A few simple steps make a difference

While the weather is a bit milder this week it has been very sunny and very hot lately.

Top 10 fall trends to look out for

Last week this column began to cover the subject of summer hair. There is so much information on this subject I wanted to continue this week.

I am hoping everyone had a relaxing, enjoyable weekend. I know I did. To complete this column series on alopecia, today’s will offer information on the National Alopecia Areata Foundation.

Last week I added to the series on hair loss, offering information on some of the wonderful support groups that are helpful for people that have do deal with hair loss, particularly alopecia.

Last week, we visited the subject of hair loss in woman. This week I want to briefly introduce basic information on alopecia areata, a form of hair loss. According to the National Alopecia Areata Foundation, alopecia areata (al-oh-PEE-shah air-ee-ah-tah) is a highly unpredictable, autoimmune skin disease resulting in the loss of hair on the scalp and elsewhere on the body. It usually starts with one or more small, round, smooth patches. This common but capricious disease affects approximately 2 percent of the population overall, including more than 5 million people in the United States alone. In alopecia areata, the affected hair follicles are mistakenly attacked by a person’s own immune system (white blood cells), resulting in the arrest of the hair growth stage.

Hair loss is, and has never been, just a man’s illness. Women’s hair can thin just like men’s and for a variety of reasons, yet the topic is still far less openly discussed than male hair loss. In many cases, the hair loss is diagnosable and treatable, making it particularly important for women to talk about hair loss with their doctors.

By now, we are used to (or, should be used to) the idea that gentlemen can take advantage of some salon treatments that have traditionally been obtained by women. Metro man’s grooming practices have universally become every man’s stuff. It is time to go beyond regular haircuts, haircolor, manicures, pedicures, facials and massages. Now that we have moved our handsome male population passed the grooming basics, let’s get into some other grooming tips for the guys who are willing to step it up a notch.

In February, I offered tips on the basics for beautiful lips, and what spring trend was dictating. Today I want to get a bit more specific and write about correcting the shape of your lips for a more balanced look. This information should allow you to determine which description fits you, if any, and what to do to make your pout the prettiest! Let’s see if you can figure out how to make a perfect pucker!