Salon Silhouettes®:providing Solutions For Patients Experiencing Hair Loss

Wholesale Program Provides Much Needed Information Packets and Merchandise/Wigs to Clinics and Hospital Stores Across the Country Over 21 million American women have thinning hair, and one out of every four women will experience some form of hair loss in her adult life. These statistics carry emotional – as well as physical – implications. Understanding hair loss and the many options available provides women with the tools they need to cope with this condition; helping them to feel good about themselves and how they look during all stages of hair loss. It is important for women to learn more about all the available options as they experience hair loss; medical clinics, hospitals, and hospital stores can offer information and solutions through Salon Silhouettes®. Salon Silhouettes®, an innovative wholesale program from Specialty Catalog Corporation, one of the nationÂ's hair fashion leaders, provides a wide variety of retail outlets with products and information. The company offers hair extensions, wigs, hairpieces and accessories to salons, hospital stores and other retail outlets. Additionally, the program includes valuable selling tools such as catalogs, posters and merchandising displays – everything a retail outlet will need to sell hair fashions. Â"We are pleased to be able to offer this informative and helpful program to women experiencing hair loss,Â" commented Jon Bernstein, Specialty Catalog Corporation President and CEO. Â"Salon Silhouettes® is a viable way to disperse vital information and practical resources to patients dealing with hair loss issues.Â" Important Information for Patients Experiencing Hair Loss Here, from Salon Silhouettes®, are practical tips to help women look great while experiencing hair loss: • Understand the Hair Loss Process Information is key. Women lose their hair for a number of reasons; chemotherapy, side effects of medication, stress, among others. The rate of hair loss can vary from person to person; some people may lose their hair gradually during chemotherapy, while in others it might be quite rapid. Unfortunately, topical solutions such as shampoos, cosmetic treatments or growth stimulants cannot prevent many medically related hair loss conditions. • Be Aware of All the Options Becoming familiar with the options will greatly assist a person during this trying time. There is no Â"rightÂ" option regarding how to deal with hair loss – some women prefer wigs, others opt for turbans, scarves or to wear their baldness proudly. When anticipating hair loss, or at its initial onset, visit with a hair stylist to discuss options. Hairstylists can be extremely helpful in creating styles from oneÂ's hair as it thins or wanes; as well as helping integrate hairpieces in with existing hair. Many women also have their hair stylist actually style their wigs to cut the bangs in the most flattering manner for their faces, etc. Additionally, a hair stylist can assist in selecting the most subtle color for a hairpiece or wig in order to match skin tone. Hair loss exposes the scalp to the elements; in winter a wig or headpiece can keep the body warmer and in summer months keep the scalp safe from sunburn. It is important to take extra care with existing hair and the scalp during a period of hair loss. Wash the hair and scalp regularly with a mild shampoo in lukewarm water, not hot. Condition with a crème rinse for fine or limp hair. Pat the hair and scalp dry, and comb gently. Avoid the use of any perfumed cosmetics or soap. • Selecting the Right Hairpiece In regards to how many wigs or hairpieces to have, most women prefer to have more than one. Many women choose a wig or hairpiece that is most like their pre-hair loss styling. However, now can also be the time to experiment with new styles and colors. A short wig might be perfect for everyday, and a more textured mane of hair may be just right for the weekends. Each person should feel confident in selecting styles, shades, and lengths that reflect personal style. Both synthetic and natural hair wigs are available. Both have their own unique benefits. Synthetic hairpieces are most popular because they require the least amount of care. TodayÂ's synthetic wigs offer many styling and comfort features. Shorter synthetic wigs are considered Â"shake-n-goÂ", meaning that they can be quickly shaken to look natural. Longer styles can be finger combed. Never, however use heat on a synthetic wig. Blow dryers can damage the fiber and ruin a synthetic hairpiece. Human hair wigs are extremely versatile; they can be curled or styled. Because they cannot be prestyled (many women bring their synthetic wigs to their hairdresser) they do require more time and effort. • Styling a Hairpiece Styling hairpieces is very similar to styling oneÂ's own hair. One day it might be casual, another a bit fancier. Wigs and hairpieces allow for all the variety associated with any hair styling. Synthetic wigs are especially easy to style – a straight shorthaired wig can be shaken into a casual look, curled tightly for a Â"curly cueÂ" style, gently curled for waves, or worn straight and sleek. Although flat irons and blow dryers should never be used on a synthetic wig, all of these styles can be obtained using a comb or brush (or even fingers in terms of tight curls). Synthetic wigs respond beautifully to styling – ask a hair care professional to demonstrate some of the many ways to transform the same hairpiece into a multiple of fashion statements. In terms of wearing a wig, it is recommended to first use a wig liner to keep existing hair tightly in place under the hairpiece. TodayÂ's wigs all come with carefully concealed tabs for secure fit. • Caring for a Hairpiece Cleaning a wig or hairpiece is simple – gently remove tangles using a wide-tooth comb, and then turn the piece inside out. Soak the wig for five minutes in cold water and a wig shampoo gently handling the wig without rubbing. While the piece is still wet place it on a wig stand. Avoid using a Styrofoam® styling head when the wig is wet though in order to avoid stretching it. Spritz thoroughly with conditioner and air dry at room temperature. Once the wig is dry, brush or comb it into the desired look. Remember: Human hair can be curled, straightened or crimped – even custom cut. But never use any heat products on a synthetic piece. To make the final look last, be sure to now store the wig on a Styrofoam® styling piece. About Specialty Catalog Corp. and Salon Silhouettes® Specialty Catalog Corp. is one of the nation's leading multi-channel direct marketers. With a modern, efficient and finely-tuned infrastructure we serve the women's hair fashion, medical hair loss and apparel markets as well as providing continuing education for professionals. From operations in the U.S. and the United Kingdom our catalogs, websites and retail stores serve a multinational cross section of customers around the world. Salon Silhouettes® provides informative brochures on Â"Understanding Hair Loss,Â" as well as a collection of wigs and hairpieces which medical centers and hospitals can sell directly to patients. Offering real solutions to real hair issues, the program provides wholesale hair pieces with no minimum purchase. There is no inventory commitment, a 60-day return policy and a wide selection of product lines is available including wigs and hairpieces from the STYLE Collection by Jaclyn Smith, Paula Young® and Especially Yours®. Clients are kept up-to-date regularly on current product offerings as well as special marketing promotions. For more information on providing Salon Silhouettes brochures/merchandise to patients call 1-800-558-9447. # # #