August is National Hair Loss Awareness Month, whereby the entire month is dedicated to hair loss awareness. Alterna Ambassador , Sabrina Dijkman, shares her advice and recommendations.
“As hairdressers, we should always have hair loss awareness and also be available to talk to our clients should they have any hair loss issues/scalp concerns,” explains Alterna Ambassador, Sabrina Dijkman. “By being knowledgeable when it comes to hair loss and the scalp, we can help to provide our clients with solutions to problems they may have, recommend products or point them in the direction of an expert such as a dermatologist or trichologist if their hair loss/scalp issues are more serious.
A tailored hair care routine
“For some clients, simply putting into place an appropriate/tailored hair care routine that includes products for looking after their scalp can make a world of difference,” continues Sabrina. “Therefore, ensuring you have products in the salon that clients can use to form part of their routine is essential. When it comes to choosing the correct products for your clients, this is where the consultation process is key, allowing you to listen to your clients in great detail about any hair and scalp concerns they may have and analyse their scalp more thoroughly before recommending the products you think would work best for them. For those with noticeable hair thinning/shedding, the ALTERNA Caviar Clinical Densifying Range might be the perfect choice.
If your client is not just suffering with their hair lacking volume, being more prone to breakage or thinning, and instead they look like they may have more severe hair loss, alopecia, dandruff or another scalp condition where your advice, recommendations and product suggestions will not suffice and instead, they will need an appropriate diagnosis and tailored treatment plan, this is where you would point them in the direction of a trichologist or dermatologist.
Have an honest conversation
“If you identify hair loss/scalp issues during your clients visit, never ignore it. Although it may be embarrassing/difficult for clients to hear, they would much rather you had the honest conversation than them go longer without knowing. Always approach the subject sensitively and caringly. Clients will be thankful that you are being honest with them and that you are helping them to find the best treatment for their hair loss issues/scalp concerns. This will in turn help to establish client loyalty.
“Once a client returns to the salon, you can ensure their hair/scalp stays on the right track, whilst also helping them with their hair journey by offering hair treatments and suggesting hair products that will keep their hair looking and feeling in the best condition possible once they have followed through with their advised treatment plan.”