The holiday hustle can be overwhelming, and as a cancer patient, it's essential to prioritize stress relief. Incorporate mindfulness techniques into your routine, such as deep breathing and meditation. These practices can help ground you in the present moment, providing a sense of calm amid the holiday chaos. Remember, it's perfectly okay to set boundaries to protect your well-being. Communicate your needs to friends and family, ensuring a supportive environment during this time.
Maintaining a balanced diet is crucial for cancer patients, especially during the holidays. Focus on including seasonal fruits, vegetables, and hydrating beverages in your meals. Prioritize nutrient-rich foods to support your health and energy levels. Consider consulting with a nutritionist to create a personalized plan that aligns with your treatment and dietary requirements. Nourishing your body can positively impact your overall well-being.
In the midst of holiday preparations, don't forget to incorporate self-care into your routine. Take a relaxing bath, indulge in a good book, or engage in activities that bring you joy. Setting aside time for yourself is not a luxury but a crucial aspect of managing stress. Whether it's a quiet moment with a cup of tea or a peaceful walk in nature, find what brings you comfort and make it a priority.
Staying active is essential for both physical and mental well-being. Engage in gentle exercises that suit your comfort level. Whether it's a leisurely walk, yoga, or stretching exercises, find activities that work best for you and your body. Exercise can boost your mood, improve flexibility, and contribute to an overall sense of well-being. Consult with your healthcare team to determine suitable exercises based on your health condition.
Quality sleep is a cornerstone of overall health, especially for cancer patients. Create a peaceful bedtime routine to promote relaxation before sleep. Consider minimizing screen time, creating a comfortable sleep environment, and practicing relaxation techniques. Sufficient rest is vital for your body's ability to heal and recover. Prioritize sleep as part of your self-care routine during the holidays.
In the intricate tapestry of managing cancer, stress becomes a constant companion. Yet, armed with mindful techniques, a nourishing diet, self-care rituals, gentle exercises, and prioritized rest, individuals can cultivate a resilient mindset. Beyond the tumultuous moments, these strategies offer a pathway to overall well-being. By intertwining these practices into the fabric of daily life, cancer patients can empower themselves not just in times of crisis, but as an ongoing commitment to their health journey. Stress management becomes not merely a response to challenges, but a proactive embrace of a holistic approach to wellness, fostering strength, resilience, and a sense of balance on the path to recovery.
]]>For Black women facing medical hair loss, finding the right wig or cranial prosthetic can be a pivotal step in regaining confidence and self-esteem. But did you know that these essential hairpieces are often covered by insurance using specific medical codes? In this blog post, we'll explore the medical codes for cranial prosthetics and wigs, shedding light on the financial support available to Black women during their journey through medical hair loss.
Cranial prosthetics, also known as wigs, are specialized hairpieces designed for individuals experiencing medical hair loss. For Black women, these wigs are not just accessories but essential tools for maintaining their sense of identity and self-assurance during a challenging time.
Understanding the medical codes associated with cranial prosthetics and wigs is crucial. These codes are used to bill insurance companies for these medically necessary items. When insurance covers the cost, it significantly eases the financial burden for patients.
The specific medical code for cranial prosthetics, including wigs for medical hair loss, is the HCPCS code (Healthcare Common Procedure Coding System). This code varies depending on the type of wig or cranial prosthesis prescribed by a healthcare professional. It is vital to work closely with your healthcare provider to ensure the correct HCPCS code is assigned to your particular cranial prosthetic.
Medical hair loss can be emotionally challenging, and the cost of high-quality wigs or cranial prosthetics should not add to that burden. Insurance coverage makes these essential tools more accessible to Black women and others facing medical hair loss, ensuring they can choose pieces that are comfortable and cater to their unique preferences.
Several organizations offer support and resources for Black women during their cancer journey. Research which organizations provide assistance with finding the right cranial prosthesis or wig, understanding medical codes and navigating insurance coverage. .
For Black women facing medical hair loss, cranial prosthetics or wigs play a vital role in helping them regain a sense of self and confidence. Knowing the right medical codes and leveraging insurance coverage can make this journey more manageable.
Medical codes for cranial prosthetics or wigs provide financial relief and ensure that Black women can choose wigs that make them feel beautiful and empowered. Don't hesitate to reach out to supportive organizations that can assist you in this process, as they are dedicated to helping you find the perfect solution for your medical hair loss journey. You are not alone in this, and there are resources and options available to help you look and feel your best.
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The Spring of 2015 was the year that the trajectory of life as I knew it would change. It was the year that I learned that I had breast cancer.
At this stage in my life, when I was diagnosed, there was no history of cancer that I or my family was aware of on either of my parent’s side. I underwent genetic testing and learned that my disease was not genetic in nature but environmental, so the fact that not only did I have cancer but that I would need to undergo a treatment plan of surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation, which would take me on a one year journey to eradicate my cancer left me blindsided.
I learned that I would lose all of my hair because of chemotherapy. I wanted to maintain my dignity and sense of self during what was a very difficult time in my life, so I knew that I wanted to wear a wig, but what I soon learned is that these medical spaces that support individuals with chemotherapy hair loss did not have wigs that looked like my tightly coiled hair because these spaces only sold straight-haired wigs. I lost the ability to be reimbursed through my health insurance plan just because I could not find a wig that looked like my lost hair.
Through research, my sister and co-founder, Pamela, and I learned this was a systemic issue in medical spaces across this country. I became passionate about turning lemons into lemonade and disrupting the disparity that I saw in the medical space by launching a business that would make culturally sensitive wigs available at cancer center hospitals and medical hair loss salons across the U.S. We’ve extended our passion for disrupting this disparity by also providing wigs direct to consumers through our online store.
We started as a grassroots business, and we are growing.. We will continue to expand our wig styles, colors, and sizes as the business grows, all the while staying true to our commitment to being a resource for Black women with medical or non-medical hair loss who are looking for wigs that are coily curly. Thank you for taking this journey with us.
]]>Hair loss can be a traumatic experience for anyone, regardless of age, gender, or ethnicity. The sudden appearance of bald patches, spots on the scalp, or even the loss of hair all over the body can be a scary reality to face. Alopecia, a condition that results in hair loss, affects millions of people around the world. Thanks to women with large platforms like Ayanna Pressley, the conversation about alopecia has gained much-needed attention in recent years.
Alopecia is a sudden hair loss that starts with one or more circular bald patches that may overlap. It occurs when the immune system attacks hair follicles, causing hair to fall out. Stress is one of the leading causes of alopecia, resulting in hair loss. While there are treatments like immune suppressing drugs, there is currently no known cure for alopecia.
There are several subsets of alopecia, but the three main categories are Alopecia Areata, Alopecia Totalis, and Alopecia Universalis. Alopecia Areata is the most commonly known type and refers to bald patches or spots on the scalp. Alopecia Totalis affects the whole head, including eyelashes and eyebrows. Alopecia Universalis, the rarest and most severe of the three, results in hair loss all over the body. In addition to these types, there is a completely avoidable fourth type called Traction Alopecia, which results from harsh styling methods like too tight braids and weaves.
Traction alopecia is a completely avoidable fourth type, known all too well in the Black community. Harsh styling methods like tight braids and weaves can bring on traction alopecia, causing hair loss. Coping with hair loss can be traumatic, and it's important to find support and resources. At Coils to Locs, we understand the pain of hair loss and offer options for people suffering from all types of hair loss.
Facing hair loss in any form can be traumatic. At Coils to Locs, we understand this all too well. From chemo hair loss to traction alopecia, we have seen the emotional toll it can take. That's why we started Coils to Locs – to bring options to people suffering all types of hair loss. There are options for those who want to don a natural-looking wig or embrace a bald look like Jada Pinkett-Smith, who also suffers from alopecia.\
Whether you choose to don a natural-looking wig or rock the bald look, there are options available. Coping with hair loss is a journey, but it's a journey that doesn't have to be taken alone. At The invisible toll of hair loss and Alopecia, you can find more information about alopecia, hair loss in general, and access helpful resources. Don't let hair loss be an embarrassing reality; seek help and embrace your unique beauty.
]]>Our Coils to Locs blog page is dedicated to providing resources, tips, and inspiration for women with natural hair undergoing chemotherapy or other forms of hair loss. Join us as we share stories of resilience, empowerment, and beauty.
I attempted to use black castor oil, biotin, and recently Tabitha Brown's Donna's Recipe with no success.
At the moment, I am keeping my head close shaved, wearing wigs, using Purador products, castor oil, massages, and prayer. I have type 2 diabetes, hypertension, and high cholesterol. I lived a vegan lifestyle for one year. Now, I eat seafood, eggs, cheese, and vegetarian meals as much as possible. Sometimes, I develop unexplainable bumps in my scalp when my A1C is out of control. I feel hopeless at times.
In the '70s, my mother and I used to apply straightening perms to each other's hair. At 84, my mother died from cancer that had spread throughout her body. The doctors took away her diabetes, hypertension, and cholesterol medication during hospice. Her hair grew in the last nine months after beating cancer before her death.
I would love to restore my hair.
Patricia Tate-Camacho
If you or someone you know has encountered effective remedies, tips, or personal stories of hair restoration, please share them with us in the comments below. Your insights can inspire and encourage those who rely on our products for their journey to renewed confidence and self-expression.
Together, we can continue uplifting and empowering individuals facing hair loss within our Coils to Locs community and beyond.
]]>The day my mother finally agreed to let Miss Dorothy braid my hair was thrilling. However, my excitement turned to uncertainty once the process was complete. The braids felt incredibly tight, especially around my hairline, leaving my skin indented. I jokingly looked like I had undergone a major eye lift due to the slanted appearance!
Despite the discomfort, Miss Dorothy's styles were undeniably impressive, and I found myself returning for more on numerous occasions. Little did I know, the damage had already begun, as my delicate and fine hair strands couldn't withstand the stress.
The term "alopecia" wasn't part of anyone's vocabulary. All I knew was that I had developed bald patches, particularly around my temples and hairline, from front to back. Unfortunately, these areas refused to regrow. It wasn't until years later, after consulting a trichologist, an expert in hair and scalp disorders, that I received confirmation. The hair follicles were damaged and completely dead, condemning those spots to remain bald forever.
Alopecia presents itself in various forms, with the most common being alopecia areata, a condition that results in hair loss from different body areas. In my case, traction alopecia was a preventable condition caused by improper braiding and styling techniques.
While it may be too late for me and others who've faced a similar fate to reverse the damage, there's an opportunity for you to learn from our experiences and become well-informed about alopecia, its various forms, and other types of hair loss. This knowledge will empower you to steer clear of the Miss Dorothys of your neighborhood (only the ones with bad braid and weave techniques - we love our Miss Dorothys!) and safeguard your precious coils, curls, and locs.
Remember, saying no to overly tight braids and excessive twisting of your locs is crucial in preventing traction alopecia.
Are you concerned about alopecia? If you suspect you might be experiencing it, seeking confirmation from a specialist is essential. Personally, I received my consultation from a knowledgeable trichologist, Dr. Kari Williams, in Los Angeles.
For further insights into the causes and treatments of alopecia, I recommend checking out the informative article 'Do you have Alopecia' by Tia Williams on Essence.com. This article features expert input from Texas-based trichologist Dr. Linda Amerson.
If you're seeking relief from alopecia, conducting thorough research and finding a reputable trichologist can support you.
While I wish things could be different, I've come to terms with my hairline alopecia. I've discovered ways to camouflage it when needed skillfully. Though it isn't always easy, I've found methods to create the illusion of a natural hairline while styling my hair. And, of course, there's always the option to rock a stylish hat, head wrap, or wig when I feel like it. You know how we do! Here's to embracing our coils, curls, and culture! - Pamela
]]>Choosing to wear a wig when experiencing cancer or other medical related hair loss is a personal choice. When Dianne lost her hair due to chemotherapy back in 2015 she was clear that it was the choice for her. One of her goals during her chemotherapy journey was to look as much like herself as possible, as well as to maintain her privacy and dignity as a cancer patient. She knew that finding and wearing a wig that looked like her pre-cancer hair texture would be an important part of that maintenance and keep questions about any change in her appearance to a minimum. Dianne soon learned though that all things were not equal when it came to cancer care. Already working in the diversity and inclusion space she quickly recognized a healthcare disparity.
Armed with the wig prescription, (also known as a cranial prosthesis), given to her by her oncologist, the search for the perfect wig that closely mirrored her coily hair type was a challenge. Dianne was first surprised, then frustrated, when she entered cancer boutique after cancer boutique, not finding any wigs that looked like the highly textured, coily curly hair she lost. There were only straight haired wigs. Straight is fine of course, if that’s your preference, but it wasn’t hers. It’s not fine if straight is the only option and a large segment of the population who don’t have it, or want it, can’t be serviced. Looking at all things being equal, (and I am), all segments of the population should have access to the same type of comprehensive care. In this instance, coily,curly, highly textured hair wigs.
It was 2015 after-all when Dianne lost all her hair due to chemo, and the back to natural movement-moment was in full swing and here to stay by all accounts. I myself had been natural for 16 years at that point and never looked back. Where were all the coily curly wigs for women like my sister and I? Our research proved, non-existent, within the cancer care space, where women could use their wig prescription if given one, get the private one-on-one care with a licensed cosmetologist, and maintain their privacy and dignity. All things Dianne was seeking to do but was being denied.
Unfortunately, statistics show that 1-in-3 black women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime. Most of those women, like my sister, will experience hair loss. Some of those women, perhaps 1-in-3, will be looking for the pre-cancer coily curly hair they lost. Highly textured hair, that has to be protected with laws like The Crown Act, because it is considered unacceptable the way it grows naturally. A hair type that’s not considered professional or beautiful. A coily, curly hair type, seemingly not even on the radar of other wholesalers as a necessary revenue stream, in relationship to wig purchases at cancer boutiques. Until now.
The existence of Coils to Locs means black women like my sister, can start to see a more level playing field. It means the search for quality, highly textured, coily, curly wigs in the cancer care space will become less complicated. Its existence will create a more dignified and much more inclusive and accessible environment and experience. All things being equal.
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Everybody knows they should be taking more than a little time for some self-care. But, with job deadlines, kids, household chores and on and on, we rarely make the time for this all important aspect of our health and well being. Well now you have no excuse! Christine Rose, LMT, of 4 Corners Yoga + Wellness, will teach you some great techniques for self-care whether you’re sitting at your computer or on the sofa watching TV. And the next time you’re in a virtual meeting, because you’re always in way too many “meetings” these days, turn that Zoom video off, hit the mute button and practice a little self-care. It’s as simple as that.
4 Corners Yoga + Wellness began as an inspiration in co-founders Christine Rose and Karuna O’Donnell’s 10 X 10 foot shared space at The Meeting Point, A Center for Multidimensional Healing, in Jamaica Plain. Their individual businesses of massage and yoga were expanding beyond their shared room and they began to imagine a beautiful, vibrant, wellness center in Dorchester that could be both a thriving small business and widen access to those who could benefit from these resources yet can’t readily afford these services. They have nurtured the vision of a welcoming and accessible community of wellbeing through bringing their life’s work forward together as 4 Corners Yoga + Wellness.
Christine Rose is a graduate of Boston University and a member of the American Massage Therapy Association. Her passion is helping people. Christine is committed to volunteerism. She has volunteered with a number of organizations throughout her lifetime beginning with Big Sister Association in 1995 and most recently as a compassionate touch volunteer at Hebrew Senior Life Nursing Home. Christine’s professional career spans from the food service industry to financial services to the not for profit sector and service based industries (hair salon & floral shop).
]]>Our Coils to Locs blog page is dedicated to providing resources, tips, and inspiration for women with natural hair undergoing chemotherapy or other forms of hair loss. Join us as we share stories of resilience, empowerment, and beauty.
How do you measure the year in the life of a business? By the active commitment from an organization named Halcyon determined to help them grow. Halcyon is bringing about a season of change regarding the nature of how one can do business. They are accelerating the impact driven future of business by giving impact driven businesses and the entrepreneurs behind them a chance to shine.
Coils to Locs is one of those businesses. Selected from among hundreds of applicants globally we are 1 of 8 companies chosen to participate in the Halcyon Flagship Incubator program. We make up what will be Cohort 16! As president and co-founder, I Pamela, will represent our business in Washington DC. I will receive free residency and work space. Each cohort member will work 1 on 1 and in group settings with mentors, business leaders and key coaches and consultants, who will help us expand our business to new heights.
As stated on Halcyon’s website the Halcyon Incubator is committed to solving 21st-century challenges throughout the nation and the world. By helping social entrepreneurs transform audacious ideas into scalable and sustainable ventures, the Incubator acts as a catalyst for measurable social outcomes.
It’s an 18 month program broken up into two phases. In the first phase Fellows live and work at Halcyon’s headquarters in Washington, DC, for five months having total access to expert guidance. Phase two, the post residency phase, members continue to have access to free workspace at Halcyon, with additional resources available to build our networks, secure funding, and grow our venture.
It is humbling and an incredible honor to have made the cut along with my “fellow Fellows”, (excuse my corny wordplay), in Cohort 16. Dianne and I are still pinching ourselves over this victory and I’m sure they are too. Together, with Halcyon’s support, our companies will continue to expand on our start-ups vision. Needless to say we’ll make an even bigger and better social impact in our perspective industries.
We can’t wait to utilize the resources and business expertise provided by this incubator. It will take Coils to Locs to the next level! Essentially, it will support our mission – to help coiled to loc’d women everywhere have wig choices and access in the medical hair loss space.
Thank you Halcyon for being part of the solution that supports startups like ours. Because of you, we can build better and viably join the ranks of impact-driven businesses bringing about a season of change.
]]>When my sister and Coils to Locs co-founder, Dianne Austin, was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2015, she was fortunate to have great insurance and a supportive job environment. As a result, Dianne's insurance covered all of her cancer treatment. Unfortunately, for many women and their families, this seamless access to healthcare and insurance coverage is not the norm. Coping with the emotional and physical challenges of cancer is hard enough, but when financial barriers stand in the way of necessary treatment, the burden can become overwhelming.
In this blog post, we'll explore the question, "Are wigs covered by insurance for cancer patients?" and shed light on the invaluable work of Family Reach, an organization dedicated to alleviating the financial burdens of cancer patients.
Cancer, a diagnosis that brings both physical and emotional challenges, is often accompanied by significant financial burdens. While insurance can alleviate some of the costs, it may not cover all the expenses associated with cancer treatment. These expenses can include co-pays, deductibles, travel costs, and even the cost of wigs for patients experiencing hair loss due to chemotherapy. As many cancer patients know, these expenses can quickly add up, leading to financial strain on families already facing the daunting challenges of the disease.
Enter Family Reach
Family Reach is a remarkable national 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that is on a mission to remove the financial barriers standing between cancer patients and their much-needed treatment. They understand that the loss of income, out-of-pocket expenses, and socioeconomic factors create disparities in the financial burdens that families face. Family Reach steps in to provide essential support, offering financial education, financial planning, resource navigation, and emergency relief funds to patients and caregivers facing a cancer diagnosis.
One of the questions that often arises during cancer treatment is whether wigs are covered by insurance. Many insurance plans do offer coverage for wigs, as they are considered a crucial part of a patient's emotional well-being and self-esteem during the challenging journey of cancer treatment. While insurance coverage varies from plan to plan, it is essential for cancer patients to explore their coverage options and inquire with their insurance providers about wig reimbursement.
At Coils to Locs, we believe that every woman, regardless of hair texture, should have access to a wig that resembles the hair that she lost. We understand the significance of self-esteem and empowerment during cancer treatment. We are dedicated to providing resources, tips, and inspiration for women with natural hair undergoing chemotherapy or experiencing other forms of hair loss. Through our work,, we aim to share stories of resilience, empowerment, and beauty, encouraging women to embrace their natural beauty and providing support in finding wigs that match their unique style.
Cancer is a formidable adversary, but no one should have to face it alone or with the added burden of financial stress. Family Reach is leading the charge in ensuring that no family has to choose between their health and their home because of a cancer diagnosis. By offering vital financial support to patients and caregivers, they are changing the lives of countless families.
For cancer patients wondering if wigs are covered by insurance, the answer is often yes, but the specifics can vary. It's crucial to explore your insurance plan and discuss wig reimbursement options with your provider.
]]>Our Coils to Locs blog page is dedicated to providing resources, tips, and inspiration for women with natural hair undergoing chemotherapy or other forms of hair loss. Join us as we share stories of resilience, empowerment, and beauty.