Wigs can be a great way to give yourself a new look, or to cover your hair if it is thinning. There are so many different types of wigs to choose from. Do you want a human hair wig or a synthetic wig? Do you want a wig that is short or long? What texture or color? The questions are long and varied.
 
However, the number one question is invariably, “Will the wig look natural?” Well, that will depend on whether you go with synthetic or natural human hair.
 
A synthetic wig worn daily will last about three months. Yes, you can opt to wear it longer than that, but I am sure you can imagine what it will look like. Your wig is going to start to look “wiggy.” That is not what you want.
 
On the other end of the spectrum, we have natural hair. Human hair wigs look realistic and have many other benefits like:

• Feel much smoother and softer.
• They are more versatile because you can use curling irons, blow dryers, and flat irons to style the hair as often as you like.
• Wash the hair as if it is your own without special shampoos.

 
It is important that you choose a wig that fits properly. There are a few different sizes and most wigs come with adjustable straps so that you can cinch up the cap to get the best fit.
 
If you have never worn a wig before, it is a good idea to get professionally measured by someone with years of experience like Off 5th Avenue. Going to an expert can give you peace of mind and confidence that the wigs you buy will fit.  You do not simply measure 'around the head,' but from the front hairline, behind the ears, to the nape of the neck.
 
It is important that you get those measurements right so that your wig fits comfortably and securely, and it looks as natural as possible too. An oversized wig will be just as uncomfortable as one that is too tight.
 
It is emotional to buy a wig when your hair is falling out. If that is the case, do yourself a favor and get a wig consultation. When done right, no one will ever know you are wearing one.
 
 
About the Author: Sherry Harris is the solopreneur of Sherry’s Life. On the blog she writes about any and everything related to hair care and hairstyles.

I wanted to give my wonderful readers an update on my nomination of Small Business of the Year. I was so humbled to have been a part of this nomination this year! I was interviewed by the Manatee Chamber of Commerce and then attended the awards luncheon. I did not win, but I was so honored to be categorized with so many other amazing businesses. Here are some photos from the event:

The American Hair Loss Council has asked me to write an article on skin conditions. As a melanoma survivor, I am more than happy to share my experience. Cosmetologists, trichologists and even dermatologists often miss spots on the scalp, which are harder to detect because they are covered by hair. Other areas of concern are the ears, shoulders, back and face. 


I live in Florida so I have had my fair share of basal cells and squamous cells burned off or cut out. What really surprised me was a dark spot (of which I have many all over my body) that turned out to be a melanoma.  It was cut out and 60 stitches later I was cancer free. 


I initially went once a year and now go every six months for a body scan. Fortunately, this melanoma was caught in the early stages. The most frightening part of this story is that I was at the plastic surgeon’s office for a routine appointment with the lady who does my hair laser removal. I showed her the dark spot on the front of my shoulder and she said “Oh my, laser can get rid of that.” She zapped it hard a few times. It never went away and actually got a little bigger.  To make a long story short, she missed the fact that it was melanoma and tried to laser it off. That is why it is so important for us as cosmetologists, trichologists or hair replacement experts to recognize skin cancer. I have clients with half an ear or a big hole in the neck or terrible facial scars due to different skin cancers. Here is a look at different skin cancers and the ABCD of melanoma. Take the time to do some research, print this and put it in your salon so you can be more aware of skin cancers. It may be a matter of life or death.  

The American Hair Loss Council Conference 

I recently returned from The Annual American Hair loss Council Conference in Ft. Lauderdale, FL. 

I love this conference because The American Hair loss Council has a code of ethics that all members and venders must follow. The American Hair Loss Council promotes the highest standards of professionalism in the hair loss industry and ensures that this quality of professionalism is maintained.

I am also able to see all of the newest products on the market including low level light lasers, which are FDA approved for re-growing hair, beautiful virgin hair replacement systems, and the newest Trichology treatments to help promote hair growth and healthy hair. 

My favorite part of the conference is having the time to see my colleges from all over the county that I have met at past conferences. The time we have to share is invaluable. Everyone is so helpful and knowable. These are friends I have made for life.

I love being a member of The American Hair Loss Council. It gives me credibility in the confusing world of hair replacement and Trichology. 

Can’t wait until next year!

PS: Check out the new clip-on bangs I picked up. Don’t want to cut in bangs but want to wear them for fun? Now you can have the cake and eat it too!

The Scalp Need-To-Know

Taking care of your scalp is as important as washing your hair. And, I think I have said this before but it is so important I will say it again; your scalp is as important to your hair as your gums are to your teeth.

Hair is the very first thing people see when you walk into the room and it says a lot about you. Needless to say greasy, dirty, messy and unrefined hair doesn’t speak very highly of you. Here are some of my tips to having great hair: 

1.      Having great hair starts with keeping up with your personal hygiene up-to-speed and give your hair the fresh, clean and healthy look it deserves. Don’t forest your scalp. A healthy scalp is as important for healthy hair as healthy gums are for healthy teeth.

What Is Laser Hair Therapy?

Laser Hair Therapy (LHT) is a non-surgical, scientific approach in the cosmetic treatment of hair loss, thinning hair, and scalp problems. LHT has been tested for effectiveness and safety for over 30 years all around the world. Although we sell and offer Cosmetic lasers, several Medical devices have now cleared the US FDA.

The LHT non-surgical cosmetic treatments utilize a device containing 110-160 therapeutic soft low light level lasers. LHT delivers light energy directly from 110-160 laser diodes covering your head. LHT functions on the same scientific principle, as that of photo-bio-stimulation; laser light stimulates cell metabolism and helps damaged cells to repair themselves. This breakthrough technology has recently been featured on national newscasts across the country. Physicians are praising this new technology as an effective treatment of hair loss, when used in conjunction with proper scalp and hair hygiene products, such as HLCC Complete, the most potent natural DHT inhibitor and 5% Minoxidil w/ 5% Saw Palmetto.

There are so many things you can do to keep your hair from breaking and splitting, and to help it grow. Here are nine different ways hair will grow beautifully with a little help from the following: 

1.      First, turn down the heat on your blow dryer. If you can’t, go buy one that has heat controls. 

2.      Turn down the heat on the flat iron, or give your hair weekend free heat days. Instead do a cute braid or high pony tail. Get creative with a causal up do and let the hair have a stress free day.