Hair-Replacement Products Available
Q. I am a man who is very concerned about losing my hair. I want to know what my options are for my problem. I am not comfortable with losing my hair and will do anything to not lose it. - Steve, Michigan
A. There are a few choices for you. But you really must consult your doctor on these, OK? One is The Men’s Hair Club. This is an option where they simply weave a real-hair hairpiece into your hair. Then there is Rogaine, which is sold in stores without a prescription. One thing about Rogaine is that when you quit using it, the hair that was grown by the Rogaine falls out. In other words you have to keep using it. I still recommend that you consult with your doctor before using it. Next, there is a new product out called Propecia, available by prescription only. It is taken orally and has some side effects that should be discussed thoroughly with your doctor. There is also a new technique of transplanting the hair done by dermatologists. It is nothing like the older technique of transplanting, and is well worth checking into.
Q. I am three months pregnant and have been dying my hair blond for a long time. I have roots that look so bad, but my doctor will not let me dye my hair. What am I going to do? - Barbara, Texas
A. Do as your doctor says, Barbara. The tint can get into the pores of the scalp and then into the bloodstream. If your doctor advises you not to do it, then don’t do it. This is for the safety of your baby, OK? You can hide the fact that you have roots showing. Ask a salon to apply a semi-permanent color that matches your natural color to the blond area only. That way you don’t have your roots showing and this won’t touch the scalp. Therefore it won’t get into the bloodstream. I know you probably want the blond back, but while you are pregnant you must follow your doctor’s instructions.
Q. I bought a hair lightener kit and wanted to turn my hair blond on the top. I am a guy who has a great short hairstyle that is long on the top. My stylist said that it would look nice if I turned the top of my hair blond. While the stuff was in my hair, it started burning so badly I couldn’t stand it. While I was rinsing it out it hurt even worse. The stuff was only on my hair for half the time specified. I couldn’t even get all the shampoo out it hurt so bad. So I looked at my scalp in the mirror and found three huge open sores that were extremely bad. The hair was gone from those spots. Please help me. - Tony, Boston
A. Try to remain calm, OK? The first thing you need to do, if it’s still burning that badly even after trying to get most of the lightener out is seek medical attention ASAP! I have seen this happen before with people trying to do their hair at home, and not really understanding the chemicals they are using. You most likely got burned by the off-the-scalp bleach, which is designed to use with caps or foils. Off-the-scalp bleach is not ever to be applied to the scalp area. Then there is on-the-scalp bleach which is designed to use on the scalp, because it’s gentle on the skin. There should have been instructions with the product if it was a professional product. Stylists are taught the difference between these products during training before they get their license. Go get medical attention and follow everything they tell you to do, OK? If the burn is not too bad, the hair most likely will grow back.
Q. My child spent the weekend over at his friend’s house about six months ago, and came home with head lice - and not just a few of them. It took me forever to get rid of them. They’re finally gone and now he wants his friend to come over to our house to spend the night. I really don’t want him to go over there because I am afraid that the same thing may happen again. Can I ask the mother of his friend if he still has them? Or would that be rude? - Louise, Idaho
A. No way! Ask her. I would. I understand how you feel. Head lice are very hard to get rid of. They reproduce so fast. Try to ask her in a polite simple way. Like, “Was it as hard for you to get rid of lice as it was for me?” Or in simple conversation of the sleepover say, “Gosh, I hope we never have to go through that again!” That way you are not belittling her. Remember: You don’t get lice because you are dirty. They live off of the blood and heat of your scalp. Yes, they are nasty critters, but anyone can get them. So remember to be subtle and don’t belittle her by making her feel this is her fault.