Issue link: https://www.ahpindiestylist.com/i/1528796
Explore your benefits at associatedhairprofessionals.com 59 A s a licensed hair professional, you likely enjoy the creativity and freedom of working with your clients' hair. But what if you could expand your offerings, increase your income, and make a significant impact on people's lives? Enter the world of wigs—an ever-growing opportunity for hair professionals to diversify their services while catering to a broader clientele or maintaining continuity with existing clients. e wig industry was valued at $7.1 billion in 2023 and is expected to grow 4.6 percent annually, reaching $10.6 billion by 2032, according to Global Market Insights Inc. 1 By adding wig services to your menu, you can provide transformative solutions for clients facing hair loss, seeking hair enhancements, or desiring a low-maintenance alternative. is can differentiate your business and enable you to make a profound impact on your clients' lives. In this article, let's explore the types of products available and the need for these services, how to get training and education, attracting clients, and some low-cost, low-inventory ways to get started. is guide will help hair professionals integrate wig services into their salon and start reaping the benefits. HAIR LOSS CONTRIBUTING FACTORS With the evolving landscape of health-related hair loss, many people can be affected, including those undergoing cancer treatment, dealing with autoimmune disorders like alopecia, or experiencing behavioral or lifestyle factors such as tension alopecia or trichotillomania. Hair loss is on the rise. According to the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, female pattern hair loss (FPHL) affects approximately 40 percent of women by age 50. 2 While not all cancer patients experience hair loss, cancer treatments can cause hair loss. e lifetime risk for cancer is around 25 percent. 3 ere are some 700,000 people who currently have a form of alopecia in the US. 4 Additionally, thyroid conditions, hormonal changes like menopause, and long COVID can impact hair health. COMPASSION IS KEY Hair loss, for any reason, is an unwelcome event that can bring a range of emotions, including fear, anxiety, and even shame. Sudden or partial hair loss often signals a health issue, affecting a client's privacy and daily routines. As a hair professional, you might be the first to notice breakage, thinning, or patches of hair loss. While it's important not to diagnose because it's out of your scope of practice, it's OK to inform a client of changes in their hair health and suggest they see a dermatologist. Let clients know you can offer solutions once the underlying health factors contributing to their hair loss or damage are understood. is is where wigs, extensions, or alternative hair solutions can be a game changer for these clients. PRODUCTS ere are several reasons why someone might seek wigs or wig services. Here are some popular alternative hair products to consider: • Extensions—Whether clients choose DIY clip-ins or professionally applied extensions, both options need to be purchased, and you can offer them directly. Your expertise in selecting the right length, color, thickness, and placement can be a valuable service for clients. • Toppers/partials—If you already offer hair extensions, consider that clients with extreme thinning at the crown might need a combination approach. A wig topper, which covers the top of the head, often Wig services can appeal to your current clientele and bring in new clients who are seeking wigs for a variety of reasons, from navigating hair loss to expressing personal style. >>