CONTINENTAL HAIR BLOG

January 24, 2012

Live television is always exciting. I remember years ago I was on a phone-in show where people called in with their questions. Near the end of the hour a woman called saying that her mother had bought a hair piece from me over the weekend. My mind raced because I knew that I did not sell a partial to a anyone over the weekend. Why was someone calling to say that if it did not happen. Was it someone with a grudge? Were they going to start saying nasty, nasty things about me on air? I thought that this can’t be good. Then she talked about how her mom was treated “like rolled gold” at Continental and how beautiful she looked and how everyone loved her hair. She even started crying at how wonderful the experience was.

I was quite taken aback a this. Who was this mysterious admirer? And why would she say such nice things about me? The first thing I did was double check my records for that Saturday. My memory, for once, was correct. I did not sell any partials that Saturday. I then got suspicious of my marketing advisor. Did she have someone planted to call and say nice things about my work? I confronted her and she swore up and down that she would never do such a thing.

Then a couple days later a woman called and started telling me about how she and her family had been calling City-TV like mad trying to get on the air and that she finally did. She said her mother loved “the piece” and everyone wanted to say so on television. I checked and I said, “But your mother bought a full wig.” She replied that she knew that, but she calls it ‘a piece’ anyway.

So, it was a matter of semantics.

And we had Breakfast TV here yesterday morning. I was up at 3:00 am. I let the tech guys in at 5:00. My staff started showing up at 5:30. And the hostess, Jennifer Valentine, arrived at 6:10. When she left home her husband was not yet awake so I had to zip up her dress. Its like carrying a woman’s purse for her, after 20 years of marriage its no big deal.

We had been planning this morning for a long time. I realized the night before that there was nothing left I could do. It was either going to be a success because of the work that we had put into it or not. The biggest concern was if my client/models would arrive. Cold feet? Snooze button fail? Anything could go wrong. But nothing did. They were all there and I have to say I am so grateful to them. It was funny because they thanked ME for the experience. They had a great time. That is the mark of a successful event.

The only glitch was that we had no idea Jennifer Valentine wanted to model our wigs. She wanted to have a different look for each of the four segments. So we scrambled to get looks that would be different for her but also complimentary. It worked, except in on shot the wig slipped and you could see a sliver of the cap underneath. That was the only thing that went wrong. Actually, she liked the look of the long, dark wig so much she had me take a photo of her so she could immediately use it as her facebook profile picture.

After everything was done my staff got a picture with Jennifer Valentine. I am not in it because I had gone to get her car which had to be parked a couple blocks away. They look pretty good for having to come in so early on their day off.

So it was a very successful morning. A lot of women saw that they have some options when it comes to their hair loss. And that’s what it all about. Now I can sleep.

Posted in: Alopecia, Ask Michael, Chemotherapy, Integration Systems, Postiche, Wigs

January 5, 2012

That’s me. Showing off.

In early November I had the honor of hosting the Transitions International Group’s meeting here in Toronto. The Group is a collection of the world’s most respected hair replacement and enhancement professionals from around the world. All in all, almost 100 people at the top of this profession were there. And they wanted to see my place and what I do.

In this shot I have Gene Pletzer from Wisconsin, Flora Fuentes from New York, Danielle Grillo from New Jersey, Sarah McCarthy from North Carolina, and Vicky Birchfield from Idaho. In the background are friends from California and England.

But man, look at how GRAY I am. I am getting old in this business. My parents started Continental Hair in 1964, and we have been in this same location since 1970. I cannot see myself anywhere else. And it was a bit surprising to play host to such a well regarded group of people at the top of their profession. Here I am showing them how I design the part of the postiche to be so natural.

Is this on??

During the meeting The Transitions Group got together with the Canadian Alopecia Areata Foundation to raise awareness of the support available for alopecia sufferers. I had the idea that since we had the very best wig stylists in the world available why not show what we can do. CANAAF does a great job providing support and information to those hit with alopecia and we all had a wonderful time that Saturday morning. (There is a video that will be coming later this month)

Since I was the host I had to, well, host the event. It was great being on stage with such a wonderful group of people. Go to www.canaaf.org and see what they do. It is inspirational.

I have said many times that the meeting room stuff is a very small part of how we learn from each other. At least for me. Most of what I learn I learn in the bar. I mean seriously. Over a drink I can ask my pal Ron Millross from London about a new attachment technique. Or Greg Taylor form San Francisco regarding a way of lifting hair colour. Anyone that has been at a business conference knows that the presentations are for mass consumption. The bar is where you get to work on the individual stuff.

Of course, you have to pace yourself.

But this weekend also showed me what an advantage I have. Being in this group I have access to the latest developments from around the world. I can also ask their advice if I have someone that needs something extra special. I have been a member for over 10 years so many of them have become wonderful friends and I look forward to seeing them every year.

I only wish I looked the same as I did 10 years ago.

Posted in: Alopecia, Ask Michael

December 19, 2011

I took my wife out to dinner a couple of weeks ago. We do not get out often because of the usual suspects but since a couple of them are of babysitting age now it has recently become easier. I took her someplace new downtown. It was very modern and stylish, but the food was excellent in spite of that.

About half way through the meal a woman in her late twenties approached the table. She was attractive and attractively dressed. I recognized her as a client.

“When did you get here?” she asked me.

We exchanged pleasantries and I introduced my wife.

“You are married to an angel!” she told her.

“That’s your opinion.” my wife said with a smile. And all of a sudden they were talking like sisters. Effectively they were talking like sisters about me. HELLO! I can hear you! But it had no effect. It very rarely does. Actually it never, ever does. I used the time to productively order another rye and ginger.

After a few minutes my client wished us a great evening and left to rejoin her friends. My wife asked,

“Does she have thinning hair? Was she wearing a postiche? She’s just beautiful.”

“No,” I replied, “she has severe alopecia. She has a full cap.”

“Really? That’s impressive.”

“She wears it well.” I said.

I looked over at the table where my client was in animated conversation with her friends. I was very happy to see her having fun.

I was also happy to know that after twenty years of marriage I could still impress my lovely wife.

Posted in: Alopecia, Ask Michael

December 17, 2011

Another Guest Post is here….

I want to send a huge THANKS to Michael and his team at Continental Hair.
As a result of cancer treatment I started significantly losing my hair in the summer of 2011. Over the course of three months I went from having a full head of hair to being almost bald. Alopecia was not a common side effect of the drug that I was on, so I was not even expecting that to happen. I was 28 years old at the time, single and living in the city, at the peak of a great corporate sales career, and accustomed to a happy and active social life… suddenly going bald was, simply put, the most difficult experience I ever had to endure. With my physical identity disappearing on me, and my self confidence vanishing as well, I finally faced the fact that I had to get a wig (and even the word itself was dreadful to me!)

After a horrific experience at another company I started searching on-line and found Continental Hair on YouTube. I called right away and got an appointment the same day. From my first consultation with Michael, to the quality wig I purchased, to the fantastic on-going service I receive from the team – my whole experience with Continental Hair has been absolutely superb. And given the sensitive and emotional disposition of hair loss what I am most thankful for is the sympathetic, patient, helpful, and kind nature of Michael and his team.

I am pleased to share that no one can tell I am wearing a wig. This was especially important to me since I had kept my cancer treatment a private matter from work, and even some friends. And even though I wish I didn’t have to wear a wig (a feeling that I don’t think will ever go away?) I must admit though – the wig looks great on me. (propbably even better that my natural hair!). I’ve come to terms with it now and it at least makes getting ready in the morning easier!

In closing, the experience of losing my hair and realizing that I have to wear a wig was extremely difficult and painful for me. I spent days hiding, and nights crying. But the high quality of Continental’s products, and even more important the experience and the superb customer service Of Michael and his team – Continental has definitely helped me get through a difficult challenge. I would recommend Continental Hair to anyone with hair loss, or to anyone who could use an “oomph” in their hair.

Again, a genuine thank you.

Posted in: Alopecia, Ask Michael, Chemotherapy, Guest Entry

December 13, 2011

And look at that. A guest post arrives even before I can get the Guest Post part of the blog set up. So I will set it up here.
First I will give you some background. Karen has alopecia, and so does her 9 year old daughter. She was kind enough to model for me on Marilyn Denis’ show on alopecia earlier this month. This is her blog post::

Michael,

Thanks so much to you, Jacquie, Seven, Richard and Ivana for all your support/expertise in making Ashlyn and me feel special and confident.
The friendly, warm service we have received from you and your staff has been outstanding. From the beginning with calls and arranging appointments through Ivana, to our consultations and conversations with yourself, make-up by Richard and hair trimming, styling and washing by Seven and Jacquie our experiences with Continental Hair have been most positive. Having alopecia is at times a challenge but through its challenges it has brought us in touch with so many positive people and positive experiences.
First of all, we are thankful for the “Wigs For Kids Program”. At age 5 when Ashlyn lost her hair we were very upset and so quickly wanted to make her “fit in” to society’s expectations. Thankfully your “Wigs For Kids Program” allowed for this to happen. As parents we wanted to protect our daughter and have her wear her wig but Ashlyn had other intentions. Young, child-like, and unaware of other’s perceptions she chose to be free of her wig, hats and scarves. Now, since the beginning of grade 4, she has become more self-aware and has chosen to wear her wig regularly. The longer brown wig that you provided has created a lot of delight, allowing her to create a new hairstyle and look everyday with headbands, braids, and clips. Watching Ashlyn having so much fun experimenting with her new wig and look has brought many smiles!
I too love my new wigs from Continental! They are comfortable, stylish and easy to care for on a day to day basis. I so appreciate the time Seven took to shape and trim up one wig and Jacquie who took the time to help me learn how to wash and style my second wig. Thanks so much for a fun morning!
Finally, I want to say thank-you Michael for the support you have given the Canadian Alopecia Areata Foundation (CANAAF). Living with alopecia can be a challenge for many and the work you and your staff do to create and style wigs as we as provide a positive and accepting atmosphere goes a long way to making one’s journey a much more positive experience!
Thanks so much!
Karen and Ashlyn.

Posted in: Alopecia, Ask Michael, Guest Entry, Wigs

October 2, 2011

One of our amazing clients has been gracious enough to share her blog with us…and we would like to share it with you.

It is really fantastic to see what strength people can have in the face of adversity, and to share this with the world is just incredible.

Take a look at her blog here: Alo-What?

Posted in: Alopecia, Ask Michael

July 21, 2010

Continental Hair offers wig solutions for women with alopecia totalis or universalis. For more information, visit http://www.continentalhair.com/alopecia.php

Category: Howto & Style
Uploaded by: continentalhair
Hosted: youtube

Posted in: Alopecia, Ask Michael, External Videos, Your Stories

September 11, 2009

Michael Suba from Continental Hair appears on the television show Style by Jury. For more information about wigs, visit http://www.continentalhair.com/wigs.php

Category: Howto & Style
Uploaded by: continentalhair
Hosted: youtube

Posted in: Alopecia, Ask Michael, External Videos

September 11, 2009

Visit http://www.continentalhair.com/fiorio.php

Category: Howto & Style
Uploaded by: continentalhair
Hosted: youtube

Posted in: Alopecia, Ask Michael, External Videos