Fantasia Salon / Spa and Wig Specialists

Traction alopecia is also known as “nurse’s cap” or “hot comb” alopecia. It is a hair loss condition that is usually caused by strong tensional forces exerted on the hair as a result to some ethnic, traditional or modern practices of hair styling. It is often associated with the use of hair rollers, twists, locks, braids, extensions, etc. Typically women are the ones who suffer with traction alopecia.

Traction alopecia is usually localized. Prolonged tensional forces on hair can lead to damaging of its roots and follicles and to the development of permanent hair loss. To prevent irreversible hair loss, the condition needs to be recognized in it’s early stages.

In 1907, young women from Greenland who preferred to style their hair in tight ponytails, were the first people reported to suffer with this condition. The same hair loss pattern was also described in traditional Japanese females wearing particular hairdos. Indian men who observe Sikhism, are prone to traction alopecia because they grow their hair long and pull it tightly into a bun. Todays modern fashion of some types of hair extensions and dreadlocks is mostly associated with this condition in young people.

The prolonged trauma exerted on the scalp hair causes it to gradually loosen from its roots and develop secondary inflammation and subsequent atrophy. Hair loss is usually symmetrical and affects frontal or temporal areas of the scalp. The initial stages are excessive scaling and seborrhea, then the degeneration of hair that starts growing thin, short and fine instead of thick and long. If the tension is not removed, folliculitis develops which leads to irreversible balding.

There are different degrees of traction alopecia depending on the styling practices which created it. Marginal alopecia is usually due to the use of rollers or curlers in children which provoke hair loss in the temporal area of the scalp. Another contributing factor could be strong and repeated facial muscle contractions. Another type of traction alopecia called chignon, or non-marginal alopecia, usually happens in the occipital area and is due to the styling hair into a tight bun.

Traction alopecia exists in many regions of the world. In the US, the most affected categories are African American women, who straighten their hair or style it into braids. Female atheletes, cooks and nurses, who secure their hair tightly for the sake of hygiene or comfort can find themselves dealing with this condition. Sikh men and Japanese women also suffer with traction alopecia.

If traction alopecia can be caught in the early stages, before permanent damage to the roots has developed, it is possible to turn it around. Letting hair stay loose is the best solution for the problem. However, if irreversible hair loss has occurred, one of the Hair Replacement Specialist at Fantasia would love to help you find a solution. Amy’s Presence Cyberhair Wigs are fabulous and come all kinds of styles and textures, including an ethnic line. Call today to schedule your free consultation.

I’ve written about Amy Gibson before but since Fantasia carries Cyberhair and Amy’s Presence Wigs, and since Amy’s been in the news again, I thought it might be fun to talk about her again. As you may or may not know, Amy lost her hair at 14 which is what motivated her to design a line of wigs for women.

When Amy lost her hair at 14 she blamed God. She had no other explanation for why her hair fell out in clumps with every brushing. Within one year she was bald.

At this time Amy was already an actress on General Hospital and she kept her hair loss a secret from most of her colleagues on the daytime soap opera.

In Amy’s words “I thought I had leprosy at first, at the time, no one knew about baldness in women and I didn’t want to be that bald freak”. Amy was diagnosed with alopecia. Over the next 17 years, she received monthly cortisone shots to stimulate her hair growth. But the shots did little to spur permanent growth and wigs became a mode of survival.

Amy mastered the art of walking in the wind with her forehead slightly angled so her wig would not blow off. She concealed it from boyfriends fearing they wouldn’t find her attractive. Says Amy, “hair loss is such a sensitive issue for women. It affects your self-esteem in ways no one can really describe. You begin to feel that you are less than a woman.”

Eventually, Amy started making hairpieces for women. She launched a line, the Color Beautiful Collection in 2006.

Amy, who is now 48, is promoting her wigs, which are made with a high-quality synthetic fiber called Cyberhair. They look and feel like the real thing. While they can be removed for washing and styling, they are secured with a strong adhesive that allows the wearers to swim, sky-dive, water-ski and walk in strong winds or other extreme conditions with fear of losing them. Amy’s wigs cost anywhere from $1500-2500 and can be worn for up to a year.

According to the National Hairloss Association, 40 percent of hair-loss sufferers in the US are women. The causes are varied and can be genetic, related to stress, pregnancy and certain medications including oral contraceptives.

Amy says half of her clients have alopecia and others have undergone chemotherapy. Her goal is to provide them with stylish options. According to Amy, many women who wear wigs pick the wrong color, length and style for their face and lifestyle. “I was a mess for years. I never realized losing my hair was the biggest gift. We can’t undo what has happened to us but I have a solution. You are not alone”.

If you would like information regarding Amy’s Presence Wigs, you can go to Amy’s website: www.amyspresence.com or you can contact Fantasia and speak with one of our Hair Replacement Specialists who would be happy to help you.

Fantasia is proud to announce a new addition to the Amy Presence Cyberhair Collection.  The Color Beautiful Collection is for textured hair.  We know that today’s woman is looking for authentic hair solutions no matter what color, race or age.

The purpose of this collection is to give women of all ethnicity, regardless of their reason for needing alternative hair, the opportunity to feel the comfort, freedom, joy and built in privacy that Amy’s Presence has become known for.   Around the world so many women are enjoying the attributes of Amy’s Presence Cyberhair.

It’s all about choice.  Color Beautiful gives more women this choice.  It’s about shear optimum diversity!  Whether you desire a textured “sleek” look with a small amount of movement or the textured “tousled” look, you can achieve the appearance you have always dreamed of!

Of course the Color Beautiful Collection has all of the same wonderful features that all of Amy’s Presence Wigs have including the Active Cap which offers a natural feeling, lightweight cap with a loose, breathable weave that allows air and water to flow through, and heat and moisture out to flow out. In addition to the super lightweight cap construction the wigs are hand tied with light refined materials that conform to the head for an individually customized fit.  The wigs contain subtle colors, hues and highlights that you have to see to believe!  And there is Amy’s signature features which are the extended ear tabs for natural appearance, plus loops for scarves and eyeglasses.

Amy’s Presence Color Beautiful Collection is the first wig line for women to feature Cyberhair, the world’s most technoloically, advanced, patented hair.

Cyberhair is virtually indistinguishable from human hair, is light as a feather, soft and silky, with rich hues and shimmering highlights that never fade or change color.

With Cyberhair, you can live life to the fullest:  work, sleep, swim, exercise and enjoy intimate moments with out worrying about your hair.  Because of it’s unique style memory, your Cyberhair wig requires no styling and only basic maintenance to keep it looking great!

With Cyberhair, you will feel playful and sexy, with silky soft, irresistibly touchable hair that stays beautiful all night, yet is styled and ready to go in the morning.  To experience Cyberhair, call Fantasia for a consultation.  Fantasia is an authorized Cyberhair dealer.

We have talked a lot about Cyberhair but there’s so much more to say. Rather than more from us, you may be interested in reading comments from some women who have had first hand experience with the product. Having just watched a DVD of several women discussing their experiences before and after Cyberhair and the difference it’s made in their lives; I’d like to share some of their comments with you. At Fantasia, we are excited to be able to sell Cyberhair but the bottom line is really whether or not the product is making a difference for people.

Here are some of the comments pulled from the DVD:

“For a woman, loosing your hair takes away your self confidence. It is not socially acceptable for a woman to loose her hair.”

“When you are aware your hair is thin, you know others are aware. It’s a self confidence issue”.

“People ask me what Cyberhair “feels like” on my head. I absolutely cannot feel it on my head!”

“When you wear wigs, whether human hair or synthetic, wind and water become your enemy. Cyberhair is a “water lover”.

“It was a lot of work to keep my human hair wigs pretty. And synthetics, unlike Cyberhair, reflect too much light. Cyberhair has incredible longevity!”

“Wash and wear hair, that’s what Cyberhair is. It’s always perfect. The color is perfect and doesn’t fade. The color variations are just like real hair.”

“Cyberhair moves like real hair in the wind and when you are combing and brushing it.”

“Maintenance for Cyberhair? It takes an hour once every six weeks to maintain it!”

“My hairdresser has truly become my best friend! I love her!”

“I ride motorcycle and I’m no longer paranoid about taking off my motorcycle helmet.”

“Cyberhair restores your self confidence. With your Cyberhair you can be whatever you want to be!”

Real comments from real people living with Cyberhair. If you are not familiar with this incredible product, and you or a loved one is dealing with hair loss; Fantasia would like to allow you to see, feel and experience Cyberhair. Cyberhair is the only worldwide patented hair available that out performs every other product including your own healthy human hair. Fantasia is an authorized Cyberhair dealer. Please call us today to schedule your free, no obligation consultation.

We’ve talked a lot about Cyberhair but it’s so unique and there’s more to say about it! Imagine if you will, hair replacement that looks, acts and feels like your own hair. It’s so much like your own hair that it appears that it’s growing right from your scalp! You can look years younger by improving your hair quickly and easily.

Cyberhair is lighter in weight, more colorfast and has better curl retention than other types of hair.  It’s easy to care for, so easy to make it look great- it’s as though it styles itself!  With Cyberhair you can quit worrying about your hair and get back to the business of living!

Here are just a few comments from those wearing Cyberhair.

“…the hubby says I look 5 years younger, what more could a girl ask for?”

“…I’m 37 years old and have had fine, fragile hair most of my adult life.  My appearance is very important to me, especially my hair.  I was skeptical of Cyberhair at first because it’s “man-made”.  I had concerns that it wouldn’t look natural or that it would further damage my already fragile, damaged hair.  Wow was I wrong!  I was amazed at how beautiful and natural my hair looked.  More importantly, I no longer had the heavy weight of human hair.  The Cyberhair is very easy to maintain and my hair is always shiny and healthy looking.”

“…the Cyberhair is not detectable, low maintenance, light as a feather and last a long time….I went to the Bahamas and swam every day in the ocean and the pool and there were no problems!

These comments are from clients wearing Cyberhair in the form of Micro Point Links and Accents.  Some of them had previously worn other hair enhancements, extensions, etc, some for many years.  Daily we are receiving accolades from those who have switched to Cyberhair.  If you are not familiar with the Cyberhair line, Fantasia salon is one of only a couple of salons in the Minneapolis, St. Paul area certified to carry these hair replacement products.  One of our Certified Cyberhair Technicians will meet with you to access your hair loss or thinning hair issues and determine which Cyberhair solution would be the best for you.  Please call us today to schedule a consultation.

As an example of how things have changed over the years in the manufacturing of wigs; manufacturers began making advanced machine-made wigs with nylon material at the top of the head to eliminate the need for a lot of back combing and to take away the crimpy look which is no longer in fashion. New wigs often combine machine-made and hand-tied pieces. These hair replacements are not as bulky as they once were. This is because manufacturers are able to use less hair so the wigs are not as full and back combed. They may still need more attention around the hairline, but they have gotten much better in that area as well.

The color, texture and quality of synthetic hair types are of a higher caliber than they were previously. Today we have amazing processes for human hair making it stunning when used in a wig or prosthetic. However, due to shortages in the human hair market, cost are rising and will continue to do so. Then there is Cyberhair which we have talked about on several occasions. Cyberhair is truly remarkable and has changed the face of the industry since it’s development.

The previous generation of wigs was so much poorer in quality than the ones we have today. However, with enhancement comes with increased cost. One of our wig specialist at Fantasia salon will be happy to discuss the type of investment you will be looking at depending upon the wig you select.

Types of Wigs and Prostethics

One of the main categories of wigs is ready-made or machine-made. These wigs come from stock and are a combination of machine-made materials with hand-tied tops. Pre-custom wigs have been hand-tied with synthetic hair. These are prefabricated and come in standard sizes and colors. The only alterations with these would be cutting and trimming bringing the wig somewhat closer to the custom level. Semi-custom wigs are hand-tied from the cap system or duplication of pre-custom to specialized needs.

Custom wigs and prosthetics are particularly good for quickly addressing the concerns of those experiencing hair loss due to medical situations. Because Fantasia works with all types of hair loss, we have a very large inventory of wigs of all types. We stock synthetics, human hair and Cyberhair. We have hair pieces and integrations as well. We work on a consultation basis so we can evaluate your needs and recommend the best possible solution for your situation and budget. We look forward to hearing from you.

Wigs of yesteryear, were not designed for women with hair loss concerns. It was all about the fashion of the day. Wigs back then were offered as solutions for women with bad hair days. Some were developed for theatrical use for costuming, or to allow a woman to change her look with minimal effort. These wigs were never constructed for the needs of a woman who wanted to cover her own head naturally and with the highest degree of security over a long period of time.

Looking natural was not a priority nor was comfort. Security was not a focus. The materials used in the construction of the wig were lackluster and sorely deficient in both sophistication and authenticity. And, these products were devoid of any artistry born of sensitivity.

If the industry had not changed, and our alternatives today were not what what they are, that might be a harsh assessment. However, the industry has changed and today, we are fortunate to enjoy the work of companies that take hair loss concerns into consideration as opposed to just fashion when they manufacture their products. Some, such as Amy Gibson, searched for years before finally coming up with “Amy’s Presence” wigs which allow one to live life to the fullest while wearing a wig for Alopecia, other medical conditions or whatever reason. Amy experienced first hand the pain and frustration of Alopecia. As an actress, she was involved in an industry which is all about beauty, hair and make-up. She was determined not to let hair loss control her life and out of that, the “Amy’s Presence ” collection of wigs was born.
Today we are blessed to have a movement toward greater education of specialists and stylist in helping to formulate the best hair replacement solutions for women with hair loss issues. Fantasia salon has been working with wigs since the 1960’s and has always been on the forefront of what is new and exciting in the industry. Our wig specialists receive on going education and training in order to keep our salon cutting edge.

Today’s materials for wig construction are technologically advanced and look genuine. Because of this, the final products are artfully constructed and sometimes look even better than your own hair possibly could!

Wigs and other hair replacement products can be made in different ways to accommodate special needs. You can order a wig from existing selections and get it quickly. Fantasia has an extensive collection of wigs both human hair, synthetic and Cyberhair. ( Fantasia carries Amy’s Presence, mentioned above.) Or, you may choose to have your hair replacement custom-made which will give you the ultimate in terms of comfort and personalization. Obviously you will have to wait a while for your finished product, but you can rest assured knowing it will be worth your wait.

If you have questions or concerns, call Fantasia today for a consultation with one of our wig specialist. There is no obligation and you will be able to get all of your questions answered.

Another solution for thinning hair and part of the Micro Point Solutions is the Micro Point Accent. Previously, we discussed Micro Point Link, another Micro Point Solution. Both are Cyberhair and again, because we have previously talked at length about the wonders of Cyberhair, we will refrain from doing so at this time.

Micro Point Accent has 100 Cyberhairs attached to one very tiny bead. Your own natural growing hairs are slid through the bead and attached without glue. One of Fantasia’s certified Micro Point technicians can give you 45-50 Micro Point Accents on the back and sides of your hair in one hour and give you at least 4500 hairs to volumize your own growing hair. Micro Point Accents are the healthiest hair volumizer in the industry today. You can use Accents to volumize and create more density of short or medium length hair. If you are a candidate with long hair, you can receive Micro Point Accents to lengthen and volumize your hair. Micro Point Accents come in two lengths - 10 or 18 inches. The Accents are very light in weight and will not pull on your own growing hair when it is wet or dry.

Here are some of the virtues of Micro Point Accents:

• Micro Point Accents are safe and healthy for your hair.
• Micro Point Accents are light and airy.
• The Accents are perfect for fine textured hair.
• Micro Point Accents dry faster than natural human hair.
• Accents are able to be applied higher on the head and close to the hairline.
• Micro Point Accents are great for adding color accents with no chemicals.
• Accents are great for blending of hair systems.

Micro Point Accents, like the Micro Point Link Solution is a non-surgical solution. Just as the Micro Point Link is not a hair system, neither is the Accent. Again, no glues or chemicals are used making it a healthy non-surgical solution. The procedure is not painful. Some of Fantasia’s clients say their scalp feels a little “tight” right after their procedure and this feeling is gone typically in a couple days.

The Micro Point Accents can be a one-time “special occasion” procedure, or a long-term treatment for hair loss. The procedures grow out as your natural hair grows out. Depending on which solution is best for you, Fantasia will be seeing you somewhere between every four to twelve weeks. This is something you will discuss with one of our professional Micro Point Solutions technicians. They will be able to tell you very quickly if you are a candidate and to what degree Micro Point Solutions is an option for you. You situation will be analyzed in a private one-on-one consultation. If you are a candidate, your investment is primarily based on the amount of hair loss you have. People who have a small amount of loss such as thinning in the front hairline may pay as little as $100. One of our Micro Point Solutions specialists will present you with a customized program that will be just right for you. Call Fantasia today to schedule your consultation.

When you look in the mirror, are you seeing thinning hair? Hair that won’t grow like it used to? Is this affecting your self confidence? Perhaps your hair has been damaged from at-home or in-salon chemical processes like coloring, bleaching, perming or chemical relaxing.

Maybe you have even tried extensions only to find they were too heavy for your hair and didn’t give you the coverage you were looking for specifically on the top of your head. If you are looking for a solution to your thinning hair that does not involve surgery or you are looking for a solution that will give you fantastic color effects without the use of chemicals; you will be thrilled to hear about Micro Point Solutions by Cyberhair.

First of all, let’s talk about ideal situations where Micro Point Links can be used.

• Thinning clients who are not ready for hair systems.
• Filling in hair transplant areas without having more transplants.
• Strong Cowlick areas.
• Filling in the bang area for fullness. (After chemotherapy, the bang area is the last area to grow in, Micro Point Links are great for full bangs.)
• Adding color with out chemicals.
• Aiding in the blending of a hair system.
• Adding fullness to help blend in other extension attachments.
• Micro Point Links can be used for corrective areas where hair loss has not grown back due to medical reasons.
• Wonderful for chemicall abused hair.

Micro Point Link is not a hair system. No glues or chemicals are used and it is the healthiest non-surgical option available anywhere. Fantasia salon is one of only two salons in the Minneapolis/St. Paul area offering Micro Point Solutions. Our team of professionals are getting busier with each passing day as word gets out about this awesome option for thinning hair!

The hair used for Micro Point Solutions is Cyberhair. We’ve touted the virtues of Cyberhair in other posts so we won’t go into detail but; Cyberhair is “created hair” that looks and feels like human hair, wet or dry; and it is feather light and many times stronger than real human hair.

Micro Point Links is four Cyberhairs linked to one single strand of your own hair. You can receive up to 672 hairs in the crown or top of your head in one hour. The Micro Point Link knot is so micro-tiny, your new hair looks and feels just like your own growing hair. All of the feedback Fantasia has received to date on Micro Point Link has been positive, women are ecstatic about this new solution! This is the only non-surgical process available worldwide that volumizes your hair by 400%.

Anyone experiencing 0-50% hair loss may be a candidate for Micro Point Links. Call Fantasia to schedule a consultation with one of our Micro Point Solutions professionals to see if you are a candidate. Once you are qualified by one of our professionals, you can receive as much density as your existing hair will allow. Remember, with Micro Point Link, you can volumize your hair by 400%.

Micro Point Solutions will be just like your own hair only better! You can wear the same hair style if you chose, you will have total freedom to enjoy life with no restrictions. You can blow dry your hair and use a curling iron, just like normal. You will need to use Hair Support Shampoo and conditioners. Obviously Fantasia carries these product and will instruct you on how to use them.

Once one of the experts at Fantasia determines you are a candidate for the Micro Point Solutions option, they will work with you to design a program that fits your personal needs. For those with very thin and weak hair who are not quite ready for Micro Point Solutions, a patented Hair Support System is available for you. The Home Treatment Program provides you with the strong, healthy hair and clean scalp you want- better qualifying you as a candidate for Micro Point Solutions. For more information, call Fantasia, your certified Micro Point Solutions Salon, to schedule your free consultation today.

One solution for hair loss in women is wigs. Although wigs have been around for years, they are completely different today than in years gone by. The construction has changed so that today they are light and airy and; with proper fit and customization, you or anyone else should not be aware that you are wearing a wig.

Here are some options to think about when shopping for a wig. There are five ways wigs are manufactured. The one you choose will determine how quickly you will get your hair replacement and how much money you will spend.

There are ready made or machine made hair replacements. Fantasia has a huge stock of ready made wigs. In many cases you can choose your style and color and wear it home from the salon. There are several sizes which typically fit all.

There are pre-custom or hand tied hair replacements. Fantasia has a large inventory of these wigs in many colors, styles and fiber and construction options. Again, in many cases you can make your selection and leave wearing your new hair.

Semi-custom (hand-tied) wigs are another option. These replacements are selected from the manufacturers categories and are customized to your particular needs. Size is determined from six to eight measurements of the head. If you choose this option, generally it will take a minimum of eight to ten weeks to receive your new hair.

For the absolute perfect fit the choice would be full custom (hand tied from mold) hair replacements. You choose the design and the materials you like and how you want it to be constructed. You can expect to be wearing your hair within six to ten weeks.

And last but certainly not least, there is the new kid on the block, Cyberhair! Cyberhair is the most advanced hair system available, developed with breakthrough advanced technology by the world’s largest manufacturer and retail chain of hair systems. Cyberhair first arrived on the scene in 1995 in the United States after successful testing in Europe and Japan.

There are many desirable qualities to Cyberhair including durability, uniformity, lightness, softness, body, lift and style memory retention. It is equal or superior to other fibers and human hair while duplicating the texture of human hair. Cyberhair comes close to the texture of your own hair and is actually easier to style! And, it fits in with your lifestyle. When Cyberhair gets wet, it reacts just like your own hair! You truly can sleep and swim in Cyberhair!

Today most human hair used for hair systems has been chemically processed which results in weakened, poor hair quality. Cyberhair can actually withstand more stress than the human hair used in these systems!

You may be thinking that Cyberhair is really too good to be true and better than the real thing. Due to the fact that the quality of human hair is declining, Cyberhair is definitely a technology that’s time has come. Fantasia is one of two salons offering Cyberhair in the Minneapolis/St. Paul and surrounding areas and carries a significant inventory. Call for your free consultation today!

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