Clinical Trial to Research Breast Cancer Hair Loss Prevention

Researchers from the Lester and Sue Smith Breast Center at Baylor College of Medicine are recruiting newly diagnosed breast cancer patients to participate in a new clinical trial testing the safety and efficacy of an investigational scalp cooling device to prevent hair loss associated with chemotherapy.

Participants interested in enrolling in the study must:

Have a new diagnosis of breast cancer stage 1 or 2 and under the age of 70

Plan to undergo neoadjuvant or adjuvant chemotherapy with curative intent

Chemotherapy must be planned for at least four cycles of full-dose anthracycline or taxane based chemotherapy regimen, defined as one of the following chemotherapy regimens:

Adriamycin 60mg/m2 with cyclophosphamide 600mg/m2

Epirubicin 90-100mg/m2 with cyclophosphamide 600mg/m2

Paclitaxel 80mg-90/m2 weekly (every three weeks constitute a cycle), or 175 mg/m2 every 2-3 weeks as a single agent

Docetaxel 100mg/m2 as a single agent

Docetaxel 75mg/m2 with cyclophosphamide 600mg/m2

Docetaxel 75mg/m2 with carboplatin AUC of 6 and traztuzumab at standard doses

Study participants will be followed until 2-4 weeks after completion of chemotherapy when the final alopecia (hair loss) assessment will occur and the questionnaires will be administered. For more information or to enroll, please call Afife Batarse at 713-798-1911.

We are hopeful that there will be a breakthrough in preventing hair loss for cancer patients in the near future.  In the meantime, our team at Ricky Knowles Hair & Wellness specializes in creating a private and supportive environment for our clients.  If you are looking for a hair duplication solution while you are undergoing cancer treatment, please call us at 713-623-4247.

6 Steps to Better Eyelashes

What to do -- and what not to do -- for lush, full lashes.
By Liesa Goins
WebMD Feature

Want longer, thicker lashes? Start with these six lash lifesavers.

1. Take it easy. Never tug at your lashes, and avoid rubbing your eyes. "The lash root is very delicate and lashes can easily break due to our daily habits," says dermatologist Jeannette Graf, MD, of Great Neck, N.Y.

2. When using a lash curler, don't pull on your eyelids.

3. Remove your mascara before you go to sleep. (The stiffness from the mascara can break
lashes.) Use a gentle makeup remover. Pat or dab at your lids -- don't rub or pull.

4. Remove clumps from mascara when the mascara is still wet and easy to comb through.

5. Tossing your old mascara also helps keep lashes and eyes  healthy. Get a new tube every three to six months, says New York optometrist Susan Resnick, MD. That will help your mascara stay free of germs that can lead to infection.

6. If you get pink eye or another eye illness, replace any makeup that went near your eye area.

If you suffer from thinning brows or eyelashes, call the Ricky Knowles Hair and Wellness Team at 713-623-4247. We specialize in replacement techniques to help you rediscover confidence!

Do You Suffer From Trichotillomania?

Ricky specializes in trichotillomania support and hair duplication.. He helps clients by giving them the tools to stop pulling. Check out what a client said about their experience at Ricky Knowles Hair and Wellness recently.

"My daughter has trichotillomania. Ricky brought happiness into our lives for the first time in many years after fitting her for a wig. He taught her how to care for it and wear it. His sensitivity around very delicate issues is awesome. I would recommend anyone with trich. or baldness to Ricky as he has a unique gift in dealing with people with these problems." - AMH

Top 5 Tips for Ethnic Hair Care!

1. Keep your hair and scalp moisturized without using heavy oils or greases.  Using heavy oils and greases can clog the hair follicles and block moisture from entering the hair.

2. Avoid harsh chemical relaxers that damage and dry out your hair. If you need a relaxer use something with a mild or sensitive formula.

3. Comb carefully. Use a wide tooth comb to comb your hair. Also remember that excessive combing will break your hair off. Try using your fingers to de-tangle your hair.

4. Avoid rubber bands, especially people with long hair in general. Instead use a ponytail holder without a metal clip.

5. Avoid extreme heat from flat irons and curling irons. Using irons can be safe but the temperature needs to be on a lower setting and you should take smaller sections at a time. Rushing styling by turning up the heat and taking larger sections will cause more damage and lead to breakage.

Do you have questions about a product or technique for styling ethnic hair?  Contact Ricky at ricky@hairandwellness.com.  Ricky is a world-renowned hair stylist and a certified master hair replacement stylist.  He specializes in working with all types of hair.  Call for a free hair consultation today 713-623-4247.

Dreamgirls Actress Praises Ricky Knowles Hair & Wellness

Our world-renowned hair duplication stylist, Ricky Knowles, is the go-to hair guru for many ladies and men in the spotlight. From ballroom dancers to actors to performers, Ricky has helped Ricky Knowles Hair and Wellness clients rediscover confidence in their appearance.

Former Miss Oklahoma City University and aspiring Broadway performer, Heather Harris, says of Ricky, "Thank you for always making me look beautiful! You are amazing at what you do."

Ricky recently helped Heather look flawless in her performance starring as Lorrell in the musical Dreamgirls at the Poteet theater in Oklahoma City. He continues to work with Heather as she makes her way to Broadway in New York City.

Top 5 Healthy Go-To Snacks

It's National Snack Food Month!

Here are 5 Healthy Go-To Snacks:

Greek Yogurt: A 6 ounce serving of non-fat greek yogurt with a teaspoon of honey is not only a great snack, its also a great source of calcium, potassium, protein, zinc and vitamins B6 and B12. Don't forget that honey is also full of antioxidants.

Brussel Sprouts and Carrots: Try half a cup of brussel sprouts or carrots right before dinner to help curb your hunger. They are full of beneficial nutrients like fiber, Vitamin A and vitamin C.

Fresh Fruit: A cup of fresh fruit like blueberries, raspberries or apples will give you a boost of energy to get through the day.

Mixed Nuts: A handful of mixed nuts like walnuts, almonds and pistachios are packed with antioxidants, healthy oils and protein.

Nutrition Bars: Although nutrition bars are an easy and quick snack choice make sure that you choose bars that are minimally processed and contain a good amount of nutrition. Some excellent choices are: Luna Bars, Kind Bars and Kashi Fruit & Grain Bars... Stay away from Kashi's GoLean Chewy Bars.

Cutting Off Your Hair for a Cause

After our Ricky Knowles Hair and Wellness client, Caroline Brown, was diagnosed with breast cancer, her best friend Cannon Hodge did something amazing to show her support... she cut off her Rapunzel fairy tale locks for Pantene Beautiful Lengths! Read about her story that was featured in Elle Magazine. 

GREAT LENGTHS: CUTTING YOUR HAIR FOR A CAUSE
By: Julie Schott
Photo credit: Alexandra Kuhn

Anne, Carey, Miley, Michelle—everyone's losing inches and looking cooler for it. Bergdorf Goodman social-media manager decides to make it count.
What do you do when your best friend of nearly two decades receives a breast-cancer diagnosis? 

Bergdorf Goodman social-media manager Cannon Hodge cut her bum-grazing, fairy-tale-princess hair into a below-the-chin crop, in hopes of contributing to a wig for her friend Caroline Brown. Growing up in Fort Worth, Texas, the two were inseparable, and they fulfilled their childhood pact to go to college and move to a major city. Both built fashion careers in New York City, although Brown has since relocated to Houston. 

Before Brown’s diagnosis, they even wore their hair the same way. “We have the same color and texture,” Hodge says. “She’s a long-haired Texas girl; I’m a long-haired Texas girl.” For Hodge, shearing off the extra length to make a wig for Brown was an obvious choice. But she soon learned that a full hairpiece requires up to 20 pony-tail donations—each at least eight inches long—far more than her cut alone would generate. “It’s not as easy as just snipping off your hair and turning it into a wig,” Hodge says. Still, every little bit does help.

For those looking to grow and give—or just grow and grow—hair guru John Barrett, who executed Hodge’s new do, recommends avoiding harsh chemical treatments, including coloring. Future donors should also reduce heat styling and consider replacing elastics with softer hair ties. “Also, keep in mind that it takes about 10 months of regrowth before you’ll be able to donate again,” Barrett says.

Read more at Elle Magazine.