The biggest question I get in the salon is “Am I going bald? My bathroom is filled with hair, or I feel like I’m shedding.”

Why would this be happening?

Well there are many reasons that could make this happen but lets go over a few things first. On average, we shed 80-100 hairs per day and sometimes more when you are shampooing. If you don’t wash everyday, the number of hairs will double when you do finally wash so don’t be surprised. Hair goes thru growth cycles, and not every hair is growing at the same time. But most women start to notice the thinning on the top of head in their 50s and 60s, why?

1. The most overlooked illness in women is thyroid disfunction. Thyroid glands control how the body makes energy and drives our metabolism. The thyroid hormones are like a carburetor…. low thyroid hormone levels make the body burn less energy, whereas high levels make the body burn more energy. When an imbalance occurs, you may shed extra hair than normal. I can tell a client has this problem when I see thinness and fuzzy hairs on the crown of the head. When treated properly, the hair will grow back but it may be a little finer than usual.
2. Hormones cause havoc on your body and hair. Not only can a hormone imbalance cause PCOS (polycystic ovary syndrome) which can hinder your ability to get pregnant and irritate your skin, I’ve also seen many women after child birth, go thru a period of massive hair loss. This is natural and will last up to a year! Never fear! In a few months, you will start to see little monkey like hairs starting to come back, especially around your hairline. It took 10 months for your body to create a baby but it will take another 12-16 months to get the hormones back to level. (Those kids take everything out of ya, literally! lol)
3. Severe weight loss can also throw your glands and hormones in a spin. You must remember that our hair, nails and skin are being fed by your blood and need protein to stay healthy. When people go on a drastic diet or have an eating disorder, some hair loss will occur. Its like the saying, “we are what we eat”….so eat healthy and it will show.
4. Something that I have seen but is never talked about at the doctors office is medications. Whether it is an antibiotic because you were sick or an anesthesia from a surgery, there will be a shedding period 6 months after. Many prescription medications also have this adverse effect so read the labels very carefully or google them to find more info.
5. There are some diseases that will make hair fall out in spots or fall out all over. Alopecia or Alopecia areata is sometimes considered an auto immune disease or can be inherited. The causes are really unknown but sometimes can be treated with steroids or a medication called Minoxidil.
6. There are some skin conditions that can aid hair loss such as psoriasis or seborrheic dermatitis. Also linked back to auto immune disorders and inheritance, these can also be treated with certain medications. Stress can bring on some other skin problems like shingles, and eczema. Remember, skin is our largest organ and needs the proper nutrition.

So, as your stylist I recommend speaking to a dermatologist and a nutritionist about foods that you should eat and what you should avoid. I take a vitamin supplement to help my body fight off disease and keep up my immune system.

Living a healthy lifestyle is key to keeping your body healthy and vibrant!  =)

You swore that you would stick to those resolutions but that pint of ice cream was calling your name? Join the club! On average, 40% of Americans fall off the resolution wagon about January 21st. How do you keep on track and follow thru with your goals?

Here are a few strategies that can help you stay on track….

• Try to pinpoint your goals ~ Instead of saying I want to lose weight, figure out an exact number that you would work towards like 10 or 15. Figure out a strategy like I will lose 10 pounds by going to the gym for an hour 4 days a week.
• Pros and cons ~ Whatever your goal is, write down a list of why you chose this as a resolution. If you chose lose weight, you can make a list of … have more stamina, lower cholesterol, lower stress…..if you don’t follow thru, the cons would be risk of health problems, can’t fit into jeans, etc.
• Set an incentive ~ Some days it will be really hard to stick to the goal but if there is a gift at the end of the week, it might make it s little easier. If I go to the gym 5 days this week, I will buy myself a new top or if I stick to the diet all week, I will have 1 slice of pizza on sunday.
• Grab a friend ~ Tell at least one friend what your goals are, maybe she has the same goal and you can do it together? Having a pal to go thru this journey with can help keep you motivated and more likely to succeed. Look online for programs, groups or blogs that offer support for what you need.
• Don’t throw in the towel ~ Mishaps are inevitable….forgive yourself for having a small piece of birthday cake but take away your reward. Never make an excuse to throw in the towel, it is just a hiccup in your master plan. People who reach their goals never lose sight of the finish line. Write down your goal somewhere you see it everyday and read it out load. Be proud of yourself and move forward.

Never give up on yourself and take it day by day. You deserve happiness, love and success =)

I’m so excited that the New Year is finally here and I’m looking forward to all the new beginnings that this year has to offer me. Among the usual “resolutions” like  lose weight, or get organized….I thought I would share my top 5 for 2012.

• Save more money ~ One way I’m going to start saving is to utilize online sales. There are so many ways to save when buying online with promo codes or coupons. I recently ordered an area rug for the bedroom renovation from Target and saved 15% with a promo code.(you couldn’t do that in the store) Another favorite site is Overstock.com for name brand items usually with free shipping.
• Give more to Charity ~ In 2011, I found myself doing more for charity than ever before. I did a food drive for a local food pantry, donated clothes and shoes, sponsored 2 children for Christmas thru the Salvation army, and donated sheets, towels and blankets to local animal shelters. Its so rewarding to know that you are making a difference in the world.
• Bring lunch to work ~ Buying lunch everyday can really add up. I learned that bringing a healthy lunch and snacks from home helps save me money and keeping me on track with my diet. Plan a few snacks to grab on the run so you don’t break down at Starbucks. Put $10 a day in a jar and see how fast it accumulates.
• Practice better communication ~ Sometimes being brutally honest with people is difficult, or standing up for your rights can be a challenge. Be aware of your weak areas and make an effort to be conscious of how you handle things. Little changes can make a negative situation to a positive step forward.
• Take a multi-vitamin ~ Even with a healthy diet, you can be lacking some nutrients. I advise going to a nutritionist or get tested for a supplement that can strengthen your immunes system, and keep your organs healthy. Your skin will be brighter, your hair and nails will be stronger and you will have more energy. Why would you skip a day?

Ahhh, Fall has arrived and the Holidays are around the corner. (don’t remind me!)   All the hustle and bustle of shopping, and parties, wrapping and baking can leave you frazzled and run down. There is not enough time in the day to get everything done and take care of you.

So, here are a few tips to keeping yourself healthy and beautiful this season:

1. Eat at least 4 meals a day – Many of us don’t plan our meals and before we know it, it’s 4:00 and we didn’t eat breakfast! Right?  Buy some high protein snacks that you can carry in your bag for when your hungry. Keeping your sugar levels up, working that metabolism and helping your immune system is very important to your health and looks.
2. Extra moisturizer – Dry scaly  legs, static cling, and fly aways are all signs of lack of moisture. You should switch your shampoo and conditioner to Ultra Hydrating or Intensive. It also won’t hurt to take an oil supplement like Flax or Omegas, this will lubricate from the inside which also helps your joints and heart.
3. Wash your hands - So many germs are shared this time of year and everyone is at risk of a winter cold. Being a little ‘germ-a-fobe’ will raise your odds of getting sick. Especially if your in public places or restaurants, hundreds of people don’t wash and they touch everything you do.
4. Two liters a day – I know you don’t want to hear this but, you have to drink your water! Especially when celebrating the holidays (and that spiked eggnog!) Think of a plant that you haven’t watered in a week. The leaves start to crack, brown and wilt and the dirt gets dry, but after you water what happens?  Leaves look plump, green and vibrant! Try to carry a bottle with you so you can sip all day, but measure how much. Try to drink close to 2 liters and you will see a difference in your skin.
5. Stretch – Your running, working, shopping and hopefully dancing this season and your body starts to get stiff. Stretching is so healthy for your muscles and helps keep the blood flowing. Take 10 minutes before bed and give yourself some love by stretching. By keeping flexible, your risk of injury is lowered and your posture will be better.
6. Sunday hour - Not friday happy hour, lol! This is YOUR hour! Giving yourself just one hour of uninterrupted time to take a bubble bath or give yourself a pedicure, helps your mood all week. Sundays are great for a facial or hair mask to make you feel relaxed and pampered. You deserve some time to regenerate and relax.
7. Laugh Out Loud - Laughing is the best medicine! It boosts your mood, works your abs, reduces stress, lowers blood pressure and strengthens immune system. It can connect you to others (hello popularity!), and it is contagious. Share a laugh with coworkers often to boost creativity and problem solving skills.