Hair loss can come in many forms, from excessive shedding to thinning to patchy loss to alarming hairline recession. Scalps can see problems with inflammation, flaking, soreness and itching – which are just a few of the most common signs and symptoms of issues that need specialist attention.
As a hairdresser you are often the first person that someone will talk to about their hair loss concerns and in some cases you will be able to advise in terms of hair care. However, when the problem isn’t going away or getting better and you are not sure what to recommend or how to best support your client, then that’s the time to refer to a Trichologist. For example, if you see hairline recession and notice that the skin is smooth and paler in colour, this may be a progressive autoimmune condition that a Trichologist can confirm and often refer for specialist treatment to slow and stop any further loss.
Hair loss of any type can be very emotional as it affects the way we see and feel about ourselves. Self-confidence is reduced and anxiety and stress levels are raised due to the ongoing fear that you may be losing your hair.
When a person is concerned, they will often initially seek information and solutions themselves and of course there is a lot of useful and reliable information available, particularly online. But, there is also much information that is not accurate or relevant, so when you find a hair problem the best plan of action is to pursue a complete and accurate diagnosis so that you know what the condition is, how it presents and feels and what treatment options there are available.
It is very easy to spend a lot of money on shampoos, conditioners and supplements that may or may not address the particular problem. It’s also important to remember that not every treatment works for everyone; we’re all individual and therefore need an individual plan that is comprehensive and addresses all causes at the root of the hair loss problem. A shampoo, conditioner or supplement is unlikely to do this and can lead to more anxiety as the problem doesn’t seem to be going away despite claims on the internet or suggested by “Dr Google” that it works like a charm!
As a Trichologist, I specialise in everything to do with the hair and scalp. I am not a hairdresser, and to quote the well-known ‘celebrity stylist’ Michael Douglas, I make sure he “has hair to work with”. Michael makes the hair look great as one of the most fantastic hairdressers I know, and my job is to ensure the hair is as healthy and fulsome as it can be. So, don’t ever worry that you may lose a client if you send them to a Trichologist!
Training to become a Trichologist can be as little as a few hours online to 2–3 years of education and clinical experience, so be sure to look at the qualification that the Trichologist holds. Do your homework and look them up and see what others have to say. If you do refer a client, ask them how they got on and monitor how the hair and scalp change, so that you can build a relationship and be confident that your referral will benefit not only your client but you and your salon (as both trichologist and hair stylist will hope they will tell others about their positive experience).
I have a network of hairdressers that regularly refer patients directly to me, because I get results. Essentially, if their client is happy it is likely they will resume services they might have stopped such as colour, due to a fear that this would be harmful to what they are experiencing in hair loss.
Also don’t forget those clients who have permanent hair loss. As a Trichologist I have a network of specialist hair suppliers who work with human hair which can provide a fantastic solution. You can then still retain your client to keep the added hair in good condition, well cut and in some cases coloured. Hair loss doesn’t have to equal not going to see the hairdresser.
Collaborative working between Trichologists and hairdressers can be great for the client / patient and for both businesses. It really will ensure that the best care and advice are given and that wherever possible your client has an improvement in the condition and volume of their hair. They can then regain the confidence to resume colour treatments and to attend regularly, without fear of hair loss.
For more information or to arrange an appointment with Eva Proudman: www.ukhairconsultants.com or call: 01788 819325
@evaproudmanmit
Salon Gold provide specialist insurance cover for hairdressers and trichologists with all the covers you need to work on a freelance/mobile basis or as a salon owner. Get a tailor made quote and build a policy that’s right for you.
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