By:  Shea Lenniger, Contributing Writer


In order to provide the best service possible, experienced stylists should be able to notice when their regular customers begin showing signs of hair loss or thinning. While hair thinning and balding can occur for a number of numerous genetic or health reasons, initial hair loss patterns can be recognized and treated early on. By understanding the early signs and partnering with a local medical professional, hair loss center, and or trichologist, salons can guarantee that their customers receive the most successful treatment options for their hair concerns.

What are The Early Warning Signs?

Signs of hair loss in males and females differ slightly, but thinning due to various causes can become noticeable in people as early as their 20s. The sooner initial symptoms are treated, the better the chances are of treating it.

A widening part is a definite sign of hair loss and thinning. For men, less hair on the crown of the hair can leave a noticeable gap when they part their hair. Additionally, a receding hairline that starts to form an M-shape can be an early sign of male-pattern baldness.

Women should pay attention to any noticeable differences in thickness when styling their hair. Thinner ponytails, flat hair, and difficulty holding hair styles can indicate early signs of loss and thinning. Check to see if more of the scalp is noticeable near the hairline when hair is pulled back into a ponytail or topknot.

Certain concerns might not be immediately visible, but stylists should have an open conversation with clients to make sure they aren’t experiencing other issues like excessive shedding. If a client talks about more hair than usual left on their pillow or more noticeable clumps when brushing their hair, these should be mentioned during their salon visit.

What Treatments are Available?

Those exhibiting these initial signs of hair loss should seek treatment as soon as possible to prevent these symptoms from worsening. For some, hair thinning can be a result of poor diet and nutrition, which plays a direct impact on scalp health. Certain vitamins and nutrients are responsible for the strength and shine of hair and can be supplemented in the form of daily pills or vitamins.

Nutriceuticals, such as Nutrafol, Viviscal Pro, and biotin supplements, contain the various nutrients that everyone’s scalp needs in order to maintain a healthy environment for hair follicles.

Nutrafol

Nutrafol Hair ProductsThis supplement boasts natural, botanical ingredients that are meant to rebalance stress and androgen hormones while restoring hair growth. Though they are a bit pricey – at $88 for a monthly supply – most users report amazing results within about 60 days of taking the pills 4 times a day.

Viviscal Pro

Viviscal ProSimilar to Nutrafol, these vitamins, which include ingredients such as Biotin, Vitamin C and Apple Extract, promise to provide vital nutrients to the hair follicles. The pill should be taken twice a day to increase hair volume, thickness, and scalp coverage. Both men and women can use it.

B7 Biotin Supplements

Biotin SupplementsYour body needs biotin for essential functions, such as converting the food you eat into the energy you need. A biotin deficiency is responsible for hair thinning and brittle nails. SugarBear Hair, the supplement promoted by celebrities all over Instagram, contains biotin among other essential vitamins. While most scientific studies show that taking biotin does not suddenly make everyone’s hair grow faster and thicker, those who suffer from a deficiency can potentially benefit from a daily vitamin.

Mediceuticals Products

MediceuticalsThe Mediceuticals brand sells an array of scalp and hair treatments that target specific concerns. Their popular “Advanced Hair Restoration Technology” line incorporates Triaminocoptinol, which targets 3 primary causes of hair loss to promote ultimate hair health. Both men and women can benefit from their collections of treatment rinses, shampoos and conditioners, and non-damaging styling products.

Laser Hair Therapy Cap (Such as the Capillus272 Pro or Capillus 312Rx)

Capillus Laser TherapyThose who want to avoid using wet products and non-invasive procedures can use a Capillus Laser cap, which uses laser therapy on the hair follicles to prevent hair loss due to genetics. Low level laser therapy has been proven to boost cell metabolism, strengthening the hair follicles and resulting in healthier, thicker hair. It’s better to use this treatment at the first sign of hair loss or thinning, as it can stop further hair loss and revitalized damaged hair. While effects won’t be immediate, this method will help restore overall follicle health and be very effective in the long run.

How Can a Salon Partner with Hair Loss Professionals?

Hair Salon Trichology TreatmentsStylists and Hair Loss Professionals can work hand-in-hand to provide the best solutions for sufferers of hair loss or thinning. Trichologists or Hair Loss Clinics can prescribe an individual treatment routine, while the stylists can deliver that treatment to ensure that a clients hair looks and feels its best. Plus, it’s crucial for hair salons to provide their customers with the ultimate level of consultation and resources necessary to help their various hair concerns.  Just throwing over the counter (OTC), products at the issue is not necessarily the solution, and in many cases can exacerbate the problem.

Salons can play “matchmaker” for their customers, by interviewing local hair loss studios to make sure their customers are referred to high quality hair loss professionals who will take the time to understand and care for each individuals hair loss concerns. Clients will by surrounded by a team of professionals who personally know their hair, who understand where and how their customer’s hair loss may be occuring, and who can openly communicate with each other about the best resources and treatments for that specific client.

Stylists can then keep a close eye on the progress of various treatments, maintaining a loyal relationship between their customers and other hair loss professionals. It’s a beneficial learning experience for all parties who can better understand what the best hair loss treatment options available.

If you need more information on education for you and or your stylist/salon, please contact the Hair society at [email protected] for more information.