Providing styling support in-salon for new mothers

When the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge made their much-anticipated appearance on the steps of the Lindo Wing, it wasn't just the new Prince that made us swoon; Kate's crowning glory looked as immaculate as ever, with a subtle colour change around the face and a perfectly glossy blow-dry. It's been fairly well-documented that the Duchess's trusty stylist paid a visit to the hospital to ensure Kate looked her best for the world's press but while most new mothers won't have a throng of paparazzi documenting their every move, there's no denying that a quick spruce-up in the salon is one way of making new mums feel themselves again. New mothers are looking for support and expertise from their salon -  but what services can you provide to ensure they feel comfortable and cared-for while they receive a yummy-mummy new look? Mother love Rather than adding to the pressure to look photo-call perfect, the salon can be a new mum’s salvation offering services to make her feel special, and giving her a break from being at the beck and call of her bundle of joy. “New mums are an important part of our clientele,” says Gary Ingham of the Gary Ingham Lifestyle Salon and Spa in Hampstead, London. “The Aveda ethos means that what we offer is more than just a haircut or a massage – we provide a holistic environment of well-being, relaxation and support – meaning that visiting us for some time-out becomes even more important once the sleepless nights begin. There’s definitely a pressure for mums-to-be to keep up with fashion and beauty, but it’s a positive thing in many ways: looking great helps you feel great, and feeling great is good for your psyche and for the developing baby.” From here to maternity This time-poor, probably dazed and confused demographic are most likely to be in search of low maintenance haircuts and express-beauty services when they first venture back to the salon. Vicky Stothard, owner and founder of Independent Mindbodysoul’s Mummy & Baby Spa (IMBS) in South West London has built her business blueprint around the beauty needs of mothers-to-be and new mums. The products favoured by the spa are safe for use throughout pregnancy and while breastfeeding. “Mums can take their babies along to the appointment so that they can enjoy some well-deserved R&R at an affordable price, free of the necessity of finding childcare,” she explains. “We work hard to educate the team on client expectations including breastfeeding awareness. Express 30-minute treatments relax and rejuvenate without the worry of baby waking or needing a feed. Those fortunate enough to have a docile newborn can have treatments extended to one hour for additional pampering.” Hair despair With everything baby orientated that’s going on, coping with hair loss is the last thing a new mother needs and yet it’s a common problem and one that you need to be aware of. “Approximately three months after delivery, or after breastfeeding has ended, hair that wasn’t shed during pregnancy can begin to fall. This is because the levels of oestrogen, the hormone that was keeping hair in its growing phase, drops and returns to normal,” explains Glenn Lyons, trichologist and director of the Philip Kingsley Trichological Clinic in London. “However, not all women experience post-partum hair loss – an estimated 50% do – and it may also occur with one pregnancy, but not another. If you do encounter a client experiencing post-partum hair fall, offer reassurance and tell her not to worry – it’s a normal and natural process and one that should stop within 10-12 weeks. “If hair loss persists, there may be an underlying cause, such as diet, stress or hormonal imbalances, and it may require the attention and expertise of a trichologist. It should also be noted that some new mums are so focused on shedding the pregnancy pounds that they’re not getting the nutrition they need and this will be reflected in their hair condition and other aspects of their appearance.” A new baby is often the catalyst for a new low maintenance hairstyle, but sometimes this is a rash decision brought about by blind panic. Child’s play styling advice “Lots of women are tempted to cut their hair short for motherhood as they think it’s more manageable, but we often advise that long hair is much easier, especially if it’s what you’re used to,” comments Ken Picton of the Ken Picton Salon, Cardiff. “Short hair is more likely to need a wash and style to get it looking presentable, while ponytails, top knots and plaits are all simple styles for time-pressed mums. We’re also selling a new slip-in extension on a wire from Effortless Extensions that takes 30 seconds to slip in creating volume and length, and these are popular with new mums.” Kay McIntyre of McIntyre Salons in Dundee says. “Having beautiful, thick hair is a big part of feeling confident post-baby, but this can be the time that it begins to thin. There are things you can do to help your client through this stage. Blunt cuts help create the illusion of thicker hair and should be cut to the same length rather than layered. Style thinning hair with a side parting and wear it on the opposite side every day. The change in direction helps makes the root of the hair stand up taller, making it look fuller and give more bounce. I’d also suggest trying a new haircare regime to boost scalp health like Nioxin Diaboost which works as an intensive leave-in treatment that increases the thickness of each existing hair strand and strengthens hair, making it more resilient to breakage.” Easy expertise Regardless of the style a new mum selects for this next phase in her life, she’ll welcome recommendations for an effective dry shampoo and styling tools that tame just-out-of-bed hair in rapid time. Little pointers like these can make a huge difference during those first months of motherhood.