Fantasia Salon / Spa and Wig Specialists

To say that Fantasia is trilled to announce our new makeup line would be an understatement! We have always carried good makeup in the salon. Just like we endeavor to stay abreast of the current trends in the hair replacement, hair and nail industries, it is the same where makeup and skin care is concerned. And, because Fantasia has many clients with compromised skin from chemotherapy treatments and otherwise, we want to be on the cutting edge to help those clients. So, when we learned about Jane Iredale Skin Care Makeup, we knew it was something we must have in the salon!

Jane Iredale is recommended by physicians and professionals world-wide. Mineral makeup is a hot trend but not all mineral makeup is created equal. Jane Iredale makeup is the most technically advanced makeup in the world.

As you wear this makeup, you will experience the minerals silky lightness and as well as how easy the minerals are to apply. This makeup gives you flawless-looking skin. If you are like most women, the biggest problem you have with makeup is finding the right base shade. That problem is solved for you with Jane Iredale , not only do the minerals react to light differently from standard makeup making it easier to find a base shade that looks like your skin; but the company has spent lots of time holding focus groups and tweaking colors to eliminate ashi-ness and making sure there’s a color for every ethnicity.

Jane Iredale minerals will make your life simpler. They are a foundation, concealer, powder and sunscreen all in one. The sunscreen is UVA and UVB protective. There are products for not only eliminating shine but also controlling oil secretion.

Of course, the right application tool is essential which is why we carry a complete line of high quality brushes suggested by the Jane Iredale to apply the makeup.

If you are a label reader, you will notice there are no dyes, chemical preservatives like parabens or synthetic fragrances and that the company uses no fillers in the makeup such as talc. The products are simple and natural yet very effective. It’s important that you know what you are putting on your skin. You can go to the company website, www.janeiredale.com to learn about each product in dept.

Here’s a cosmetic line that has the ability to change your life. Fantasia is proud to offer you a cutting edge product which can give you the skin you have always wanted, it’s just a brush away!

An integration hair system combines natural hair and new hair. The key function for any hair integration is the ability to pull your existing, growing hair directly through the unit. It is a small system combined with your own natural growing hair to fill in the areas where you are lacking hair. What this does, is allow you to wear a custom hair replacement system without having to shave your head. Integrations are designed to work in conjunction with, and enhance and complement your own natural hair. About 65 percent of women experiencing hair loss fit into a category that can be successfully addressed by integration.

Your own hair is combined with the hair on the integration piece to create the look of a full, complete, beautiful head of hair. With integration, a professional hair replacement technician can fill in more hair in certain areas and less hair in other areas. This allows for the healthy hair to be blended with integrated hair. There should be no noticeable difference between your natural hair and the hair being integrated. Thus , it makes for an ideal appearance. Integrations can add back 20-30 percent of the hair you may have lost in certain places on your scalp.

Integrations are essentially fabric or simulated skin that have replacement hair attached to them that also serves to hide the material. This allows your stylist to bring through your own hair. Integrations can be worn daily or extended-wear, just as some other replacement systems can be.

Think of an integration as kind of a web of extensions strategically placed where you need them. They may be woven in or attached with clips, combs, adhesive tape, solution, or even fused or bonded to existing hair. Some may also be affixed with snaps, Velcro or eye loops.

There are several types of integrations to choose from: man made, thread (mono thread), cable, ribbon wefts and polymer wefts. At Fantasia, our hair replacement technicians are experienced fitting integrations and can discuss all of the different types and styles with you to determine which would be the best based on the degree of your hair loss. This could be a beautiful option for you as it incorporates the hair you already have and fills in where you are lacking. You would definitely want to consider this if you are not ready for a full hair replacement system. Again, the professionals at Fantasia are here to help you.

Another hair replacement option is a vacuum-pressure attachment which is made of a hard, soft, or semi-soft polyurethane or silicone. Prices will vary due to materials but the range for vacuum wigs is from $3000-5000.

In order to be a candidate for this hair replacment system, you would have to have no hair at all. The lining is strecthed over the head and the prosthetic (wig) is fastened to the scalp with suction. There are pluses and minuses to using this type of replacement.

The vacuum base allows for cuticle hair to be injected into it so you get the beautiful, finished look of real hair. The hair is less processed when the cuticle has been removed so there are less snarls and tangles. A vacuum is a very good prosthetic and very difficult to tell it’s not the real thing. However, the vacuum option creates security without much breath-ability, so maintenance of the scalp is of the utmost importance.

Another drawback is that for proper fit, you have to have a perfect head. Those who use this hair replacement system believe in it so much they are unwilling to try anything else including some of the new technology.

Fantasia salon is able to fit vacuum wigs. We make plastic molds here, in-house, which are then sent to the manufacturer for the hair replacement to be custom made. Turn around time will depend on the manufacturer.

Here are some tips for proper care of this type of hair replacement:

• Use special tools to dry, brush and comb the wig. Keep it from undue friction.
• Special care must be take for properly storing the wig. Keep it on a head, preferably one made of covered, skin-like material. If you are using Styrofoam, replace it monthly because it could build bacteria even though the hair looks clean.
• There is less breathability which could initially causes rashes, however your body will adjust to this.
• If you wear your wig all the time; you must regularly condition your scalp.

Even though vacuum wigs are an older technology, there are those individuals who love the technology because most people absolutely cannot tell they are wearing a wig. Plus they like the secure feeling of this type of hair replacement. It is for these people that Fantasia continues to fit vacuum hair replacements. If you or someone you know has been looking for a salon to help them with vacuum hair replacement, we would love to talk with them.

Most people are aware that chemotherapy treatment often causes hair loss. The reason is the cells in the hair follicles grow fast and chemotherapy does what it is designed to do, damage fast growing cells. The hair loss is not permanent and will grow back once the treatments have ended. Some treatments can cause more dramatic hair loss including body hair, eyebrows and eyelashes.

The hair loss can start any time from the first few days after chemotherapy to within a few weeks. However, the hair will grow back once treatment is complete although it will initially grow back very fine, much like a babies hair. Typically, at Fantasia, our clients schedule their consultations just prior to beginning their chemotherapy treatments. This is important if they want their hair replacement to look just like their “normal” hair. Our professionals like to see the real thing so that color, texture and style can be duplicated. If it is not possible to come in with hair, they can work from a photograph. On the other hand, there are those adventurous clients who want to totally depart from “normal” and perhaps choose something different fulfilling the dream of becoming the blond or redhead they have always wanted to be.

To address other facets of hair loss; Fantasia has prosthetic eyebrows and eyelashes. Each of these are customized for the individual. Our experts will train clients how to apply and care for the prosthetics. We are very particular about the adhesives we use, taking into the account that we may be dealing with sensitive skin. We also have treatments to enhance the growth of the eyelashes and the eyebrows. And, for those wanting a more long term solution, we have a permanent make-up artist on board who does eyebrows, eyeliner, eye shadow and lips.

It is important to know that hair may re-grow slowly and differently after chemotherapy. In most all cases, hair will re-grow when the hair follicles weakened from treatment regain their strength. It may take six to 12 months for the hair to grow back completely. For this reason, most women continue to wear their wigs for several months after the chemotherapy treatments have ended. When the hair initially grows back, it may have a different texture or color. It may be curly when it was once straight. The variations in texture and color are not usually permanent.

When selecting a wig, the professionals at Fantasia can guide and assist you in making the right choice. They will fit and customize the wig for you as well as educate you regarding the tapes and caps available to wear with the wig for a more comfortable fit. As you lose more hair they will adjust the wig for you. They will teach you how to care for and style your wig and they will talk to you about correct products to use to get the most wear out of the wig. Everything is included in the cost of the wig.

If you would like more information about hair loss or wigs, please call Fantasia. One of our specialist will be happy to talk with you.

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.

OK, you have made the decision that you need hair replacement. Hopefully you have talked with your doctor and your insurance provider to find out what, if anything, is covered. At Fantasia, we always tell our clients, be prepared to pay for the entire purchase yourself and be pleasantly surprised if your insurance carrier pays anything. We always provide our clients with a receipt for a full cranial prosthesis. It is important that you submit this to the insurance company along with the prescription provided by your treating physician.

Do your due diligence in finding a reputable salon with experience in working with wigs. If you go cheap, such as in the mall stores or catalogues, just know you get what you pay for. It is not possible to take a cheap wig (under $200.) and make it look like your own hair. At Fantasia, we work with select Wig Vendors who have quality products which we know we can fit and customize to the individual. Should you decide to purchase a $100. wig somewhere and call Fantasia to have it customized, you can expect to pay $125.-150. to have the wig “tweaked” if in fact it can be done. Don’t assume any hair stylist can cut and fit a wig. There is an “art” to working with wigs, we have been doing it for 46 years!
When you purchase your wig at Fantasia, we will customize it for you. If we don’t get it exact in the first visit, you can come back until it is precisely what you want. We don’t charge you for multiple visits. We also have the products for caring for your purchase, whether it’s synthetic, human hair or Cyberhair.

There are various ways in which wigs are constructed which affects the fit and the price. At Fantasia, we have a huge inventory and our professional wig consultants will show you all of the different options available.

What’s it going to be? Synthetic, human hair or Cyberhair? It’s going to depend on you, your lifestyle and your reason for purchasing a wig. Typically if someone is experiencing temporary hair loss, they are more likely to purchase a synthetic wig. Today’s synthetic wigs can look amazing! Sometimes, when money is not an issue, clients will go with human hair or Cyberhair on the assumption that they may want to wear the wig even when their hair comes back.

If you have bald spots or thin spots, perhaps there is a better solution for you than a full wig. During your consultation at Fantasia, we will present all of the options to you so you can make the best decision for you!

The hair replacement specialist as Fantasia will educate you and answer all of your questions. How is a wig anchored to the head? What about fasteners and straps? Are tapes uses? How can I be certain the hair is going to stay on my head if I’m caught in the wind? We will answer all of these questions for you. There are custom fit caps which will help smooth out any remaining hair underneath the wig. We will teach you about that.

Most importantly, at Fantasia you will be given instructions on caring for your wig to get the most wear from it. You will be taught how to wash the wig and what products you should be using on it. The professionals at Fantasia want you to be excited about your new hair. We have been in business for 46 years and referrals are a huge part of our business. It it important to us that you leave happy!

What happens when hair won’t grow or grows only to a certain point before breaking off? When hair is not growing there is no shine and it is dull and lifeless. This kind of hair is not flattering and does nothing to help frame the face. What about hair that is so thin the scalp shows through? What about Alopecia Areata, where the hair suddenly falls out in patches leaving bald spots? This can strike male or female and does not discriminate based on age. Are there solutions for these problems available for the average person?

Many of us dream of beautiful hair but for those with the issues discussed above, it may seem like an impossible dream. Fortunately, because of advances in technology, materials and expertise, professionals are making this dream come true for people of all ages. These professionals help by offering products, treatments and systems which can help improve the look, quality and performance of damaged hair. They can help in selecting, fitting and styling wigs and hair pieces to replace hair which has been lost. Progressive salons such as Fantasia, have educated, compassionate professionals who work with clients to help them resolve all of their hair concerns.

Typically, the journey to resolve hair loss or thinning hair will begin with treating the scalp. This facilitates healing and can help stimulate hair growth. A trained professional can work with with existing hair to style it in such a way as to minimize the thinning hair, thereby making the client feel more comfortable immediately. Or, if the client is ready, they can be given a whole new beautiful look which will shine, have great texture and color and be a true enhancement to the face. This could be in the form of a hair replacement system (wig) or, with one of many solutions such as micro point links.

Today, there are a wealth of options for those with thinning hair and hair loss. Unfortunately, the average person is not aware of these options and it may seem like a fairy tale to them that they could ever have beautiful hair. At Fantasia, we consider it our responsibility to help women discover all of the choices available to them. A hair replacement specialist may become the best friend they have ever had. When someone can change a life by boosting one’s self-esteem and confidence, that is huge, not to mention priceless!