Maintenance With Trichotillomania Clients

Unlike Alopecia Areata, fungal infections, or other autoimmune diseases thinning hair by Trichotillomania removes hair follicles by physical means. At Noelle Salon, we cover the various approaches to hair solutions to treat hair loss, female pattern baldness, balding spots, and other conditions to which you lose hair.

Hair systems and hair extension maintenance is part of the journey while wearing them.  As our hair grows they both will loosen, and service is required.  The difference between a hair system and hair extensions for Trichotillomania clients varies based on the location of hair loss.  

1). Clients with hair loss at the top of the head will need a hair system a.k.a. hair topper.

2). Clients with diffuse hair loss (all over the head) will need hair extensions.

What are maintenance visits all about?

Hair system 

We apply a hair system with a series of micro links threaded into the hair.  After 4 to 6 weeks, the hair system will loosen, varying based on natural hair growth.  At this point, we remove the hair system completely, wash both client's hair and the hair system; the hair system is then re-attached.  We may also cut, blend, or address any concerns during this visit.  A good quality human hair system may last eight months to a year with proper maintenance and at-home care. This service is considered a "full maintenance" visit.  

We offer a free two-week adjustment for clients with fast-growing hair.  This adjustment is a quick tightening, and the hair system is not fully removed. This is considered an "in-between" visit.

Hair extensions

Re-usable hair extensions i.e. "Veila Pull-Thru," will loosen as hair grows and will require a "move-up."  This is generally a quick visit, but if the hair has grown a lot and sheds extensively, we will remove them completely and reapply.

Scheduled visits

We strongly recommend pre-booking both full maintenance and in-between visits which allow maintenance to be on a consistent schedule to ensure a perfect experience.  Once we determine a client's individual needs, as well as growth pattern, we will schedule visits accordingly.

Emergency visits

There may be a time in which an emergency visit is necessary. We do our level best to fit our clients into our schedule. 

Hair color and styling during a maintenance visit

We will color clients' hair and deep condition hair system/hair extensions during the full maintenance visit.  Color refresh, root touch-ups, and highlights will be addressed at this visit.  Changing the hair system and/or hair extension color is not recommended, although we can use a semi-permanent color to refresh both.

There tend to be more color options with pull-thru hair extensions vs. a hair system, but we can special order a hair system for clients with hair color or texture that is not available.  The special order process may take two to four months but is available if needed.  In many cases, we can customize a hair system in-salon to create the perfect color and texture blend.

Feedback received during the maintenance visit

Clients with hair loss due to Trichotillomania are elated with their new appearance.  During the full maintenance visit, we will evaluate hair growth which is always an encouraging visit since many experience hair re-growth.  

Hair extensions will also help hair growth since most clients do not pull on them.  It is gratifying to witness our clients' increased self-esteem!  They feel far more in control of their emotions since they are witnessing progress!  Over time, the shame associated with Trich wears away, while confidence is restored.

Trichotillomania may make one feel hopeless, but there is hope!  We assist throughout the entire journey and will soon be sharing some success stories.  I consider a success story one where a client can grow their own hair and are no longer need our services.