CUTTING THROUGH THE NOISE

FIRST THINGS FIRST

Hair loss has long been a concern amongst male and female clients alike, but with new products and services appearing on the market every day, it can be hard to sort the wheat from the chaff. From pharmaceutical offerings to invasive procedures, it’s essential to keep your clients informed of the risks and benefits these may pose – while also informing them of alternative treatments, too. However, before you get to this, you need to be able to spot the early signs of hair loss.

“Male pattern baldness (MPB), also known as androgenetic alopecia, affects up to 50% of men by age 50,” says Tom Smith, CALECIM Ambassador. Early signs of this can include a receding hairline, which gradually forms an ‘M’ shape, with hair becoming shorter and thinner. As hair loss increases, men may also experience thinning at the back of their head, but as Rob Wood, founder of Novo Cabelo points out, this is more likely to go unnoticed, as clients can’t see it themselves in the mirror. These signs form the ‘pattern’ of male pattern baldness; in fact, Mike Taylor, Denman Ambassador, notes that androgenetic alopecia is the only type of male hair loss that follows a set pattern. “It can be measured by the Hamilton-Norwood scale, which classifies the seven stages of MPB,” he says. Although it can be tricky for clients to notice all of the signs themselves, which is why Kieran Tudor, co-founder of Centred, recommends advising clients to look out for changes in hair texture and any excessive shedding as a starting point.

DR SHARON WONG, CONSULTANT DERMATOLOGIST AND HAIR SPECIALIST, NOTES THAT 90% OF MALE HAIR LOSS IS DUE TO ANDROGENETIC ALOPECIA.

WHAT’S GOING ON?

Unsurprisingly, there are several factors that can contribute to male hair loss, however when it comes to MPB, the most prominent form of male hair loss, it’s caused by a combination of genetics and hormones. Kieran breaks this down, explaining: “MPB is caused by a sensitivity to DHT, a hormone that shrinks hair follicles over time.” However, Kieran also points out that stress and lifestyle factors (such as chronic stress, lack of sleep and excessive alcohol consumption) and medical conditions including thyroid imbalances and autoimmune conditions, can also trigger hair loss. “While genetic hair loss can’t be fully prevented, maintaining scalp health, reducing stress, and supporting hair with proper nutrition and lifestyle choices can help slow its progression and minimise damage,” says Kieran.

TALK THE TALK

Although MPB can’t be cured, there are a range of treatment options available to clients. A first port of call would be to refer your client to a Trichologist, who will be able to discuss licensed treatments in detail. “This includes topical Minoxidil and Finasteride tablets, which when used together can slow progression and stabilise hair loss in up to 90% of men,” explains Dr Sharon Wong. Discussing how these therapies work, Mark Blake, a Trichologist and Nioxin Ambassador, tells us: “They desensitise the hair follicles to the effects of DHT, working to maintain blood flow so that hair growth remains active.”

“However, as with all medicines, there can be potential side effects, so it’s really important that your clients consult with a doctor to ensure the treatment is right for them,” adds Dr Sharon Wong.

Hair loss is a deeply personal topic for clients, so it’s important to approach it with sensitivity and professionalism. Errol Douglas MBE and GLOWWA Ambassador shares some key pieces of advice when broaching the topic, advising: “Be compassionate and discreet. Acknowledge that hair loss can be distressing and assure your client they are not alone.” It’s also important to respect your clients’ choices, with Errol adding: “Some clients may not be ready for solutions, so support them at their pace.”

WALK THE WALK

Here’s the good news: even if someone’s not keen on medication, there are still plenty of options available to offer in your shop – from professional services to at-home aftercare. To avoid any potential side effects, Tom has been using CALECIM Professional’s Advanced Hair System on himself and his clients. With a success rate of about 95% and no side effects, he says: “It’s active ingredient complex, PTT-6, harnesses the body’s natural mechanisms of regeneration, and contains over 3,000 proteins, including growth factors and exosomes that signal cells to regenerate.”

Speaking of no side effects, Ash Hashimi, founder of Dense Hair Experts, tells us: “Having just won the ‘Best Brand in Wellbeing Space in Europe’ DENSE is set to transform the face of haircare, with our multifunctional range, which works to grow hair and prevent hair loss, formulated by industry experts without a single nasty side effect or harsh ingredient.”

Arian Kamali, Managing Director and CEO of LAMURE Clinic tells us that many clients will have tried multiple products before finding the right solution for them; something he has experienced himself, until he began using the Exo-Grow Collection from Dermapen. “I’ve been using Exo-Grow myself since early January and started posting my results on social media -now everyone’s asking me what I’ve been using. The shampoo is easy to use, has a lovely smell and leaves a great texture.” Arian also explains that offering the shampoo as a free add-on is a chance for clients to get to grips with it and see that it’s a normal shampoo with “so much science under the surface”.

Meanwhile, Kieran recommends scalp stimulation as a great option for managing hair loss, explaining:

“Regular scalp massages with a nourishing oil, like our En-Root Scalp Oil, help increase blood flow and support hair growth.” This works by exfoliating dead skin, soothing irritation and energising hair follicles, thanks to ingredients

such as rosemary leaf extract and peppermint oil. Plus, scalp massages can be performed by anyone in the team, proving a simple way to enhance your appointments.

Errol praises the results generated by GLOWWA HAIR FOOD – a supplement which contains Biotin, B12, and Zinc, which work together to promote natural growth. “It’s not about quick fixes, it’s about making sure your hair’s got what it needs long-term,” he says.

Supporting clients with hair loss goes beyond the barbershop; there’s also a wide range of targeted aftercare products. For example, Mark recommends Nioxin’s Anti-Hair Loss Serum: “It contains Sandalore, which follicles love the smell of. Sandalore sends follicles into a frenzy, helping to stimulate hair growth.”

Depending on your client’s mindset, hair replacement systems provide another alternative. “This is a great option for irreversible hair loss without surgery – plus, the full service can be completed in just 2 hours,” notes Rob. “We deliver training for those who want to provide this service to their clients and be part of our growing network of salons and barbershops.”

While there’s no one-size-fits-all approach to managing hair loss, there are plenty of options; by signposting your clients to the best places to find help, staying up to date and offering a range of services, you can provide real, meaningful support to your clients.

CALECIM, DENSE, GLOWWA, NIOXIN, CENTRED.

MYTH BUSTING

There are plenty of myths surrounding hair loss, which is why it's important to clear up some of the common misconceptions:

1. Hereditary Hair Loss

Mike says: “A common myth is that you follow your maternal grandfather with male hair loss, but genes from both parents can contribute.” Dr Sharon Wong expands on this: “Whilst one of the main balding genes does lie on the X chromosome and is therefore passed onto men via their mothers, there are over 200 genetic factors that contribute to the overall risk for balding and these come from both sides of the family.”

2. Wearing Hats

Kieran says: “I’ve heard clients discussing that wearing hats too often causes baldness. This is a myth; genetics, hormones and scalp health are the causes. However, a tight hat that causes friction or pulls on hair over time could contribute to breakage – but it won't make you go bald.”

3. Washing too often

Mark says: “The myth about not washing your hair too often as you will wash all of the natural oils out of your hair is absolute rubbish. Modern shampoos contain humectants that take moisture out of the air and put it into your hair, so frequent washing is not a problem.”