Issue link: https://www.ahpindiestylist.com/i/1483267
N ot a m e m b e r ? J o i n at a s so c iate d h a i rp rofe s sio n a ls .c o m 37 vicious cycle that can occur with hair loss or other physical changes and mental health. "When patients are going through a rough period in their lives, negative emotions can wreak havoc on their appearance," Fried said. "Patients might start to notice that their hair is thinning, their skin is inflamed, or their nails are brittle, which can be physical manifestations of their mental state. So, as a result, these unwanted physical changes can have a profoundly negative impact on how they feel. The negative emotions can trigger a vicious cycle of worsening skin, hair, and nails leading to worsening of their emotional state and can lead to further worsening of the skin problem." Fried said professionals can play a key role in empowering clients to accept these physical changes and adapt to a new lifestyle. TALKING WITH YOUR CLIENTS ABOUT HAIR LOSS Given the many serious ramifications that losing hair can have, it's important to create a safe and comfortable salon environment for clients. Whether they've decided to make the big chop, buzz their hair short, or simply want to experiment with some new styles, you should be ready and able to guide them along the way. "It's all about being approachable and having the empathy and patience in understanding this is not a small decision for anyone to make, regardless of the reason," says Stacey-Ann Houston, hairstylist and Ulta Beauty Design Team member. "People often base so much of their identities on their hair, so such a drastic change can be overwhelming." While it's great to encourage a client to embrace baldness, Houston says it's best to take things at their pace. "You want to be sure to meet them where they are . . . not to push them to do anything they don't feel comfortable doing," she says. This means listening to what they're most at ease with. If they aren't ready to go completely bald yet, they may be more comfortable with shaving, buzzing, or using extensions to cover thinning. Because clients may feel embarrassed or nervous to discuss hair loss, Hair Cuttery master stylist Steve Waldman recommends making the appropriate accommodations to put them at ease. "Even if your salon doesn't include a private area, take advantage of times with the least guest traffic," he says. "These times can allow for more privacy, allowing the guest to feel safe while having vulnerable conversations." David says consulting with this client in an area that's not out in the open creates a greater sense of confidentiality. "We have a private consultation room where people come in; I call that my 'dream room,' where we can create their dream hair again." Understanding that visiting the salon may be your client's last resort is also beneficial when addressing hair loss. "A lot of the people who come in here have exhausted a lot of different treatments," David says. "They've already gone to the doctor; they've already been to the dermatologist. Some of them have done platelet-rich plasma injections; some of them have bought every possible product on the market. So, most of the time when they walk in, they've tried something. And if they haven't, I try to guide them in the right way and [let them know] the things they should or shouldn't do." ALTERNATIVE STYLES TO DISCUSS When it comes to nailing down a new style after hair loss, Waldman suggests focusing on what you and your client can accomplish today in order to help reduce anxiety about the future. "Collaborate with your guest and find out what previous styles empowered them and made them feel great," Waldman says. "Get specific about what they liked about those looks and use that feedback as the inspiration for what you're going to do. For example, if they had a haircut with a lot of texture previously, texture can be created with highlights and/or lowlights if the amount of hair won't support an aggressive cut. If pomade or styling wax are now too heavy, spraying hairspray directly on your hands and 'piecing-out' the style with your fingers will create a similar look with a weightless finish." Wigs and extensions are also great ways to empower clients facing hair loss. The first step, David says, is to consider things such as the client's lifestyle, age, and preferences in order to narrow down the kind of hairpiece that might be best for them. For example, someone's activity level or how frequently they're able Given the many serious ramifications that losing hair can have, it's important to create a safe and comfortable salon environment for clients.