Pros and Cons of Temporary Eyebrow Tattoos

If you are experiencing alopecia, you may have noticed that you have started to lose hair from other areas of your body as well. Losing your eyebrows changes both the shape and appearance of your face, and can be extremely tough to adjust to. A relatively new solution for this is the technique of tattooing semi-permanent eyebrows onto the face, which gives you fuller, natural looking brows.

Female hair loss is common, and occurs in over 50% of women over the age of 65. If you have recently experienced hair loss, or feel that your hair is thinning, get in touch with The London Centre of Trichology for expert advice and diagnosis. We offer a free consultation service and provide professional treatments and solutions. 

Female Hair Loss – Click here to book your free consultation with us today.

Temporary Eyebrow Procedure

Before having your brows tattooed, ensure that you fully understand the procedure and have the finished look that you want to achieve firmly in mind. Search around and find the best tattooist in the area, and try to look at some of their previous work on clients before you book yourself in.

Having your brows done takes about one to two hours, which includes the time taken to draw the eyebrow shape and colour onto the skin. During this stage make sure you like the shape, as this can last for up to two years. A good tattooist will give you a shape that flatters your face, rather than one that ages you or makes you look drawn.

The process is said to feel like having your eyebrows plucked, and is done using a vibrating needle to break the skin and inject the colour. This may cause swelling or redness, but this will go down after a few hours. Touch ups can be done after four or eight weeks to help you achieve your perfect look.

Pros of Temporary Eyebrows

Eyebrow tattoos are becoming increasingly popular, especially for people with little or no hair as it creates a flawless and natural set of brows to shape and frame the face. This can be a huge confidence booster for those experiencing total hair loss, and can put a spring back in your step.

Semi-permanent brows are a huge time saver, as you will no longer need to draw your brows on each day. They last for up to 24 months without touch ups, and during this time you can sit back and relax without having to meticulously draw your brows on each day.

Temporary brows can also be cheaper in the long run as they reduce the need for eyebrow products such as gels, pencils, brushes, tweezers and powders. These add up over the years, and can be pricey when used each day to achieve flawless brows. Most people will also use multiple types of these products at once, which quickly gets expensive.

The best thing about these brows is that they will not smudge, stain, fade or get wiped off. You can swim, shower, exercise and these will still stay put, ensuring that you look faultless throughout the whole day.

Cons of Brow Tattoos

Brow tattoos do however have their downfalls. The biggest problem is that once they’re tattooed on you’re stuck with them, whether you like them or not. Tattooed brows can be removed, but it’s pricey and painful.

Unless you go to a top brow expert, they might not turn out how you expected. They could end up wonky, too thick or thin, or even the wrong colour. Make sure you’ve fully explained to the stylist what you expect and want, otherwise you could be in for a shock at the end.

Perfect brows don’t come free – these will set you back up to £1,000, with top ups needed regularly for some people. This, for some people, is much more than they would pay on their yearly makeup.

All tattoos change with age, and brow tattoos are no different. They can sag as your skin wrinkles and grows, leaving you with wonky and unattractive brows. This does not happen to all people, but it is a possibility. 

Simple DIY Masks for Thin Hair

Your tresses can be transformed with these simple but effective hair masks, which use natural products to enhance the shine and bounce of your hair. Thinning hair can be made to look thicker and healthier, as well as feeling nicer, especially for women experiencing hair loss. The London Centre of Trichology specialises in expert diagnosis and treatment of hair loss in London, and can help you to feel confident once again about your locks.

Hair Loss London – Click here to arrange your free consultation today.

Beer 

This simple mask makes flat hair look fuller with just two household ingredients: one egg yolk and 50mls of flat beer. The mixture should be applied on damp hair, wrapped up in a dry towel or plastic, and then left for 30 minutes. Wash hair thoroughly and be amazed at how much healthier your hair looks. This easy mixture works well because beer is made of malt and hops, which strengthens your hair cuticles to make your hair look stronger and shinier. This should not be used too often, however, as it will dry your hair out. It works best if it’s used just once a month.

Avocado

An avocado mask will not only strengthen hair, it can also promote hair growth. Avocados are rich in vitamins B and E, which help to protect and strengthen the hair to encourage regular hair growth. Avocados also act as a moisturiser for dry or damaged hair. For this mask you’ll need the flesh of a ripe avocado, 2 tablespoons of honey, and 3 tablespoons of castor oil. Mash the ingredients up together or mix in a blender, before applying evenly to the hair. This should then be left for at least an hour, and for the best results it can be applied weekly.

Oats

This easy mask takes just minutes to make and can do wonders for your hair. Oats are well known for their moisturising properties and can even be used in face masks, as well as hair masks. This mask is created using equal measures of castor oil, milk and oats, which can be adjusted depending on the length and thickness of your hair. This mask should be massaged into your hair and then left on for up to 30 minutes for bouncy and shiny hair throughout the day.

Yoghurt

Yoghurt can help eliminate frizz and rid your hair of tangles, making this an ideal mask for women with long or curly hair. This quick mask is produced using one beaten egg white and six tablespoons of plain natural yoghurt, which should be mixed thoroughly and then applied to wet hair. This mixture can be left on for up to 20 minutes, before being washed out.

Apples

Apples can balance your hair’s pH levels and helps to close the hair cuticle, which in turn results in a smoother surface and shinier hair. To create this apple mask, peel and core 1 or 2 large apples, and then blend these to create a pulp. Combine this pulp with 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar, 1 teaspoon lemon juice and 1 tablespoon of corn flour. Spread the mixture all over dry, unwashed hair and leave for 30 minutes before rinsing off. Lemon juice will also naturally lighten your hair for a gorgeous glow.

Banana

Bananas can soothe itchy scalps, which is often needed after a long day of wearing a wig or topper. To make this mask, mash a ripe banana and add a couple of drops of almond oil, as well as 4 tablespoons of honey. Add this to your hair for 20 minutes and cover with a shower cap to reduce mess or drips. Rinse well and make sure all of the banana is washed out.

For expert advice and treatment for hair loss, contact TheLondon Centre of Trichology 

Pros and Cons of Synthetic and Human Hair Wigs

Women’s hair loss can be embarrassing, and it can be a lengthy progress when it comes to growing it all back. Wigs are a simple way to cover up your hair loss to boost your confidence whilst going through treatment, and here you can find out some of the pros and cons of both synthetic and human hair wigs, to help you choose the perfect one for you.

Here at The London Centre of Trichology we specialise in women’s hair loss, with leading experts who will guide you through your diagnosis and treatment to ensure you feel reassured throughout.

Pros of Synthetic Hair

Synthetic hair is relatively easy to look after, you just need to wash it as you would your own hair, leave it to dry, and then shake it to give it back some volume. This is ideal for those of you with limited time to dry and style your wig, especially since synthetic wigs hold their style no matter what the weather.

Synthetic wigs also come in a huge variety of colours and styles, so you will have no need to go to the hairdressers while going through treatment. For some women, going to the hairdressers can be a stressful experience and can sometimes feel a little intimidating, so this is a brilliant solution. It also offers you the opportunity to experiment with new colours without further damaging your hair.

Another plus of synthetic hair is that it is relatively inexpensive, costing much less than human hair at about £100 for a wig.

Cons of Synthetic Hair

There is, however, a bad side to synthetic hair, which is that it looks unnaturally perfect with its glossy shine and faultless style. For some this may be a good thing, but it can often hint at the fact that you are wearing a wig.

Another problem with synthetic wigs is that you cannot get a silk base with synthetics, which means that your hair will look less natural than if you were wearing a human hair piece. This isn’t always noticeable, but for the self-conscious it can pose problems.

Although synthetic hair costs less, it lasts for a much shorter amount of time than human hair. The average “lifespan” of a synthetic wig is around 4 to 6 months, depending on how well you treat it. Some wigs will be heat resistant, but most synthetic wigs are unable to be straightened or curled, and will melt under high heats.

Although this is not obvious, unless you compare the wig against real hair, synthetic hair doesn’t feel like most human hair due to the fibre it is made of, which once again can emphasise the fact that you are wearing a wig.

Pros of Human Hair

Human hair is hugely versatile and can be coloured, permed and styled just like your own normal hair. This is perfect for those wanting to experiment with colours and styles without buying a new wig each time. Another pro of human hair is that it can come in a variety of textures, so you can find the perfect match for your own hair. This helps to blend the wig in, to ensure that no one will ever notice that it’s not your real hair.

A natural look can be achieved using the variety of scalp options that are available, which can be chosen to meet your needs and hairline. For example if you like to wear your hair up, a suitable scalp option can be chosen to adjust to this.

Human hair lasts a very long time if well cared for, and can live for well over a year without looking frizzy or damaged. Wigs made from human hair will feel incredibly soft and look completely natural on all types of people.

Cons of Human Hair

With this convincing wig comes a hefty price tag however, with all of the hair for these wigs being grown from real people’s heads. This means you can expect to pay upwards of £300 for a wig, with many products needed for proper maintenance as well.

This leads us to the next con – there is a lot of upkeep needed to keep human hair in a good condition. It will need to be washed, deep conditioned and occasionally straightened much more often than a synthetic wig.

Due to being made from real human hair, these wigs will behave like your own hair would, and will get static and dry in humid conditions. This could however also be a positive aspect of human hair, as it adds to the natural effect of the wig.

For more advice on women’s hair loss and treatment, visit The London Centre of Trichology.

Hair Topper Pros and Cons

Hair loss in women can be stressful, so here The London Centre of Trichology has explained a new way of boosting your confidence. Toppers are becoming an ideal new way of covering thinning hair on the top of your head, whilst still showing off your natural hair at the ends.

If you have recently noticed that your hair is beginning to thin, get in touch with The London Centre of Trichology for their expert advice and diagnosis. With many years of experience with women’s hair loss, we can help.

What is a topper?

Most people won’t know what a topper is as it is a relatively new product which has only just begun to surface in the hair loss world. Toppers are more commonly known as “half wigs” or a “top piece”, due to the fact that they only cover the top portion of your head. These can vary in size to suit you and your needs, and your own hair is worn underneath to thicken the overall appearance. This does, however, unfortunately mean that those with total hair loss cannot wear these.

Pros of Toppers

Toppers can be more useful than wigs in many instances, for example they are much more natural looking when blended properly with your own hair. Wigs on the other hand can look very bulky and unrealistic, and also get very hot when worn for long periods of time. Toppers allow your head and hair to breathe, as they don’t cover the whole of your head, which can help you to feel much cooler.

Toppers are very lightweight and as a result you can wear your hair up in a variety of styles with them such as buns, ponytails and plaits. This is perfect for those of you who like to tie your hair up in the morning to keep it out of your way. Wigs tend to be too heavy and bulky for this, and the wefts used to keep the wigs in can often show when they are tied up, especially the wefts at the nape of the neck.

These are relatively inexpensive when compared to the price of wigs, as you are paying for less hair, however they can require more maintenance.

Cons of Toppers
Toppers do have their down sides however, as it is extremely hard to match them exactly to your hair in terms of colour and texture, especially when buying them online without seeing them in person. To match them exactly to your hair they must look precisely the same as the hair underneath, which can be very challenging.

The clips used to secure the topper to your head can cause problems on occasions, and cheap ones can tug and cause pain which can lead to further hair loss. If you also suffer from thin hair on top and at the front of your head, you may struggle to clip these in which may mean you will have to tape them to your head. Again, this can put considerable amounts of strain on your hair which can cause further damage.

Toppers need much more maintenance and styling than wigs, and will need to be blended into your hair daily which can take a huge amount of time when trying to make them look completely natural. Wigs are much easier in this sense as they can just be put on over your hair in the morning to completely cover it all.

For more information on hair loss in women, visit The London Centre of Trichology.

Quick and Easy Ways to Detangle Hair

After having a bath, shower or even a swim your hair can become a tangled mess, which can be difficult and painful to unsnarl. Vigorous and rough brushing can lead to hair loss as it damages the hair and causes it to break off, which can lead to hair looking and feeling thinner. This can also create split ends, which can make hair look flat and frizzy. To get your hair into its very best condition in time for a special occasion, we have described some of the top ways to keep your hair devoid of knots.

Hair loss causes range from hormone imbalances to genetic factors, and here at The London Centre of Trichology we can help you to discover what is causing your hair loss so that we can effectively treat your condition to give you your gorgeous locks back.

Comb from the Bottom

If you have long hair, knots should gently be combed out of your wet hair starting from the bottom and working your way towards the scalp. Combing from the roots can cause huge breakage in your hair and puts great strain on the roots of your head which is painful and unhelpful.

If the hair is too knotty to get a comb through, try putting a leave in conditioner into the hair, avoiding the roots if you have thin hair as this can make it appear greasy. Leave the conditioner to soak in, then begin again and try to comb it through as gently as possible.

Combs over Brushes

Hair expands in contact with water, which weakens the composition of each strand. This increases the chances of the hair being stretched and snapped off, so it is important to always use a comb rather than a brush on wet hair to avoid further hair loss.

If your hair is too difficult to comb and you simply don’t have the time for this, try to towel dry your hair as much as possible before you begin to brush it. Experts advise that you should brush your hair before getting into the shower, and try not to vigorously scrub it whilst in the shower to avoid creating further knots, before then combing it all afterwards.

Cool Water

Washing your hair in cold water not only gives it an added shine and bounce, it also helps to reduce tangles throughout the day. This is because cold water closes your hair’s cuticles and so it stays softer and shinier for longer. The colder the water the better, although it’s not necessary to wash in water that is too chilly in winter.

Dry and Wash Your Hair Correctly

Avoid tangles by smoothing shampoo and conditioner through the hair rather than scrubbing or bunching up your hair, as this helps tangles to form throughout your hair. When it comes to towel drying your hair, pat it gently with the towel and slowly squeeze the water out of it, rather than screwing your hair up inside the towel. This can help to reduce the amount of hairs that get tangled, which in turn will reduce the amount of time it will take to brush your hair out later.

Sleeping Habits

If you often wake up with knotty and wild hair it could be because you move around a lot in your sleep, so to reduce the amount of snarls in your hair try tying your hair up before you go to bed in a loose bun, ponytail or braid. Make sure this is not too tight however as tight up dos can pull hair out leading to thin, fine hair.

For some people this is too uncomfortable to sleep in so an alternative is to sleep on silk or satin pillowcases, or to wrap your hair up in a silk scarf. This reduces static, which in turn reduces knotted hair. Make sure you never go to bed with wet and uncombed hair, as this will be incredibly tousled by the morning.

Hair Loss Causes – click here for more information about how we can help you.

Ancient Alternative Remedies for Hair Loss

Alternative hair loss treatments have long been available, with all sorts of herbs, plants, fruit and vegetables claiming to reduce hair thinning for men or women. However, while it is so easy to search through your kitchen cabinets or to spend huge amounts on suggested remedies, seeking expert help at the first opportunity is the best way to deal with baldness.

London Centre of Trichology – Click here to book a free initial consultation at our central London clinic.

Meanwhile, here’s a brief, fun glimpse at ten organic remedies that were used to tackle hair loss centuries ago. However, it is important to remember it is always best to steer clear of any hair loss treatments that don’t have any scientific basis. Instead, it is important to seek advice from those that are highly trained in hair loss solutions.

Onions – This humble vegetable was one of the ingredients used in the Roman era to spread on the scalp to ‘treat’ thinning hair. Onions were eaten regularly by the Romans who believed they could help cure all sorts of problems including failing eyesight, toothaches, and insomnia. They also brought onions with them on their journeys to England.

Beetroot – This was one of the ingredients used by Greek physician Hippocrates to cure his male pattern baldness. This vitamin and mineral packed vegetable was also mixed with a potent concoction of opium, pigeon droppings, horseradish and spices! Needless to say it was unsuccessful as a treatment for receding hair.

Lemon – Along with cold India tea, rubbing lemon on bald patches or a thinning scalp was a popular option in 19th century Britain. It may have been refreshing, but unfortunately it didn’t give the users the results they wanted.

Roots – In ancient Siberia plant roots were boiled until soft, before they were mixed with cognac and a bit of onion juice and used as a daily hair rinse. Again, despite the time it took to make this concoction, there’s nothing to show that this mixture actually worked to curb hair loss.

Aloe Vera – This succulent plant was an ingredient of a solution for hair loss in ancient Egypt. It was applied at night, combined with castor oil and/or olive oil, and rinsed off in the morning. But there’s little evidence that this combination did the trick. However, Aloe Vera does has lots of uses including to help moisturise the skin. It’s also used to help alleviate the effects of sunburn and burns, and is used to condition hair.

Watercress – This peppery flavoured leafy green vegetable was a bit hit in the Anglo-Saxon period to help restore youthfulness and a healthy head of hair. This vitamin rich vegetable has long been used as a food source and for medicinal purposes worldwide. And, according to a study in the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) journal it is the top of the list of the ‘powerhouse fruits and vegetables’.

For effective hair loss treatment, the best port of call is to visit our experienced team of trichologists at the London Centre of Trichology.  As leaders in research and development in our field, we are experienced in diagnosis and treatment for men and women. We have an excellent track record and have helped thousands of men and women regain their locks since our central London clinic was founded in 1956. And, with so many satisfied clients, you know that you can count on us to provide you with the best possible solution for hair or scalp problems.

Hair Loss Solutions Through the Ages

Hair loss has been a major concern for both men and women since ancient times. All sorts of remedies have been tried and tested over centuries, from herbal ingredients spread on the scalp, to the use of chicken dung. Here, the London Centre of Trichology looks at hair loss solutions through the ages, from simple treatments, to the downright bizarre.

London Centre of Trichology, W1 – Click on the link to find out about effective hair loss solutions for men and women.

Bronze Age – Hair pieces have been used since ancient times. As far back as 1500 BC they were seen as a solution to cover bald patches.

Roman Era – In early Roman times, men chose an odd solution – they rubbed chicken dung onto their scalp. Another hair loss remedy was to use honey and onions, which were massaged onto the scalp in the hope of stimulating hair growth. The most famous General of Roman times, Julius Caesar, was affected by hair loss. His answer was the comb over, and to sometimes cover his hair with a laurel wreath to disguise his baldness. Wigs were also used during this period, but they stopped being fashionable after the collapse of the Roman Empire.

Anglo Saxon Period – The Anglo-Saxons were extremely fond of their hair and favoured long tresses, flowing beards, and a full head of hair. One of their solutions for baldness was to eat watercress, which was thought to restore youthfulness.

Medieval Times – In the Medieval period hair loss solutions tended to be vegetable, animal or herbal remedies and there were quite a few choices. These included rubbing Aloe Vera mixed with wine onto the scalp, applying onion juice to the top of the head and then laying out in the sun, or boiling Hounds Tongue leaves in pig fat and applying it to the scalp.

Elizabethan Era – According to the Encyclopaedia of Hair: A Cultural History, by Victoria Sherrow, Elizabethan women used various toxic chemicals on their hair and face, which caused their hair to drop out. These included a combination of rhubarb and sulphuric acid, which was used as a hair dye and conditioner. Women also used a cosmetic that contained lead that would lighten their face. However, unfortunately it would also damage their hair, skin and health. As a result it was fashionable for women to have very high foreheads (due to receding hairlines) and not surprisingly, hair loss was common. To disguise their falling locks they used wigs, which were worn by both men and women at the time.

The Victorian Period – In Victorian times, all sorts of hair loss solutions were advertised in magazines. For women, solutions included hair pieces and also a mix of rum and castor oil which was to be rubbed into the roots of the hair at night time to stimulate the follicles. Queen Victoria herself drank wine made from the sap of silver birch trees because she felt if would provide a solution to thinning hair.

The 20th Century – In the early part of the century some strange hair loss remedies were introduced. Among the most puzzling was rubbing irritants into the scalp to make it blister. Another seemingly drastic solution was to use vacuum pumps on the scalp to make the hair grow.

To the Present Day – Fortunately, in the mid 20th century to the present day much more effective solutions became available. In 1956, the London Centre of Trichology was founded which is part of the global team of hair loss specialists. The London Centre of Trichology – has helped thousands of people over the years restore their locks and we pride ourselves at being at the forefront of development of hair loss solutions. If you are looking for effective hair loss treatment, just click on the link above to book a free, no obligation hair loss consultation with one of our leading trichologists based at our Central London Clinic.