanent and so there are many different solutions and our desire is to find the very best one for you. Below is a list of the most common forms of hair loss and the corresponding alternative hair solution. (This list is not exhaustive but gives you an idea of some potential options in dealing with your situation.) A thorough consultation will help us find the best option for you based on your preferences, budget and lifestyle.
Androgenetic Alopecia (AGA or male/female pattern baldness)
The most common form of hair loss. Testosterone which converts to DHT (dihydrotestosterone ) is held in the hair follicle and shrinks the follicle. Women have a minute fraction of the level of testosterone that males have which explains why women’s hair loss is much more diffuse while men have a distinct pattern. Some women experience both types. Heredity is a major factor in AGA.
Solution: Toppers of varying sizes cover small to very large areas of the head and can be applied with clips, tapes or bonded.
Telogen Effluvium
The second most common type. Seen as a thinning overall but most noticeable on the top and sides. Causes are varied but most often caused by sharp hormone changes (i.e. postpartum), vaccinations, crash dieting and stress.
Solution: Very specific to the situation. Easipieces, toppers, or even light density wigs.
Anagen Effluvium
A very rapid hair loss usually associated with anti-cancer drugs. Typically returns to normal but hair can appear different at first (darker, curlier).
Solution: Usually a full coverage wig is needed. Wide range of prices to suit individual needs.
Alopecia Areata
Third most common form of hair loss. Approximately 2% of people will get AA. Its thought to be auto-immune but little is understood. Usually there will be one or two small, round patches of baldness. Often treated with anti-inflammatory drugs.
Solution: If problem persists or becomes more permanent , eaispeices are usually the best option.
Cicatricial Alopecia (Scarring Alopecia)
Less common. Patches of baldness that develop and can be temporary or permanent. Patches are less defined around the edges than alopecia areata.
Solution: Eaisipieces are usually the best option.
Trichotillimania (Hair Pulling)
A condition that involves individuals habitually plucking hair from the body while almost unaware they are doing it which makes it very difficult to stop. Usually a therapist is more helpful with this condition than a dermatologist .
Solution: Depending on the location of the area needing coverage, different options are advised. Easipieces or toppers are often a good choice.