Wednesday, December 28, 2011

My Miss America Experience

Lately I have received lots of messages asking about my hair at the Miss America Pageant so, I figured I would give you the full, inside scoop on what happened behind the scenes (as far as my hair is concerned!). It has been almost one year since I was up on that stage in Las Vegas, and on live television. I can't believe so much time has passed! As a way to mark the anniversary of one of the greatest nights of my life, I wanted to reflect and give you a back stage pass to my prep for the pageant!

You may remember the piece that I won the title of Miss Delaware 2010 in, colored and styled by Bobbi Russell, owner of Hair Therapy for Women in Tampa, FL.

That piece remains as my "signature piece," as we call it at Hairloss.com. But, when it came time to prepare for the Miss America Pageant, I met with Mario Rispoli, owner of Salon Rispoli in Newark, DE and we decided it was time for a change! Every girl dreams of how she would love to look on one of the most important days of her life and Mario made those dreams come true for me.

I have been a short-haired/bald girl for over half  my life, and typically don't wear long, fussy hair on a day-to-day basis. It is just too much upkeep for a girl who didn't have hair after the age of eleven! But, once I selected my evening gown for the pageant, Mario and I both agreed longer hair would be the best partner. Why not glam it up to accessorize the most glamorous dress I may ever wear? So, we selected a piece that was down to my mid-back and Mario customized it for me by adding high and low lights and painting roots at the scalp to make it look natural- like it was growing out of my head! My largest priority was that it look natural and flow/move naturally, too. It was this piece that I wore almost the entire live telecast on ABC which included the opening number, introduction, announcement of "America's Choice', the swimsuit competition (@ 5:26), announcement of Top 12 and the evening gown competition. (Click there and fast forward to 1:03 to see my gown!)





We picked a very feminine and manageable style, the "Firenze", that would be able to last the entire telecast. Since the show is live, and very fast-pace; you don't have the opportunity, nor are you allowed, to meet again with your hair stylist. Mario styled my hair in loose curls with a curling iron, and about a gallon of hair spray.We chose to not cut many layers so that it was easier to pin up when necessary.

Another bit of inside scoop- most of the girls did their own makeup for the competition (including me!), and several even styled their own hair!

My team knew I would need to dance in a completely different wig, since there was no time for restyling. I danced to Micheal Jackson's "The Way You Make Me Feel" in a custom fit version of my "signature style". I was terrified to dance on live television with a wig, so Mario shaved my head to remove any peach fuzz, and applied the wig with industrial strength tape to put my mind at ease! And sure enough, that wig didn't move a bit while I pranced around that slick stage! This hair piece had to be pulled back halfway so I could safely dance without hair flying into my face. But, we wanted it to still look natural and feminine. So, with about fifteen bobby pins, and another can of hair spray- the hair was styled perfectly!


Then, after the talent competition, I quickly put my original/longer/curly hair back on! How neat is it that I had the fortune of changing my hair almost every day? I was able to sleep in while my adorable roommate, Kylie Kofoed Bruneel, Miss Idaho, woke up early to wash her hair, blow dry and style it! After a quick shower, and some quality mirror time with my makeup case, I threw on my hair and was ready for the day in minutes!

The funniest part is how my hair traveled to Las Vegas, NV, where the pageant was held. I carried my competition evening gown and my signature hair piece on the plane with me. But, the rest of my hair (6 pieces in total) arrived a day later in a neatly arranged package! Mario put the hair on mannequins, covered them with hair nets, wrapped in a soft fabric and nestled between folds of tissue paper and packing filling. What a delightful package to receive!

Before the show, Mario was the best person I could have with me. He constantly lifted me up when I needed a boost of energy, he brought me food each day (which is truly the way to my heart), and had done all the legwork for my hair during the day time. So, when he and I were together before the preliminary competitions, we just sat around snacking and chatting while everyone else ran around like crazy to be sure their hair was styled in time! Then he put the wig on my head about a minute before call time and off I went! Who says wigs are inconvenient???

So you see, pageants don't have to be all kinds of crazy behind the scenes! If you are lucky, you can relax and enjoy those once in a lifetime moments and not worry about the little details- like hair! :)

Be sure to leave your questions for me and suggestions for future posts! Visit our Facebook page, Kayla's Corner for Women & Children with Hairloss!

Have a great day!

Wednesday, December 21, 2011

Holiday Wishes

Hi everyone!


I have some great posts coming up for you all in the new year- including a few fun tutorials! But, for this week I thought I would reflect on the holidays and some of the recent messages I have received.


With the support work I do for women with hair loss, I receive quite a few messages each day. Just recently I have noticed the vast difference in each of those messages which showcases the different ways we women cope with change.


One woman sent me a note saying that all she wanted for Christmas was for her daughter's hair to grow back. And that her New Year resolution would be to fundraise money for Alopecia research to find a cure.


Another young woman, sent me a note saying that her Christmas present to herself was to stop complaining and worrying about her hair loss and to find a new and improved outlook.


These messages had me reflecting on past holidays in my life. I know last Christmas, my greatest wish would have been to become Miss America in January. Three holidays ago, I was wishing to save enough money to be able to afford the wig that I had fallen in love with! And twelve Christmases ago, I was curious if my hair was ever going to grow back, or not.


While I know that every person is different- I have learned that the greatest gift you can give yourself is love and positivity. You may not be able to make your hair grow back, or you may not have the hair you absolutely love. The one thing you can control is your outlook on the situation, and learn to love yourself just as you are.


This holiday season, whether you are celebrating Hannukah, Christmas or just time with your family, I encourage you to give yourself the greatest gift of all- love. For some people that may mean seeking a salon to find the perfect wig for them, so they can look in the mirror and love what they see. For others, that may mean learning to look in the mirror just as they are and still love what they see. There is no price or pretty packaging you can put on that.


So do me a favor this holiday- wake up in the morning, and enjoy being with your friends and/or family. But give yourself a gift and look in the mirror that night. Then say out loud (even if it feels awkward!) that you are beautiful. Because you are.


I am sending you all lots of love and sweet hugs from our Christmas in Delaware to your holidays across the country. Have a safe and joyous week everyone!
**This is me without makeup, and of course, Bridgette is sans makeup as well :) Tweet me your pictures of your holiday @missdelaware10 or @hairlossdotcom I'd love to see how you are celebrating!

Monday, December 12, 2011

My Winter Approach

If you have been following the blog, you will know that I went many years without wearing a wig at all. And although I do love the wigs I have now, I actually attend the beginning of each semester without my wig. This way, I have the option to come to class with or without it at any point, without the weird stares.

Now that the semester is coming to an end, I have found myself more recently wearing my wig to class. Not because my comfort level has changed... but because the temperature has changed! I now live in the DC area, and our winters are pretty chilly! Some days I opt to leave my knit cap and chunky scarf at home, and wear my wig instead!

For those of you who also have Alopecia, or who may have weak immune systems, like mine- you will know that part of keeping yourself healthy in the wintertime is keeping yourself warm! Remember when you were growing up and your parents would tell you to wear warm socks and a warm hat? That is because we lose some of our body heat from our head and our feet. If you walk outside completely bald, you may feel extra chilly, just as you would walking outside barefoot or with a tank top.

How many of you are more likely to wear your hair when it is colder outside?

Another thought to consider is keeping your scalp moisturized this time of year! Much like the rest of the skin on your body, your scalp can become chapped- especially during cold weather season. If you have never used lotion on your head, I suggest you begin by applying conditioner to your scalp in the shower and rinse as usual. Then try applying a hypoallergenic, sensitive skin lotion on your scalp, very lightly. Allow it to dry before wearing your wig or hat. If you know your skin is generally sensitive, consider speaking to a dermatologist before applying anything.

For me, I always knew wintertime meant my hair was going to start falling out again. My hair loss has never been constant. Generally, my hair would fall out during the fall and winter, and begin growing back over the summer months. This pattern has since gone away, but as a teenager, it was rather predictable. There are no studies that conclusively link weather or seasons to hair loss at this point. But, I can confidently share that whenever I spend a great amount of time in the sun, or even sunbeds (as unsafe as they may be!), I have typically shown regrowth! Just so you know, you can spend time under the sun or in a sun bed, wear sunscreen and still reap the benefits of the light. Sunlight can even help improve your mood!

Has anyone else noticed these patterns?

Have you noticed any changes, with the season? Or, do you have any other tips or tricks I haven't included?
Leave your comments here or on Facebook by joining the group, Kayla Martell's Corner for Women & Children with Hair Loss! Hope to see you there!

Happy holidays everyone!

Monday, December 5, 2011

Dating and Hair Loss

Hello friends!

I had a completely different post in mind for this week. Then I received a message from a woman, which sparked an all-new topic! For all you ladies who are out and about on the dating circuit- the idea of explaining to a handsome prospect that you aren't exactly what you seem to be, might seem a little frightening. I will tell you, what I am certain your loved ones have also told you- if he doesn't accept you just as you are, then he isn't worth your time.

In the meantime, that belief won't calm your nerves for when the time comes to have that conversation with him.

I must be upfront, and share that I met my fiancé, Kevin, over five years ago before I ever began wearing wigs. Thankfully, he accepted me as I was, and the only conversation I fully thought through was how to tell him I had decided to get a wig after all these years.

To begin, make your first decision- whether to go on your first date with or without the wig. There are upsides to both options. The benefit of going on a first date without the wig is that you essentially "bite the bullet" and get any awkwardness out of the way immediately. Then, before you know it, your hair loss is an afterthought. The upside to wearing your wig on the first date is allowing yourself the opportunity to determine if you like him enough to see him again and share something personal about yourself. I completely understand that this will be the most difficult decision of all and depends upon other circumstances such as how you appeared when you first met, where you are going on your date, your own comfort level and so on.

If you decide to go on your first date without your wig, then go into the day/night with the best attitude and confidence that you have within you! This is a side of you he will be seeing quite a bit if there is any future for your relationship! If he doesn’t bring it up first, then take the initiative to lay it all on the table at the very beginning. That way you aren't worried about it the whole time!

If you opt to wear your hair on your first date, then you will want to decide what timing is right for you to open up with him. Let's be honest, there are far worse things to keep from someone when you first meet them, but there will be no future for you two, if you keep a part of who you are as a secret. Promise yourself that you won't wait too long to open up with him. There is no magic formula, but I suggest that you tell him before you make any commitments to each other, spend a full night together, or maybe by the second date!

The conversation does not have to be awkward or uncomfortable by any means. But, you don't want to wait for the "right moment" because it may never come. Let some time pass where you are conversing and/or catching up with each other. Then make a note that you have something you'd like to share with him and you hope it will allow him to get to know you a little better. Explain that you have Alopecia, Breast Cancer, whatever the case may be, and that you have lost your hair. If you have Alopecia, you will want to explain that it is an autoimmune condition that causes your hair to fall out. It is not contagious, nor is it terminal. There are no other side effects, and you are otherwise healthy. You could then explain your own journey with Alopecia..."I first lost my hair when I was eleven, but the doctors couldn't figure out what was wrong. So then less than a year later, I was finally in a dermatologist's office learning about Alopecia and what my options were." If you are going through chemotherapy, then share whatever you are comfortable telling him- when you first found out, how your treatments are going, and so on.

It should be noted that there are wigs that can be bonded to your head if you have total hair loss, so for some- this decision may be irrelevant if that is the path you choose.

My suggestion would be to remain as open and as confident as possible. Know that if he has lots of questions, that is a great sign! It means he is genuinely interested. And if he doesn't ask any questions, consider that he may be trying to let everything soak in. Trust your instincts to interpret his reaction. After it is done, you will feel like a weight has been lifted of your chest, and you can let him really get to know you- the real you! No, your hair loss should not define you. But, it is a part of who you are- and when building a relationship, the only way for it to succeed is to be open and honest with the other person. Remember, no one is perfect, and I am certain there is something about your man that makes him different, too! You just may not know it yet.

Have a great week everyone! Be sure to psot your comments or questions of the Facebook Group "Kayla's Corner for Women and Children with Hair Loss" and follow me on Twitter for other updates www.twitter.com/missdelaware10



Wednesday, November 23, 2011

Women's Hair Loss FAQ #1

I will never pretend to know as much as a physician when it comes to hair loss or any other condition. But, I have learned a thing or two over the past twelve years! So I thought I would answer some of your frequently asked questions as best I can!

  • "I've noticed some loss of hair on my daughter's head. How do I know if it is something serious enough for a doctors visit, or if it is just a reaction to something?"
A large deciding factor will be how you noticed the hair loss. If there is a bald spot, then I suggest you make an appointment with her primary physician or a dermatologist. If you noticed a larger amount of hair on her pillow or in the shower, then keep a watchful eye on the situation and make an appointment when you notice any change. Try to document everything you can. Take pictures of any changes that you notice and keep them in a folder.

If there is a bald spot and it is itchy or is red, then make an appointment as soon as you can. Depending on your daughter's age, be sure to talk to her to see what she has noticed or when the change began.
  • "I was diagnosed with Alopecia Areata a year ago, and haven't noticed any regrowth. Should I be concerned?"
Not at all. That is the nature of this condition. Alopecia Areata is known for being unpredictable, which means it could change at any point, or it could stay the same for years.
  • "I have not been diagnosed with any hair loss condition but I have noticed much more hair in my shower drain, my hair brush and on my clothing. What do I do?"
Keep an eye and note any great changes from what you are already experiencing. It is completely natural for a person to shed hair and then it will regrow. But, if you notice your hairline receding or patchy balding, then you may want to research your options.
  • "I am going bald prematurely. What are my options?"
Thankfully, you have lots of them! It will depend on the type of hair loss you are experiencing. There are many treatments available that you can try. Or, if you would rather not try anything that is not proven to work- you can decide to either go on with your life as is, or experiment with hair replacement. I suggest looking into wigs or other hair replacement options first and seeing how comfortable you feel. Treatments are available but vary greatly in cost, side effects, availability and comfort level.
  • "If my hair is just thinning, would a wig be a worthwhile option?"
Only you can decide what is worthwhile for you. Wigs come in every price range, so if that is your concern you can worry less. One option is to visit a salon and simply try on wigs to see how comfortable you feel. There is no sense in purchasing a wig, no matter what the cost, without trying it on first. Another option is to experiement with hair additions like extensions or pieces. Depending on the amount of hair you are losing, that may be your most worthwhile option!
  • "Aren't wigs itchy/uncomfortable?"
Some wigs definitely are itchy and uncomfortable! I always assumed this as a teenager, after I tried on a $50 synthetic wig at a shop near my hometown. But, there are wigs out there which have a lightweight cap, have less hair or have a softer cap/interior. Just like clothing, wigs can be made in many different ways and the best option for insuring your comfort is to try them on.

I hope this first FAQ will be helpful to someone! These are simply questions I received on several occasions. If you have a question you would like answered just leave a comment and lookout for FAQ #2!

Have a great day everyone! Thanks for visiting!

Be sure to follow me on twitter for regular updates www.twitter.com/missdelaware10 or join the Facebook group, "Kayla's Corner for Women & Children with Hairloss"

-Kayla

P.S. I received many questions about the treatments I have tried, which I will be sure to answer in my next post!

Thursday, November 17, 2011

Keyword- Options

    Naturally, when a man proposes to a woman, she immediately begins planning their/her big day. She imagines the church, the flowers, the beautiful white dress... And so she sets out to find the perfect one of each of those. For me, it wasn't much different after Kevin proposed. But, one of my first thoughts was- what kind of hair am I going to wear???
    I must say, this is definitely one of the perks to wearing a wig. I'm sure throughout this blog we will explore the countless upsides that I have found to wearing hair, but for now, let's focus on how lucky I am that I get to choose my wedding hair! :)
    This time last year I was preparing to compete in the Miss America Pageant. I went through many of the same decisions that most brides do, but with a different goal in mind- since when you're engaged, you've already won the prize! I remember flipping through all sorts of magazines, and glancing back at pictures of former Miss America's to decide what kind of hair I would want. What shade of blonde should it be? Should it be shoulder length? Or maybe down to my mid-back? Curly or straight? Highlights, lowlights?
    At this point, you may be thinking that most girls have the option to change their hair, too. But I had the privelege of being able to literally hand select my hair from a catalog, have a fitting, and then go through all the same processes that other contestants would. Dreamy, right?
    If you have never worn a wig before, you may be surprised to see the word "options" in the same sentence as "wig". But, as I learned two years ago, you can make your hair look however you would like!
    To bring you up to speed- I have purchased my wedding gown... I have selected the venue... I have designed the floral arrangements, the cake, the stationary and so on. And now it is time to.... Plan my hair!!!
    I am so much more excited about this than you could imagine. I often forget just how many options I have. I can't decide if I want a bright blonde piece, or something with deeper tones. As I learned in our Gemtress photoshoot last month- I may even be able to pull off brown! So, I figured- why not open this up to the worldwide web, and see what you all think! I can give you the first few votes I have received: My mother (the fabulous, superwoman) likes the below should-length, multitoned blonde that I won the title of Miss Delaware in- styled by OnRite retailer/owner of Hair Therapy for Women, Bobbi Russell. And my best friend prefers the long, wavy, slightly deeper blonde wig I wore at the Miss America pageant (from Salon Rispoli in Delaware).

So, tell me... What do you think? Post your comments on Kayla's Corner for Women & Children with Hairloss on Facebook!



Friday, November 11, 2011

Traveling with/out hair

Hi Friends!


I hope you are staying warm today, wherever you are because it is cold here in Washington, DC! In a few days, I will be on a plane headed for the Bahamas and I cannot wait to warm up! I travel so frequently, that packing is something I am fully capable of doing last-minute (although, I regretfully admit that I have a reputation for always forgetting one thing). My life has gotten so busy this season, that I decided to take a moment last week and pack ahead of time. It felt strange to be preparing for anything so far in advance! But, for now, it looks like it's paid off! The downside is that every day I check the suitcase to make sure I actually packed what I thought I did.


My suitcase is full, and ready to go! But, the last few things I have to throw in tomorrow morning are my cell phone charger, my medication and my hair! I realized today that many women may not feel completely comfortable traveling with their hair just yet. So here are my tips- trust me, I have lots of experience!


Before packing, I always decide whether or not I plan to wear my hair on the plane. If not, then naturally, I will need to pack it. Most of my trips are for a few days at a time and I try to carry on my luggage as opposed to checking it in. For those trips, and during the winter, I usually decide to wear my hair on the plane. But, in the summer, or for longer trips, I utilize the option to pack my hair and travel as I am.


For anyone out there wondering if you will need to take your hair off at the security checkpoint- the answer is no. Each of my forms of identification includes a picture of me without a wig. I have always found that I would much prefer to prove my identity by taking off my wig, than finding myself in a position where they don't believe who I am because the girl on my license looks healthy and vibrant with makeup and long blond hair, and there I stand pale and nearly bald.


I have tried packing my hair many different ways- and it truly depends on what else is in your suitcase, and the size of your luggage. For this trip, I am using a large suitcase. I have everything packed and have positioned my shoes on one side, or under soft clothes- leaving a soft bed for the hair to lay.




First, I comb the hair as best I can and apply a smoothing cream, leave-in conditioner, or frizz-away spray (whatever you have at home). This will aid in avoiding lots of frizzy hair when you unpack. Next you place the wig on your traveling head (Styrofoam is the lightest and easiest, I have found). Plus, if you change your mind and decide to wear your hair on the trip back, you can dispose of the styrofoam head if need be!








I use four T pins- one in the center at the top, two above where your ears would normally be, and one at the base of the head. Next, cover the hair with a hair net. Last, you will wrap the entire head in a pillow case or a delicates laundry bag. 


If you haven't enough space for a mannequin head in your luggage, then complete the same process and wrap the hair gently into a hair net, and then another, before laying in a pillowcase. I often do this when traveling with a single carry on.


If you have extra space (like I do in the last picture)- be sure to add some filling like tissue paper or cotton t-shirts, so your hair isn't rolling around the entire flight!


Quick note- be sure the hair is dry before you pack it!


When I travel, I have so many things to bring that I minimize my hair accessories. Based on what style you prefer your hair, I suggest traveling with a wig that requires the least fuss! Typically, I bring my straightener, because I can use it to either tame the hair, or curl it. I always bring a small bottle of leave in conditioner, and a tiny bottle of hair spray.


I hope this helps the next time you are traveling! These tips work for traveling with hair extensions, too. Do you have any suggestions that I didn't cover? Leave a comment! I love learning new ideas!


Be sure to check out our Facebook page- Kayla's Corner for Women & Children with Hairloss and follow me on twitter to get daily updates! www.twitter.com/missdelaware10

Sunday, November 6, 2011

"I don't have cancer. I have a premiere."

    For those of you ladies who have begun the wig-searching process, you know how difficult it may seem. I know one of my biggest priorities when I began looking at pieces was that it looked natural. Otherwise, I didn't think it was worth a penny! Now I understand every woman has her own budget (especially if you think it will be a short term investment). But, I quickly learned that you get what you pay for!
    I could go on about the importance of finding the right piece for you- the right texture, the right quality and makeup, the right length and so on. There is no sense in buying a human hair wig, down to your daughter's waistline in platinum blonde if she is naturally a brunette who doesn't want to have to worry about caring for her piece. Nor is there any sense in purchasing a synthetic piece if you know you want the option to style your hair a different way each day, or color it as you like!
    Stepping down from the soap box now :) But truthfully- the most important thing you could learn from my years of experience, is that you have options! And without making a sales pitch- options are exactly what I have found with my hair from OnRite.
    For any of you Sex and The City fans out there, you probably remember Samantha's unwillingness to settle on just any wig- as showcased in the clip above. And who can blame her?! She needed to look like a million dollars, and didn't want to feel like the "woman with cancer" for just one night. I loved seeing a TV character embodying that aspect of what so many women go through all over the world! Samantha never committed to one wig when she lost her hair- she changed it up with her mood. One time she even wore pink hair (which was amazing!).
    If you know me, you know that I love the flexibility of my hair! Some days I have long, blonde hair. Some days I have a brunette bob. And some days I am footloose and fancy free (ie bald). My girlfriends (especially my pageant friends) are completely envious of the fact that my hair can change with my mood. On my lazy days I wear either no hair, or a lesser expensive, pre-styled piece. On date-night, or for big events, I wear my custom piece that was designed, colored and cut just for me! And when it's chilly outside (like today) and I want to keep warm and still look girly, I wear my go-to piece (the one you see above).
    So here is my prescription- don't settle for a piece that isn't you! There are so many options available, and there is certainly one that will make you (or your daughter/mother) feel comfortable and beautiful!
    For fun- here are some of my favorite options!


Until next time!

Tuesday, November 1, 2011

My Story- the short version!

    Welcome to Kayla's Corner! An extension of the support you will find from Hairloss.com. I figured that a great way to initiate this blog, would be to formally introduce myself and give you a better understanding of what you may find here.
    When I was eleven years old, I was attending middle school (junior high) just like everyone else. I grew up in a relatively small town in Delaware, which happened to be the same relatively small town my mother was raised.
    One morning, I woke up, brushed my teeth and got dressed just like every other day. But when I was getting dressed later that evening for ballet class, I found an unfamiliar spot on the top of my head. I decided to cover it up as best I could in my traditional bun.
    The following morning, I had forgotten all about that unwelcome spot... until I was brushing my hair before school. I decided to part my hair on the side, to cover up the empty spot at the center of my head. I didn't tell anyone about my discovery. Not even my parents.
    This pattern continued until finally, my part had widened so much that I couldn't hide my secret any longer. Thankfully, my parents are very open people and they sat me down to have a conversation about what was going on. We decided as a family that I would visit my primary physician, who later referred me to a dermatologist. It wasn't long before I heard these words.... "Kayla, you have Alopecia Areata." Aloe-whatta? I thought. It sounded very serious. Am I dying? Is it contagious? Will it get worse?" How can I be eleven and balding??? My grandfather isn't even bald yet!" All these thoughts were running through my head.
    Proactively, my dermatologist recommended a few treatments which included minoxidil and another steroid cream. My mother reminded me that first night to apply the cream before bed, and as we applied it, I instantly felt a burning sensation. But, alas, we applied the treatments for a few weeks to give them a try. After that, I didn't see the point. The minoxidil made my remaining hair look unwashed and greasy and I was afraid it would get on my pillow and make me grow facial hair! And the cream burned, and felt uncomfortable.
    From there we noticed no growth or change. The doctor asked my parents to take turns staying up at night and watch to see if I pulled my own hair out. When we ruled trichotillomania out, the doctor reconfirmed my initial diagnosis. But, he had no other appealing suggestions for treatment. At age eleven, I couldn't bare the thought of getting injections to my head!
    I kept attending school just as I was- au natural. The most inconvenient of times were cheerleading competitions where I was clearly missed the ringlet curls bouncing behind my head, and ballet performances where I lacked the traditional bun.
    My parents decided to take me to a local wig shop to see if I was interested in purchasing a hair piece. But, everything I tried on either looked unnatural or felt itchy! So, for years I went without wearing a wig. Until finally, after a series of life changes and some maturing, I was open to the idea of "wig shopping" again. When a friend and mentor, Laura Mattey, introduced me to Mario Rispoli, owner of Salon Rispoli (Gemtress retailer in Delaware), I had no idea what to expect! But, the minute I put these hair pieces on, I knew I would be a fan for life.
    I'll end my first post here, but will gladly answer any questions you may have on the Facebook group "Kayla's Corner for Women & Children with Hair Loss". I hope this blog and our Facebook group will provide you a place to turn when you need answers or support. If there is something you are going through, I have probably been through it, too!  So please relax, and know that you aren't alone!

Until next time, friends!