Hair extensions can be a great way to almost instantly get longer, fuller, more beautiful hair. More and more Houston ladies have been coming to the Healthy Hair Salon to request this service, and it is the same story at salons and spas all over the world.

There are many types of extensions, and we offer 10 types, including micro sew-in, interlocking, fusion strand by strand, and wet weave. We work with our clients to determine what type of extension is right for them by examining hair texture as well as scalp and hair health.

While extensions can be a hair replacement option or a just a way to look and feel better, they can also cause serious damage if they aren’t done correctly. I have seen too many ladies with hair and scalp issues, including permanent hair loss, from extensions that were improperly used or cared for! This doesn’t have to happen, and the following tips to avoid hair damage with extensions can help:

3.) Don’t leave your extensions in too long.

Most extensions should be left in for a maximum of 6 to 8 weeks. Some will claim that you can leave your extensions in for longer, and while you could do that, you probably won’t like the results.

If you leave extensions in longer, the extensions will move further away from the scalp as the hair grows. This is unattractive because it makes your extensions more noticeable, and it can also cause a lot of damage. With extensions that are left in too long, your hair can start to tangle, mat, and even form dreads as the ends of your strands get tangled up in the small space between your scalp and the extensions. Not only can this be painful, but it can also lead to hair loss or breakage.

2.) Take care of your hair.

To avoid damage, you need to take care of your hair properly. Before you even get extensions, you should take precautions to make sure your hair is less likely to sustain damage. This means you should have “rested” hair; if you just had extensions, don’t rush back to the salon to have them put back in. Also, if you have just applied a relaxer or other chemical treatment you most likely want to wait before getting extensions which will put extra stress on already fragile follicles.

Once the extensions are in, keep your extensions and your natural hair properly moisturized. This can be done with special shampoos and conditioners that are gentle on your hair. When you wash your hair, use lukewarm water, and wash your hair in a straight position very gently without rubbing or scrubbing. Follow up with a leave-in spray-in conditioner; don’t use heavy cream conditioners that can lead to problematic buildup in your extensions and on your scalp.

1.) Get your extensions from a trained, certified extension specialist.

The absolute best way to avoid hair damage with extensions is to have your hair done by a professional. Extensions and hair systems are expensive when done by a trained specialist, but saving a few dollars and going with someone who is not trained or certified in extensions can lead to serious hair damage and even permanent hair loss!

Even if an untrained stylist manages to make the extensions look good (which doesn’t always happen), you could be left with damage that lasts a lifetime. Possibly permanent hair loss or breakage from toxic bonding agents, chemicals, or even from pulling too tightly is quite common when you have extensions done by amateurs. Long term damage to your scalp can occur when bacteria and residue becomes trapped there. Avoiding these potentially painful and embarrassing hair and scalp problems are definitely worth spending the money to see a trained professional.

If you think your hair or scalp has suffered damage, give us a call to schedule a consultation.

As you prep for your special day, there are things you can do to ensure that you will look as beautiful and stylish as possible, and these are my top tips for making that happen:

Start planning in advance.

The biggest mistake many ladies make is waiting until the last minute to start planning their look and prepping their skin and hair. Planning well in advance is the best way to ensure that you will look spectacular with healthy, beautiful hair and radiant skin.

Start getting facials six weeks before your event.

Most ladies should start to prepare for their special day about six weeks in advance by starting a facial regimen to be sure their skin will look smooth and healthy. Sometimes breakouts and other skin issues flare up after having a facial, and if you have your first facial too close to the event, you risk having a flare up that will keep you from looking your best. If you have problem skin, you may even want to begin this process 10 to 12 weeks in advance. Whatever you do, avoid peels and microdermabrasion two weeks before; you skin may not calm down in time for your big day.

Do hair treatments no sooner than two weeks before.

Chemical treatments for your hair shouldn’t be done within two weeks of the event either. Chemical processes can make your hair dry or damaged, you want to have time to heal and repair the hair so that it looks hydrated and healthy on your big day. This includes hair color; you don’t want exposed roots, but you want plenty of time to have corrective hair color in the event they dye process doesn’t turn out quite right.

Consider temporary changes.

You may want fuller hair for your big day, longer tresses, or even extreme colors. You could look fabulous for the event, but if you don’t go with a temporary solution, you will be stuck with the look the next day (and possibly for weeks or months after that).

Think about temporary hair color, clip in extensions, and anything else that can spice up your style for the big day but let you go back to a more normal look the next.

Lashes are lovely, if they are done right.

Faux lashes are all the rage right now because they can look fantastic, but they can also be hard to put on. Strip lashes applied by someone who hasn’t practiced can look less like lashes and more like caterpillars. Consider getting individual lashes put on by a professional. Whatever you do, pay attention to the adhesive that is used; there are bonding glues that can make you sick because they aren’t safe.

Even if you are doing your own makeup, you should practice.

You probably know that you should do a trial run with a makeup artist before your event, but you should practice if you are planning on doing your own makeup. By practicing, you are able to get the look you want down. You might be nervous on your big day; the more you practice your makeup look, the better you will be able to execute it, even under stress.

Consider having a spa party.

At my Healthy Hair Salon in Houston (and other salons in your area) you can have a get together before your big day. These are great occasions to learn about hair, makeup, skin care, or nail care. These occasions are like a small class where everyone leaves looking lovely after learning how to take better care of themselves. Learning how to make yourself look glamorous is not only fun, but it can help you save money too.

Save $70 on our Updo Glam Package at Healthy Hair Salon now through Mother’s Day! 

Many older women worry about thinning hair and hair loss. Not to alarm you, but thinning hair (and what can appear to be thinning hair) can be a problem for women and girls of all ages.

If you have thinning hair, know that it can lead to permanent hair loss, but it doesn’t have to. As a licensed trichologist, I know there are things you can do to remedy thinning hair and stimulate hair growth.

Who experiences thinning hair?

Everyone can experience thinning hair for any number of reasons. To see if your hair is thinning, look to the scalp. With thinning hair you will see less hair at the scalp, and skin will be visible. Older individuals are most likely to experience thinning hair, as it is one effect of aging. For many younger women, particularly women in their 20s, thinning hair is caused by the things these ladies do to their hair, like using bonding agents and glue. Thinning hair may be an indication of a more serious problem, however. Improper diet or other health issues can cause thinning, especially in the younger population. Because of this, you need a scalp examination at the first sign of thinning hair to identify the cause and to create a plan of action to prevent more hair loss.

Thinning vs. Breaking

Many women notice that their hair is becoming less full or find that they are losing a lot of hair during brushing or washing. This doesn’t necessarily mean that hair is thinning; if you don’t see skin at the scalp, you probably actually have breakage that is usually due to chemical treatments, relaxers, heat treatments, and other processes that can cause hair strands to break, usually near the scalp. If you are experiencing breakage, you want your hair to grow back thick and healthy, but don’t try to do this alone. The things many try to remedy breaking hair can actually worsen the problem. Meet with a hair and scalp expert to help pinpoint the cause of the breakage and to receive proper treatment and styling that can help stop breakage.

Stop Thinning Hair

If you have thinning hair, know that you aren’t fated to complete hair loss! Follow these three steps to get on the path to fuller, healthier hair:

1. Meet with a scalp and hair expert. Visit a Trichologist immediately if you see or suspect thinning hair; the longer you wait the more damage that can be done and the harder it can be to regrow hair.  If you are in the Houston area, a consultation at my Healthy Hair Salon can be quite beneficial. Upon examining your scalp and hair, I am able to help identify the underlying problem causing your hair to thin or break, and I can recommend a course of action.
2. Take care of the underlying problem. To stop thinning hair, you need to stop whatever it is that is causing thinning hair. This may mean that you need to visit with your physician to address any medical issues. You could have to make an appointment with a nutritionist who can help create a more healthful diet. You may need a Detoxification Treatment to remove any medical or other residues that are preventing growth. Whatever it is that is causing your hair to thin, you need to take care of the problem if you want thicker, healthier hair.
3. Restore your hair. For all women, hair restoration, replacement, or reconstruction is possible. The particular plan of action for either stimulating new growth or replacing lost hair will vary from person to person, so again, visiting a Trichologist is best so you can determine which method is right for you as you revive your beautiful, healthy hair.

If you want to learn more about the hair care services offered at Healthy Hair Salon or sign up for our mailing list, please visit http://HealthyHairSalon.com.

Many people think winter means dry skin. The season creates changes to your body, face, scalp and hair, but you don’t have to be dry, itchy or flaky!

As a licensed Trichologist specializing in hair, scalp and skin issues, I have been developing exclusive treatments available at Healthy Hair Salon that help your hair and skin to be smooth and lustrous in any season. My formulas are based on my extensive study of what causes these issues for the hair, scalp, and skin.

In winter, change in temperature is just one factor for this dryness, but there are other reasons for this change. Through research and study, it has been determined that a major cause of winter dryness is actually dangerous Ultra Violet rays.

People often associate UV rays, and the need to protect themselves from them, with summer. However, as the sun shines all year, these rays are a continuous threat to everyone. As you already know, UV rays from the sun can cause major damage to your skin’s DNA leading to sun burn and skin cancer. These UV rays can, like smoking, also contribute to lines and wrinkles, brown flakey spots, and excessive dryness. This means that not only will these rays make you dry, but they can increase free-radical damage which speeds up the signs of aging.

Most people try to remedy dryness and battle signs of aging on their own. Usually people try oily, heavy products that don’t offer any of real moisture or antioxidants that their hair, skin or scalp needs. The products people tend to use to self-treat are not effective moisturizers, and they leave behind a coating or residue.

The special formulations I designed for my salon fight the signs of aging and correct moisture imbalances. These exclusive products available to my clients are developed to fix problems instead of just covering them up.

Effective in correcting dandruff and an itchy scalp, the Dermal Detox Scalp Therapy Treatment can work wonders. It also helps to remove residue and coating left behind on the scalp from heavy conditioners and other products. This treatment cleanses the scalp, allowing it to receive actual moisture to stop symptoms like redness and itching.

The Revitalizing Moisture Treatment is ideal for hair that is tangled, dry and brittle. Especially in winter, hair can become unmanageable with split ends and breakage. This exclusive treatment done at the Healthy Hair Salon can help to remove product build up and excessive oil on the hair shaft. It helps to control the damage caused by dryness, UV rays and chemical or heat treatments. This service can mend and repair the hair, making it healthier, shinier, and more vibrant.

The Deep Rejuvenating Facial is ideal for those who want to battle dry skin and wrinkles. This exclusive facial is tailored to each client’s specific skin care needs to remove dead surface skin, increase moisture, and make your face softer and younger looking.

My experience and passion helps to give my clients the very best in hair, scalp, and skin care in any season. All of my treatments are exclusive, custom made creations to help keep my clients looking healthy, vibrant, and more youthful. No matter what the season, protection from harmful UV rays and proper skin, hair, and scalp care is vital to making you look better and feel better.

It is a New Year at Healthy Hair Salon, and it is time for a new you! I want to help you achieve your resolutions of looking and feeling more beautiful, healthy and vibrant inside and out.

There are a lot of hair and scalp issues that can make you feel uncomfortable and can keep you from feeling vivacious and lovely. Do you have a dry, itchy, red or irritated scalp? Is your hair brittle and breaking? Have you noticed that you have less hair then you used to and suspect that it’s thinning? If this sounds like you, it is time to put all of that in the past and get your hair and scalp healthy and happy for 2012!

You need the Healthy Hair and Scalp Care Analysis. This is a painless exam that I offer at Healthy Hair Salon in Houston. As a professional Trichologist, or hair and scalp expert, this analysis lets me find the cause of your hair and scalp woes.

This exam is done with a special microscope to give us the best view of your scalp. The images are projected on a monitor, and together we can examine any hair and scalp issues you may have.  After pinpointing any scalp problems and causes of thinning hair, I can determine the proper treatment that will result in a healthier scalp and hair.

During the Hair and Scalp Care Analysis examination, I use projections from the microscope to look for many types of stress or even inconsistencies. I look for many signs and symptoms that could be causing problems. These can include hair issues like brittle, fractured strands that are breaking or split ends. I look to see if the follicles are too fine, shrinking at the root. Other things that this exam can find are buildup on the scalp from products or dead skin, ingrown hairs, alopecia, dermatitis, infections and other skin conditions.

After the analysis, I work with you to create a treatment plan. Depending on what the analysis reveals, there are many treatment options. For most ladies, the scalp needs a short 45 minute treatment consisting of cleansing, refreshing and exfoliation to clear away residue and dead skin while clearing up other issues to promote new hair growth.

Many women try to treat hair and scalp problems with products and other home remedies that actually make the problem even worse. If you don’t know precisely what the issue is, you can cause more stress to the hair and scalp, leading to further thinning or even hair loss. This analysis is a sure way to get the right treatment for you.

You do not have to live with thinning hair or a tight, dry scalp. You can have beautiful, healthful hair. My Healthy Hair and Scalp Analysis along with proper treatment can help to make your feel more comfortable and beautiful for 2012!

Learn more about our hair loss consultations on the Healthy Hair Salon website.

As we approach the New Year, many women want to make positive changes in our lives. It is a time when we strive to become healthy inside and out. Why not start with your hair? At Healthy Hair Salon, we specialize in solving distressed hair problems, which are very common given today’s popular styling habits.

It is good to tackle hair distress early. The best way to identify the seriousness of the damage is to consult with a professional Trichologist.

However, there are early signs of distressed hair that you can detect by observing your own hair.

Some warning signs of hair distress include: 1) “Popping” when combing hair, 2) Dry scalp, 3) Dry dull hair, 4) Excess shedding after relaxer, and 5) Notice of chemical odor.

When I examine a client that experiences one or more of these symptoms, I suggest a chemical re-balancing treatment restore  the pH balance of the hair. Chemical or mechanical hair distress can actually change the pH balance of the hair causing it to swell. A pH level between 4.5 and 5.5 is considered balanced. Hair ends that appear lighter can be a tell-tale sign of swelling.

Close up of hair distress restore the pH balance of the hair.

The chemicals in relaxers, gels, shampoos and other regular hair styling products can affect the pH balance of the hair. In addition, the sun’s ultraviolet rays and the use of curling irons can cause hair swelling.

In order to maintain healthy hair, I recommend a chemical re-balancing treatment to be done quarterly, especially if the hair shows signs of distress. At Healthy Hair Salon, we have found that it typically takes 2-6 of our chemical balancing treatments (or up to a year) to restore hair to a healthy state, depending on the damage.  I have seen both my natural hair and relaxed clients achieve stronger hair by rebalancing the pH of the hair.

Once the hair is healthy, it is important to remember the following tips:

• Lengthen the amount of time between relaxer touch-ups.  6-10 weeks is suggested, 12 weeks for very fine hair.
• Consider getting a scalp detox or scalp refresh every 3 months to remove bacteria and build-up (from medications, sweat, dirt or various styling products). Washing your hair alone does not remove this build-up that can change the pH of your hair. You will need to seek out a Trichologist or scalp specialist for this kind of treatment.
•  Avoid wearing a weave cap. Weave caps can cause hair loss, breakage and even fungus by becoming a breeding ground for bacteria and toxins released from the scalp.
• Wear a satin scarf instead of cotton at night to lessen or prevent breakage.

Following these simple hair care do’s and don’ts will keep your hair on a healthy trend and start your year off right. Truly, New Year, New Hair, New You!

Need to work on your hair distress? We are extending our 12 Days of Treatments special until Dec 31.

Many of you may enjoy eating various recipes of okra but may not know how the plant  begins its birth. A young okra plant has very fragile roots. In addition, its stem is easily broken. If you hold it too roughly, the stem may even snap. An okra grower must nurture each plant with the proper balance of good soil and moisture until it gets strong.

New hair is very similar to a new okra plant and must be handled gently. I find that many clients expect new hair to sustain more abuse than it should in the earliest stages of growth. Often clients get anxious for new hair to grow in full and strong. Unfortunately, you can’t rush the process of growth.

Here are a few tips that should help you avoid putting too much stress on new hair as it grows, especially when you are undergoing a hair loss treatment program:

Tip 1:  Try a sulfate-free shampoo. You can find a lot of experts championing the cause of sulfate-free shampoos on the Internet right now. While I believe shampoos with sulfate (found in many bath soaps, conditioners, and shampoos) are fine for strong adult hair, sulfate-free shampoos are my preferred option when a client is focused on hair regrowth and has hair loss.  Sulfate, which serves as a strong cleansing agent to remove dirt and oils, is typically too strong for fragile hair. Often, I will use a sulfate shampoo to remove dirt and then follow up with a sulfate-free shampoo to complete. Hair that is fine or color-treated hair may also respond better to sulfate-free shampoos.

Tip 2:   Avoid using a lot of heavy products on new hair. New hair cannot take the build-up of hair product residue that stronger hair can. Using a lot of sprays and gels disrupts the natural skin shedding pattern. In addition to the heavy use of styling products, engaging in practices like a “conditioning wash” on a regular basis is no-no. Despite the fact that you may read many women posting in hair forums about it, I think that this is a bad idea as a Trichologist. Applying a conditioner without washing your hair is the equivalent of applying deodorant without taking a bath first. Yes, you may think that you smell better. However, you are not really giving the skin (or hair in this case) what it needs.

Tip 3:   Keep your scalp clean. Dead skin cells often accumulate on the scalp and make it hard for the hair to grow. By looking under a microscope, I have observed hair growing sideways under the skin of clients. So, the hair IS growing but can’t penetrate the scalp. A clean scalp really is the key to having a healthy head of hair. I recommend all my clients get their scalp “refreshed” every 3 months to eliminate the build up of product residue and unclog pores. Releasing the impurities and waste from the scalp is kind of equivalent of a facial but for the scalp.

So, for Thanksgiving, be thankful for the farmers who take the time to harvest all the delightful vegetables that you can enjoy with your family. Remember, if you tend to your hair in the same fashion, you should be on the road to a healthy head of hair.

Don’t forget about our November promotion to win a Healthy Hair Salon gift basket.

Many breast cancer survivors fight hair loss along with cancer. According to the American Cancer Institute over 3 million women have survived or are living in with breast cancer in the United States. I wanted to use Breast Cancer Awareness Month as an opportunity to discuss options for women managing hair loss.

Between chemotherapy and other medications, it is common for survivors to deal with thinning hair or complete hair loss. Hair salons that specialize in hair loss or hair restoration services can be a great resource for women braving cancer treatment regimens.

As a hair loss specialist, I have been working with clients battling cancer since 1992. For some women, suffering the loss of their hair can be quite devastating. I enjoy helping them in even a small way to regain some self-esteem.
I counsel clients who are concerned about their appearance to take some control over their hair loss. One way to do so is to plan in advance about how to handle any dramatic changes in appearance. Clients can schedule a consultation with me before they start experiencing hair loss. If a client would like to keep her current hairstyle, I take a “before” picture so that I can match the style and color. This enables me to create a custom hair unit (or system) that makes each person feel more like their old self.

Client with medical prosthesis solution with hair loss

In honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, I chose to highlight Sisters Network, a group that supports African American women to fight breast cancer. According to the American Cancer Society, African American women are more likely to deal with a more aggressive form of tumors than their counterparts of other races.

A medical reason, such as breast cancer, is only one cause of hair loss. Many women who suffer from hair loss notice a gradual change in their hair over 6-8 years before taking action.

Here are some questions that you should ask yourself to determine whether you should see a hair loss professional:

• Does your hair appear to be thinning without evidence of fallout?
• Are there bumps and/or soreness on your scalp?
• Is your hair lifeless and dull?
• Do you have other family remembers that have hair loss?
• Are you having itchy, redness and dry scalp?

Have questions about your own personal hair loss? Contact us for a consultation.

Hair color junkies on a budget often turn to at-home color. Some clients believe that because you can buy it box at Walgreens that there are no risks. Others may feel more relaxed when they get advice from the beauty supply store. As a salon professional, I recommend that you leave the chemicals to professionals.

Many clients get frustrated when at-home color efforts come out not quite as great as expected. You wonder why Rihanna’s color looks so luxurious and brilliant. Well, she most likely visited a professional stylist that is an expert in color. Realistically, you should not expect the same results with non-professional products.

Besides mediocre results, here are a few other reasons why you may want to go to a salon for your colortreatment.

1) You want to apply a permanent color. As the name suggests, once you apply permanent hair color, you have chemically altered your hair. You risk causing serious hair distress by trying to over-process to correct a mistake or to achieve the true color results that you expected.

2) Past attempts have left your hair dull. Depending on the brand of your hair color and/or your ability to follow the directions, you may leave residue on your hair after your application.

3). Your hair seems drier than usual. If your hair is always dry after an at-home treatment, your hair may need more conditioning prior to applying color.

Highlights and lowlights with red

If you go to a good stylist, she should do a complete consultation to understand your color goals as well as inspect the condition of your hair before starting your service. As a Trichologist, I often will take an extra step to examine the hair under a microscope to reveal more, especially if I have any doubt about the condition of a client’s hair.

One thing that I have found helpful for many of my clients is to apply a pre-color treatment before applying color. This treatment has actually become my trademark to achieve vibrant color with my clients. Typically, I apply Healthy Hair Salon’s exclusive Revitalize Chemical Treatment before and after a color treatment. It helps my clients achieve not only fabulous color but also lots of body.

At-home color mishaps can be corrected

When you apply color, residue or deposits are often left on the hair. For healthier hair and beautiful color, this residue must be removed. When I apply my pre-treatment, I can observe this more easily Removing this residue is important, especially when using permanent color.

The treatment aids in more than just the removal of residue. By applying a treatment after the color service, I have been able to really magnify the intensity of the color and the shine for my clients.

In summary, if you want to do your own at-home color, watch out for any signs of hair distress or damage (like dullness and dryness). For the best color results, always seek the advice of a salon professional that is a expert in color.

If you want to learn more about my Revitalize Chemical Treatment, please read more here.