Hair Loss and Your Thyroid

Ten Things You Can Do To Stop Hair Loss With Thyroid Disease Hair can be considered a barometer of health because hair cells are some of the fastest growing in the body. When the body is in crisis, the hair cells can shut down to redirect energy elsewhere. The types of situations that can cause hair loss include hormonal changes, poor diet and nutritional deficiencies, a variety of medications, surgery, and many medical conditions, but noticeably, thyroid disease. Many people notice rapid hair loss as a symptom of their hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism. Some people actually say this is the worst symptom of their thyroid problem -- this thinning hair, large amounts falling out in the shower or sink, often accompanied by changes in the hair's texture, making it dry, coarse, or easily tangled. Interestingly, some people have actually written to tell me that their thyroid problem was initially "diagnosed" by their hairdresser, who noticed the change! Here are ten steps to take to tackle thyroid-related hair loss and balding. 1. Get an Evaluation First, to deal with hair loss, before assuming it's your thyroid, always have any hair loss evaluated by a dermatologist or hair loss expert to rule out any other causes -- such as infection. 2. Be Patient If you're experiencing hair loss and are just starting treatment for a hyperthyroid or hypothyroid condition, it's likely that for most of you, the loss will slow down, and eventually stop, once hormone levels are stabilized and in the normal range. This may take a few months, however. But rest assured, I've had many thousands of emails from people, and have yet to hear from anyone who lost all his or her hair, or became bald, due to thyroid disease. But people -- including myself -- have experienced significant loss of hair volume. In my case, I'd guess at one point, I lost almost half my hair. I had long, thick hair, and it got much thinner at various times. 3. Understand the Types of Hair Loss There are three common types of hair loss. General shedding of hair is typically hair lost throughout the head. You'll often notice more hair in drains and in the shower, in hair brushes, and when you brush your hair, but there are no specific patches of loss or even baldness. Typically, with hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism prior to treatment, this is the most common form of hair loss. This can occasionally continue for some people after hypothyroidism treatment, and particularly when taking Synthroid, which is discussed later in this article. A second type of hair loss is more commonly associated with fungal infection or autoimmune alopecia, and involves circular patches of hair loss, in some cases, complete loss of hair in these small patches. These sorts of hair loss problems need to be evaluated by a dermatologist, and are not particularly associated with thyroid problems. A third type of hair loss is male pattern hair loss -- - men are most susceptible, but women can get it too. Male pattern hair loss is concentrated on the temples and top of the head. It's caused when an enzyme starts to convert the hormone testosterone on the scalp to its less useful version, dihydrotestosterone. This makes hair follicles shrink and then they disappear. This conversion of testosterone to dihydrotestosterone seems to be sped up in some patients with treated hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism, and may be the cause of hair loss that continues for thyroid patients, despite what is considered sufficient thyroid treatment. How Hair Grows Normally, hair grows about a half inch a month for about three years, and then it goes into a resting period. One in ten hairs is in a resting period at any one time, and after about three months a new hair pushes the old one out. When more hairs go into resting period, or the conversion process speeds up, the balance becomes disrupted, and hair loss occurs. 4. Make Sure It's Not Your Thyroid Drug First, if you are hypothyroid and taking levothyroxine (i.e., Synthroid) as your thyroid hormone replacement, and still losing hair, you may need to take action. Prolonged or excessive hair loss IS a side effect of Synthroid for some people. Note: Many doctors do NOT know this, even though it is a stated side effect in the Synthroid patient literature, so don't be surprised if your doctor is not aware of this. 5. Make Sure You're Not Undertreated Hair loss can also result from being UNDERtreated...not being at the right TSH, or not taking the right drugs for you. My doctor believes that a TSH of around 1 - 2 is optimal for most people to feel well and avoid having hypothyroid or hyperthyroid symptoms such as hair loss. (Note that these levels are kept lower for thyroid cancer patients to prevent cancer recurrence.) This was anecdotal information, until recently, when experts determined that values above TSH of 3 are considered hypothyroid. 6. Find Out if You Need a Second Drug I am also one of the people who does better and has less hair loss on a T4/T3 drug versus pure synthetic T4 only (like Synthroid.) I take Thyrolar, and it has worked far better for me than Synthroid. Others have had success with Armour, the natural thyroid hormone replacement. In February of 1999, the New England Journal of Medicine published a research report that says that many patients feel better on a combination of T4 and T3, not T4 (i.e., Synthroid) alone. The addition of T3 helped relieve depression, brain fog, fatigue and other symptoms. This information about T3 is groundbreaking and has major implications for people who don't feel well on their current thyroid therapies!!! Hair loss and restoration takes place over a longer time frame than this study looked at, so I wouldn't be surprised if it too was affected positively by the addition of T3. It certainly proved to be the case for me personally. 7. Consider an Alternative Treatment When I have had major bouts of hair loss (despite low normal TSH and being on a T4/T3 drug), take the advice of other doctors... . . . evening primrose oil (also known as EPO) is a nutritional supplement that is frequently mentioned. In his book, Solved: The Riddle of Illness, Stephen Langer, M.D. points to the fact that symptoms of essential fatty acid insufficiency are very similar to hypothyroidism, and recommends evening primrose oil -- an excellent source of essential fatty acids -- as helpful for people with hypothyroidism. The usefulness of evening primrose oil, particularly in dealing with the issues of excess hair loss with hypothyroidism, was also reinforced by endocrinologist Kenneth Blanchard. According to Dr. Blanchard: For hair loss, I routinely recommend multiple vitamins, and especially evening primrose oil. If there's any sex pattern to it -- if a woman is losing hair in partly a male pattern - -then, the problem is there is excessive conversion of testosterone to dihydrotestosterone at the level of the hair follicle. Evening primrose oil is an inhibitor of that conversion. So almost anybody with hair loss probably will benefit from evening primrose oil. 8. Look at Other Alternatives In a recent study, Dr Hugh Rushton, a professor at Portsmouth University, also found that 90 percent of women with thinning hair were deficient in iron and the amino acid lysine. Lysine is the most difficult amino acid to get enough of via diet. Lysine helps transport iron, which is the most important element in the body and essential for many metabolic processes. When lysine and iron levels are low, the body probably switches some hair follicles off to increase levels elsewhere. Meat, fish and eggs are the only food sources of lysine. There are also supplements that contain lysine. Some other natural ways to deal with hair loss include: Arginine Cysteine Green Tea Polysorbate 80 Progesterone Saw Palmetto Trichosaccaride Vitamin B6 Zinc 9. Consult a Doctor for a Prescription Treatment You can also consult with a dermatologist to work with you on drug treatments, including scalp injections, drugs like Rogaine (minoxidil) and Propecia, and other treatments that can help non-thyroid related hair loss. 10. Talk About It With Others Hair loss can be one of the most frightening and frustrating thyroid symptoms. It can really help to find other people who are going through the same thing, via an in-person or online support group. Information provided by Mary Shomon

Hair Check? What? You can tell if I am losing my hair or my hair is breaking?

Am I Losing My Hair?

By the time hair loss is visible, 50% or more of the hair in the affected site is gone. Don't wait for your hair to thin or advanced balding to take over before you take action!



We are able to assess your hair loss or breakage with Hair Check! We can measure your response to hair growth products. We can measure hair loss and growth with scientific accuracy and confidence. We can detect and quantify hair breakage, a commonly under-appreciated cause of hair loss in women.





Call today to get an appointment to get your Hair Score...never wonder again about your hair loss or hair breakage.

10 REASONS to make an appointment

1. HAIR LOSS: Hair loss affects an estimated 75% of men. Two-thirds of women will have some form of hair loss in their lifetime. The chances of having hair loss are very high!
2. SAVINGS: How much are you spending each month on hair growth products? 180 billion is spent worldwide… each year. A simple HairCheck measurement will save you valuable time and money.
3. PRECISION: HairCheck is a patented device that generates a precise, scientific measurement of hair loss, hair growth and “how much hair” is present in an area of scalp.
4. KNOWLEDGE: Using a hair growth product without measuring its effectiveness is the same as going on a weight loss program without using a scale!
5. HEAD START: Haircheck can detect thinning, 10 to 15 years before it’s visible to the naked eye. By starting treatment early, the visible effects of balding can be delayed or prevented.
6. IMMEDIATE: On your first visit, you can find out how much hair you have and how much hair you’ve lost.
7. RESULTS: Because Haircheck provides quantitative evidence on whether or not your treatment is working, you can switch from one product to another until you find the one that’s right for you.
8. WOMEN: Haircheck can actually detect and measures hair breakage…an under-appreciated cause of hair loss in women.
9. PEACE OF MIND: Haircheck can answer almost every question you might have regarding hair loss and hair growth.
10. EXCLUSIVE: Haircheck is the one and only scientific method capable of measuring hair loss and growth – outside of a research laboratory. A Haircheck can be performed in 5 minutes and not a single hair is cut.

Call 509-926-6429 to get the answers you have always wanted! Am I losing my hair?

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And because this system is available in 26 vivid colors and three luxurious textures, you can use it to experiment with all kinds of new styles-no commitment required! Not only do these extensions shorten your stint in the salon, it's the first brand of hair extensions that's designed with your comfort in mind. By eliminating wince-worthy weaves and an arsenal of application tools, these extensions halt the headache typical of extensions. The relaxed, natural fit will ensure that you'll be able to sleep and style with absolute ease. So when you want to be long on locks but short on time, think stress-free.

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Crowning Glory Studios takes Monique's Salon space

Crowning Glory Studios has recently taken over the Monique's Salon building. We will be part of a dynamic group of businesses to provide Health and Wellness.

Watch for some great changes over the summer!

Healthy Hair Tips

Maintain healthy hair with Eufora’s simple tips

Issue #1 – Sun Damage: “Think about a fabric exposed to the sun: it fades and so will hair color,” said Don Bewley, experienced hairdresser and Eufora Intl. cofounder. The sun’s UVA and UVB rays fades hair color faster on persons with greater outdoor exposure, especially during the summer. Photochemical degradation of hair is the result of light radiation attacking hair proteins, the cell membrane and hair pigments. Essentially, amino acids in the cuticle are damaged creating dry, brittle hair with many fly-aways.

Issue #2 – Ocean Water/Air Exposure: Moisture-depleting sea air and water can really do a number on hair, especially when combined with sunlight. Oxidation occurs when hair is exposed to water, air or sun and even moderate exposure can fade color. To define oxidation, it is anything (i.e. water, air or sun) that adds oxygen to what it contacts. Free radicals are byproducts of oxidation that can interfere with normal cell function and seriously damage cells.

Issue #3 – Chlorine: Chlorine is used to kill bacteria in drinking water and pools, but keep in mind it is also used in bleach to remove pigment in color. Not only does chlorine discolor hair, it damages proteins in the cuticle.

Thankfully with a few adjustments to a hair care routine, summer hair damage can be minimized. Here are a few recommendations:

Recommendation #1: Use Protection

Hair products that provide sun protection from UVA and UVB rays should be used year-round but during the summer it is the most critical. Multiple products offering sun protection can be layered for increased protection including leave-in conditioners, styling and finishing products. Hydration Leave-in Conditioner. Piece Works Defining Paste, Formatte Finishing Creme, Elevate Finishing Spray

Recommendation #2: Detox

Use a quality, nondrying chelating shampoo, often referred to as a clarifying shampoo, at least once per week and more often for avid swimmers. Chelating shampoos will remove mineral buildup and environmental pollutants. They also help prevent green hair. Choose an EDTA and sulfate-free shampoo to ensure hair is not stripped of its health and hair color. Urgent Repair Shampoo, A Detoxifying Treatment

Recommendation #3: Moisturizing Treatments

A moisturizing treatment or mask is crucial in keeping hair nourished and looking great. Choose a protein and nutrient rich product and don’t skimp on the time. Leave it on for at least 15 minutes to ensure proper penetration of the hair shaft. Here’s a tip, apply the treatment and leave it on while lounging by the pool. Urgent Repair Replenishing Treatment

Recommendation #4: Antioxidants

One more important summer survival must: choose products containing effective antioxidants the same way we choose foods rich with antioxidants like Vitamins A, C, E, selenium and zinc. Antioxidants work to neutralize free radicals before damage can be done to hair. Piece Works Defining Paste

Become a Hair Loss Expert

DID YOU KNOW? According to a popular theory, humans have evolved beyond needing any hair. But when hair loss begins, it seems we can’t live without it!

Hair seems to define us, doesn’t it? But it also defines us as being a mammal, scientifically speaking, and anthropologically and archaeologically, evidence suggests that we have had hair (or fur) since before we stood up on two legs. Back then, goes the theory, humans needed protection from the elements such as extreme cold and ultraviolet radiation from the sun, so fur was a form of protection for our skin. As humans evolved with less of a need for that protection, body hair declined over the centuries. Once we learned how to wear animal furs and use bark and leaves as coverings, hair lost its protective value and restricted itself to just the areas on the human body we know of today. And most of those places are the focus of multibillion-dollar-a-year industries bent on removing the hair; but on the head it is the opposite: We spend as much time and money as possible devoted to keeping our hair and showing it off.

As such, hair bears great social significance in terms of defining a person’s identity. And when something happens to our hair -- such as a hair loss disease (for example, alopecia areata) or, on the other end of the spectrum, excessive hair growth on the body or even just a temporary accident -- we suffer great trauma as a result. Your hair can also identify you as a member of a certain social group, such as hippie, punk or prep or of a geographic, ethnic or religious group. As each displays its own defining characteristics, you can almost always spot an Orthodox Jew by his earlocks and tall hat, a Muslim by her hijab, a Rastafarian by his uncut dreadlocks. And, the act of shaving the head can symbolize punishment or purity depending on the situation. In fact, hair is also an indicator of health, with thinning or missing hair often an indicator of sickness.

Want to better understand hair loss? Then become a hair loss expert yourself.

Top-ten facts to give you a deeper understanding of hair loss and how to prevent hair loss:

1. The length of a piece of hair has three parts: the root, which lies in the follicle beneath the scalp; the bulb, which is the swelling at the base of the scalp; and the shaft, which is the strand above the scalp (that shows).
2. A cross section of a piece of hair also has three parts, and these are concentric. From the inside out: The medulla is the inner core of the hair; the cortex surrounds it in a layer of densely packed keratin; and the cuticle is hair’s outer, clear, protective layer made up of scales that overlap and lay flat, like roof shingles.
3. The cortex of the hair is the part that is penetrated and altered when you have a chemical process performed on your hair. The cuticle is the outer layer that gets roughed up by too much brushing, rubbing, heated styling-tool exposure and harsh chemicals, most often responsible for frizzy-looking, dull hair.
4. It’s the irregular shape of the hair follicle that determines whether your hair will be curly, kinky or wavy.
5. The sebaceous gland associated with each hair follicle is largely responsible for secreting hair’s own natural protection.
6. The reason that hair transplantation can be so successful is that each follicular unit is complete and can be removed and replaced to a new location in much the same way you transplant a garden plant with its roots attached.
7. A person’s individual hair growth cycle, which can last from two to seven years, dictates his or her ultimate hair length, if it was not cut for that long. The “ anagen” phase is a period of active growth and hair follicle regeneration. The “ catagen” phase is when that follicle stops growing new hair, which often results in natural, normal hair shedding. Next is the “ telogen” (resting) phase, in which the follicle remains dormant for a few months until it is reawakened by a new anagen growth phase. “ Exogen” is the term that describes hair shedding as old hairs become dislodged by new ones, which usually takes place at the onset of a new anagen phase.
8. Because of these phases, it’s important to realize that natural hair shedding of 100-200 hairs daily is perfectly normal and a natural part of hair growth. This is not considered to be the hair loss we dread.
9. Different ethnic hair types exhibit varying rates of growth: The average growth rate for Caucasian hair is about one-quarter inch per month, although hair growth can occur faster in children. Afro-Caribbean hair grows approximately half as fast as the Caucasian because of its fragile structure, and it rarely grows very long, either. Asian hair grows even faster than Caucasian hair and, as a result, grows even longer because of its thicker structure.
10. The top-six normal things that can affect your hair’s growth and health are hormonal changes, daily care, medications, stress, fungal or other infections and aging.

Now that you’re an expert and have a better understanding of what’s considered “normal” for hair, you’ll be able to identify any hair loss or hair-thinning concerns or issues you have and learn to better prevent hair loss and keep the hair you have.

Winter Skin Care and Makeup Tips

Winter challenges your skin and makeup more than any other season.

Here, what you need to know to give your skin the extra care and attention it needs, plus tips on beauty products for achieving the right winter look.

The change of seasons is always refreshing, but winter challenges the skin and makeup more than any of the other seasons. Cold temperatures, snowy weather, heated rooms, and excessive hot showers to warm you up (which, unfortunately, also dry your skin) all make your skin need extra care and attention.

The biggest problem is dry skin on the face, hands, and knees, and sometimes all over the body. The best advice is to moisturize. And moisturize.

Sometimes the dryness can turn into eczema. In that case you must turn to a dermatologist, who can help you choose the right skin care products. You can also use 0.1% hydracortisone once a week on the areas that are really dry, irritated, and itchy. Eczema is genetic and is most aggressive in winter.

The indoor heat along with the cold outdoor temperature makes your skin drier, no matter what your skin type is.

Dry skin: Use a facial serum or oil under a thicker-formula moisturizer.
Oily Skin: Use an oil-free serum and oil-free moisturizer.
Combination skin: Use oil-free products on the T‑zone and a thicker moisturizer on the cheeks, which get drier in the wintertime.

Sometimes those with oily skin should protect their skin with slightly creamier face products, especially against extremely cold temperatures and wind. Look for oil-based moisturizers (including almond, jojoba, or avocado oil) that don’t clog the pores. Sometimes you might get whiteheads (tiny white cysts containing lamellated keratin that a dermatologist or esthetician can take out with a tiny needle) around your eye area or on your cheeks. If you have dry skin, you must avoid water as much as you can; take short showers, and wash your face with a cleansing milk. And everyone should drink more water (or hot green tea) in the wintertime.

Many times dry skin gets flakes on the eyelids and cheeks and around the lip area. The best way to get rid of them is to exfoliate the skin right after showering, when the skin is still soft. After that apply a thick layer of a cream-based hydration mask all over your face. Leave it on for five minutes, then press a tissue on your face and let it absorb the mask. Don’t scrub your face; just gently tap it with the tissue so you get all the extra mask off your face. Do this in the evening, and by morning your skin will be much softer.

You can use the same method on superdry lips: exfoliate your lips and the skin around them with an exfoliating cream or lip scrub (many cosmetic manufacturers make lip spa products with scrubs and various kind of balms and sealing creams). You can also put a damp hand towel in a microwave for three minutes to heat it and then press it on your lips for a minute to soften the skin, then scrub the dead skin off gently with the towel. Note: Scrubbing the lips with a toothbrush is really hard on them and can actually break the skin.

MAKEUP
Base
Slightly richer foundations are better than tinted moisturizers because there is more to cover on your skin in the winter (uneven areas on the nose, cheeks, and eyelids). You must use SPF/UVA/UVB protection all year round. The sun that reflects from the snow is as strong as the sun that reflects from water. So choose a day cream with at least SPF 15, or a foundation with SPF. Skin is also paler in the winter, so you must use a wintertime base. Powder is needed all over the face for oily skin. Those with combination and dry skin should use powder on the T‑area only to set the base. If your skin is dry and flaky, don’t use any base product, just a face oil and your protecting SPF 15 face cream (but you can still use mascara and tinted lip balm).

Eyes
Most cosmetic companies launch autumn/winter collections full of darker shades for eye and lip makeup colors; dark grays, plums, burgundies, deep Spanish reds, and dark chocolate browns. That is because the fall/winter fashion shows give the direction to the makeup world as well. But there are no rules for which colors to use on a seasonal basis. Most of the products are matte and simply look better in winter: more dramatic and deeper hues that go hand in hand with fall/winter fashions. But remember that what works on the runway does not always work in real life.

If you love pastels in winter, go for them. Keep in mind, though, that if your face is pale, pastel colors will create a washed-out look that is not flattering; light pastel eye and lip makeup looks better on tanned skin, which is why pastels are very popular in the summer. For a cool-tone winter look, wear deeper colors on your eyes and give your lips a matte fuchsia tone instead of light icy pink. Or use some color on your eyes and keep your lips pale (as in the photo: I gave the lashes a shocking blue wintry color!).

Mascara should be waterproof; rain, snow, and going from outdoor to indoor temperatures will make regular mascara run. You don’t always have to use black mascara; try brown, blue, or green. Water-resistant eye pencil is excellent; because it’s made of waxes, it will stay through the rain. Water-resistant liquid eyeliners are good but don’t necessarily stay well because of their flakiness. There are some special eye makeup sealing products that you can apply on top of the eyeliner to make it hold longer. But an umbrella will do a better job in the end. I have also used water-resistant mascara as eyeliner, and sometimes it stays better than most of the real waterproof liners.

Lips
Cracked lips are the number one problem in winter. If your lips are superdry, skip the lipstick and use tinted lip balm, which is available in many different colors. The pigmentation is not that high, but you will get smooth, healthy-looking lips with a beautiful sheen. Make sure the balm has SPF and UVA/UVB protection. Exfoliate your lips regularly throughout the cold months. That way you will get rid of the dry flakes on the surface of your lips.

If you want a more dramatic winter look, fair skin looks really good with well-lined red lips, darker skin with well-lined deep brown or deeper cool reds. More moisturizing, richer-formula lip glosses are welcome products in the winter when the temperature drops below 0° Celsius. But on a really cold day, skip the glosses and use tinted lip balms. They protect and moisturize your lips the best.

Blush
Blush is a key item to the winter makeup look. It really gives some color to your skin and wakes up your whole face. Use the powder formulas, which sit better than gel or cream blushes. The color of your blush is completely your own choice; again, if you have a cool-tone look, use pink; for a warm tone, it can be peach, warm sand, or terracotta. The only color I would leave out are bronzes. They really don’t look great in winter.

Hands and Nails
Keep your hands moisturized. You can even sleep with cotton gloves on after applying a thick layer of hand cream to your hands. In the morning your hands and cuticles will be soft and moisturized.

Darker nail colors look trendy in the winter. You can buy a lipstick to match with your nail color because cosmetic companies launch the looks that way. It will always give a very sophisticated, mature look.

TIPS
Use a humidifier to add moisture to your indoor space if you have to use drying central heating. Put one in your bedroom, and you will notice the difference in your skin in the morning, especially when using face serum and night cream. Your skin will be softer and moister.

If you have very dry skin, use soap-free body wash instead of a soap bar when showering.

You can use a thicker-formula face cream (at least 60% oil) as your night cream. The same cream works as a deep-moisturizing face mask: just apply a thicker layer of the cream all over your face, except in the eye area. Keep it on the face for 10 to 15 minutes, and then press a tissue on the face to absorb the extra oils from the skin. Do this in the evening, and your skin will be moist, especially if you have the humidifier in your bedroom.

If you have sensitive skin, use a protective barrier moisturizer.

Monique's Salon and Eufora - Helping to Fight Winter Frizz

Five Steps to Fight Winter Frizz

It’s a widely known fact that the winter can turn hair into a frizzy, static-ridden mess. However, one truth that needs telling is there is more to curing the winter frizz blues than finding a miracle product. In fact, it’s an entire series of steps that must be taken to produce smooth, shiny hair with real staying power. Eufora Intl. Global Educator, Micky Hatoum, is also the owner of Altimo Hair Group Salon in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada and is all too familiar with the effects of cold weather on hair. He offers five steps to help prepare your hair to contend with the harshest weather of the year.

Step 1: Start with a Great Cut – You owe it to yourself, but it’s also important to trim dry, dead ends to create a fresh canvas to work with. No product can bring those split ends back to life.

Step 2: Read Your Shampoo Bottle Label – Stay away from harsh surfactants that may cleanse hair but also strip it of moisture, strength, elasticity and its natural essential oils and proteins. Repetitive use ultimately results in dry, damaged and fuzzy hair. So now that you know it all starts at the shampoo bowl, be sure to ask your stylist to prescribe a care regimen tailored to your hair needs. Ingredients to watch out for include: Sodium Laureth Sulfate, Sodium Lauryl Ether Sulfate, and TEA Lauryl Sulfate.

Step 3: Learn the Correct Way to Blow-dry – There is a misconception that you should stop blow-drying when hair begins to frizz because it will become even fuzzier. Hair actually goes through a drying process of 5 steps – wet to damp to dry to frizz to silk. Don’t panic and continue blow-drying hair beyond the frizz point. Think of ironing clothes. The higher the heat, the easier it is to remove the wrinkles.

Step 4: Use the Proper Tools – By prepping damp hair with a styling fixative such as Eufora Smoothn’ Straightening Balm, you’ll create a canvas to work with that will give you lasting results. Also, a round vented brush with a metal or ceramic base works well to create volume and de-frizz hair when blow-drying. The dryer heats up the base and hair is literally sandwiched by heat, much like a curling or flat iron. For those with extremely coarse or curly hair, a ceramic boar bristle brush and is recommended because it condenses the hair so it is frizz-free and shiny.

Step 5: Choose a Healthy Finishing Product – Eufora’s Pure Polish Finishing Drops offer amazing frizz control and acts as a shine enhancing emollients due to silica derived, Phenyl Trimethcone, Cyclomethicone and Dimethiconol. In addition, the drops include a blend of refined botanical oils including Kukui Nut Oil and Aloe Leaf Extract and Vitamin E for antioxidant benefits.

About Eufora: Since launching in 1997, Eufora has utilized advanced technology to protect, preserve and promote the health of color treated and chemically serviced hair. Eufora is the only salon professional product line to provide the legendary healing benefits of certified organic Aloe Vera Gel , which is the base for all formulations, in an optimum quality concentration. The unique blends utilize the most advanced botanical, vitamin and non-carcinogenic ingredients available with scientifically proven benefits to the hair, scalp and skin, as well as pure essential oils to fragrance all products for an aromatherapy experience.

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Get Your Hair Score With Hair Check exclusively at Monique's Salon

Revolutionary New Device Measures Hair Thinning, Hair Breakage and Hair ReGrowth

Today, hair loss and hair thinning affects an estimated 75% of all menand 10% of healthy women. As clients turn to beauty professions inthe salon, spa and hair replacement industries, they want to know the status of their hair loss and if the products or services they are using to promote hair growth are actually working. Devices that generate quantitative data regarding hair loss and growth have not been available previously, so evaluating the success of treatments for hair loss has been largely limited to observation. Until now, there has been no way to measure the quantity of hair in an area of scalp or the amount that has re‐grown as the result of salon, laser or dermatology treatments.

The patented Divi International HairCheck device is the first measurement tool to actually gauge hair thinning, hair breakage and hair regrowth. CEO Mike Vidal notes, “We anticipate that this new HairCheck measurement device will become the standard service throughout the beauty industry as well as for medical professionals. Salons, barbers, day spas, medical spas, hair replacement centers, dermatologists and other medical provided are all markets that will benefit from this valuable service.” The patented HairCheck technology gives a precise scientific measurement of how much hair is present in an area of scalp, measuring both the hair density and hair diameter within that area. Breakage is also measured, which allows for product and service recommendations that address the damage.

The HairCheck device measures the density of hair in a two by two centimeter area. The first measurement is performed at the back of the head just below the occipital bone for the baseline count of healthy hair. The second measurement is taken at the affected area on the top of the head. The technician then calculates the percentage of loss from the back of the head to the top. Readings for hair loss are usually performed every three to four months, while readings for hair breakage may be done more frequently. National Sales and Education Manager Richard Gundry says, “We are now able to give quantifiable results versus visual results for hair loss and breakage. If you were on a diet, you wouldn’t be able to accurately measure how much weight you’d lost if you didn’t have a scale! We are the scale to measure hair loss. If you cannot measure hair loss, then you cannot monitor it.”

Hair Loss treatments are rarely suggested to consumers until the hair is visibly thinner, but by that times as much as 50 percent of the hair in the thinning areas is already gone. With HairCheck, salon and hair replacement professionals will be able to measure how much hair their clients have lost in the affected area, perhaps years before balding becomes obvious to the naked eye. HairCheck enables hair care professionals or physicians to recommend home care products or hair restoration services based on scientific, credible evidence. On return visits, the success of the treatments will be determined with recommendations adjusted, based upon actual measurements.

The HairCheck is easy to use and it takes only a few minutes to evaluate hair loss or breakage. Mike Vidal helped develop the HairCheck measurement device following his own personal hair loss experience. After receiving a hair transplant from Dr. Bernard Cohen of Coral Gables, FL, a leading expert in the hair restoration field, Vidal worked with him to develop Cohen’s invention of the first tool to effectively measure hair loss. With Vidal’s background in mechanical engineering, he immediately understood the scientific validity of this invention. “I was extremely excited about getting involved with this new revolutionary technology and saw the incredible potential of offering this valuable new service in salons, hair replacement centers and medical offices.

With HairCheck, beauty industry and hair replacement professionals will now be able to add thousands of dollars to their monthly incomes. Implementing this simple, yet scientific new salon and medical office service will enable salon owners and hair replacement specialists to successfully grow their businesses, while providing clients with valuable hair loss solutions. Men and women with thinning hair, hair loss or hair breakage will become motivated clients, seeking additional services and products to improve the health of their hair. www.haircheck.com.

We Love Our Guests!

To show our appreciation for each and every guest, we are having a referrral contest. For each new client you refer to Monique's Salon between now and December 15th, 2010, you will enter to win a brand new Apple iPad!

The guest that refers the most new clients will receive their new iPad on December 16th! So call today, come get the referral cards, send the ones who you love the most in to receive a Monique's Salon experience!

Share with them....

Holiday Eating Tips From Coach Louise

Healthy Holiday Eating

Just because Thanksgiving and the holidays are right around the corner, it doesn't mean you have to throw healthy eating out the window and pile on the pounds. Eating healthy during the holidays doesn't have to mean deprivation either.

* Don't skip meals. Skipping meals and going to the holiday dinner hungry usually leads to overeating. Choose meals that are high in fiber and have a combination of both protein and carbohydrates so that you will have stabilized your blood sugar.

* Use your plate as a template. Have each food represent an island. That means no food can touch on your plate. It is a great idea to have half of your plate filled with vegetables, a quarter of your plate with protein, and a quarter of your plate with starches.

* Limit your portions. The biggest mistake people make when facing a buffet or table full of food is serving themselves large portions. Individuals feel that they have to take a little bit of everything. Survey the table and decide what you want the most. Then take small servings of those items. A three ounce serving of turkey is the size of a deck of playing cards.

* Make low fat and non fat substitutions. There are some easy substitutions you can make eliminating high fat ingredients in recipes. The cream of mushroom soup used in green bean casserole recipes can be made with fat free soup. It will not change the taste of the casserole. In addition, you can easily substitute low fat versions of sour cream, milk, and cheese.

* Stay active. Keeping active over the holidays boosts your metabolism which helps you maintain or lose weight. Think of ways to incorporate activity that involves the entire family. Your work out regimen should include cardio and strength training.

* Drink water. Staying hydrated is important over the holidays. Individuals often confuse thirst and hunger. Before you reach for food, drink a 12 ounce glass of water and wait ten to twenty minutes. Remember alcohol and caffeinated beverages are dehydrating.

These simple steps can help you navigate holiday eating successfully. Let the turkey be stuffed not you!

Help Us Celebrate with a VIP Party

Our One Year Anniversary

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We are excited to celebrate our One Year Anniversary. Please join us on November 3th, 2010 from 4:00pm to 8:00pm!

Enjoy sample spa services, delectable desserts, enticing hors d'oeuvres, gift bags, and tons of fun!

This is our way of saying Thank You to all of our loyal Guests!

Thank you so much for making the last year one of the best!

September 11th Cut A Thon and Month Long Fundraiser

Treasured Locks For Children

Each year thousands of children suffer from some sort of hair loss due to chemotherapy, medications, alopecia, burns and other various medical conditions.

During the month of September, Monique's Salon is accepting donations to help our local children that are suffering.

On September 11th, 2010, we will be hosting a cut a thon and all proceeds from that day will be given directly to TLC.

Help us help our local children......

Call 509-321-3664 for more information!

Back to School Hair Tips for Stress Free Mornings

Do you have Morning Hair Stress with your kids? Worried about school starting and that morning struggle? Try these Simple Hair Tips

The kids are looking forward to going back to school for the fall, but you're dreading that morning rush. Hairstyling can take up a good portion of time if you allow it to. But there are several ways to minimize some of the time and stress involved with styling a kid's hair for school.

Quick & Easy Hairstyling for Kids: Wash and Condition at Night
By washing and conditioning a kid's hair at night, parents can minimize the time it takes for morning hairstyling. This way the time that may have been spent washing, conditioning, and drying the hair can be better spent on something else.

Quick & Easy Hairstyling for Kids: Forget Heated Devices
Not only are heated devices damaging to the hair, but they can add on a great deal of time, depending on how elaborate your kid's school hairstyle may be. Curlers can be placed in the hair before bed and are generally easy to remove.

Quick & Easy Hairstyling for Kids: Use Long-Lasting Hairstyles
Kids with longer hair may benefit from long-lasting hairstyles for school. Some of these may include cornrow braids or dreadlocks. For the best results, the hairstyles should be well-maintained as appropriate for each. If done right, there will be little to no hairstyling involved with a long-lasting hairstyle while getting ready for school.

Quick & Easy Hairstyling for Kids: Keep Hair Short
Short hair may be easier for kids to maintain themselves both while getting ready for school, as well as during school. Try choosing a short hairstyle for kids that can be achieved within just a few minutes.

Quick & Easy Hairstyling for Kids: Keep Hair Soft
Sometimes tangles in the hair can prolong hairstyling time. Condition and brush the hair well at night to avoid this. Another thing that may help is to brush a small amount of tea tree oil through the hair both at night and in the morning.

Quick & Easy Hairstyling for Kids: Extra Tips
Braid hair at night to avoid knots, tangles, and dryness. A single braid is also a quick and easy hairstyle that can last your child most or all of the day during school.

School hairstyles should be simple to minimize morning stress, as well as make it easier for kids to maintain during school hours. Braids, ponytails, or simply wearing the hair down are great for this.

Use C-Formula 444 to secure flyaways, reduce static cling, create shine, and keep the hair healthy.