TALK TO ME? THE HAIR LOSS COVERSATION WE AREN’T HAVING…

Hair loss and scalp problems are hard to talk about… [Photo by Bruno Charters on Unsplash]

How do You Share Hair Loss and Scalp Concerns With Your Stylist?

Later this month, our very own Thia will be traveling to Atlanta for a two-day “Hair Loss Education” as part of a commitment we are making to making Studio 16 your go-to salon for hair and skin health in Central Washington. It’s a topic we’ll be sharing more about in the coming months.
While planning this with Thia, I was reminded of something that we’ve never directly addressed with our readers – how do you have a conversation about scalp issues, hair loss or other hair and skin problems?
One thing I’ve learned over the years is that it’s never easy for my guest – or me! – to start that conversation.
But with our hands and eyes on your scalp every few weeks, we do see everything and are sometimes aware of problems before you are. But we also know that doesn’t mean you want to talk about it in the salon at that point in time.

A Typical Experience With Hair Loss – Does This Sound Familiar?

Hair Loss and Thinning is NOT unusual, and there are ways we can help!

As a stylist I always want to make sure you LOVE your hair, and even after over thirty years of working with you even I don’t always know how to ask if you’ve noticed it thinning.  Which makes me wonder today that maybe you too, may not be sure how to ask me if I’ve noticed your hair thinning! A typical conversation tends to follow a pattern:  
At first I will probably say … “Heck no!”, although in my head I’m saying “Whew, she/he finally noticed!”  On your next appointment I might say “Do you still feel as though your hair is feeling thinner? and now we can start the conversation.  Wow – that took anywhere from 1-3months.  For you I know it’s time sensitive, and before you know it several months have passed.  You may have even googled HAIR LOSS and gotten a lot of confusing information.  Well I hope I can shed some light on hair loss and a) its causes and b) some solutions.  It is a very sensitive issue, and a very important one, so I want nothing more than to have answers for you. 
And no, I am not a Doctor, nor a Dermatologist, but as you know from your time in my chair, I’m betting that I tend to spend quite a bit more time listening to you than your Doctor!

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How Common Are These Issues?

As I’ve learned over the years, even though scalp issues are one of the things people tend to not want to talk about, it may surprise you to know that at least HALF of all of us have some kind of scalp issue.
 “What!?!” you might be thinking. But at least half of us are forced to deal with dandruff for at least some part of our lives (mostly peaking around the age of 20 and disappearing by age 50), and even more surprisingly, nearly 1 in 3 of us experience similar skin conditions around the face and even the upper chest, which is known as “seborrheic dermatitis”.
Other common health issues with hair ands scalp could include impacts from eczema and psoriasis, or just every day hair loss and thinning.
There are dozens of conditions that affect our scalp – and our self-esteem. The point is to remember, you are not alone. And there are ways to address it.
With hair loss and thinning being the most common symptom I hear from my chair, let’s focus on that today, as it affects 1 in 5 people, with men representing a higher percentage of those affected.

This close-up shot shows the difference between normal hair (left) and the “skinny” ones that are more common as we age

Hair Loss can result of a variety of things, including:

• Stress
• Physical Health
• Genetics
• Scalp Health

According to world renowned trichologist Phillip Kingsly – diet has wide-reaching implications on hair growth, with improper nutrition being a leading cause of hair loss in women. This includes vitamin imbalances, iron deficiency, inadequate protein intake, and meals that contain too few calories. Stress also impacts digestion and the absorption of vital nutrients, reducing their effectiveness.

We often confuse thinning of the hair with hair loss.  Its common that as we age the diameter of our actual hair strand gets skinnier aka this.  It often feels like we are losing hair when in reality it’s just getting skinny!

Yes, DO Talk To Us!

If you DO have an issue you’ve been concerned with. Feel free to set up a time for a free consultation. We can provide some basics for updating your hair – and scalp – routine that could make a difference.

As for products that make a difference, AVEDA has the most popular product you may not have heard about yet. a system that will help improve your scalp health and improve the “skinny feeling” of your follicles. The Pramasana and Invanti lines are actually big sellers in the US this year, so we felt it’s been proven enough to share with you too.  For the month of September, both Pramsana and Invati will be 20% off.  Ask your stylist which is right for you!

If your hair goals mean fuller thicker hair, smooth and sleek or “Wild and Curly” – we have the tools you need to achieve your hair goals!

Get 20% off AVEDA’s Invanti and Pramasana Scalp Care Products in September!