Expert Advice: Making your clients more aware of the signs of hair loss

Hair loss and thinning is something that affects a large percentage of women and men in the UK. It can be triggered by many different things and can affect people of all different ages. It is thought that around a quarter of women in the UK will suffer issues with hair loss before they turn 40. 

There are some key signs you can look out for when it comes to hair loss. Being aware of these can potentially help your clients a great deal when it comes to their battle with thinning hair. 

Often the earlier signs are detected and a treatment plan is put in place, the better the outcome is. 

Here are five signs to make your clients aware of to look out for:

#1. A sudden reduction in the time it takes to dry their hair

You may notice this in the salon and likewise they may notice at home. Even if you are unsure if there is visibly less hair there, if it appears to take a lot less time to dry and their routine is the same this can be a warning of hair thinning. 

#2. Being more aware of your scalp

This one can be tricky to determine however if your client is used to having a thick head of hair it's likely they won't be overly aware of extreme heat or cold on their scalp. If they are experiencing hair loss or thinning their scalp may become more exposed. They may then become more aware of this. Definitely something to be mindful of. 

#3. Being aware of their diet and vitamin intake from their food or supplements

A healthy diet is important in maintaining healthy hair. If your client suffers from a deficiency in iron for example this could affect their hair. By educating them of this they can then monitor their hair and look out for signs of potential hair loss. 

#4. Breakage when brushing or styling their hair

Whilst breakage is different to loss of their hair, it's something to be aware of. Recommend that your clients take care of their hair as much as possible from the brushes they use through to how the style it and especially any extensions they clip in or have fitted elsewhere. 

#5. Any family history of hair loss 

It's not always hereditary however it's important to be aware if this is something suffered in their family before as it increases their chances of suffering too. 

Being well equipped with the information and signs to look out for allows your clients the best possible chance to recognise any hair loss or thinning quickly. As hairdressers we have a responsibility to educate our clients. 

Krysia West is a hair loss specialist, owner of Perfectly Posh salon in Hungerford, and co-founder of Postiche Academy which educates hairdressers on how to help clients with hair loss.