Medical Solutions

Welcome to our Medical Patient Area. In this section of our site we will do our best to provide you with information that we have taken the time to research the Internet as well as educating ourselves in addressing some medical and hair issues. In addition, we have made some suggestions for people who suffer from hair loss at the bottom of the page.

Alopecia Areata, Alopecia Totalis and Alopecia Universalis

It is important to be properly educated with all particulars related to hair loss; that’s the first step in the fight. Most people, however, get confused by the scientific jargons that accompany various sites offering information on hair loss and hair loss solutions. Let us discuss and try to simplify exotic sounding terms like alopecia, alopecia areata and androgenetic alopecia.

The unusual sounding Alopecia is actually a scientific term for hair loss taken from the Latin language. The following are a few kinds of Alopecia:

Alopecia Areata

This is generally considered an autoimmune disorder. It causes small, patchy circular bald patches in several parts of the scalp.

Alopecia Totalis

This is total loss of scalp hair, a progressive form of Alopecia areata.

Alopecia Universalis

This is total loss of hair from the entire body, also a severe progressive form of Alopecia areata

Androgenetic Alopecia

Androgenetic alopecia is hormone related. Androgens are any of the many hormones that shape and control a human chrematistic. A human body is programmed to produce an enzyme know as 5 alpha reductase. When the Androgen hormone in the scalp produces testosterone, which mixes with 5 alpha reductase, it produces Dihydrotestosterone, or DHT. DHT is not well received by hair follicles, cutting off blood supply which is critical to growth of new hair. Thinning and or balding process begins when this occurs.

Another way in which hair loss (alopecia) can be classified is according to factors leading to it. There are two different types of hair loss, known medically as:

Anagen effluvium which is caused due to medications taken internally, such as chemotherapy representatives, excessive doses of vitamin A or hypertension medications that destroy the growing hair follicle.

Telogen effluvium this is caused due to an increased number of hair follicles entering the latent or rather dead stage. The most common causes of Telogen effluvium leading to alopecia could be: – Physical stress: medical surgery, serious illness, rapid weight change etc. – Emotional stress: death in family, mental disorder. – Thyroid irregularity. – Hormonal causes: pregnancy, birth control pills, menopause. Reversal or alteration of above causes of Telogen effluvium generally causes the return of normal hair growth.

THINNING HAIR AND FEMALE PATTERN BALDNESS

It is a common belief that baldness is a predominantly male problem. Not so. Hair loss doesn’t spare anyone, and female hair loss is as common as its male counterpart, although to a lesser extent. Androgenetic alopecia among women is known female pattern hair loss. It is visible as hair thinning predominantly over the top and sides of the head. Approximately one-third of all vulnerable women may suffer from female pattern hair loss. It can affect many as early as teenage years. But after menopause the risk of hair loss in women increases manifold.

Women lose approximately 100 – 125 individual hair strands per day, which is considered normal. Usually, these hairs are replaced within the normal hair growth cycle. True hair loss occurs when lost hairs are not re-grown or when daily hair fall exceeds 125 hairs. Hereditarily, hair loss can come from both parent’s side of the family.

The main causes of female baldness are:

Physical stress: medical surgery, serious illness, rapid weight change.

Emotional stress: death in family, mental disorder.

Thyroid irregularity.

Hormonal causes: pregnancy, birth control pills, menopause.

Medications: excessive doses of vitamin A, hypertension medications.

Reversal of these causes will lead to hair growth. The following brief facts further explain the causes of female pattern hair loss:

Physical – Emotional Stress

Surgeries, severe illnesses and emotional stress can cause hair loss in women. The body simply cannot cope with the pressure and shuts down production of hair during periods of stress since it is not life threatening. Instead, it redeploys its energies toward repair and rebuilding of vital body constitutions. There is usually about a three-month interval between the stressful event and the start of hair loss. Similarly, it may take about three months before hair re-growth is noticeable. This means that the total hair loss and re-growth cycle can last approximately 6 – 9 months or possibly longer when induced by physical or emotional stress. There are other less apparent health conditions which may go undetected that can contribute to hair loss. These include anemia or low blood count and thyroid abnormalities. These conditions can be detected by a simple, inexpensive blood test and are hence recommended to detect the exact cause of female pattern hair loss.

Diet Considerations

Women are more prone to dieting than men and some diets can lead to hair loss in women. Commercial diet programs, which are designed or administered under the direction of a physician with prescribed meals, dietary supplements and vitamin ingestion, are fashionable. Sometimes, dieters are advised to supplement certain vitamins to the program to prevent hair loss. Skin experts disagree, however, as most dermatologists believe vitamins cannot prevent hair loss associated with rapid, significant weight loss. Furthermore, many of these supplements are high in vitamin A, which can accelerate and magnify hair loss.

Hormonal Considerations

Hormonal changes are a common cause of female hair loss. Many women do not realize that hair loss can occur after pregnancy or following discontinuation of birth control pills. It is important to remember that hair loss may be delayed by three months following the hormonal change and another three months will be required for new growth to be fully achieved.

Let’s discuss the main causes of hair loss, because once cause of hair loss is identified, one is better equipped to make an informed decision and take reasonable steps to stop and reverse the process. When this happens, one cause of hair loss is resolved: stress.

Hair loss is a natural daily phenomenon, re-growth is generally a given. But this shedding of hair cannot be the main cause of hair loss. Every strand of hair on a human head is genetically programmed to a cycle that includes growth, stabilization, aging and shedding. On the average, a human head sheds about 50 – 125 (depending on gender) but most of them will come back after the resting stage as the follicle itself is not destroyed. Trouble begins when the loss exceeds re-growth, or the re-growth is weak and unhealthy. These are the main causes of hair loss.

Other causes of hair loss are as follows:

Genes

Genes can give you stunning looks but may also be a cause of hair loss for you. In a vast majority of cases, hair loss is hereditary, passed down the genes from either side of parentage. Some studies indicate that baldness from the maternal side has a greater chance of it being passed along.

Here is the most common explanation how genes can be a cause of hair loss:

During the fetus formation stage, some hair genes make hair follicles susceptible to a hormone called Dihydrotestosterone, more commonly referred to as simply DHT. When this link is established, the follicle starts to shrink, sprouting thinner and weaker hair at every cycle. Eventually, the follicle or root dies and baldness is complete.

Stress, Trauma, Diet

Other causes of hair loss could be surgery, medication, high level of work or family related stress and diet or nutrition changes all these can contribute to hair loss. These causes of hair loss are generally short lived and hair growth is restored once the situation normalizes. In any case, the above-mentioned causes of hair loss rarely contribute to baldness.

THINNING HAIR AND MALE PATTERN BALDNESS

Baldness in men (Androgenetic alopecia) is very common and is also known as male pattern hair loss or baldness. A human body is programmed to produce an enzyme know as 5 alpha reductase. When the Androgen hormone in the scalp produces testosterone, which mixes with 5 alpha reductase, it produces Dihydrotestosterone, or DHT. DHT is not well received by male (and female) hair follicles, cutting off blood supply, which is critical to growth of new hair. Thinning hair and or balding process begins when this occurs. Male pattern hair loss is more common as male bodies produce a higher quantity of testosterone.

Hair loss in men can be seen as thinning hair at the crown as well as the front of the scalp. It involves approximately an overwhelming 90% of susceptible men, and is noticeable in middle age, although it affects many in their twenties.

Men lose approximately 100 individual hair strands per day, which is considered normal. Usually, these hairs are replaced within the normal hair growth cycle. True hair loss occurs when lost hairs are not re-grown or when daily hair fall exceeds 100 hairs. Hereditarily, hair loss can come from both parent’s side of the family.

The main causes of hair loss in men are:

Physical stress: medical surgery, serious illness, rapid weight change.

Emotional stress: death in family, mental disorder.

Thyroid irregularity.

Hormonal causes: high levels of testosterone

Medications: excessive doses of vitamin A, hypertension medications.

Reversal of these causes will lead to hair growth

The male hormone testosterone circulating throughout the body has receptor sites to which an enzyme attaches itself. The specific enzyme is called 5-alpha reductase. It is formed in scalp tissue and in the sebaceous glands which are adjacent to each follicle. When this enzyme attaches itself to the testosterone, it triggers the conversion of this hormone into DHT (dihydrotestosterone). Certain cells that comprise the hair follicles in turn have receptors to which this DHT attaches itself. The number of these receptors and their sensitivity varies depending on where the hair follicles are on the scalp. Follicles in areas of the scalp that become characteristically bald probably have more receptor sites and these receptor sites tend to be more sensitive to DHT. DHT once it becomes attached to the hair follicles has an adverse effect on these follicles in several ways:

It shortens the growing (anagen) stage of the follicles and possibly lengthens the resting (telogen) stage.

It causes a shrinking (miniaturization) of the follicles so that they can no longer produce a hair thick in diameter.

It may cause a constriction of the capillaries that nourish the follicles.

1953 Ogata published a detailed pattern baldness classification system based on the study of Japanese men. He classified six basic hair loss development types shown below. The classification system is somewhat different from classification systems produced based on Caucasian men suggesting the development of pattern baldness in Japanese men may be distinct from Caucasians.

The first column shows a normal hairline for Japanese men according to Ogata. The second, third, and fourth columns respectively represent early, intermediate, and late stages of pattern baldness.

Investment

Hair System Cleaning and Maintenance $99

Hair System Trim or Lift Reseal $60

New Hair Systems Bought Elsewhere $145.00

In Stock Hair Systems with Cut, Style & Fit – $300.00

Custom Hair Systems

There is an initial $25 consultation fee which is redeemable against the installation cost if the client wishes to proceed.

• Template/Mold taken of your head shape
• Hair color match service
• Hair line recreation & Design service
• 100% Virgin Remy human hair – Unprocessed Luxury Hair
• Includes the Fitting. Cut and Styling of your hair system

Hair System Cut, Style & Fit – $495.00

(The duration of a hair system cannot be guaranteed but we do believe a hair system can last anywhere from 4 – 12 months, thus looking at 2 pieces a year or maybe 3 as a worst-case scenario)

If you purchase a hair system from the salon but decide to get it fitted elsewhere the cost is $395. This is paid fully on the day of placing the order.

FEMALE HAIR REPLACEMENT & WIG SOLUTIONS FOR WOMEN’S HAIR LOSS:

Custom Net Base Prosthesis

Custom vacuum fit. Our custom co-polyester foundation provides a terse, vacuum fit- or you may select a soft base for superior comfort. Molds are made of your hair loss area. Our unique multi-layered prosthetic skin of surgical silicone duplicates the look & feel of the human scalp.

Recommended for clients with alopecia totalis.

Custom Full Head: Designed especially for women who have very thin hair.

Recommended for clients with alopecia areata, those undergoing chemo or radiation therapy & burn victims.

Integration System

Our integration hairpieces are designed especially

For individuals with thinning hair who want to enhance their existing hair.

We recommend this system for clients experiencing male or female pattern baldness.

Partial Prothesis

Our hand-tied, synthetic or human hair partial prosthesis is custom designed for clients with permanent partial hair loss.

Recommended for clients with permanent or partial hair loss due to chemo or radiation therapy, burn victims & male or female pattern baldness.

Lace Front/Full Lace/Poly/Thin Skin/Monofilament/Silk Top Wigs

Welcome to the Gold Edition of our stock lace front wigs! Due to popular demand and to the fact that Images serves customers from all over, we have developed a gold product line for those who can’t travel to our salon for our platinum product and service. The stock wigs listed below are available for shipment usually between 2-3 business days! While this is only a small number of the options we have available, Images has been involved in non-surgical lace hair replacement and hair extensions for years and we pride ourselves in top grade product

All of Images Gold Edition Lace Front and Thin Skin Wigs are discounted up to 50% off retail price and are the most affordable wigs that doesn’t lose its quality and is available on the net! Our cheap lace front wigs listed below are composed of full French lace with ear to ear stretch lace. Each wig is made with premium grade Indian Remy human hair (processed textures (i.e. relaxed, wavy, curly and straight), tied strand-by-strand on to a light and durable French lace cap. Our In-stock lace wigs sell very fast, so please be confident with your purchase, as we will guarantee your transaction is 100% safe and secure.

Consultations are necessary to view our Platinum Hair Replacement Edition. Images Platinum Edition of Lace/Poly/Thin Skin and all other materials of Hair Replacement is only available in our studio!!!!

Investment

There is an initial $25 consultation fee which is redeemable against the installation cost if the client wishes to proceed.

The Full Service Custom prices vary according to length, color, installation method and hair type.

Included in full service solutions is your unit, cutting and styling. $500 & up

Hair System Cleaning and Maintenance $115 & up

Hair System Trim or Lift Reseal $65 & up

New Hair Systems Bought Elsewhere $250.00

In Stock Hair Systems Hair System Cut, Style & Fit – $195.00

Sew-In Weaves:

Weft Braid Weaving is a technique which last anywhere from 2-3 months where you corn rolled the hair first and then sew the pieces of wefted hair to the client’s own hair. If you would like to wear weave to add length to your hair or to add thickness on a more permanent basis until your own hair is where you would like it to be, try this. Weaves are natural and very easy to care for, but you must come within 6 weeks for your tightening. Sew-In Weaves are perfect if you’re trying to grow your hair out, workout, swim a lot, or just want to give your hair a rest from chemicals.

The cost usually runs between $400.00 – $700.00 and usually takes about 2 hours.

MALAYSIAN/SECURE-LOCKING METHOD

The Malaysian style involves the formation of a single thread at your scalp to form the base. Rows of wefts are then attached evenly throughout the scalp. One good thing about this technique is that it does not use any braids, glue or resin. In addition, pressure on the scalp is evenly distributed so there is full integration between your hair and the weave.

The Malaysian style produces a flat, “natural,” smooth look. It also allows your hair and scalp to breathe and can be shampooed, conditioned and styled as you normally would. Because the weave is anchored so well, you don’t have to be as delicate in styling as with other methods because it’s harder to pull out the weave. The Malaysian works best on hair that is relaxed or pressed straight. For those into natural stylings, the Malaysian can be used to supplement afro weaves.

This style doesn’t take as much time as some of the others, so you don’t have to plan your week around getting it done. The cost usually runs between $200.00 – $600.00 and installation usually takes about 3 – 3 hours. HAIR NOT INCLLUDED

Net Weaving

Net Weaving: If you have had problems with hair loss due to sickness or just for some unknown reason and would like to wear different styles which are more permanent than a wig, I would suggest that the technique you use is NET WEAVING!

Net Weaving is technique which last anywhere from 2-3 months where you attach the net to the client’s own hair then attach the hair to the net. This technique is not damaging to the hair. This process can only be done by a professional. The cost usually runs between $400.00 – $800.00 and usually takes about 2[1/2] to 4 hours.

Fusion Extensions

This method has been available in Europe for years. The extension strands are blended together in a flat bond and then fused to the individual’s hair in order bond perfectly to your own hair. This is one of the most indistinguishable methods available. This method was created for Free-Flowing Hair Extensions. This technique has been known the mecca of hair extensions for the application of 100% human hair strands has eliminated the limitations of decades-old technology for extensions.  The cost usually runs between $800.00 – $5000.00 and installation usually takes about 3 – 6 hours. Technique last from 3 – 6 months.

Micro Link Extensions

THIS TECHNIQUE WAS FEATURED ON “THE VIEW” AS ONE OF THE MOST INNOVATIVE NON-DAMAGING METHODS AVAILABLE

Micro Links Extensions sometimes referred to as Hair Locs or bead extensions are natural and very lite weight on the head. There are several colors and lengths to choose from, and the strands are applied without any heat. The clients own natural hair is pulled through these micro-cylinders, attaching 100% human hair. The cost usually runs between $500.00-$3000.00 and installation usually takes about 2-4hours.

Tape Weft Flat Method Extensions

Tape method has become popular for customers who wants to add hair extensions quickly. But we do not recommend tape extensions on fine & thin hair.  These strips are 5 inches wide, comes in Remy Hair, Italian Hair and Russian. The cost usually runs between $400-$800 and installation usually takes about 1-2 hours. This technique can last 6 to 8 weeks but can be reapplied.

Clip-In Extensions

These extensions can add volume Length and fullness to your hair in a matter of minutes. Have gorgeous hair today. The cost usually runs between $400-$500 including 20” extensions plus hairstyling and installation usually takes about hour.

Brazilian Knots Extensions

Brazilian Knots are a glue free alternative to bonded hair extensions.  Unlike bonded hair extensions they will not clump or fuse together when exposed to heat and generally do not shed. Brazilian knots are for natural curly or straight hair. Not recommended for perm/relaxed or bleached hair color. Can be worn up to 150 days (5 months). The cost usually runs between $800.00 – $2000.00 and installation usually takes about 3 – 6 hours. Technique last from 3 – 6 months.

Images Welcomes You To Come In & Shop!

Shop In Person At Our Boutique or Online Here at Our Sister Site wigsandtoupees.com

We have a variety of Options from

 Wigs: 

Toppers: 

Ponytails: 

Hair Extensions: