Who in the World Decides Which Hair Styles Become the Newest 'RAGE' ?

Don't you ever wonder who in the

world thought of this or that hair-do?

Like who or what made the BEATLES come over here
with those "BEEBOP" black Hairstyles that were so long
and ALWAYS in their eyes?Look at this girl to the right ....she is right out of that movie this year that brought in $350 million dollars in 3 days! Suicide Kings............hair color look familiar?
What came first the hair color or the movie?

The initial fascination with all things hair began almost 25 years ago for me. . . stemming from hobbies in hair, chemistry, beauty and the health of the body. Born and raised in southern California, a a former professional athlete I was lucky enough to be afforded a unique background... it brought the knowledge of healthy body-mind and spirit to the table -- the unique crossroad to the success of my career as a busy successful,(hair) colorist, stylist, cosmetic chemist and ultimately Trichologist.

The industry of professional hair has not been both: updated, nor kept up to date, as it should.
Hair, high up is not randomly chosen --- it is guided and crafted brilliantly by the Industry of Fashion. As a collection of clothing is revealed not only has the Designer been planning clothing but also in the back of his head at all times is that brazen new set of hair ( & makeup) concoctions he will be sending down the catwalk as well. The styles you see the trends you watch, they are no accident - they have a beginning-middle and end. Every designer has been batting around hair ideas as crucial as the clothing designs, thinking, talking to hair gurus he trusts, & new ones he may gamble on, its a crap shoot of his own design.

The day of the reveal of both clothing and hair can be made with simply 1 style or as many as 4 bold statements or trends - with very clever titles. This is how the process of new hair styles and color techniques introduce themselves to the world, Fashion designers basically chose the next trends. and proceed to make their way to the states. although a step in the proper direction is being taken. Once the hair styles are seen on the catwalks they trickle down to the wealthy, the celebrities, the rebels and finally hit home (if at all) a year or two later. The hair in America is always a minimum of a year behind European designs.

Hopefully someday we will catch up to the chaps in merry ole England or at bare minimum close the gap between the 2. Its not life or death or rocket science, but it is attached to the body and it can be an expression of ones soul. Simply put: its more exciting and inspiring to people to try different styles and colors with hair > as it truly is - only hair.

Why not use hair as a form of artistic expression? I try to encourage parents to let their children use their hair to express themselves, it the safest body part available. Nothing is permanent, it can always be chopped off and begun again new and fresh. There is no harm done and it gives a child a sense of ownership, confidence and freedom. Its fun and harmless and have known of many cases where that took the place of some other much more worrisome rebellion.

The best example of this winters hair collections (both cut & color) I found looks like this:
whatever . . .
they're cool to look at
&
It IS . . .


...ONLY HAIR

Top Silicone Serums Calm Frizzy Hair Problems

One of the advantages of being a hair stylist is Sampling the millions of products developed each year.... so you don't have to buy them then throw half away, which I know a lot of people do.

It depends on YOUR hair as to which Serum would be the absolute best I will tell you after all these years I have settled on a combo of 3 and I play with the ratios depending on the clients hair.

All of these are great and at one point or another I have used each of these for a minium of 6 months - they rock. Right now I am hot on Schwartzkopf Magic, and always Kera Care's SilkenSeal Spray and Kenra's Smoothing Creme..............you cannot fail with these.

Beat the Frizz Monster To A Pulp: Killer Strands Clinic Handy Hints

Flatten That Fricken Frizz

5 - Part Series - Part 5

Killer Strands Handy Hints are the

smoothest route to de-frazzling the Fuzz

The NUMBER 1 TOP TIP for Frizz and Curlie Heads?-> Become an EXPERT With Serums

• purchase multiple weights {light-medium-thick}


• different areas of the hair need thicker Serum : the fringe {bangs} & the top layer of your hair (more damaged)


• lighter serums(spray) perfect for muliple applications during the day

Remember they are a combo of Cyclomethicone,Trimethicone & Dimethicone...do not purchase Serum with Alcohol in the ingredient list, Alcohol is drying. If Dimethicone is "BEFORE" Cyclo on the ingredient list - (provided they have done things properly) - the Serum should be heavier/thicker. Truthfully the only way to know is to 'feel' and experiment which can be an expensive little test.
Call Beauty Supply's until you find one that has TESTERS, or they let you bring a product back if it doesn't work.
There are expensive and medium priced versions of Serums { if the correct ingredients }
Remember my absolute favorite 2 are made by Kera Care...
Silken Seal Drops and Silken Seal Spray. Yep they are expensive but they are smokin' hot.

COMING UP?

Recipe for making your own hair Serum's

**making one batch can not only be the perfect consistency for YOUR HAIR, it can last a full year and scent it anyway you like!

Hues THAT Girl ? ? ? Hair Color to Die For

COLOR FOR CURL

?Being a curl queen will mean you have absorbed and use every rule, trick and secret known to man for the solution & smoothing of frizz everywhere. There are dozens of tricks in all of which I am in the process of revealing for you curly-heads everywhere.

This solution might seem a bit of a stretch for some but I know there will be many who already practice it yet found it out completely by accident. Its not something advertised NOR talked about much, which baffles me as to ‘why’ not ?!?! Killer Strands will be sure to ram it into the ground - into this blog and into you curly-heads ‘ears’ as often and frequently as possible . .
my personal favorite solution to the Frizzy’s?

Hair color, but not any hair color, so please don’t have the car engine running already! The Hair color that solves the Frizzy’s is made by WELLA and called COLOUR TOUCH. I was truly fortunate in my early training, having the most brilliant Colorist take me under her wing giving me a head start on my classmates and the rest of the world. At Sassoon (back in the day) we had the lovely advantage of experimenting, testing and playing with every single hair color product on the market with 1 Academy here in Santa Monica and the other in London between the 2 we sampled & tested all hair color on the market which I continue to do today. In all of my work over the years, I make it a habit to stay current and most definitely within hair it is vital.

Within my hair color expertise, I find it necessary to experiment with each and every new product that comes out as new technologies are developed constantly. Some are good and terrific new inventions and some are just plain stupid….this one is brilliant and it is a line of color that no one has come anywhere close to. This line of colour is what’s called Demi-Permanent, in other words it ‘does not lighten’ it tints hair the same level or darker. This line of colour works absolute miracles on curly/frizzy hair, the way its made /the level of developer it uses is truly a small miracle on your curls & Frizz. Now, how you are going to get this color, is another tricky issue, its not sold in stores and is made for the color professional exclusively.

The professional formula of Color Touch enriches hair with vibrant color and brilliant shine. Hair transforming keratin evens out the hair structure and makes it possible for the shine illuminating pigments of Color Touch to attach to the hair more easily. The result: up to 50% more vibrant color.

Natural wax conditions the hair to create brilliant shine and vibrant color. This means up to 50 % more shine on previously untreated hair.

The creamy consistency of the professional Color Touch formula allows for even distribution on the hair’s surface. Combined with the equalizing properties of the shine illuminating pigments, the end result shows brilliant shine and beautiful, rich color.
Liquid Hair Keratin evens out and balances damaged areas of the hair structure for more even color results as it adds strength and volume while building fullness, shine and beautiful, rich color.

Wella’s exclusive, patented Shine Reflex Pigments penetrate more evenly into the hair providing superior deposit, tonality and durability. The higher pigment density delivers vibrant, intense color coverage. Natural emollients condition and soften the hair leaving it feeling silky smooth while helping to improve and even out the color balance. The ammonia-free formula provides for a gentle conditioning process.

The thicker formula with improved creamy viscosity helps the color stay where it is placed when using a bottle or bowl and brush to apply. Creative techniques are now easier, too, because the color stays in place and there is a noticeable improvement in color absorption further enhancing even color results. The pleasing fragrance makes it a more pleasant hair color experience for the colorist and client as well. You can go to Wella’s website for a referral to a Salon in your Area or email me and we will get the 2 of you hooked up …PLEASE we’d love photo’s, you will not believe the shine this colour puts out, they have mildly reformulated it 2 times I know of – with each one – even better!

Ride the Natural Wave of Smoooooth HAIR

RIDE THE NATURAL WAVE OF SMOOTH HAIR



Have your KeraCare products arrived yet?
What's the deal?
I have kept that secret for well over 15 years, never telling a soul what I use on the curlies so successfully.
On the set I would put it all in blank bottles so no one would know what it was, I was determined to keep my little trix mine, it all seems so silly now...
I'm glad I finally got it out there, because I know how it will help all of you.
The best part about this line? The cost!

Unfortunately as a Curlie-Whirlie or Dizzie-Frizzie you are condemned to a life of multiple and various juggling products, depending on factors such as weather, type & length of hair, skill level of "product-usage"..

Uh Jiminy Crickets do the 'straighties' have to deal with this shit?

In order for your hair to become manageable and soft which is the only way you learn to like it, you must invest in 6 or 8 of the products from yesterday's post. Another wonderful highlight of the KeraCare Line ? Along with the proper ratio of silicone's they have ingredients that work to repair the hair strands as well, including essential oils that over the centuries have been proven to truly work wonders on hair, I include various ones in all of my formulations.

The tight curl structure of curly hair makes it difficult for the natural oils from the sebaceous glands to flow down and lubricate the hair shaft, causing the hair to become dry and brittle. In a last ditch attempt many of you will perform "home" and poor quality Relaxers in order to remove 'some' of the frizz however the chemicals used in these products are strong and often leave the hair worse.

The reason & beginning need for the "Leave-In" conditioner phase.

After the shower, shake the hair out It will take a couple experimental runs to get the "amount" correct of the Leave in. Apply Leave-In by dipping in jar - rubbing the creme smoothly together evenly between the hands....so there are no clumps or lumps.... you want a nice even light coat of it to cover all your hair, possibly running a large tooth comb thru after to make sure it gets evenly distributed. Then, leave it ALONE.
Fiddling and fumbling and playing with curly hair - ONCE Set - is a HUGE mistake, unless your look for the day is "BIG HAIR"!

For the ultimate styling method when the goal is Frizz-FREE,
you are going to have to limit the use of your blow dryer

Wavy hair that

dries naturally

tends to go less frizzy. Remember, I have no allegiance to any company or brand...I make my own conditioners that blow the doors off off anything you can get at any Beauty Supply, Neiman Marcus or Macy's counter and to not seem biased I have chosen to use Kera Care as the brand I would recommend.

Contacting KERA CARE next week, I am anxious to see what they think of my VLOGGING idea..to shoot a 3-5-10 minute VLOG showing how exactly to apply all of their products, there is an art to it,I'd like to teach.

Do you know that, within "GOOGLE'S" Search whirlwind online business, the Number 1 and 2 topics searched for in the "HAIR" category?...

#1 : is CURLY HAIR

and

#2 : is FRIZZY HAIR

So you are being heard...loud and clear....
the problem, especially in my position of wanting to solve every problem that exists in the hair universe, is..........

one solid answer ...a magic pill.

When I was in the Salon, and someone would come to me with these concerns....we would book a Relaxer.
Mind you this can be a $500.00 solution &
It 'can' take most of one day to perform.
But it is a solution.
10 years ago we didn't have the solution we have today.
So there is one, you just have to be independently wealthy to afford it.

The truth will be told here and you must understand
the reason it costs so much?
The time it takes to do it properly.
If it takes 6-7-8 hours perform? Of course you have to pay a hairstylist the rate they would make if they were 'not' doing this procedure...it is fully justified the $$ amount it costs.

I have not fully looked into the so called "Japanese Straightening Method" but within the world of cosmetic chemistry...there are only certain chemical strategies
available, there are no "secret" chemicals...that is not how the world works. It is simply, "MARKETING",they RE - NAMED the regular Relaxer, added a few little silly steps ( like: flat iron the hair right after rinsing)...
steps that I already did with my relaxers, which ended up a brilliant way to pump new energy into a technique that had lost interest in it for years.

No one believes more in clever marketing strategies than me...my college degree is in the subject...so when I can use them - I do.

It takes between 4-5-6 sometimes 8 hours to complete the process the correct way,
depending how long and how thick the hair is. So its merely the "time" and product you are paying for,fully understandable.



KILLER CHEMIST

FAUX HAWK HAIR Styles - becoming a CLASSIC { there's an oxymoron}

Bleach Blonde Do's Rock the Runway and the Street

Two Lengths <> Two Lovelies

Amy Winehouse Starts a Hair Trend

I fully realize this is a HAIR Blog, so thank God her hair rocks as well

Who the hell is this Woman ? ? ?I haven't heard music like this since....well......since I saw Jimmy Hendrix at the Forum play the guitar with his teeth. That was a man lost in his music and so is this chick

Wow, there is a God . . .

I Tivo-ed her Special on MTV Friday night . . . If you haven't seen it...catch it...although she doesn't have my fav songs on there, she's absolutely F--king incredible

The Killers and Evanescence reinspired me lately

as did Brandy Carlile and Mika

I am just very thankful the music I know and love has not died

and needed to get that - OUT THERE -

any bit i can do to help resurrect it and keep it here...I will do...

i guess that is part of what these Blogs are here for as well. hope I haven't been too serious...

cuz I am not....

serious,

i mean

music inspires me

it has always inspired my hair work...I used to do the hair for various artists for Grammy's/Academy Awards etc... I will break out an old photo and post

check out Amy

let me know what you think..........

..Killer Chemist

GREY (HAIR'S) ANATOMY - Easy, Cheap & Brilliant Cover for Grey Hair

Works Wonders for the "NEW-TO-GREY HAIR-CROWD"




This method will save you many headaches. . .

1. buys you some time


2. if you change your mind going back to grey without problems...


3. mix it up - show distinguishing greys sometimes - sometimes not


4. cover roots till next appointment


5. cover roots: lessen amount of time's you need Salon appointment


6. only have 10 grey hairs? cover them and nothing else

Ethnic Hair Care & The Curls That Love It

Curls~Frizz~Kinks

the problems of the ethnic hair crew
I have yet to meet a person who didn't want the kind of hair they didn't have

Just remember that the next time you get down on yourself and your hair... as I know everyone does.... Straight hairs wish they had curly, they really do and vice-versa. Its plain and simple human nature I have decided --to want, what you don't have. As you grow older, that will change and go away....you get comfortable in your own skin (and hair).

The challenges facing the Ethnic hair care client are different than their counterparts....but believe me BOTH have just the same amount of challenges - they are just 'different'.
The most common complaints:

• dryness
• fragility & breaking
• styling options
• proper products

Surveys indicate the ethnic hair clients seek professional services every 2-3 weeks while their counterparts regularly come every 6-7 weeks....so they do seek out help more. The most common treatment? Relaxers. Both at home versions as well as the Salon/Professional type. During my years in The Salon, there was no one doing relaxers and I just didn't understand 'why'... so I began the trait. Not a lot of Hair Stylists do them as they are also the most complicated procedure as well as the most critical, dangerous and challenging. 

They are the single Salon service where you make the absolute MOST difference in the hair for a client, and after you have completed a successful relaxer you have made a committed and dedicated client "for LIFE", I have never seen a happier more thrilled hair client than the successful hair Relaxer client. Every single one of them calls 2 days later when they shampoo for the first time literally blown away that after the shampoo the hair did not return to its curly frizzy stage - I have received many MANY fantastic thank you gifts for this service unlike any other service I had performed, it was the coolest thing to me. So, if you have curly hair and are super frustrated with it, seek out a Relaxer specialist.... there are many around the country. If you get stumped you are welcome to call us.

From my experience I would just never recommend this service for anyone to do at home... ever ..it is just too dangerous and the 'timing' aspect is too crucial. Having weak hair to begin with you just don't have the leeway for mistakes, besides the ingredients used in professional Relaxer products are simply better for the hair.

If you insist on getting one and cannot afford the Salon price (@ $150.00 to $500.00 per APP.  it comes in as the most expensive Salon procedure - it can take up to 7 hours to complete) the next best step: look into being a hair model for demonstrating its application, go to the local Beauty Academy and get in on their "model night" or their weekly hair model list. { does not mean you need to be model material all over - don't worry!} I know here in LA,many of you interested in this would be more than welcome at the Vidal Sassoon Academy in Santa Monica, and the Paul Mitchell Academy in Orange County...they are both always looking for hair models as are all good Salons and Beauty Schools they never have enough people to work on. 

The advantage to this option is:

• have an instructor standing over their shoulders
• before they ever put product on live model, spent weeks practicing on 'doll heads with shaving cream'
• watch the procedure done by instructor on stage a few times...
• reading on it...
• studying on it....followed by 'written' testing of it
• more doll head work..practicing the sectioning and application -- combing-- stretching and the speed needed to do it....
• THEN they let the students work on real clients

Now I am talking the best Hair schools in the USA which are Vidal Sassoon and Paul Mitchell....the others will be run totally different - do some research. 

This can be a terrific and successful procedure.  When there is a will there is always a way. As this Blog goes on I am hoping more of you will submit questions and comments, I had a lovely girl suggest I write about ethnic hair...I am more than happy to write about every and any subject --- please - - -I look forward to your comments and requests.
Remember a Relaxer is the same exact chemical make-up as NAIR or NEET Or any hair remover....if left on the hair too long........what do you think will happen ? 
 Yes, the hair can be lifted right off the head....so it is imperative to find a professional to have tiit applied correctly. They do have straighteners now, but being out of the Salon I have not been able to try them myself.....so I will not give advice about something I have only heard "stories" about. I feel you come to me for the truth and I will not make things up.

The key to aceing a Relaxer is the "Timing" of it...The timing and the division of the application procedure. I had one Assistant that was trained in depth on Relaxer -application... so he knew {almost} as much as I did, I sent him to 3 different Relaxer Seminars, many stylists do not want to share the job like this...but it is the only way for it to be super successful for both the client AND the stylist. If its done on a man or a woman with a short cut, one can do it, any longer than chin length hair and it becomes the job of 

2. When booking one it always had to be on a day he was working because the key to the success is applying - pulling and stretching the hair flat with the Relaxer Creme on the hair and doing it fast....making small sections all around the head and being sure to coat > comb > & stretch...from the minute it has been applied to the minute you hit the shampoo bowl to rinse should be between 9 & 16 MINUTES only! That is not very long, even for the fastest stylists on the planet, doing this correctly at home would be impossible.
That is why you want to have a qualified practitioner perform the relaxer on your hair ~
Remember : TAKE CARE OF YOUR HAIR

HIGHLIGHTS IN HOLLY- HOOD - Hefners Bombshells Ignite Trend in Hair Color

Holly, Kendra and Bridget...blond times 3.The white blond put on the map by Miss Monroe has popped back up as a popular request in Salon Colour departments in on and around LA.

Most begin as a virgin (natural) level 2-6 Brunette...so the road is far long and lonely if not done correctly.

The process ....Bleach and Tone -- the trick to it?

There are a few..

As always test all hair products on skin for sensitivities 24 hours prior to use - with small patch test. ( email request for directions if needed).

There are tricks to every coloring process . . those tricks are what make a great hair stylists stand out from the good' ones

Best performance: on virgin hair ( no previous color) remember color does NOT lift color. {with previously colored hair - go to professional}..

Supplies:

• bowl & tint brush


• old shirt and towel to protect bathroom and your clothes


• OIL BLEACH...I would reccommend


• 20 & 40% Volume Violet Developer ( peroxide)


• Anyone wishing the application procedure email request to killerstands@gmail.com

Yes, its very true..........blonds do have more fun!

Healthy-Thick Hair is By-Product of YOGA

The Practice of YOGA cures more than most realize. . . . .


The practice of Yoga has shown to radically improve all 4 of the hair loss issues; hair loss/hair thinning/hair fall and hair damage.

In the last year the amount of calls to the clinic for FEMALE hair loss consultations more than quadrupled.

The amount of women complaining about the hair loss4 is at an all time record high and is multiplying - daily. The issue of hair loss with women is a completely different animal than for men.

Men lose hair first in two places: at the top of the head and at the hairline (receding hairline) and as it advances the two eventually meet, that does not happen to women.

Women have diffuse hair loss.
Meaning a gradual - even - overall loss, the entire head of hair 'lessens'.

The 'way' in which the hair is lost on women is different... so the solutions are different.


The entire head of hair has lost hair strands so the overall 'thickness' is less. The size of the ponytail is smaller, the amount of hairs found in the brush drastically increase.

The # 2 Solution to healthy thick hair ?

YOGA...........
the amount of time you spend "upside down" is the reason for the improvement in clients hair that practice YOGA. Many of the postures and stances have the body in an inversion. We require Yoga, as a condition of signing up with Killer Strands for female hair loss issues, the 3rd Step of the program is "STRESS" and relief of it. We have run a couple Clinical Trials and YOGA has proven to be one of the best solutions to hair health problems.

There are many reasons YOGA works for the health of your hair, but the number 1 reason is the amount of time you spend upside down. With your blood being forced to the head, it gives the follicle and hair bulb much needed nourishment. For your entire life you are in the upright position...your blood has to work much harder going up to the head. I have run tests on clients follicles before starting YOGA and after....when observed under a microscope the difference in the health of the hair strand, follicle and bulb is truly remarkable. The bulb appears pink and healthy after 6 months of YOGA practice....before the practice the follicle was starting to wither away and appeared as though the hair was diminishing away... 6 months of YOGA changed the entire look of the follicle and bulb.

This is one of the easier solutions to having healthy thick hair, although women still want a pill or plastic surgery, I'm convinced it's human nature to want a 'quick-fix'.

Personally, I find YOGA the single best and most brilliant answer to female hair loss. Its not only good for the hair, its good for the body, mind and spirit .

Yoga relaxes and can be life-changing for many people. Just this month I had one of my tougher cases of thinning hair on a 52 year old female client. She was given the 10,000HEADS Healthy Hair Program a year ago, and was following 8 out of the 10 steps (its rare to get someone to actually commit to all 10 steps - the more the better). She was not following Steps 3 and 10 which are "Stress" and the "Secret Weapon Supplement". Under the category of stress it is required that a yoga practice a minimum of 3 days per week be started. This woman's work is extremely stressful ... the step she needed most, was the one she was not doing. Following just the 8 steps had stopped her from losing anymore hair, so she was pretty happy with just those results. About 10 weeks ago she took her first yoga class....3 weeks ago - I was dumbfounded when she came in. Her hair (finally) did a complete 180... not only is it a completely different texture, she has at least twice the amount of hair she used to have, YOGA was her 'trigger-point' .You have never seen a more happy hair client than this woman, thanking me a million and one times she is thrilled with YOGA. Everyone has a 'trigger-point'...which is the trigger to what started that particular person's hair health decline. There is no way to actually know what a person's is, 85% of female trigger points are covered by the 10 Steps of 10,000HEADS HEALTHY HAIR PROTOCOL.
.
More on this will follow, but for now find your local yoga studio....look up one of the many DVD's...or for more info on YOGA there is a terrific magazine/website: http://www.yogajournal.com/

you do not need to be limber, young or skinny to practice YOGA...Yoga teaches acceptance and encourages leaving any competitiveness outside the studio walls

The best part of yoga :

it is designed for everyone.....

Why Do We Call Them "Bangs?"

The hair that is cut and hangs on your forehead has 2 different names and as I left Academy and my clientele I have had to lose the proper term which is "fringe" which originated in England the "Home of Hair Color and Styling" and try to get used to 'bangs'!

I just cannot get used to saying the word "bangs" ... I was taught the word FRINGE, which to me makes sense. So it is just beyond me that people continue to want to call it bangs. I'm trying to change the country on this one...one person at a time!

Here is what Wikipedia has to say..
A fringe (or bangs in the U.S. and Canada) is the front part of the hair, cut to hang or curl over the forehead. 
In hairstyling it can be swept to the side, similar to the side part, except that it does not cover the eyes . The British term 'fringe' refers to the resemblance of the short row of hair to ornamental fringe trim. The North American term bangs may have come from the use of the word bang to connote something sudden or abrupt, and the idea that the hair over the forehead comes to an abrupt end after just a few inches. 

 There are other terms such as patch, which connotes the coloring of said overlying bangs. But the term has been around for so long I am starting to believe this last suggestion might be the authentic answer I am looking for.

That "bangs" as a young lady's hairstyle almost certainly originated with the practice of cutting horses' tails straight across, a style known to this day as a "bang-tail."

Hairstyles that have a fringe have come and gone......... in and out of fashion as frequently as other hairstyles, and they can be worn in any number of styles. In the late 80s and early 90s, poof, curly, teased fringes were in fashion...the most frequently asked for style this season is the sweeping side fringe similar to what Nicole Ritchie has in the photos above.

Trichotillomania

hair twiddling, hair pulling , skin picking,
eyebrow & eye-lashing pulling

Definition: Trichotillomania is hair loss caused by compulsive pulling and/or twisting of the hair until it breaks off. The hair may be lost in round patches or diffusely across the scalp. The effect is an uneven appearance. Other hairy areas may be plucked, such as the eyebrows, eyelashes, or body hair.

You may think I have gone off my rocker with this subject . . . but to be perfectly honest it is more prevalent than many think. It has been estimated as high as 10% of the population being affected by it... & when you look at the numbers of hair loss : 90-95% of all female hair loss is TEMPORARY, 5% is permanent and another 10% is "Trich"...that is a helluva lot of people. So with the whispering responses I have had over the years I know how many of the secretive sufferers are out there. I am interested in helping them as well, it is still a hair problem that needs focus on it.
Basically it is an OCD ( obsessive compulsive disorder).

Alternative Names:
Compulsive hair pulling, hair twiddling, skin picking,

Causes, incidence, and risk factors:
Trichotillomania is a type of compulsive behavior and its causes are not clearly understood. Symptoms usually begin before the age of 17. It may affect as much as 10% of the population. People with this disorder will often seek the help of a dermatologist initially. Women are 4 times more likely to be affected than men.

Why do I pull my hair out?
. . . . because they have this disorder called trichotillomania. 80% of trichsters report an itch-like urge to pull and there may well be a cause similar to folliculitis (inflammation of the hair root) or an irritation to the very natural and normal skin yeast, Malassezia. There are usually, however, substantial emotional issues which may preceed the irritation and benefit from analysis.
Trichotillomania typically begins at puberty, when the stress hormones and skin oils which exacerbate Malassezia are at their highest. There is no doubt that stress triggers trichsters to pull more, so developing strong stress responses does help in controlling the urges. A sophisticated blend of skills, needs to be balanced to reach full recovery.
Some regular visitors to this site have had trichotillomania for a number of years and have successfully balanced all the information gleaned here, to achieve pull free status, permanently.
For trichsters, the pulling brings relief and is not at all painful. It is generally felt to be soothing. Most report feelings of guilt and shame surrounding their hair pulling.


These IDEAS HELP ME STOP PULLING MY HAIR OUT
These are ideas that have helped others to stay pull free -

Exposure to Sunlight
Playing my CD
Acceptance of my condition
Cutting out sugar, glucose caffeine and popcorn.
Getting up and doing something to take my mind off it
Covering my scalp with shampoo, lotion and hair conditioner (all mixed)
Playing with Beanies
Keeping a diary
Getting lots of sleep
squeezing a stress ball
Wearing a hat
working out
Having false fingernails makes gripping impossible
Not being alone
Taking a long hot shower
Rug making
Eating
Dancing
Silly Putty
Wet hair
Wearing gloves
Stop 'n Grow
Colouring or drawing
tapestry or cross stitch
talking to other trichsters

throwing away the tweezers
knitting
Being involved and active
Having my hands occupied
sewing
wearing plasters on my fingertips
crochet
cooking
sex
distraction
Going for a walk
Playing good music and dancing or singing,
Going out somewhere public
Cycling
taking a hot bath
studying at the library rather than home
plenty of sleep
Eating bananas
taking potassium supplements
Staying away from people who put me down
I keep my correspondence in a box by the television so I can write cheques, pay bills and write envelopes while watching.
Eating a pomegranate. It takes AGES and you can watch a whole film while picking at the seeds. Sunflower seeds also occupy the hands.
Pairing my socks while watching TV
Reading only in public - i.e. on a bench in a park.
Sorting my sewing box while watching TV
I only allow myself 30 mins of TV at a time. I can manage to stay pull free for 30 mins
Stroking a pet
Asking for what I want.
making patterns with pins in a pin cushion, then pulling them out and starting over again.
I keep my nail polishes by the TV. Polishing my nails gives me time to refocus on something else and forget my urge to pull.
YOUR TIP GOES HERE!


Symptoms:
These symptoms are usually seen in children:
constant tugging, pulling, or twisting of hair
increasing sense of tension is present before the hair pulling
sense of relief, pleasure, or gratification is reported after the hair pulling
hair pulling leads to an uneven appearance
bare patches or diffuse loss of hair
hair regrowth in the bare spots that feels like stubble
some individuals may develop a bowel obstruction if they eat the hair they pull out
other self-injury behaviors may be present

People suffering from this disorder often deny pulling out their hair.
I was shocked the first couple months, when first seeing clients within the privacy of the hair loss clinic,not at the disease, at how prevalent it is. This is a much more common problem than I had ever realized, or had ever encountered within the walls of the Salon or Lab...which is not bad, just surprizing. As I studied up, learning all I could about the syndrome, I realized that I had 2 people within my own personal world that most likely qualified for at least a minor version of the issue. We call it Trich. now at the clinic (Trick) and the clients with it: "Trich-sters"...we actually 'borrowed' the nick names from the most helpful of all web sites devoted to the issue, the one that is based in the U.K. www.Trichotillomania assoc. United Kingdom .

If anyone is suffering from this... our single best advice is to join the online membership of this society, and log into their support center, they have tremendous research and support, their program is dynamic, loving, innovative and most of all > successful. You can see why, within the first few minutes of logging in, its one of those gold mines of the Internet.
Not only is more likely to occur in women but it most likely to occur around puberty or menopause. I had one young woman who had been pulling her hair for about 9 years, starting right after puberty & the first case I ever saw was a 51 year old woman.

Trichotillomaina occurs when the twiddling gradually reaches the pulling stage, whereby the hairs are repeatedly pulled out one by one, eventually causing a thin or bald patch that can cover quite large areas. Its the hairs which cause momentary pain when pulled that are fully pulled out - so they test each hair first by pulling to see which one might hurt most, then tug it out.The satisfaction of this encourages them to pull out another one and so on. It can go on for years because the hair from the pulled follicle grows back - at least at first. It's interesting though, that the pulling takes place in areas which can be more easily camouflaged and covered with hair that is left. However, there have been cases where almost all the hair has been pulled out,only leaving a fringe around the head - almost like a halo. Furthermore women with thicker more luxuriant hair seem to be more prone.

There can be deep psychological and sexual undertones in this condition: from mild masochism, sexual gratification and attention seeking ( because those close to the perpetrator (so to speak) are usually aware of the hair loss, don't know why its happening, are sympathetic, worry about them and pay them more attention).
The sufferer becomes more and more perturbed about the loss of hair, knowing that they are solely responsible but unable to find a way to break the habit. However the sufferers rarely admit to it and they usually need delicate negotiation to let them know that you care which is why I find the British web site so effective.

It is truly a difficult habit to break. Occasionally psychological therapy is needed. There are other ways that require a lot of time and patience too. One trick is to wear thick gloves during temptation times, especially at night ( when the condition may be at its peak of temptation), so that the hair cannot be gripped. Another is to cut it very short so it is impossible to get a hold of; or cover the hair with a slippery cream or oil; wear a scarf over the head; or a combination of the two or more of these solutions. Its a matter of interrupting the habit..sometimes playing with video games or knitting takes the mind off playing with the hair.

The process reminds me of trying to get a child weaned off of the bottle or the pacifier....which is one theory I personally have about it. I think women have a sort of oral fixation that is not totally satisfied around those ages that it is the most predominant. Many women seem to go through the change in their sexual drive around both of the milestones (puberty & menopause)...so I think that is somehow tied into the craving to do it. There are just too many people with this affliction for there not to be some substantial theories in regards to it. Currently there are a number of Clinical Trials going on in regards to the Syndrome, so it will be months/years before we receive the results. . . but I expect some radical new theories with each one.

The condition is often misdiagnosed as it looks a lot like Alopecia Areata, a hair loss occurring in patches, which can look very similar. The reluctance by many to admit to the real problem that "they' are the ones pulling it out leads to misdiagnosis. The whole entity is very very secretive and private...they want to keep it all to themselves, which is another underlying psychological aspect of the overall condition.

Support for "Trich.sters"
The following contains some crucial advice concerning how you can support someone with trichotillomania.
It is nothing you have done that causes a person to pull out hair. Trichotillomania is a disorder. A person with Trich is a NORMAL person who has a disorder. Any loved one would want to solve the problem … but the solution ALWAYS comes from the person themselves and the best you can do is to empower them to make their own decisions.

You don't have to understand, and certainly don't have to pretend that you do. Listen, without making suggestions or offering advice. Supply plenty of praise, hugs and above all, acceptance.

Offering praise will boost the Trichster's self-esteem and someone who feels good about themselves, is less likely to self abuse. You cannot control the pullers actions, but you can control your own reaction to it. Be strong, be positive. Be accepting.

Please try to treat Trich as a disorder separate from the person. The Trichster is a terrific person, deserving of a lovely, full head of hair and eyebrows and eyelashes to match.
Pulling probably remains an issue for life. Some days it's unnoticeable and other days rampant.
However deeply it hurts you, this isn't about you, and the Trichster hurts a million times more. They blame themselves enough and don't need more blame from you! This isn't a habit. It isn't something people deliberately do … it is like being taken over by a trance. Scalp pullers often feel like there are tiny insects crawling under the skin and the itch creates an urge to pull.

You've tried ignoring, shouting, distracting … but each individual must heal themselves. You can't do it for them. I know that hurts like hell and it's okay. If you need to get your anger out, write letters to the Trichster that you later burn without sending but always appear supportive.

Trich hurts like hell when it's at its worst, but it overwhelms you with its warmth too. Most Trichsters form loving, caring relationships and function well in all other areas of their lives.
So what should you do when you're sitting down comfortably in your warm environment, perhaps watching television, and out of the corner of your eye you notice someone pulling?
Distraction would help ... hand them a cup of tea (sorry, English answer to everything!), or ask them to check some figures for you. Engaging the logical brain can often stop the subconscious pulling process. Invite them out for a walk. Getting out or even just moving from place to place, helps. Reading and watching TV are triggers for pulling. Play chess, computer games or anything which involves the hands. Cross stitching is helpful. Try to keep them active and interested. Boredom is really bad for Trich.

Incentives help, but please, if you've promised a reward, don't withhold it if there has been a little relapse. Try to be understanding that Trich is not always within the person's control.
Take care of your loved ones and look after yourself.

Long Hair Styling - How To Create A Chignon & Twist

Dressing long hair has always been surrounded by mystique. Our aim is to dispel the mystery and show how anyone can create a galaxy of beautiful upswept hairstyles by following a few simple rules working methodically and neatly. These styles are ideal used as wedding styles and once you have mastered the basic techniques it is so simple to build upon your knowledge and personalize the looks to suit your hair type, texture and most importantly occasion. Adding a curl hear, a tease these, tong hair into tendrils, you will be amazed at what you can do and how you can make different styles compliment different occasions. Select styles are featured; all are simple, quick and very effective. Remember the simple philosophy that less is more, and the simpler your styling the more beautiful the result, allowing any style to compliment the simplest to the most intricate of wedding dresses, hair accessories or flowers.

CLASSIC CHIGNON or bun

This style is simple but effective, twisted in a figure eight is the simplest way to describe the style.

Step 1. Straighten dry hair, a section at a time, using flat iron only if needed.

Step 2. Reduce any hint of static by using a pure bristle brush & static guard to smooth hair.

Step 3. Mist with hair spray (Shaper) and static guard if needed.

Step 4. Secure hair in a low ponytail.

Step 5. Twist hair round forefinger, holding ends of ponytail in other hand and taking tails over; not under.

Step 6. Secure from top using a large bobby pin.

Step 7. Repeat at base of pony tail.

Step 8. Mist tail with hairspray.

Step 9. Twist tail round forefinger, curling in ends to form a figure of eight.

Step 10. Secure with clips /bobby pins and fresh flowers if needed.

TOP TIP: To make ponytail easier to handle, mist with hairspray and mold with hands before twisting hair. 

by: hairstyles-tutorial.blogspot.com

TWIST

This is an elegant style that compliments the most traditional of dresses, this style may be dressed with the flowers of the season to finish or left plain, the simplicity adding to the sheer elegance.

Step 1. Brush hair up to crown.

Step 2. Clasp hair between thumb and fingers, holding ends with other hand.

Step 3. Pull hair ends taut over thumb.

Step 4. Twist hair under thumb and bring to other side, keeping the tension.

Step 5. Place thumb on crown at a 90 degree angle and push roll of hair slightly forward.

Step 6. Push a hairgrip directly up seam of roll catching a little hair from underneath and from roll to ensure a firm hold.

Step 7. Repeat from top end of roll. You will only need three or four hair clips or pins.

Step 8. Shows first section completed.

Step 9. Smooth tail of hair round to front.

Step 10. Secure at front with bobby pin.

Step 11. Use end of comb tail to form hair into a curl and secure with a fine bobby pin.

Step 12. Mist with hair spray.

The Hair Follicle

THE HAIR FOLLICLE AND THE IMPORTANCE OF IT

Hair is far more complex than it appears on the surface.We all know that it not only plays a vital role in the appearance of both men and women, but it also helps to transmit sensory information as well as create gender identification. I do not know a man or woman alive who isn't self conscience about their hair. When you get about 80-85 is about the first time you start losing interest in it.

A hair follicle is
The hair follicle is a structure of the skin from which hair grows and they are all over the body. By week 22 a developing fetus has all of its hair follicles formed. An adult has 5 million hair follicles on the body. There are a total of one million on the head with one hundred thousand on the scalp. The goal is to have a hair grow out of every single hair follicle on your head. I hope that if I explain a little bit about how the hair actually/scientifically grows that you will take care of it better and in the proper manner.

Here is a diagram of 1 strand of hair in the head. and just think there are 100,000 of them.


As you turn 20 the decrease in hair follicles on the head begins to decline, IN BOTH SEXES  ! ! !   
I urge all women to begin the 10,000HEADS - 13 Step Protocol to healthy Hair ASAP.... to keep all of those follicles working and pumping out new hair bulbs, so that in a few weeks you will have NEW HAIR growing on that head of yours. If you can only get 1 item use the THRIVEN and get the Secret Supplement at your local pharmacy - the 2 together perform miracles.

No one expects you to do all of these, if I had to pick my Top 5 (for effectiveness) I would tell you to do Steps:

• 13
• 14
• 11
• 2
• 5

The sooner you begin the more hair follicles you will not LOSE ! 

KC