28 Essential Hair Loss Insights from DOSE Symposium Every Barber Should Know

The DOSE Symposium made its debut at Salon International, offering two days of bite-sized education on all things hair loss. Founded by Consultant Dermatologist and Medical Trichologist Dr Sharon Wong, and sponsored by Vichy Dercos and Dermapen Exo-Grow, the event brought together industry luminaries from hairdressing, trichology, and hair replacement systems. Attendees heard from colour expert Zoe Irwin, TV’s 10 Years Younger hairdresser John Vial, celebrity extensionist Inanch Emir, salon owner Steven Goldsworthy, and leading UK hair transplant surgeon Dr Greg Williams.

28 Things We Learnt at DOSE 

The symposium provided 28 essential insights for hair professionals, highlighting practical advice for client care, scalp health, styling, and professional development. These takeaways covered three key areas: Scalp & Hair Health, Salon Techniques & Client Care, and Professional Growth & Industry Insights.

Scalp and Hair Health 

1. Around 50% of the world’s population experiences dandruff, which can contribute to hair loss when severe.
2. Hair texture creates natural weak points; Afro-textured hair is inherently more fragile.
3. The average person loses 100–150 hairs per day, with excess shedding often triggered three months prior.
4. Hairdressers are uniquely positioned to advise on scalp health, sun protection, and wash routines.
5. Humans share the same number of hair follicles as chimpanzees; the scalp growth cycle can last 3–10 years.
6. Stigma around wigs and hair replacement systems persists, but education and support can make a difference.
7. Wigs may cause dry, sensitive scalps; simple skincare and overnight emollients are essential.
8. Hairdressers can flag lesions and moles, potentially saving lives through early detection.
9. Sensitive communication is key when discussing hair loss with clients.
10. Natural products can still cause irritation; always assess client reactions.

Salon Techniques and Client Care

1. Proper washing, conditioning, and scalp massage are critical to prevent breakage, especially in fragile hair types.
2. Positioning hairpieces further back on the head and angling forwards can disguise hair loss effectively.
3. Encouraging clients to maintain regular hair care routines helps monitor improvements without exacerbating shedding.
4. Ozempic-related hair loss often stems from nutritional deficit.
5. Hairdressers provide empathy, validation, and confidence, extending beyond cuts and colour.
6. Mirror-free appointments may help clients who feel self-conscious about visible differences.
7. Clients with severe hair loss still value the salon experience; promote scalp services for all hair stages.
8. Deliver factual, supportive advice on hair loss and scalp health.
9. Micropigmentation can camouflage thinning areas and transplant scars.
10. Hair transplant surgery can address traction alopecia effectively.

Professional Growth and Industry Insights

1. Collaborate with black hair creators to develop Afro-textured hair expertise.
2. Counter misinformation on social media to uphold professional standards.
3. Communication about hair loss should always be empathetic and client-centred.
4. Reassure clients that support and solutions are available—hope is essential.
5. Hairdressing intersects with trichology and wellness, presenting opportunities to expand services.
6. Extend salon services beyond traditional cuts and colour to meet client needs.
7. Continuous professional development ensures hair professionals stay informed about hair loss solutions.
8. Collaboration between hairdressers, trichologists, and medical professionals improves client outcomes.

DOSE Symposium Speakers and Sessions

The DOSE Symposium featured a line-up of leading experts from hairdressing, trichology, and hair replacement systems. Each session provided practical insights, from scalp health to hair systems, styling, and client wellbeing.

• Leah Redmond, Hair Biologist and Trichologist – explored the fabric of hair and its structural properties.
• Jane Withers, Healthcare Assistant and Hairdresser, with client Hayley Philbin and Vichy Ambassador Akta Bavalia – discussed effective communication with clients about hair loss and scalp conditions.
• Zoe Irwin, Session Stylist – focused on menopause hair and styling considerations.
• Inanch Emir, Award-Winning Extensionist – demonstrated hair systems for women.
• Dr Greg Williams, Hair Transplant Surgeon, Farjo Hair Institute – covered hair transplants and pre- and post-transplant scalp care.
• Rob Wood, Novo Cabelo – presented on hair systems for men.
• Emma Furlong, Head Trainer at Finishing Touches – taught scalp micropigmentation techniques.
• Stephanie Sey, Trichologist – examined health and disease in Afro-textured hair.
• Ebuni Ajiduah, Afro Hair Stylist and Trichologist – provided insights on styling Afro-textured hair.
• Dr Sharon Wong – discussed Ozempic-related hair loss.
• Kerry Montgomery, Research Psychologist and Wellbeing Practitioner – explored hairdressers as therapists, including the psychological effects of hair loss with Alopecia UK’s Naomi Hall, and hairdressers John Vial and Zoe Irwin.
• Hairdressers Inanch Emir, Steven Goldsworthy, and Lauralyn Clinton – shared strategies for incorporating hair and scalp services into the salon.