When Love Is Not Enough, Part 4 - New Beginnings

Girls, here is the final chapter to the story. If you haven't read Part 1 & 2 of the story scroll below to read them. Follow my friend as she shares her final chapter.

New Beginnings...

When Christi asked me to write on her blog, I was so excited and thought it would be as easy as eating a large piece of Italian Cream cake. Well, now that I am working on the last blog, I find that I am experiencing great difficulty getting my thoughts out of my head.

I will tell you that my life is going great at this time. My children are grown, living in the area and I have four magnificent grandchildren. In 2004, I married again and we remain in love and enjoying a happy marriage. I have retired from Corporate America and work with him part-time in his/our CPA firm. My life is finally in a good place so going back in time is quite a difficult process.

It is no understatement that a divorce leaves one in an emotional yo-yo and wondering if life will ever bring any happiness again. With time and healing, the heart recovers or can recover. Unfortunately, there are other misfortunes that can occur in life that can leave other scars, and more unexpectedly, deeper scars. I would like to say that we are moments in time where no method to the madness of traveling along life's journey makes any sense or leaves us feeling like a "used up paper towel".

I am going to backtrack a few years and I will just get started telling you about the other traumatic experience in my life --- On April 29, 1998 at 5:13 pm while stopped at a red light, a 16 year old boy, (while speeding about 50 miles per hour) hit the left side/rear of my new car of three months; air lifting and trapping my car under a very large truck that was in front of my car. Since my car went under the truck, the air bags in my car did not deploy. However, I did not learn that until later because after the first impact and seeing only the back lights, glass and car parts fly beside my hear, I remember nothing until...

Let's just say, emotionally I have been to h-e-l-l and back (divorce) and spiritually I have been to heaven and back - literally. I remember an angel in the car with me and then the next thing that I remember is that I am watching myself on the street being revived by paramedics. This is commonly referred to as "an out of body experience" by the psychological professionals. Next, I recall an overwhelming feeling of love and peace. I was somewhere "out there" being suspended in time and I was becoming more aware that I may not want to go back down to that place where my shell of a body was laying on the street.

"It is not your time yet", was the next words that I heard spoken in the tiniest and quietest of voices. Soothingly, I felt my spirit slipping back into my earthly shell. I could hear the paramedics repeating over and over, "Please come back little lady. Do not go back, stay with us." There were two paramedics working on me and I wanted to speak to them and tell them that I could hear them, but I could not move or speak yet. It felt as though I was separated from them by a bubble of glass and as if I was watching them from someplace other than where I was. If I tried to move the glass and as if I was watching them from someplace other than where I was. If I tried to move, the glass would prevent me from reaching the paramedics. Once, the paramedics realized that I was finally "back with them", I fell in and out of consciousness. I was transported to an emergency room and the next year of my life was spent in and out of rehab, hospitals, etc. I was told that I would never be the same and was sent to Near Death Counseling, Change Of Life Counseling, and Pain Management Counseling. I had to learn to walk again and learn to give up many of the daily events of my life that I loved.

With time, I could write a diary or a book, but to avoid all of the details that really depress me, I now survive on four different medications and was left with brain damage, brain stem damage, and a neurological issue in my neck. All of which has left me with paralysis on the left side of my body and doctors are amazed at why I am able to walk as well as I can. Do not be so amazed because I do suffer more than I let on and must receive a lot of rest and recuperate daily from activities that an average person gives very little thought about. 

One might ask, how is all of this possible? Honestly, I have no answers for that question. This is what I know. God is real, He has a Son named Jesus Christ who came to earth to save me from my sins. Is it possible that he could send an angel to protect me from whatever could have been worse in an auto accident? Well, who am I to question His mighty miracles. Is it possible that He has blessed me and others with abilities that bewilder the medical community? Well, who am I to question His mighty abilities. I also know that He has given to each of us a measure of Himself to be able to survive the world that we live in. Who am I to question any of whatever or to whomever that He chooses to bless with a measure of who He is.

This is what I also know. Proverbs 3:5-6, "Trust in the Lord with all of your strength and lean not unto your own understanding. In all your ways , acknowledge Him and He shall direct your paths." In Psalms 91, David writes about angels that watch over us and are here to protect us. Please take time to read this chapter, it is an amazing encouragement. And finally, Romans 8:28 teaches is that, "All things work together for good for those who love Him, to them who are called according to His purpose." 

I live life looking at the present and what I remain able to do and achieve versus looking to the past and harboring ill will toward others or events in my life. I want the future to be bright and sunny when I get there. I take care of the present to ensure the future is what you want it to be. Also, I do not have all the answers, but I sure can learn from what I have experienced and maintain life in a way that reveals truths of life that have been proven to endure the age of time and man's earthly endeavors.

Perhaps this was all about the end of a false persona, the new beginning into the true introspective of who I really am, and the introduction of the true and real person. To say it in the truest sense, I am HOME.

I would like to thank Christi for allowing me to share my life's journey and experiences. As women, we are a masterful creation in God's own image and not one of us deserves to have anything in life other than the best. This is what God desires for us. I know not what the future holds for anyone, but my experiences in life have taught me to say with all rationality and justification that the only way to a propitious life is to seek the Master and Creator of the world we live in. I think that I will close with this. He is the Reason, the only Reason and nothing but the Reason.

When Love Is Not Enough, Part 3 - Light Attracts Light

Girls, Here is Part 3 to this story. If you haven't read part 1 & 2 of the story scroll below to read them. Follow my friend as she shares her heart warming story.  Enjoy!

Light Attracts Light...

 by anonymous

It has been exceedingly difficult for me to identify with my emotions and feelings experienced during a very traumatic era of my life. Despite my attempts, I am now unable to recognize "that person" whom I am struggling to accept was actually myself. Glimpsing at who I was then versus who I am presently is synonymous to knowing twins with night and day personalities. With this in mind, I will do my best to convey the reality of those days. In spite of the fact that I began a new life and, in the opinion of many, was experiencing success or had arrived at some degree of significance in the world, there were so many depressive moments and feelings of inadequacy.

-->

"It is well with my soul", a wonderful song that resonated in my mind over and over during many of the worst difficult days. It happened while sitting in an auditorium in a very large church. The words of this song mounted in my mind like coal on a fire. My heart desired so desperately to have a "right of passage" into happiness. I needed to be well in my soul. Being totally distraught by my situation, as I described in "When Love Is Not Enough" and "Strength in The Olive Jar", I realized that I could not continue with life in my present mental state and emotional stress. With tears flowing down my cheeks, I surrendered my life totally and autonomously to God. I gave him my children, my situation, and my heart. And as I left church that day, I knew that my life would never be the same.

Of course, I employed the services of therapists to help and assist me with all of the "stuff" that I was dealing with. There are most likely better words to use than "stuff", but I think you know what I mean. It is that darkness deep within that is so disdainful and contemptuous. That which is not acceptable socially or morally with others. Let's just say, it is better to keep it well within, hidden and out of sight of the real world. Amongst those who have arrived or dealt successfully with their inner demons and defeated and overcome their attacks, those who continue to be dealing with a darkness within, are considered to be unacceptable or damaged. So, unknowingly, hurting people attract hurting people. Unless pain is allowed to heal, the cycle of pain begins again. 

However, I was blessed to have a stubborn personality. I developed an inner core of strength and integrity. Life was good and I was determined to be a positive member of society. So I practiced all that was good. In my life, this consisted of becoming an active member of my church and living the life of a committed Christian. Being a lady and all that being a lady meant. Praying, reading the Bible, attending Bible Studies, and of course, being a great employee to my employer.

By 1993, while working two jobs and forging through life with an insatiable effort to succeed, I obtained a Degree in Accounting. Consequently, work had become my "husband" and aside from love of time with my children, it was the only other effort that appeased my desire for happiness. From a careful observation of my life, work awarded me with approval and acceptance. Continuance of my existence in life was based on these two conscious exertions. However, I was prolonging the inevitable truth that life was meant to be "more".

"More", "well with my soul"?? How does one accomplish these life achievements? And what exactly does it all mean? How does one know when they have it? How does one continually progress into contentment and a well-adapted life? So many questions to be answered and the time between dawn and dusk prove to be just a minute in the lengthy quandary of life. In short, time was little and demands on that time were many. The answer within each of us. To say is poetically, we all have our own ship to sail.

The important and necessary task is that people must follow their own heart. Learning to know our Heavenly maker in a way that no other person can damage another person's inner core where God exists and live to rule. When He lives within us in this manner, there will be no darkness, only Light. Light to guide us and protect us from any damaging influence in our lives.

John 8:12 "I am the Light of the world. Anyone who follows me will never walk in the darkness, but will have the light of life."

John 1:9 "The true Light who gives Light to EVERYONE."

Occasionally, it is our inclination to believe that due to our present or past circumstances that Jesus is for everyone else. Jesus has come sot that everyone might have an understanding of God and His will. The question remains - will I (you) attract the Light and sow goodness and wellness of mind, body and spirit or will I (you) quest for other paths that lead into darkness of the mind, body and spirit. The decision is always personal and takes immense and diligent effort. Neither is it a one-time decision, but over and over, again and again. Leaving a damaged life behind and travelling into a new dawn, a new day is not easy, but is marked by dedication to renewal and seeking the Life of Jesus Christ our Lord and Saviour. 

When Love Is Not Enough, Part 2 - Strength in the Olive Jar

Girls, Here is Part 2 to this story. If you haven't read the first part of the story go back read the beginning in my previous post. Follow my friend as she shares her heart warming story. There will be more coming soon.  Enjoy!

Strength In The Olive Jar...

 by anonymous

Whoever said that "persevering through life with good thoughts and a positive attitude would always deliver a high degree of success and happiness" obviously never experienced a divorce. I will never say that my life's prominent attitude was always positive and an effortless progression of my mental proficiencies. However, I have always believed that developing a behavioural tendency toward habitually practicing the mind with good, better and best would allow one's life to be permeated with great opportunities.

OK, OK. I admit it. I am a writer.  However, with that secret exposed, let's get REAL!  After a marriage in which I experienced verbal, physical, and emotional abuse, (during last five years of marriage) how successful or ready for the world do you think I would be?  Yet, my ex-spouse had no regret of abandoning our two children and me and with no concern for health, wealth, or about any of our tomorrows.  If I had been a "pickle in a barrel", I would have been at the bottom, bruised by the pressure of all the wonderful, great tasting pickles.  Lying at the bottom of the barrel would have been - me, stranded and alone to be discarded in the trash.

I just described the condition of my life during this stage.  "Trash".  At least, this is how I felt.  As reluctant as I am to admit my plight, it was no recondite matter-of-fact or no obscurity to the acquaintances that remained in my life.  With respect to my circumstances, I did regard my life to be important to my children and my family who resided in Louisiana.   Although, in spite of my diminished degree of significance in the world, somewhere between "this is reality" and being "completely bummed out", I knew that I had to find the strength to place one foot in front of the other and begin my new walk in life. 

Now, time to get a job.  My daughter's friend's mother was a Vice President of Nations Bank.  One day while my daughter was visiting her friend, they asked the mother if I could have an interview.  Fortunately, I had bank experience and it proved very beneficial in my efforts to acquire a job. While not the greatest job that I ever had, but I would be making $8.00 an hour as a bank teller.  WOW!!  Also, I began working at Lord and Taylor to help with my children's clothing needs.   My daughter had a car, so she chauffeured me around until my dad offered to purchase me a new, but small, Chevrolet from Ray Huffines. It was not my Lincoln, but I was thrilled.  Moving from our 4 bedroom, 3-1/2 bath house with a back yard pool and into a 3 bedroom apartment was nothing to write home about either.

Was I now ready to face the world?  Frankly and honestly, NO!  However, day-by-day, I began to make "baby steps" towards a small measure of success.  I had 100% attendance, I was good at accounting, math, etc., and I could exhibit a strong desire to work.  Actually, work became my new habitual ambition.  Confining myself to work occupied my life and mind while helping me not to reflect on my life's circumstances. 

It is now time to explain the "strength in the olive jar".  There were many aspects of my marriage that were as insidious as "black mold".  Such is the fact that my husband controlled all that was placed on the dinner table.  If the food before him was not to his liking, I was instantly and constantly reminded of the amazing culinary skills of his three sisters and his mother. At first, I could live with it, but with the gradual and cumulative effects of his actions, I grew very weary and resented being compared to anyone.  However, since it was his typical behaviour to compare me to many of my friends, it was extremely difficult for me to make and maintain meaningful friendships. I was not at a healthy place, either physically or mentally.

Despite all that I did not know about myself, I knew enough to know that I loved olives.  It would be a reasonable assumption and a brief moment before you conclude that my ex-spouse did not like olives.  At this time in my life, I had not purchased a jar in years.  Subsequently, my trips to the grocery usually concluded with me drooling over a jar of olives.  However, I could not persuade myself to touch them. Unfortunately, I had been conditioned to think that I did not like them.  One day, my overwhelming desire for olives began to be an insurmountable NEED.  I could think of nothing else.  So, I walked right into that grocery and made my way to the aisle with the olives.  I walked by them several times before I picked up a jar and held it for a few minutes. I stared at the olives as if the jar contained diamonds.  I began to cry.  The significance of this step in my life was like a magnetic resonance.  Removing that jar from my hand - no; and analogically speaking, it was the harmony on my score of music.

I was liberated, en-powered, finding me again and so much more. I had broken through my dark veil of inhumanity and fear of who I was as a woman. I could BE!  That first jar of olives was the catalyst to my new beginning.  Sometimes it is something just so simple that can inspire and move us into action and reaction.  A scripture that encouraged me to continually give God my life; Matthew 11:29 - "Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls."  This is exactly the medicine that I needed to continue my new walk.  I needed gentleness, not abuse.  Understanding, not ridicule. I could go on and on.

So, OMG, well, where do I go from here?  I choose to see strength in a jar of olives and not be a pickle at the bottom of the barrel.  Tune in next time for my segment entitled, The Three S's.

When Love Is Not Enough, Part 1

Girls, you must read this true story from a friend who I met in bible study. The story.... amazing, her strength is contagious and her forgiveness from her past is healing for all of us chicks.

No matter what we may go through to make us the women we are today, there is a plan God has for us when we were born. We are all on a journey to be the best God wants us to be. We wonder why bad things happen to good people...but God hasn't taken us this far to let us go now. 

So...I will be making updated posts of her story as she writes from her heart. Sometimes we don't share our most intimate feelings for fear of people who may judge us. She is not one of those women. Confident, loving and successful in many ways, she exhumes the Holy Spirit who lives within her and within a few minutes of connecting our shared emotions, I asked her to write her story for my blog. Enjoy!

When Love is Not Enough...

 by anonymous

When I was young, I knew and understood that my value and worth in this world originated from a bond of love innately born within a solid Christian family.  As familiar as I was with the influences that moved me nearer and nearer to the inevitable journey of self-discovery and awareness, the realization that there are many "bonds of love" and family structures that are not coeval to my own was an astonishing discovery.  However, as long as my intrinsic value rested peacefully within my "bond of love", I grew to live, love, learn, and expect lifelong bliss.

As I continued through the journey of life and as I grew into "My Own", falling in love seemed the next logical experience.  A different kind of love than before, however it, if chosen successfully, should prove to provide the bearers with lifelong happiness.

After the wedding bells and after years of living under the impression that I would always be the recipient of love and believe in the ideology of happily married bliss, the roses in my garden began to fade.  If you asked me what happened or to describe my experience, it would be nearly impossible to express in words alone.  The "Eyes of Love" were altered and had become the "Eyes of a Stranger".  Life took a turn that was never anticipated or expected. A turn that led me into loneliness and divorce. While I remained in love, my ex-spouse moved on with the love from another.  And he moved nearly 2,000 miles away from our two children and me.

At this time, I am going to take a time out.  My emotions are almost too much for me to endure and express.

(I'm back)  So many memories that I would rather forget and erase from my mental dairy.  Memories that were never to be a page in my book of life.  But there they were.  Written, sold, placed on a shelf, purchased, and read - all in one step.  Also, loneliness, depression, emptiness, and friendlessness were never to be "MY" enemies. But they were growing with an incessant passion.  Regardless of how I tried, nagging and nagging at my inner mind and spirit, I could not fight the fight.  It was a pointless attempt.  I suppose that I could best be described as a psychological mess.

A psychological mess is an understatement.  During the last five years of our marriage, I was the recipient of verbal and physical abuse, abandoned in a state where the only family I had were my two children.  Who, and rightly so, were depending on me for their support, love and so much more.  To further my plight, I had not worked outside the home in over 15 years and he drove away with our only car.

So how does one react when love is not enough.  Where does one find reassurance when an empty "shell" would be an accurate description of their spirit and soul? First, I am a Christian, raised in a Christian family.  Second, the only place to fall was at the foot of the Cross, my cross.  Third, rest assured that there I could find the hope of a new beginning, discover a new life and fill up the emptiness with the Grace of my Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.

Since that time, I have found assurance through prayer and reading the Bible.  My favorite chapter is Psalms 91 and I read it over and over.  My favorite passage:  Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding.  In all your ways acknowledge Him and He will direct your path.  Proverbs 3: 5-6. I have repeated these scriptures at least 5,000 times.  It has helped me to not give into worry and the stress of life.

But I do understand that my story is complex, so I think it best that it be written in a few segments.  In my next segment, I will be happy to write about the "Strength in the Olive Jar". Until then, God Bless and Keep You.

I would like to introduce my friend Dr. Warren Katz to you. I have known Dr. Katz and his wife for over 25 years. He is an outstanding plastic surgeon with a good reputation.

If you are looking to do any permanent procedures I would advise you to get at least 3 opinions then wait a month before you make your decision. The doctor can make all the difference. There are many corrective procedures you can have done that are not invasive and you get great results. You can also get amazing results with the correct make-up and contour effects.

Dr. Warren Katz has been practicing cosmetic and plastic surgery in Dallas for more than 25 years. He is certified by The American Board of Cosmetic Surgery, The American Board of Facial Plastic Surgery and The American Board of Head and Neck Surgery. Dr. Katz has appeared in many national and local magazines discussing various procedures. He also appeared on CBS, NBC, ABC and CNN both performing and discussing cosmetic procedures.

I called Dr. Katz to ask him 5 of the most asked questions we get from our clients to help anyone who is thinking of different options for medical procedures.

                  

What is the difference between a traditional face lift and these "mini lifts" that I read about?
Dr. Katz: A traditional face lift is a procedure that involves lifting a large flap of tissue in the face and neck. The muscles below the skin are tightened, excess fat is removed as well as excess skin. Implants, either synthetic implants or fat grafts, may also be utilized.

A "mini lift" has similar incisions. However  the amount of tissue lifting and tightening is significantly less than a traditional lift. Therefore, the results are much less. Anesthesia is normally required for a traditional face lift. The anesthesia may be general or IV sedation. We prefer IV sedation (avoid general anesthetic). A "mini lift" can be done with only local anesthesia because much less is done. Surprisingly, the post operative course is very much the same for both procedures.

What is a "liquid face lift"? Does it produce the same results as a surgical face lift?
Dr. Katz: A "liquid face lift" is a process whereby fillers and neurotoxin are injected into the face to improve facial features. The results and duration of effects are, obviously, much less than with a surgical face lift. A patient should have both procedures explained before deciding on a particular procedure.

Does facial plastic surgery make you look unrecognizable or different?
Dr. Katz: No. Facial plastic surgery is designed to make you look rested and refreshed. Sometimes it is performed to soften a feature of your face that concerns you. With good surgery, it should not be obvious to others that you have had surgery.

Do only women have facial plastic surgery?
Dr. Katz: No. More and more men are undergoing facial plastic surgery. Today approximately 25% of our patients are men.

What type of anesthesia is used for cosmetic surgery?
Dr. Katz: Either IV sedation or general anesthesia is used for most cosmetic procedures, excluding very minor procedures which are performed with local anesthesia. We prefer to use IV sedation for all our surgical procedures. This is performed by an anesthesiologist. There is no patient awareness during the surgery. The patient is breathing on his/her own, and is not on a respirator. Normally this also eliminates post operative nausea and vomiting.

                 

If you knew me very well, you would never dream I would have waited this late to post another blog...since I talk all the time. But, that is probably why.

I have been so busy talking with women in all areas of the country and coming up with solutions to their beauty frustrations. Now I need to blog about it. We just sent out our summer Newsletter, so if you didn't get it, go to my web site, christiharris.com. I will be posting more videos that I know will help you resolve some problems you may have on a day-to-day basis with your skin, makeup, hair and brows. Let me hear from you, as well.

Stylemaker Salon

Through my network of professionals in my field I have recently been introduced to Shelly Beatty owner of the Stylemaker Salon in Fort Worth, Texas. I have visited the salon and I must say this lady knows her stuff! She will tell you the truth about thinning hair, hair replacement, extensions and is able to back up her promises. I was amazed with the results she has had. The before and afters speak for themselves. She is an amazing woman that I just had to interview and share her story with all of you. I asked Shelly to share with me her background and I asked her 8 questions everyone needs to know. Chicks share this info with your husbands and friends who may be experiencing thinning hair. I would certainly go for a consultation if you are frustrated. She has clients from all over the U.S. who are happy with hair now.

With nearly 30 years of industry experience, Shelly Beatty is the President of Stylemakers Inc. She began Stylemakers in 1991 after a decade of experience in hair design and styling and now works one-on-one with clients every day who are suffering with various degrees of hair loss. Her extensive clientele includes many of Fort Worth's elite, and they appreciate her vast training, experience, caring personality and attention to detail. Shelly has won numerous awards for her excellence and has been sought after by media as a salon industry expert in working with cancer patients, hair thinning and hair loss.

Shelly's success - as a stylist and a business owner - is due in large part to her deep and genuine care for her clients. She understands the intense relationship between a person's hair and their self-image. That's why she has worked extensively to bring the highest quality Hair Replacement options and Laser Hair Therapy technology to Fort Worth and now specializes in working with men and women who suffer all forms of hair loss and balding.

Shelly trains monthly and extensively with the Specialty Physicians from the Hair loss Control Clinic in New York, New York and with other Hair Restoration Industry leaders in order to understand the causes of hair loss and to offer insight for clients who are seeking answers. Shelly is able to fully explain the causes of hair loss and offer direction to clients who are seeking hair recovery. During an in depth Hair Loss Exam, she will examine the client's hair follicle at a 200X magnification in order to show the client what is happening at the follicular level of the hair. With this information, she can determine what is causing the hair loss and offer the best options for the client.

Can Hair Loss be stopped and/or reversed?
Shelly Beatty: At this time there is no cure for baldness. However, it has been proven that hair loss can be stopped and/or reversed with Laser Hair Therapy (LHT) but only if the hair loss is caught before the follicles go completely dormant (bald). Once the follicles have been dormant for 5 years or more there is still the opportunity to stop the loss but very little chance of regaining hair. The best time to address hair loss with LHT is within 1-3 years of experiencing the hair loss onset.

What is the best way to make thin hair look fuller?
Shelly Beatty: If you want an instant "lift" to the hair, use a root lift product on the base area of the hair. Then style your hair with a large round brush to add fullness. Always use an IONIC blow dryer as well. This will make the process of drying your fine hair less damaging since fine hair is much more sensitive to heat damage. If you want more of a permanent solution to thin hair, utilize LHT to strengthen and thicken your hair. This will take a little time...approximately 3-6 months. And lastly you could add Micro-Point extensions to add more hair instantly. These extensions are very fine and lightweight and therefore will not damage the clients own hair. You can use extensions to add thickness and fullness in addition to making hair longer. Always use a CERTIFIED EXTENSION SPECIALIST when applying extensions.

If hair is really thin, especially on top, should you try Rogaine?
Shelly Beatty: The FDA has only approved two treatments for the condition of hair loss: Rogaine (Minoxidil) and Laser Hair Therapy (LHT). We suggest Minoxidil when the hair loss has been occurring for more than 5 years and there is an actual missing area of hair. Minoxidil is a lifelong commitment. Once you start using it you should never stop or you may lose the vast majority of the hair it stimulated to regrow. We recommend using LHT to actually repair the dormant follicles which have stopped producing hair. LHT does not have any negative effects and many times can reverse the hair loss issue and correct the follicle long term.

If hair has been thinning for more than 10 years, should you do a hair transplant?
Shelly Beatty: Women are rarely candidates for hair transplantation because their loss is typically diffused and will continue to worsen. Therefore at some point the transplant would have to be redone. Men typically do better with transplants because they have entire areas of missing hair. However, be aware that if when transplants are performed, if hair is currently present in the transplant area, that hair will continue to experience loss thus resulting in additional transplants procedures.

Does stress cause hair loss?
Shelly Beatty: YES! When the body is under duress it creates a larger amount of testosterone which then gets converted to DHT (dihydrotestosterone). The androgen receptors at the base of the hair follicles are very sensitive to DHT. When too much DHT is present it binds onto the androgen receptors. This causes shrinking of the hair follicles and prohibits new hair growth. This is the largest cause of hair loss. Determine if you have this first by having a hair loss exam and then use a recommended DHT blocker to protect your androgen receptors which are located at the base of your hair follicles.

Does Menopause cause hair loss?
Shelly Beatty: Many times it can simply because hormone levels are not as they should be. It is suggested that women have their hormones checked and if the hormones are "off" seek advice from your physician to correct them.

If you have Alopecia and have patches of missing hair, what else is out there besides just wearing a wig?
Shelly Beatty: Wearing a wig definitely gives you an instant "fix". However, it is not very conducive to an active lifestyle. We suggest a complete hair transformation with Natural Advantage. This hair replacement service is amazing and beautiful. It will give you back your lifestyle and confidence as your new hair is attached and will not come off until we take it off. You can shower, swim and sleep with your new hair without worry of it ever coming off. It simply becomes a part of you!

How do you find a hairpiece that looks natural?
Shelly Beatty: The best way to get a completely natural look with a hair piece is to have one custom made just for you. At Stylemakers a professional hair replacement specialist can design a hair piece that will blend right in to your own hair. When done correctly, no one will be able to tell you are wearing one. Here's a fun fact: Many people in the movies and TV wear hair pieces that are designed by the pros. But since they look so natural you will never know!

Visit Shelly and her talented team at Stylemaker Salon

1201 West Lancaster, Fort Worth, Texas 76102  - 817.332.9100

or check out her website at stylemakersalon.com.