Finding the Right People for Your Team

Chelsea Adair, Owner, Salon Adair, Carlsbad, CA

For the past 13 years, I’ve been the proud owner of a salon, but it wasn’t until the COVID-19 pandemic hit that I truly found my calling — non-surgical hair replacement. This shift in my career became a deeply personal journey, driven by my own struggles with alopecia. What started as a desire to help others experiencing hair loss quickly turned into a mission that would transform not only my business, but my life.

As I began specializing in non-surgical hair replacement, I realized that it wasn’t just about learning new technical skills — it was about finding the right people to join me in this new venture. Non-surgical hair replacement is not a service that anyone can perform. It requires a deep understanding of the emotional and psychological effects of hair loss, along with the technical expertise to deliver a solution that is both effective and compassionate. I wanted to build a team of stylists who not only had the right skills but could truly connect with clients on a personal level.

One of the first people I recruited was Dr. T. She came in as a client, had recently gained a lot of weight, and was looking at weight loss procedures. Following her procedures, she had lost experienced quite a bit of hair loss. We completely transformed her hair, and I was able to see an immediate change in her lifestyle. She started building a routine and feeling really good about herself.

She joined a professional skating crew, pool, dancing group, regular girls night out and developed much more of a social life. I really feel like the hair has given her so much confidence to open up new doors that she had been intimidated to open in the past. It’s been a pleasure to watch her journey.

Dr. T is also a neuroscientist and professor. Her expertise in human behavior and brain science gave her a unique perspective on how emotional and physical challenges, like hair loss, affect the mind and body. She quickly embraced the technical aspects of non-surgical hair replacement, but it was her ability to empathize with clients and understand the broader impact of hair loss that set her apart. She has become an invaluable member of our team, offering not only technical solutions but also an understanding of the cognitive and emotional journey clients experience.

Another key member of our team is Stefanie, our front desk coordinator, who is an example of someone who brings both heart and commitment to her role. She wears a hair system herself and truly understands the power of a hair transformation. Stefanie was a client of mine at the time. She came in right before her brother's wedding to have hair installed, but had only saved up enough for one appointment. I really connected with her and her family, and wanted to find a way to help with the cost of her hair installation. I offered her a job working the front desk, and we worked out a deal where she would be a model around the salon and get to know the customers, sharing her story with them. She has been with me ever since.

Stefanie is currently planning to go to medical school, and, despite her busy schedule, she drives an hour to and from work every day, because she finds purpose in helping people who are going through the same struggles she faced with hair loss. Her journey has given her a profound sense of connection to our clients, and her presence at the front desk has been instrumental in creating a welcoming and supportive environment for everyone who walks through our doors. Many clients don’t even realize she’s wearing a system, and this helps ease their concerns about the natural look and feel of hair replacement. Stefanie’s daily interactions provide comfort and reassurance to clients, showing them that hair restoration is not only possible but can look incredibly natural.

I have another employee named Jenna, who came to me as a client. She was in art school, suffering from bleach damage from another salon. I took her under my wing and sponsored her to complete a two-year apprenticeship program. She now has her cosmetology license and has been with my team for six months. It is a passion of mine and very rewarding to see other women achieve their dreams and follow in my footsteps, growing within the industry.

What I’ve learned throughout this process is that non-surgical hair replacement is about much more than just hair. It’s about restoring people’s confidence, their sense of identity, and their dignity. It’s about helping people feel whole again. The work we do in our salon is a combination of technical skill and emotional support, and it’s the emotional connection that makes this service so meaningful for our clients.

The beauty of this work is that it brings together people from all different backgrounds — science, the arts, or even psychology. We all share the common goal of helping others. Whether it’s a neuroscientist who brings a deep understanding of human behavior or a creative mind who brings an eye for detail, every team member adds a unique perspective that enriches the work we do.

As I continue to grow my salon and expand our non-surgical hair replacement services, I am more committed than ever to helping those who are struggling with hair loss. This service has become so much more than just a business for me; it’s a way for me to give back and help people rediscover their confidence, just as I did when I first faced my own hair loss.

Non-surgical hair replacement has been life-changing for me, and it’s been equally transformative for our clients. We’re not just restoring hair — we’re restoring self-esteem and helping people move forward in their lives with newfound confidence. Every day, I’m reminded of why I do this work: because we’re making a difference in people’s lives, one transformation at a time.

When COVID-19 first hit, I began receiving an increasing number of phone calls from people who were suddenly facing hair loss. Whether it was caused by stress, illness, or the isolation of the pandemic, many were dealing with hair thinning or shedding for the first time. I could hear the fear and desperation in their voices. It wasn’t just about their hair — it was about their self-esteem, identity, and sense of confidence. Many felt they were losing more than just their hair. They were losing a part of themselves.

That’s when I knew I had to make a change. I realized that hair loss isn’t just a cosmetic issue, it’s an emotional one. I needed to offer a solution that would restore not just hair, but confidence and a sense of self. I dove into research and discovered the American Hair Loss Council (AHLC), a trade organization that provides a wealth of resources for professionals in the hair loss industry. This was the turning point. Through AHLC, I was introduced to different companies, products, and techniques that would allow me to provide life-changing solutions to my clients. I knew this was a service I needed to offer, and I was determined to bring it to my salon.