We talk to the experts about the treatments you can offer to your male clients who are experiencing permanent hair loss to ensure they (and your business) feel the full benefit…
Time to Get Talking
Male hair loss has traditionally been a taboo topic, but with the self- care industry growing in recent years, clients are beginning to recognise that as consumers, they have more control than ever before. Despite this, broaching the conversation as a barber can still be a little tricky, and as Miles Wood-Smith, Master Barber at Murdock London explains: “Every client is different, so you’ll need to adjust your approach from person to person.”
Environment is also a key factor when it comes to discussing hair loss; “Some barbershops can be small and therefore not an inviting place to share feelings,” says Rob Wood, one of the Founders of Novo Cabelo. Leading the conversation with a simple question can help make it feel like a safe space, creating an opening for discussion.
Barbering has historically been less treatment-focused than hairdressing, something Ryan Lewis, STMNT Advocate, believes is a result of walk-in appointments. “This means there has been significant time restraints, leading to a rushed, or overlooked, consultation process,” he says. However, you can easily incorporate treatment-talk and scalp care at the start of your appointments, meaning it remains prioritised if you’re short on time.
It Starts with the Scalp
If you’re looking to provide male hair loss services in your barbershop, then ensuring you understand the science behind the condition is key. Steven Goldsworthy, Trichologist and Owner of Goldsworthys, a L’Oréal Professionnel Paris salon, breaks down the different causes, explaining: “In males, the most common form of hair loss is androgenetic hair loss. The three main causes of this are genetic predisposition, the presence of androgen testosterone and age.” While it cannot be cured, Steven notes that it can be drastically slowed down with the correct advice. He also adds: “Other causative factors for hair thinning or loss can be a sudden change to diet, stress, medication or illness.”
Education is Key
Although male haircare is becoming more mainstream, there is still work to be done to ensure clients are empowered to make the best choices for themselves. Jamie Stevens, owner of Jamie Stevens Hair, points out: “I think we’ve had to really battle to help men understand that just because they tend to wear their hair shorter, that doesn’t mean they can just shampoo and go.” Likewise, Ian Harrold, Lead UK Educator for American Crew, explains: “Too many men are still using their partners’ shampoo without knowing why they are using it or if it’s right for them. Men need to find a brand that provides a product that is male specific – those shampoos and conditioners will have the right pH for male skin and hair.”
Meanwhile, Glenn Lyons, Senior Consultant Trichologist and Clinical Director at Philip Kingsley, believes there is little difference in the perceptions of hair and scalp care between hairdressing and barbering, instead suggesting that a general lack of trichological knowledge in both industries is causing limitations on education. But with most people not realising they are losing hair until they have lost around 50% of it, this lack of knowledge can’t be afforded. As barbers, it is important to share your expertise with your clients, before they look elsewhere.
Service | Pros | Cons |
Hair System | Non-surgical and pain-free. Clients get to experience a full head of hair in just two hours – there’s no long wait time, no further medication and no uncertain results | A slight change in haircare regime is required, may require regular maintenance and replacements |
Hair Transplant | If the transplant is successful, clients should not require further treatment | Expensive for clients, takes time for scalp to recover and hair to grow, clients may need to commit to a daily care regimen |
Scalp Micropigmentation | Great for clients that like a clean- shaven look | The treatment does not offer much versatility |
Boost your Business
Aside from boosting your profits, offering hair replacement services can show that your business is forward thinking. Hair replacement is the fastest growing market in barbering right now and will only get bigger, which makes this an exciting time to get involved. Tom Walker, from The Hair Repair Club, adds: “Sometimes barbers can be under appreciated, but since offering hair replacements, the positive feedback you get from helping someone can be priceless.”
Hair replacements are also a beneficial business move because they can be marketed purely through social media. Tom says: “Social media works brilliantly for us and it’s bought in nearly all of our clients. They sell themselves, due to the positive results.”
However, if you client isn’t ready to talk about some of these options, why not support them by showing them how to style thinning hair?
Feature image: The Hair Repair Club