Haircuts & Hair Loss

Blog by Guest Contributor, Aderans Hair Centre Trichologist Elizabeth

As a Trichologist, I see many men and women who have varying degrees of hair loss or scalp issues. All of them are distressed at the reflection they see in the mirror when they can bear to look and want to feel like themselves again. They wish to restore their self-confidence, alleviate the stress hair loss has caused and be able to face the world again.

Understanding the reason behind hair loss is the first step toward a solution. But when hair grows slowly, and remedies take time to work, I often found myself wondering how can the client feel better immediately, and what can be done to lift their broken spirit?

I concluded that I needed to put on my hairdresser’s hat. After all, most people love going to the hairdressers, having their hair washed, cut, and styled is a real treat and many would love to go more often but if you have hair loss or scalp issues a visit to the hairdresser is a very stressful, anxiety-inducing event.

Here’s why, hairdressers are all about looking good, fashionable, and chic. Many people get dolled up to visit the hairdressers. Salons are sleek and sophisticated spaces and as lovely as they look, they can be an intimidating environment for those who feel less confident within themselves.

But here’s the rub, the hair on your head needs looking after, too many hair loss sufferers hate their hair and turn a blind eye to its wellbeing, and this neglect can lead to further losses, more stress and the cycle continues. So many clients come to me with hair that’s rarely washed as they can’t bare seeing the hair shed or hair that’s grown into a straggly mess as the thought of a pair of scissors near their precious remaining hair is too dreadful to imagine. So, we have a head of dirty, unkept hair that looks a fright and wonder why the client feels depressed about the situation.

I’m going to make a confession to you now, I have a real fear of hairdressers, Tonsurephobia, (it’s a thing); I always have had and as strange as it may seem this phobia was the driving force behind my originally becoming a hairdresser. Mad, right?! Let me explain, my hair grows at a snail’s pace, is difficult to manage due to its being prone to frizz like a poured bottle of pop, rarely behaves itself and historically whenever I visited a hairdresser I would go home and cry for days as whatever the hairdresser had done had compounded its unruliness and made my life hell. Really it took me months to get over and I would swear that I would never set foot in a hairdresser again, ever!

In fairness to the hairdressing profession, I was unlucky with my choice of stylist. I didn’t really research who would be equipped to deal with my hair, I would get it into my head I needed a haircut, rush out to the nearest salon that could fit me in and sit and hope for a miracle. A bad way to get what I wanted. So, I decided if I learnt the art of hair, I could do my own and help those who have the same issues.

Many years later, more than I care to remember, here I am a trichologist and hairdresser and I want to impart my top tips on why you need a hairdresser and how to choose the right one for you.

Firstly, visit a Trichologist to find out what is going on with your hair and scalp. Creating a healthy scalp will provide the right conditions for improved hair growth and understanding any hair loss issues gives you the knowledge to make informed decisions on the way forward.

Secondly, look after the hair you have left.

So, here are my top tips for choosing a hairdresser and getting the best results for your hair, your self-esteem and self-worth.

If you already have a hairdresser, you know and trust but perhaps haven’t visited for a while, give them a call, explain your absence due to hair loss issues and gauge their response. Most hairdressers will have seen many hair loss conditions and if they know your hair they should be able to make suggestions about what style you should have now or how to change your styling practices to still achieve your previous look.
If you don’t have a preferred hairdresser, ask your friends where they go and who their stylist is. Your friend could always start the ball rolling for you by explaining your situation.
Make an appointment at a quieter salon time, Saturday afternoon would never be a good time to discuss your needs and fears. At a quieter time, the stylist won’t be under pressure with the next client waiting in the wings and have time to assess your hair and discuss suitable styles.
Don’t let the stylist talk you into a cut there and then. You need time to think about what they have suggested and whether it would work for you. After the event is too late to change your mind.
Grab your phone open the Pinterest app and search styles you like, in general, and show these photos to the stylist, hairdressers love a photo it helps manage expectations on both sides. If your hair is chin length, it’s not very helpful showing them a full-length head of hair. I know there are extensions but if your hair loss is active or the hair is fragile hair extensions could be a big, expensive mistake.
Book in for a blow dry. If you hate the finished result a quick dip under the shower head will get rid of what they have created and only a small dent in your pocket.
If you can’t face a total restyle ask the stylist to take it slowly. A little and often is a far more reassuring way to go and taking the ends off can make the hair feel denser and look healthier.
Ask the stylist to explain the styling techniques you can use at home to maintain the look. It could be as simple as just changing the brushes you use to style your hair which can make all the difference.
Same goes for products, there is a multitude of styling products that help with volume and hold.
If you love what the stylist has done make your next appointment before you leave. If you don’t, you run the risk of your hair turning back into the unkept mess you started with.

My final point is a little sad but true, if your hair loss issues are long-lasting you may need to see yourself in a different light, with a new image, but I can almost guarantee that with the right hair care routine and a great style your hair loss stress will become a little lighter to carry.

Finding the right hairdresser is like finding the love of your life. I have client relationships that have lasted longer than my marriage! Clients will follow a hairdresser they trust to the end of the earth.

If you are still not sure where to begin give me a call, book a consultation and let’s get started on the journey to a better head of hair and a reflection you can love again.