Expert Advice: Hair Loss Awareness Month

August is National Hair Loss Awareness Month, whereby the entire month is dedicated to hair loss awareness. As hairdressers, we should always be available to talk to our clients should they have any hair loss issues/scalp concerns. 

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. 

Tailored hair care routines

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. 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 hair that simply lacks volume and ‘oomph' and looks limp and lifeless, or for those with fine hair types, a range like Alterna's Caviar Multiplying Volume range may be just what they need to provide their hair with added body and thickness. However, for those with more noticeable hair thinning/shedding, the Alterna Caviar Clinical Densifying range is the perfect choice. For those with a dry or irritated scalp, or for those simply looking to add scalp products into their routine to help stimulate hair growth, the Alterna Renewing Scalp Care range is a great choice.

Referring to a trichologist

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. 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. 

If you identify hair loss/scalp issues during your client's 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.

Sabrina Dijkman is a hair and makeup artist, Educator and Alterna Ambassador.