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Natural Awakenings Naples and Fort Myers

Melanie Nickels on Treating Hair Loss

Oct 30, 2020 10:22AM ● By Lee Walker

When Melanie Nickels, owner of Raw Hair Organic Salon, in North Naples, begins noticing hair loss in a regular client, her first inclination is to ask the individual if they have had their thyroid checked by a physician. “Hair loss is often a sign that thyroid hormones may be out of balance. Both hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism can cause hair to fall out. In most cases, the hair will grow back once the thyroid disorder is treated,” says Nickels.


While the loss of 75 to 100 strands of hair a day is normal in the spring and fall, there are a number of factors that contribute to excessive hair loss. “Generally, it’s a hormonal issue, illness-related, or stress-related. The stress can be emotional or physical. Adding extensions or tightly braiding the hair puts stress on the hair,” advises Nickels.


Other issues that can cause hair loss are medications and viruses. “Any time an individual has a high fever, surgery with anesthesia, the flu or any type of infection, there is hair loss. Sometimes there is a delayed reaction of several months. Thyroid and heart medications are also hard on the hair,” clarifies Nickels.


While Nickels has long offered her clients treatments for hair loss, she wanted something beyond only topical treatments. She found what she was looking for at a conference she attended. The hair and scalp analysis using a specially designed magnifying microscope, known as a trichoscope, allows her to recommend suitable treatments and products based on the analysis. Nickels keeps the trichoscope before-and-after treatment photos so that she and the client can fully appreciate the difference.


“One of the innovative treatments I offer is the NouriTress Oxygen Scalp Therapy. This the ultimate technology in scalp treatments to assist with hair growth, hair loss prevention and scalp conditions such as dandruff and flaking, excess sebum (oily), and sensitivity. The therapy system cleanses, moisturizes, deeply oxygenates the scalp and also promotes hair regrowth. It strengthens hair roots, improves scalp circulation, promotes follicle stimulation and reduces scalp inflammation. The process involves a 90-day program,” she advises.


Nickels is certified in tricology, the study of hair and scalp. The founder of Raw Hair Organics, Raw Curls, Rodz Grooming for Men and Raw Paws, Raw Hair Organics Skincare and RawganX, she is also the go to expert and leader in customized specialty curly cutting (Deva, Ouidad, Curlisto and Raw Curls), as well as board certified in organic hair color and precision haircuts.


Raw Hair Organic Salon is located in Winterview Court Office Park, 2940 Immokalee Rd., Ste. 4 in Naples. For more information call 239-597-0939 or visit RawHairOrganicSalon.com.