How to talk to your clients about thinning hair
Thinning hair is a sensitive topic and can be hard to discuss with clients. If you start to notice that a client’s hair is thinning it can feel awkward to point it out. While some types of hair loss are genetic, not all types are irreversible. There are some treatments and preventative measures that you can educate your thinning client’s on to help slow the shed and increase hair growth.
Types of Thinning hair
As a refresher, there are several types of thinning hair. Genetic alopecia or androgenetic alopecia is typically referred to as “pattern baldness”. This is because the loss of hair follows a particular pattern starting at the temples. As the name implies, this type of hair loss is due to genetic factors. While there is no known “cure” for androgenetic alopecia, there are a number of treatments available. Focusing on scalp care for clients experiencing hair loss related to androgenetic alopecia can help to slow the rate of shed.
Some types of hair loss, however, can be symptoms of diet and lifestyle habits and changes. These include nutrient deficiencies, which is why hair vitamins and supplements are so popular. For women, low iron levels in particular has been linked to increased hair loss, and slower regrowth.
Apart from nutrient deficiencies there are other lifestyle factors that can contribute to thinning hair. Long-term stress exposure, smoking, compromised scalp health, and side effects from prescription drugs have all be known to impact the hair growth cycle. Before suggesting a change in care regimen, it is important to discuss these lifestyle factors with your client.
Treating Thinning Hair
Once you’ve identified the potential causes of hair loss, you can start discussing treatment options. Scalp health is one of the most overlooked aspects of hair care that directly impacts growth. If your client’s scalp is excessively oily, irritated or covered in product build-up, their hair growth cycle will be stunted.
Unhealthy scalp conditions can result in increased shedding, and a reduction in new hair growth. The Energizing blend family of products is specifically formulated to purify and stimulate the scalp, to restore the growth process. These products use natural, effective ingredients like rosemary extract, aloe vera, and sage along with 11 different essential oils.
Energizing blend shampoo and conditioner can be used daily to increase circulation and maintain scalp health. If the client is experiencing excessive hair loss, you can recommend an at-home treatment. milk_shake energizing blend treatment should be used twice per week for four weeks in order to combat prolonged hair loss. This concentrated formula of natural ingredients stimulates hair growth and improves the oxygenation of tissue. After the initial twice per week treatment phase, you can instruct your client to reduce treatments to once per week, to maintain results.
How to talk about it
Once you’ve identified the issues and decided on the appropriate treatment plan, you still have to make your client aware of the issue. This is arguably the hardest part. If your client hasn’t mentioned any hair loss to you it’s either because they haven’t noticed, or they are feeling embarrassed. Neither case makes for an easy conversation.
Tip #1: Give them lots of opportunities to bring it up on their terms. You can ask open ended questions like “What changes have you noticed in your hair since the last time I saw you?”
Tip #2: Make eye contact and get down on their level. This is a super sensitive topic; you need to make their comfort a priority. Be aware of your tone, facial expressions and body language while you discuss.
Tip #3: Do NOT joke about it. Even if your client tries to laugh it off, chances are this is a defense mechanism. If you join in the joke, you will be reinforcing their feelings of embarrassment or shame.
Tip #4: Give them real hope and tangible solutions. Avoid making lofty claims or promises, instead focus on identifying what their biggest priorities are and working together to craft a workable plan. Be sure to encourage them to measure their results—whether this is by observing the rate of shed, or regrowth—and to contact you with questions or concerns.
By handling this difficult discussion with grace and compassion, you will become your clients biggest support system. You may want to offer increased communication as they start to navigate this new territory. By offering a sympathetic ear and professional education, your clients will feel empowered instead of embarrassed.
