Stylists, listen up: How to educate your clients on hair loss

As we discussed in our last article, hair loss is a tough subject to approach and discuss with your female clients. As the professional, your voice and knowledge can and will make a difference with your client and ultimately help you both achieve your goals - her with thick, full locks, and you with her loyalty, camaraderie  and repeat business. 

But how do you start on becoming her go-to with her hair loss issues, even without a medical degree?

Become an expert in hair loss, treatments and solutions

Before you can confidently begin to offer solutions, options or advice on hair loss, you should become an expert on the subject. If your clients are aware of their hair loss, they may be doing online research and finding misinformation. Your goal is to show that you have not only the answers, but are much more knowledgeable about the subject than they believe. Become a reliable source of accurate information for your clients.

Once you know all about the different types of hair loss and its causes, you’ll need to learn about the numerous possible treatments and solutions. Even if your client isn’t asking for any specific endorsement, knowing what their choices are can help you deduce the right suggestion when it does come down to a recommendation.

Familiarize yourself with solutions depending on the type of hair loss 

There are several solutions and treatments for female hair loss, ranging from topically applied products, orally ingested supplements, shampoos, conditioners, serums and much more. Brush up on your knowledge regarding active ingredients that work against hair loss such as minoxidil, finasteride, and verbascoside. You can also mention hair restoration surgery. While a possible solution, only 250,000 procedures have been done in 2009 worldwide, and the market is dominated by men. Female hair loss is still mainly unconsidered.

How do you educate your clients on hair loss?

When speaking to a client about hair loss, use layman's terms. Avoid too many medical terms unless they are simple enough to pronounce and are used sparingly. For example, you’ll likely have to use the term “androgenetic alopecia” as the official term for hair loss, but you can use the acronym “DHT" instead of dihydroxytestosterone.

Use simplicity to describe hair loss and its causes. Explain what the common and primary symptoms are, such as seeing more hair on your pillow or brush. Show them how to inspect their hair on the crown. 

Describe the various causes and why they can contribute to hair loss, and ensure that they understand each one clearly. If necessary, explain in detail how hormones can affect hair loss, or even ask them if they possibly know someone in the family that suffered from it.

By instilling all of your knowledge to your client in an easy to understand manner, you empower them to look for a solution - ideally from you.