How can hairdressers help customers with scanty hair look good
Very often stylistsare faced withfrustrated clients with thinning or scanty hair asking for a solution. Be it maintenance or styling, everything is a challenge for them! .
Let’s start with understanding what scanty hair actually is! ‘Scanty hair’ refers to insufficient thickness of hair strands with a diameter less than 0.05 mm. The hair is usually too soft, tangled, unruly, has poor volume, and quickly loses its shape. People with scanty hair require regular consultations from trichologists and hairstylists who can help them with the right treatments and maintenance.
StyleSpeak asks industry experts Natasha Naegamvala, Celebrity Hairstylist and Director, Nalini of Nalini & Yasmin Salon, Mumbai and Vikram Mohan CEO & Co Founder of Spalon – Bounce to give us some solutions for this problem.
Hair thinning and loss
Most people lose and replace 50-100 hair strands in a day. However, loss of 150 or more hairs can be considered as significant. As a hairstylist, the trick is to understand thinning areas on the scalp, known as ‘recession areas’. “A very large number of hairdressers are unaware of this important aspect for scanty haired clients and this can be a disservice”, says Natasha Naegamvala.
Understand your clients
For today’s generation, appearance is the most important. In search of solutions to overcome harsh effects of pollution and lifestyle issues which cause hair loss and thinning, people often fall prey to trying every remedy under the sun. As hairstylists, it’s important to first identify your clients’ problem and help them with a smart solution.
Type of clients
You might come across confused or irate clients. Here’s what you and your team must know.
- Confused clients are those that know there is something wrong but aren’t sure of what it is. They could also be thinking that diet and stress could be the reason for their hair loss. What you need to do is, listen to their issues. Then check their hair texture and pattern and try to identify the problem. Although it’s good to have nutritional supplements, inform them that their hair issues can be addressed through certain treatments and hairstyling techniques.
- Irate clients don’t usually realise or accept that they have thinning hair. They are unaware and worried. As their stylist, reassure them first and then ask them to check if they have notice too much hair on the floor, their pillow or in the shower drain. Also, if they had made any recent changes to their diet or if they are stressed. Asking these questions can help you understand if the loss is circumstantial or hereditary.
Vikram Mohan had something interesting to add. He said, “For men, scanty hair is usually hereditary. It is important to choose a good volumizing or re-plumping shampoo that suits their hair and conditioning doesn’t quite work well for them. However, colour also adds a little
volume.” Vikram advises not to go too short with haircuts and use mild soft wax styling products, only if the hair is unmanageable. He further spoke about hair fibres that can be used temporarily, for events and functions. Hair fibre is a powder that expands when it comes in contact with the hair shaft and creates an illusion covering all the bald areas.
For women, Vikram says “Short shoulder length hairstyles are a great choice for women with scanty or thinning hair. But if your clients are particular about having length you can add some layering that gives volume.”
Scanty hair troubles?
What Vikram Mohan suggests
- Avoid perming, straightening or chemical treatments as much as possible
- Use a heat resistant conditioner
- Avoid blow drying frequently
- Use oil milk and replumping shampoo
- Wash the hair only if you feel it’s too dirty (men)
Styling tips by Natasha Naegamvala
- Add elements of dark colour
- Leave the roots dark – depth at the roots creates an illusion of volume
- Choose the right hair colour
- Using preemptive protection while styling
- Avoid too much heat while styling or blow drying
- Educate your client on hair conditioning and maintenance for healthy elasticity of the hair
The grievance of greying hair
Another important aspect that many hairdressers face is treating grey hair. It’s all about understanding basic biology which can help you convince your client to accept greying hair. “Greying occurs when the body stops producing melanin at the hair bulb. It is a natural ageing process that can’t be reversed. Nonetheless, there are certain types of alopecia that cause premature greying of the hair”, said Natasha Naegamwala.
Summing it up she also said, “We are in a profession where we have to make people feel good about themselves, not low. Letting your clients know that you trust and recommend certain treatments and products as they’re lab tested, safe and can be used in conjunction with a variety of styling products and techniques will make a huge difference to your client. Also, it will accelerate the success rate of your business!”
