Will scalp and hair loss advice help your salon stand out?

As salons get back to business two experts share the pros and cons of offering a specialist service to your clients who may be suffering from hair loss or scalp issues.

“Knowledge is power so having this expertise will set your salon above the rest.”

Trisha Buller, senior consultant trichologist and nutritional practitioner

“I believe hairdressers should have an understanding of the science of hair so they can share their knowledge and help clients with their hair loss and scalp issues when they are behind the chair. I believe we have a responsibility to recognise and direct clients to professional help. This doesn’t mean you need to become a trichologist, as we know this takes years of in-depth studies and experience. As a hairdresser you are the first person who will normally see a change in density or hair and changes on your client’s scalp. Knowledge is power as the saying goes. If a client feels she can speak to you confidentially about a scalp or hair loss issue with ease this in itself will set your salon above the rest. More salons are offering hair extensions and add-on hair pieces with a wider understanding and in-depth knowledge on hair loss and scalp issues. This can be a real unique selling point. The advice given and the service offered will be invaluable for your client. Maintaining your client’s hair with a better knowledge gives you more creditability and it also positions you as the expert to offer other services on your menu. You will also be able to recommend the right person to help your clients with their hair loss and scalp issues if you feel it is beyond your expertise. It’s not just about charging a higher price point for your expertise. Your ability to identify hair loss and scalp issues will mean you will be able to care and empathise with your clients which will boost their wellbeing. This will make you and your service stand out from the crowd. It will also help to dispel the myth that if all else fails you should become a hairdresser. When I speak at careers events to teachers and parents alike, they are always so amazed at how much science and chemistry is involved in hair and hairdressing. If you create this awareness it will raise the bar for our industry.”

“For clients suffering from hair loss, an expert will need to know their medication, nutrition, intolerances and allergies.”

Wil Fleeson, owner of Rainbow Room International’s Stirling as well as Buchanan Street Salons and Director of Trichology Scotland “There are three main issues facing salons that are not problems for registered trichologists. Firstly, giving advice on hair loss is about being able to provide an accurate diagnosis, being able to talk about really sensitive issues in a private environment and being able to store data safely and securely, which you would be able to do in a medical environment. I think it’s good for hairdressers to have an understanding of hair loss and scalp problems. It should be noted however that in clinics there are many different hair loss and scalp health problems that look the same but are different conditions and need different treatments. A hairdresser might not know how to identify different hair loss and scalp conditions and the different treatments required. As a trichologist, it can take thirty minutes to an hour to analyse the hair and identify its condition. This is before you have looked at the best diagnosis for the client’s specific condition. For clients suffering from hair loss, an expert will need to know the medication they are taking, their nutrition and if they have any intolerances and allergies. However, these topics are not something that a client wants to talk about to their hairdresser in an open environment. It’s all very personal. We do this in our trichology clinic away from the main salon as it’s more private and comfortable for them. When it comes to getting this medical information, you legally need to have all this information stored and documented securely. It is classed as medical records, which is something hairdressers need to understand.”