Coping with hair loss
Coping with hair loss Medical wigs, hair integration, hats and turbans. For all medical hair loss conditions. Wigs by Haircreations is devoted to meeting the needs of women experiencing hair loss. because not all wigs are created equal Designers and Distributors www.wigs.co.nz Your Choice for Beautiful Hair Our wigs are designed in different styles for comfort, natural beauty and security. They come in a variety of lengths and colours to suit any woman’s needs. We also offer a selection of turbans and hats specifically designed for hair loss conditions. What's Inside? 03 Introduction 04 Choices for coping with hair loss 05 Commonly asked questions on key hair loss conditions: Wigs by Haircreations is ACC and Ministry of Health provider approved. We work with “Look Good Feel Better” across New Zealand (www.lgfb.co.nz). Wigs by Haircreations also works closely with the Cancer Society of NZ (www.cancernz.org.nz). The wig you purchase will be your only hair for the next few months at least. Chemotherapy and hair loss How important is it that you get it right? Radiotherapy and hair loss Very important! Scalp issues Alopecia Other hair loss conditions 11 Questions and Answers 12 Determining your medical grant and if you qualify for ACC cover 13 What you can expect from us 14 Our last thoughts... 15 Contact us 03 Losing your hair can have a very strong emotional impact Many women, given the news by their Oncologist/ Dermatologist that they will lose their hair, panic buy, believing that a “wig is a wig”. But it’s not the right thing to do – hasty decisions lead, too often, to the client never wearing the wig they used their grant on! Many wigs are made for fashion – low quality and design – and are completely inappropriate for hair loss of a medical nature. You need professional advice to get the right result. We have 30+ years’ experience and hold the largest volume of wigs in New Zealand. This document is designed to specifically assist you to gather information on wigs and prosthetic hair integration and also headwear. We also answer many commonly asked questions regarding options available to you across the country. Wigs by Haircreations heads up a network of appointed agents around New Zealand, who have been professionally trained to work with medical and genetic hair loss clients. Together we provide you with the widest possible choice of modern styles from Europe – wigs that are natural in appearance, lightweight, and well ventilated, with exceptional foundation features that promote and support scalp tissue health. You are welcome to visit our website, www.wigs.co.nz, or better still come for a consultation where we will give you more in-depth information. It is important to know that at Wigs by Haircreations (and its agents), we are here to look after you through the term of your hair loss, and provide a full back-up service until you once again have your own hair. 04 So, what are my choices for coping? We say that not all wigs are created equal... ... based on our long international experience. We hand choose wigs specifically designed for the hair loss client. Most clients choose to wear a wig or hats and scarves. Protection against the sun and cold is important, as is your appearance. We understand the trauma of losing your hair and the importance of looking good – so a quality wig allows you to carry on with your busy life, self-esteem intact. We are hair replacement designers and distributors of medical wigs, holding exclusive Australasian distributorship of the Raquel Welch European Collection of wigs and Ellen Wille Collection from Germany. Both brands are considered the cream of the crop when it comes to innovativeness, design, natural and up-to-the minute looks. For our clients, that represents a fantastic variety of light weight, ventilated and amazing wigs, designed and distributed specifically for the medical market and reflecting perfectly your hair type. In the pages that follow we will outline some specific hair loss situations and endeavor to ease your mind when it comes to the thought of having to wear a wig. We provide you with positive solutions to your very personal situation. 05 Commonly asked questions 06 Commonly asked questions Chemotherapy Radiotherapy How will the treatment you undergo affect hair loss? Radiotherapy treats cancer cells by using high-energy rays, which unfortunately cause some damage to the hair when applied to the head. Only radiotherapy directly to the head area causes hair loss in the immediate area of treatment – entry point and exit point. Undergoing radiotherapy (partial or whole brain) will incur some serious hair loss. Hair regeneration is much slower than with chemotherapy. Chemotherapy is a treatment used to fight cancer cells causing temporary hair loss. Unfortunately, during the treatment process healthy cells, which include hair follicles (the hair roots), can be disrupted. This means hair loss or sometimes hair thinning. How much hair will I lose? This will depend on the dosage and type of drugs used. Sometimes the effects on your hair are very little, but it is important to be prepared. Ask your doctor who will advise you on what to expect. However, even if you lose 20% of your hair, you still may become very conscious of thinning and feel quite bald anyway. We believe it is better to have a “safety net” in place i.e. knowing that you have tried and found a wig that is great for you just in case you need it. How soon can I expect hair loss? For some this may start within a few days of the first treatment. By the second treatment most women who have been advised they will lose their hair will experience hair loss. Partial or complete hair loss can be expected. We will inform you more about this at time of consultation. Will it grow back? Yes. Once you have completed the treatment you can expect hair to start regenerating in about a month. It will usually take three to five months to attain a reasonable head of hair. How much will I lose? This varies from person to person, depending on duration and intensity of treatment i.e. from loss at points of entry and exit, to whole scalp treatment incurring total hair loss. How soon will I lose my hair? This can vary greatly. In some cases hair loss is not experienced until treatment is completed. Will it grow back? In most cases it doesn’t grow back as thick. Unfortunately some patients experience very little re-growth. Most of these people choose to wear a wig for aesthetic reasons, or a custom-made hair integration (we can advise and help with both). More in-depth information will be given at time of consultation. 07 Commonly asked questions 08 Commonly asked questions Scalp issues Alopecia Tumor removal can cause serious scalp tissue damage. This may mean the patient is left with a small or substantial area that will not produce hair, and in some cases is also unsightly to the patient. Alopecia is probably the most common hair loss disorder among women and men today, other than genetic thinning. It’s perhaps a word you’ve never heard of prior to being diagnosed, and one you would rather not know. However, with today’s stressful lifestyles, alopecia, either partial or complete, is on the increase. Health funding is available for most alopecia conditions. What to do? Well, a simple option is a medical mono wig in human or synthetic hair. However, there are also other options for the patient/client who has no desire or need to wear a wig for the rest of their life. Custom hair integration These pictures will tell the story better than words. These are specifically designed to infill the damaged region only, integrating perfectly with the clients existing hair. Made from human hair, they are styled along with your own hair. They are lightweight and ventilated to maintain optimum scalp tissue health. Obligation-free consultations are available to discuss all the options. There is also a medical grant available to help offset some of the costs of permanent hair loss. Alopecia areata - Alopecia areata manifests as circular patches of hair loss from the scalp. Irrespective of treatments (or not), hair will, in most cases, re-grow again given a healthy lifestyle and time. Often, this kind of alopecia will move around the head – so loss and re-growth in one area, followed by hair loss in another area. Alopecia totalis - Alopecia totalis means a very significant (or complete) hair loss, not only from the scalp but body also. Recovery from this form of alopecia is sometimes possible if careful management of stress levels and life style changes are made. Are there any cures? To our knowledge and in spite of frequent claims, we are unaware of any major break through in the treatment of alopecia, it really is a case of time heals. Talk first to your GP or dermatologist. Do NOT invest in doubtful claims – if there was a product on the market that grew your hair, no one would be bald! Left: Scar tissue from crown to near the nape. Visible from the side and back. Right: The custom hair integration is completely undetectable. A great natural look! Topically applied treatments: Very dubious claims are made without medical proof. So true or false? False! We have found the simplest solution for alopecia is replacing your hair loss with an appropriate wig or hairpiece. This alleviates some of the stress of trying to “hide” hair loss. Unlike some other hair replacement companies, you do not need to shave off your existing hair for our prosthetic wigs or hair integration systems. Top/Crown diffused thinning – can be genetic or Alopecia conditions. Back and nape alopecia areata. 09 Commonly asked questions 10 Commonly asked questions Other hair loss conditions Other hair loss conditions There are many reasons a person may suffer hair loss. As previously outlined there are medical factors such as chemotherapy, radiotherapy and alopecia, but there are also other reasons. We have many clients with the following reasons for hair loss: Genetic thinning (male & female pattern baldness) Accident and burns These are generally covered by ACC. We have many clients with scalp scar tissue damage precluding regeneration of new hair. Often we design prosthetic “in-fill pieces” that work beautifully with existing hair so there is no need to wear a wig. However, where full hair loss exists, special custom designing for a full prosthetic wig is required. We quote directly to ACC in your region. Trichotillomania A debilitating disorder, where the client “plucks” their own hair – often to the point where they become so withdrawn they are unwilling to leave their home. We have clients whom we have helped with a medical wig, so that whilst not treating the disorder, the client can have the confidence to continue with other aspects of their life. Surgery Surgery to the scalp leaving scar tissue that precludes hair growth in that region. (See previous section on scalp issues). This condition affects women as well as men. We have a fantastic in-house design which integrates perfectly with your existing hair, giving you the freedom to style your hair as you like, without having to wear a full wig. Once again, there is absolutely no need to shave any portion of your existing hair – as many other hair replacement companies will insist you have to do! If your self image is being affected because of hair thinning or hair loss, we want you to know that we can help! You will be treated with dignity and respect. When it comes to hair loss, there are no surprises for us – we see people for all sorts of reasons. However, not all situations are the same and not all clients require the same thing, so the best thing we can do for you, is to show you options that will give you realistic and attainable solutions for your individual needs. In conclusion: do not ignore your situation. Act now and give yourself time to work through solutions to your hair loss without adding further stress to your life. 11 Questions & Answers 12 Determining your Medical Grant What type of wigs do you stock? What is the Wigs and Hairpieces grant? Only medical wigs, made specifically with the medical hair loss client in mind. These include handmade, machine made, synthetic fibre and human hair wigs. The grant is payment from the Ministry of Health to put towards the purchase of a wig, a hairpiece or headwear for clients who suffer from serious hair loss issues because of a medical condition. ACC most commonly covers hair loss caused by accidents and burns. In that case, we quote directly to ACC. Which wig is best for me? Let’s reiterate that not all wigs are created equal. Wigs need to be tailored to suit a client’s individual needs, and the ethnic make-up of our population calls for individual attention. Each wig has certain benefits, but if we were to bullet point the main points we would say: » A wig must fit the client exactly – front to nape, ear point to ear point. If it doesn’t you will never wear it, because you won’t trust it to stay on. » Its foundation must be lightweight with a smooth finish to be comfortable and allow your scalp to breathe. » The hair or fibre must be realistic and in keeping with the volume of hair you are used to having. » Realistic highlighting of the hair (fibre) is required to be in keeping with today’s styling. What to look for and what to avoid when looking for a wig? Don’t buy a fashion wig – the bases are heavy and the fibre cheap – it will not last the distance, and visually presents badly! » Buyer beware when buying on line – what the wig looks like on a model under proper lighting, with hairstylists and makeup artists in tow, will be completely different to what it looks like on you at home. » Don’t buy a wig without trying it on to make sure the hair density and colour suit you, and the base size not only fits and looks the part, but is also comfortable to wear. » Arm yourself with information – ask questions i.e. Do you cut/style the wigs? Are you qualified hairdressers? Do you custom size the bases? Is there any back up service? If the answer is no to any of the above, you are quite likely to experience some problems post-purchase. What you need to know about Wigs and Hairpiece service payments. See the full details on the Ministry of Health Website: www.moh.govt.nz/moh.nsf/indexmh/sectorservices-claims-wigs Who can claim the grant? You may claim it if you have a medical condition that has caused you to lose your hair (like treatment for cancer, alopecia or other scalp conditions that cause hair loss). Your specialist or general practitioner (GP) needs to give you a current medical certificate with your NHI number, details of the hair loss condition and stating whether it is permanent or temporary. How much can I claim? The grant varies depending on whether you are an adult 18 years or over, and whether your condition is permanent or temporary. We will advise you how much you are entitled to. How do I claim? We will action your grant personally at your request. Wigs by Haircreations is an approved MOH and ACC Provider and deals with all the paperwork for the MOH and ACC on behalf of clients. 13 What you can expect from us Wigs by Haircreations has been in the medical hair loss market for more than 30 years and through experience and with ongoing up-skilling and training we can honestly say, we know our stuff! We do not just “sell you a wig” – we provide you with information so that you can make the best decision for yourself. You may want to come for 2-3 visits before you feel comfortable with the decision you are going to make, and that’s fine by us. How much will it cost? Our consultations are free, but wigs vary in price. Cost is determined by how the wig is constructed – i.e. is a qualified designer involved? Is it hair or fibre? Handmade or machine made? We will be very clear through the consultation process about what these options may mean to you. With knowledge you will be empowered to make better decisions for yourself. 14 Our last thoughts... We respect your need for privacy. Should it be necessary, we can arrange a visit to you in hospital or where possible at home if you are bed-ridden or immobile. We take great pleasure in helping our clients on that first step to recovery. Although Wigs by Haircreations distributes wigs throughout New Zealand, we are nevertheless a family company who have a genuine concern for you and your appearance. We understand the emotional nature of losing your hair due to illness and will do everything in our power to ensure you are well looked after regarding your hair loss needs. Please call for an obligation-free consultation, and we will give you all the information you require to make an informed decision. Some of the conditions described in this booklet are covered by ACC or by a Ministry of Health funded grant. We will advise you accordingly. We are looking forward to assisting you. because not all wigs are created equal Contact Us: Auckland Wigs By Haircreations Ltd 34 Karaka Street, PO Box 68932, Newton Auckland 1010 Tel: 09 357 6159 Mob: 021 733 508 [email protected] www.wigs.co.nz Northland / Whangarei Hair Razing Design 5 Tui Crescent Maunu, Whangarei 0110 Ph: 09-438-7289 Waikato/Thames/ Rotorua Wigs By Haircreations Robyn Creighton Ph: 07-827-8808 Mob: 027 291 2000 Tauranga Tudor Wigs at Mazzahn Rhonda Jensen Ph: 07-578-6644 Mob: 027 4787 893 Taupo Jenny Mason Ph: 07-378-3223 Mob: 027 378 3220 Gisborne Nelson Napier Blenheim Di’s Hair & Wig Specialists 5 Tennyson Street Napier 4110 Ph: 06-835-8427 Bella Donna Lingerie 16 Market Street Blenheim 7201 Ph: 03-578-0273 New Plymouth Christchurch / Timaru Hairtherapy Judy Graham Ph: 06-867-4596 Shampoo Shop & Salon 48 Devon Street on the Hill New Plymouth 4310 Ph: 06-758-6003 Hawera Naturally Unique Ph: 06-278-8825 Palmerston North Wigs By Haircreations Carmel Drysdale Ph: 06-355-2466 Mob: 0274 422 763 Wellington Image Works Christine Gill Mob: 021-548-950 8 Rotherham Street Riccarton Christchurch 8041 Ph: 03-343-4093 Mob: 0274 355 560 Dunedin Hair Care Market Albion Place Dunedin 9016 Ph: 03-477-7390 Invercargill Headquarters Hairdressing 18 Don Street Invercargill 9810 Ph: 03-218-2292 Leigh Renai Ph: 04-475-8185 Mob: 027 244 1538 © Copyright Wigs by Haircreations Ltd. 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