The Link, Issue 30

The Voice of the AHLC

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2 Issue 30, Summer 2019

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The Voice of the AHLC

ON THE COVER

5 My Life In Hair

15 HairNow Post Conference Report 25 The Great Cut

FEATURES

“If you want to be happy, set a goal that commands your thoughts, liberates your energy and inspires your hopes.”

–Andrew Carnegie PICTURED: MIA, AFTER DONATING HER HAIR

THE

GREAT CUT

4

8 11 20 24

Congratulations New Master Certified AHLC Members Scalp Micropigmentation Connecting With New Clients From Emmy to Alternative Hair Specialist Unique Hair Concepts Photo Shoot

IN EVERY ISSUE

4 18 30

Message From the Board Welcome New Members AHLC Academy Member Sponsored Education

Subscription Information:

Subscriptions to The Link, The Voice of the American Hair Loss Council are mailed FREE to members of the AHLC within the continental United States. International members are provided digital copies free. Please contact us for additional shipping rates if you are an AHLC member outside the US and wish to receive a printed edition.

To become an AHLC member or renew your membership please call 615.721.8085 or log on to www.AHLC.org.

PAGE 26

Issue 30, Summer 2019

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The Voice of the AHLC

MESSAGE FROM THE AHLC BOARD The Link, The Voice of the American Hair Loss Council is the official, quarterly publication of the American Hair Loss Council. For information on advertising or contributing to content, please contact us:

The AHLC Board of Directors would like to thank each of our participating vendors and attendees for another successful Conference.

Your commitment, enthusiasm and interest to further your education drives us to host a conference that is unique and targeted to your specific needs as a hair restoration specialist.

To our vendors and educators. We thank you! We know the time, effort and expense it takes to participate. We provide you with a targeted market, studio owners from across the USA, even the world, seeking product information, demonstrations and training and you always outdo yourselves!

Our members, vendors and studio owners, are both talented and compassionate to those experiencing hair loss. We are always thankful to have been blessed with the opportunity to be part of such a great organization and event. So here is to our next conference! May it bring us all together again to continue this wonderful journey!

The American Hair Loss Council 222 Everbright Avenue, Franklin, TN 37064 615.721.8085 or info@ahlc.org

The Link Staff:

Editor: Janine Thornhill Design and Layout: Thornhill Creative Creative Director: Terrell Thornhill Editorial Content: Paul Albee Editorial Content: Flora Fuentes

Thanks to Our Contributors: Violet Deilke, Owner, Centre for Hair and Wellness, Moorhead MN Flora Fuentes, Owner, Unique Hair Concepts, Ardsley, NY Shannon Glasow, Owner, Wigged Out Women, Simpsonville, SC AnneMichelle Radcliffe, Owner, AnneMichelle Hair, Rhinebeck, NY John Ranney, Owner, Capilia Freedom Advanced Hair and Skin Clinic, Toronto, ON

Congratulations

to our latest Master’s Certified Members

AHLC Board of Directors Christine Pusateri Christine Pusateri Solutions, Niles, IL

Joseph Ellis, President Susan Kettering, Executive Director Marsha Scott, Past President Janine Thornhill, Administrator

The opinions expressed in The Link, The Voice of the American Hair Loss Council are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of the American Hair Loss Council. The advertisements in The Link do not necessarily reflect the beliefs, opinions or attitudes of the AHLC and does not imply product or service endorsement.

Stacey M. Handel Garde Bien Spa Salon, Knoxville, TN

4 Issue 30, Summer 2019

John Rutter John Rutter Hair Solutions, Uniontown, PA

The American Hair Loss Council © All rights reserved.

Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission is prohibited. Published for the AHLC by Thornhill Creative. www.thornhillcreative.com

The Voice of the AHLC

MY LIFE in

Hair

Shannon Glassow started losing her hair when she was 19 when she noticed the early development of Alopecia Areata.

SHANNON GLASOW, OWNER, WIGGED OUT WOMEN, SIMPSONVILLE, SC I started losing my hair when I was 19. I noticed the early development of alopecia areata. I went through many treatments, with the main treatment at my dermatologist’s office being very painful. By the time I was 28, I was getting bald spots every year. Some were large and some small. I suffered with that for 10 years. It was very stressful, but my hair always came back. Then when I was 37, I started to lose all my hair, and it never came back. I became so depressed, I didn’t leave my house for over a year. I had very long red hair and I felt that I had lost my entire identity as a person. My husband took me to a regular wig shop where I bought my first wig. There was nothing to compare to what my hair used to be, so I ended up getting a blonde synthetic wig. I immediately felt better.

The problem was I really didn’t know anything about wigs. I didn’t know how to take care of my wig, and didn’t even know that it was synthetic. It was hot and itchy. I didn’t know what to do with it, and I became very depressed again. I was so depressed that I didn’t want to go back into another store and I didn’t want to do it again.

A really sweet friend of mine knew what I was going through. She knew a lady who lived through cancer, and she

was doing wigs on the side. I made an appointment with her and she was so sweet to me. It was just me and her. I was able to talk to her and I immediately felt better, I was able to be open and vulnerable. I was okay for the first time since my hair loss.

“At the age 37, I lost all my hair to Alopecia Universalis.

I went through all the treatments, with the main treatment at my dermatologist’s office which were very painful.”

I how to take care of it. I bought another synthetic piece and then I bought another one. By the time I was on my fourth synthetic piece she said she was retiring because she had developed Parkinson’s disease and I was completely devastated. I was like, “What am I going to do?” I couldn’t go to another store, because I was so emotionally hit hard by my disease. I

thought I couldn’t go out and do that. I can’t do this again. She said, “You need to buy the store. You need to do this.”

She convinced me that I should and could do this. My husband agreed.

So between them, they convinced me, and I bought the business. It has literally changed my life because I am able, in these private settings, to talk to women who are struggling just as much as I struggled. They are opening up and I am able to help them.

All of this just kind of fell in my lap, as it were, and it helped me also. I find it very healing to be able to help other people. Now, with confidence, care, understanding, kindness and patience I can help so many. I can walk them through their journey, teach them how to take care of their wig, show them that it’s their process, their journey.

And whether it takes two months or two years, we will get through this together at their pace.

One time a family came in. They were so worried about their mom. “We are so worried. We are thinking about getting her a counselor. She is saving all her hair. It’s everywhere. She is counting the hairs every day.” I looked at them and said, “I did that too, it’s okay. She’s going to be okay.

ARTICLE CONTINUED...

Issue 30, Summer 2019

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The Voice of the AHLC She just has to get to the next step.

She’s not ready to accept the next step yet. She will get there.” The whole family felt relieved knowing that what she was going through was normal.

Being able to patiently meet with these women is so important. I don’t charge them for the initial consultation. I just listen to them and help them figure out what they need, at their own pace and comfort level. I see it as an emotional journey and I am helping them through that. If you’ve never worn a wig before, it can be totally overwhelming. What does virgin hair mean? What does remy hair mean?

Clients are looking for education and understanding, and want to find someone they can trust and who will help them. The big part about going from no hair to hair is that you just want to feel like yourself again. You want to go to the pool and not worry about it, even ride a roller coaster with your kids.

If they’re in high school, they want to go out with their friends, have a normal life and not worry if their hair is going to blow off, or can people tell if it is a wig. At the end of the day, people just want their hair back and if I can help get their hair back then I am a huge success! That’s why I offer styling services and different things like that just to help them and recreate them. I deal with mostly medical hair loss, alopecia and sudden hair loss due to chemotherapy, because that’s my passion. I love helping people who are struggling emotionally.

I have clients that drive three hours to see me. Most of my business is word of mouth. I rarely do any advertising at all, certainly nothing of any significance. Earlier this week a new client

6 Issue 30, Summer 2019

said I helped her friend and she was so amazed at her hair that she said do whatever you want, I trust you. This is what I want.

When it comes to choosing wigs for clients, I find that you really have to assess the their hairstyle. If I have an 80-year-old woman who likes to wear set styles, curling and setting, I put her in a synthetic piece. But if they’re 18 and living with alopecia and are extremely active they are going to want a European hair wig that’s going to sit securely on their head. I am not committed to just one hair fiber because I want what’s best for each client. I offer what is best to help recreate themselves and offer a product that will give them what they need and want.

When they start wearing human hair, they need to know how long it will last. I plan on an hour-long appointment. I teach them how to take care of their wig and let them know they can come back to me or call me if they need help styling it. I let them know that I’m here to help. I offer them all follow-ups for free. I never charge for a follow-up because they lost something that’s a part of them and they need help.

You may never know what you’ve done for that person by taking that time with them and caring about them. I didn’t. There was one young women who had cancer, and unfortunately passed away. Her mother told me, through tears, that I changed her daughter’s life, I made her feel beautiful for the last months of her life. She was forever grateful to me because I made her feel beautiful again. I had no idea that I changed her life. The stories go on and on. I had no idea, I cried for hours after that. I had no clue that I mattered to her in that way.

I’ve had husbands who came in after their wives have passed away to thank me for helping their wives feel like themselves again. One husband came in just talk to me and thank me for helping his wife feel like herself again and give her back her dignity and encourage me to keep doing what I’m doing.

We make such a difference in the lives of our clients and more often than not, we don’t realize it. We get lost in the day-to-day running of our businesses. But we need to keep in mind that it’s all about the client. It’s not the hair, not the wig, not any of that, but keeping their needs and their lives in focus. At the end of the day, I just do what I know is best for them and rest takes care of itself.

There is so much changing in our industry. There is always a new product or a new technique. We need to stay on top of the latest developments, while staying true to your purpose, helping our clients feel good about themselves again. There is money to be made and a business to run but we are helping a client get their identity back. We are helping her to like herself again, and feel beautiful again. By giving them the right hair and not just putting them into anything, you are giving her back her life.

Wigged Out Women, Simpsonville, SC

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The Voice of the AHLC

SCALP MICROPIGMENTATION as a Hair Loss Solution JOHN RANNEY, OWNER, CAPILIA FREEDOM ADVANCED HAIR AND SKIN CLINIC, TORONTO, ON A few years go, I was doing a hair loss consultation for a young man who asked me if we did scalp micropigmentation (SMP). I had heard of the procedure but as it was just starting to become popular, there was not a lot of information about it. As the weeks went by, a few more prospects asked me about it, including women. I started my research and discovered that this procedure produced some very promising results. The more research I did, the more I realized how much we had to offer this in our clinic as a solution for hair loss.

Of course, there were many questions: Can I do this? How hard is it?

How much will it cost? How long will it take? At the time, there was only one trainer in our area, the rest were online courses or required a lot of travel. After doing my due diligence, I settled on the local guy and have never looked back.

I realized quickly that this would be something I could do, and even excel at. It is not difficult but does require a few characteristics that are probably built into one’s personality: attention to detail; ability do the same minute task for hours; a calm precise hand; ability to measure millimeters with your eye. These types of skills are required because scalp micropigmentation involves placing thousands of dots equally distanced apart and at a depth of 1.5 to 2mm in the scalp.

8 Issue 30, Summer 2019

Proper SMP Technique

Hundreds of Trainees, Few Artists

You Already Have Patients SMP not only increases your service offerings for new clients, expanding your market, but also gives more options to your existing clients. In fact, I had my first few clients lined up for the procedure before I had even taken the course. One was a full-cap male client. A man that had trusted me for over 15 years with his hair. He had expressed that he was tired of wearing the full cap and wanted to get SMP done. As he trusted me with his hair systems, he was willing to trust me with his SMP. Since then, I have performed SMP on several clients who were planning on removing their hair systems. If I had not been offering the service, they would have gone elsewhere for the procedure.

You can’t fault the client who decides they no longer want to wear hair. Some get tired of it, some can no longer afford it, some run into scalp issues.

SMP gives you and your client another alternative.

Most people researching this procedure have seen many people offering it.

And now, because it seems a relatively easy procedure, there are dozens Hair system to SMP transition of people and companies offering training. In our market, I know there are also hundreds of people who been trained. The problem is, many of these people do not have the skills to do it, or do not know how to market themselves to get clients. It is, of course, very difficult Another situation where SMP comes to get clients without having examples in handy is with clients, who have very of your work to show people. This is thin temple and side hair, and blendwhere having an existing hair loss clinic ing the hair system is a task. We have really helps the newly trained SMP filled in dozens of clients’ side hair with artist.

The Voice of the AHLC a procedure we call High Density (HD).

This involves placing the SMP dots between growing hairs in order to disguise the scalp and thicken the appearance of the hair. The effect is similar to that of hair fibers, but without the mess, upkeep, and potentially embarrassing effects.

before they started losing their hair is in most cases highly unlikely. Combining SMP HD with hair loss treatment programs greatly increases satisfaction rates. The client gets the benefit of instant hair loss correction with SMP HD while waiting for their treatments to take effect. We now offer hair loss treatment programs that include HD.

Increased Temple Density

Combined Treatments HD is also very popular with clients with thinning hair who are not ready for a hair system or transplant. Both men and women love this procedure.

HD can make the client’s hair look thicker, again by placing dots between growing hairs and reducing the brightness of the scalp. It is important with these clients to be very clear about the results and limitations. Many of these clients use fibers, and may be used to a look that is not obtainable with SMP HD. The problem is many clients apply enough fibers to cover their scalp completely. As SMP is not a tattoo that completely covers the scalp, some scalp will remain visible, so it is important to advise the client that the result will not be as dark as fibers. Clients who use extensive amounts of fibers may still want to use them. In this case they will certainly not need as much as they are currently using. Another area where SMP comes in handy is in the hair loss treatment area. Any clinic offering hair loss treatments knows the challenge of getting cosmetically acceptable results for our patients. Patients suffering from AGA are normally educated that growing their hair back to the level it was

SMP offers a great solution for hair transplant scars. Many of our hair wearers have scars from previous hair transplants, either the white dots of FUE or the linear scar from FUT strip transplants. In some clients, the FUE scars can leave their hair thin at the back, making it difficult for them to wear their hair short. The same is true with linear scars. Again, SMP can fill in the areas that are without hair, and reduce the skin that shows through the scarred areas. Not only is this a good solution for hair wearers, but also clients who are happy with their transplants but just need a touch-up, to either fill in density on the top or hide scars from the donor area.

Scar Repair

Additional Revenue Source The financial benefits of offering SMP are excellent. Aside from the initial training and set-up, the overhead involved in this procedure is minimal.

And as the procedure fetches $2,500 to $4,000 on average, the profit margins are grand. The main overhead is time.

Generally, a good SMP technician should be able to complete a procedure in 6 to 8 hours for a full top of the head from hairline to below the crown.

This time should be spread over 3 sessions. The first 2 sessions are 1 week apart and would take from 2 to 3 hours each. The second session usually takes longer than the first, as the technician works between the dots from the previous session. The last session is 3 weeks after the second. This allows dots that are placed too shallow in the scalp to flake with normal skin desquamation (exfoliation). The expressed dots are replaced at the third session. After that, if your procedure is done right, you will not see your client for 1-2 years, when you will do about a 1-2 hour touch-up to renew any faded areas. Occasionally, a patient will need a touch-up within the first year due to the internal workings of the dermis, however these touch-ups are usually minor and are offered free of charge under a 1 year guarantee against fading. We offer our SMP clients a reduced rate of $150/hr. for touch-ups after 1 year. You should also supply your SMP clients with a good quality sunscreen and shampoo to maintain their scalp.

However you plan to incorporate SMP into your clinic, the increase in revenue can be significant. We average roughly $350/hr. gross revenue per SMP/HD client. I took on the procedure myself at first to make sure I knew it inside and out. I have since performed hundreds of procedures over the last 3 years and am now able to train staff, although this isn’t necessary as there are dozens of SMP technicians looking for work in our area. I pay my technician $50/hr. and she comes in only to perform these procedures. But I certainly believe that any interested staff member could master the procedure with the correct training and practice.

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Issue 30, Summer 2019

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The Voice of the AHLC

What is Required?

To perform SMP in your clinic or salon, there are a few requirements.

The environment you work in may require a special clinical setting following clinical disinfection procedures, depending on the health regulations in your state or city. You should also have specific insurance, normally the procedure is covered under tattoo and/or permanent make-up insurance.

It should be a simple add-on to your salon/barbering insurance. A massage bed for the patient works great for the procedure, along with a wheeled chair for the technician. Aside from these requirements, the rest of your investment will include the training and tools needed. A stand for tools, overhead lamp, tattooing motor, ink, needles and cartridges, sharps disposal, rubbing alcohol, absorbent pads, and a few other minor disposables is all that is needed.

can be adequately deposited into the “Standardization of SMP Procedure and skin, with minimal ink residue on the its Impact on Outcome”). Finally, there scalp. Standard single and multi-point should be no scabs formed and comtattoo needles do not work for this plete healing results in 24 to 48 hours. procedure. Pigment should be placed We allow our patients to wash their hair at the highest part of the dermis, below normally after 48 hours. the basal layer of the epidermis, which The 3 Sessions of a Complete SMP Treatment is about 2mm from the surface. This will produce lasting results with crisp clean dots that don’t bleed or discolour.

Depth is controlled by the freehand skill of the technician.

Technique Detailed View Only different shades of black carbon-based ink should be used. Avoid using any coloured ink at all, as time and UV exposure will turn coloured shades into red or green, resulting in a disaster on the scalp that will need to be removed with laser treatment. Dots placed too deep will also turn blue due to the mixture of the ink with the heavily blood-infused dermis.

‘Blow Outs” – Dots that are too deep expand and turn blue.

All the tools you need

It’s Not a Tattoo While the tools used in SMP are similar to tattoo equipment, there are important differences. A standard variable tattoo power supply and motor can be used. There is a handle, needle cartridge and needle attached that should be disposable in order to prevent the spread of blood born pathogens (required in most jurisdictions). Both the needle and cartridge (the shell that houses the needle), needs to be custom designed. Because the needle is so small – a single .3mm needle is best – the cartridge is designed to pull ink from the well and deposit ink onto the needle so that it

10 Issue 30, Summer 2019

With regard to blood, if the procedure is performed correctly, very little blood will be produced during a treatment. Perhaps 1 spot of serum for every 700-800 dots. This can vary from person to person, especially in those who may have a bit of rosacea.

Keep in mind blood will also mix with and push out the ink, so there is no advantage at all in placing dots deep.

These concepts are born out by recent clinical studies (See Dhurat et.al. 2017,

It is important to remember that SMP has limitations like any other hair loss solution. And the best approach is always to be honest about these limitations and clear about what the client can expect for results. However, I have to say that the satisfaction rate with SMP is pretty much 100%, which in my 28 years of hair replacement experience is not only unheard of, but a very pleasant change.

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The Voice of the AHLC

CARING FOR CLIENTS

Connecting ON A Personal Level VIOLET DEILKE, OWNER, CENTRE FOR HAIR AND WELLNESS, MOORHEAD, MN

I

remember it like it was yesterday. It was 1990. I had been running my salon for seven years and had a steady clientele.

I had a client who had developed cancer in her eye. As she was undergoing treatments, she was loosing her hair and was really depressed. She couldn’t find a wig that looked decent. So I took it upon myself to try to help her.

I ended up going to school in Los Angeles, and found three or four wig lines that looked good and I really liked.

When I got back and showed them to my client she was absolutely thrilled.

With the training I got I was able to fit her with a beautiful wig, styled it and she looked wonderful. She was back to her old self again, and was so happy.

Immediately I realized I could help other women in similar circumstances.

As with so many things, it is those little moments when you least expect it that change your whole life’s direction.

Little by little, the word got out and I started carrying more inventory, both human hair and synthetic.

And so my journey helping women and men with hair loss began. And it’s been wonderful, both in terms of the client who have become real friends, as well as wonderful colleagues in the industry. A year or so later, I attended my first American Hair Loss Council conference and a whole new vista opened as a result, both in terms of products and education, which I could take back and use to help more clients.

I help many people from many different walks of life. Once a ten-year-old girl, whose mother heard about me from a friend, had developed alopecia.

She had been wearing a red handkerchief for a long time and absolutely

didn’t want a wig. Little by little we talked to this young girl and found a piece for her that looked beautiful. She embraced it and loved it. After all these years, so many of my clients are like family. They come back year after year and it is such a joy to help them feel good about themselves.

With my medical clients, it’s so much easier for them to come to me so we can go thought it together. We’ll cut their hair and put new hair on together.

I think there are many less tears when we do it that way, and I have found that clients are always so grateful.

When a new client comes to me, I always take a few minutes and get to know them and what’s going on in their life. Usually they want to tell me what’s happening, I just sit back and listen. This really helps lay the foundation for a great relationship. I let them know that I care. I have a substantial number of local clients but also people who drive 200-300 miles. I make sure that regardless of how far they travel; I am always here for them. I also take time with them at the end of their service and don’t rush them out. I want to make sure they are happy, and they know how to take care of their new hair.

I have them come back after a couple of weeks. This gives me another opportunity to give them more input.

We teach them to wash, shampoo, dry, style, curl, flat iron it, etc. We can also trim and style it more based on their experience after wearing it. This is all included in the price of their wig or hairpiece. We can size it, cut it in, fit it for them and style it at no additional charge. I am here to help them if they have any questions or concerns. I make

sure they know I’m committed to their happiness and satisfaction. Client education is so important.

Customer care is so important in this business. As a studio owner you have to be committed to long term, continuing professional training for both yourself and your staff in order to educate your clients. We all know how time consuming training can be, but it makes a big difference between an average salon and a great salon. Any staff member, no matter the position, needs to be taught how to greet clients, to take great care of them. Success is in paying attention to the details.

We typically have quarterly training sessions, which might include cutting classes, in-depth product education, or doing a new color. I travel to training at least once a year in addition to the training I receive at the American Hair Loss Council conference. There is as much to be gained outside the classroom as inside the classroom. Often, I gain as much from networking with my peers as I do from the classes I attend.

It is so important to stay connected.

At this year’s AHLC conference, I met people who are new to this business, like I was many years ago. Connecting with your peers whom you can turn to for advice when need help with a problem is invaluable. Years ago, I connected with Twila Donley, the former owner of Fantasia Salon in Minneapolis. She helped me grow immensely though she was 250 miles away. She was very generous and helpful to me.

We even went to training together. If I had to give one piece of advice to new members it would be to focus on business and industry education, and networking. Keep growing.

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POST-CONFERENCE REPORT

Here’s what attendees had to say: SANDY PROVERBS: ACCENTS HAIR & BEAUTY, ST. MICHAEL, BARBADOS

LISA MINERVINI : JON RENAU

Your hard work for the conference produced an amazing “portal for a wealth of information and amazing products!

Congratulations on an amazing conference, it evolves to be better every year! The education was on-point and the vendors were extremely helpful and informative. I thoroughly enjoyed the entire conference, I don’t know how to improve on such a great experience!

”

TRACY BELLEAU: SALON NOUVEAU, GREEN BAY, WI

“

This was our first AHLC Conference and we came back to the salon excited to share all the wonderful options that are available to clients with hair loss.

”

HairNow 2019 was a great opportunity to gain new knowl“edge and connect with the leaders in the hair replacement industry.”

DEE BORDERS CANNON: DETAILS SALON PROFESSIONALS, BUFORD, GA

“Your hard work is very much appreciated. ”

This year I walked away a with valuable info, tips and tricks “that will come in handy during consultations. Bobbie Russell with easihair pro and Grant with HairMax were two of my favorite classes this year. In addition to obtaining useful information. I won a class with Jon Renau valued at $1200! I am beyond thrilled. Thank you for a successful event.

”

”

I always enjoy meeting other stylists and sharing ideas.

LAUREN JACKSON: RENATA SALONS, GRAPEVINE, TX Going to HairNow 2019 has been the most empowering, “educational, and inspiring conference I’ve been to in my

19 years of being a hair stylist. When I started my journey in the hair industry it was because of the love I had for hair, today my fire burns brighter for people with hair loss because I myself know the struggle. I was diagnosed with alopecia areata less than a year ago, and what I thought was the biggest curse in my career has now become the biggest blessing. The reward I get from helping people by giving them their hair back is like no other.

”

TRACY HOBBS: BRAVADAS WIGS & EXTENSIONS, OMAHA, NE

”

Great conference! I can’t wait till next year!

“Hair Now 2019 inspired me to inspire others.”

CHRISTINE PUSATERI: CHRISTINE PUSATERI SOLUTIONS, NILES, IL enjoyed the venue, the education, the vendors, the food.

“I Ithought it was great! Happy to see vendors that deal with men’s systems.”

KARLA HURTADO: HAIR VISIONS INTERNATIONAL

SUE HEDRICK: EPHORIA ...A SALON EXPERIENCE, SARASOTA FL

“

CATHERINE CRUM: CATHERINE CRUM THE SALON HAIR REPLACEMENT BOUTIQUE, JEFFERSON CITY, MO

RENÉE FOX-ROWE: RADIANT HAIR & SKIN LLC, OLYMPIA WA

KAREN GORDON: J. GORDON DESIGNS, CHICAGO, IL

“

I love the ability to provide education to our clients, both “existing and new. I have never been to a trade show with more “heart.”

Job, Thumbs-up!, As one of the members of the one “ofGreat the largest distributors, I have been part of organizing

big conferences, and I know the effort and the number of resources needed to put an event like this together. Thank you for doing a great job.

”

NICOLE FABRE : MILLENNIUM SYSTEMS INTERNATIONAL This was our first time and we really enjoyed it. It is a “market that we definitely want to continue to expand into.

Attendees were great to speak with and meet. Having the game board and stamps to ensure the opportunity to meet attendees was great and beneficial.

”

SHELBY FORD: THE LAUREN ASHTYN COLLECTION This conference was so inspiring. It was great to see a “room full of passionate and talented professionals all coming together for the benefit of helping their clients. We are so proud to be amongst a group such as this.

”

Issue 30, Summer 2019

15

A SPECIAL THANK YOU TO EVERYONE WHO SHARED THEIR PHOTOS!

16 Issue 30, Summer 2019

WE SHOULD DO THIS AGAIN NEXT YEAR :)

The Voice of the AHLC

Issue 30, Summer 2019

17

Post Conference Survey Results Overall, how satisfied were you with the 2019 AHLC Conference?

How was the Education?

4.2

AVG RATING

4.2

We had 28 Vendors this year. Did you have enough time to meet with each?

How did you learn about Hair Now 2019?

Yes

68%

No

32%

AVG RATING

Education Quality: How were the Vendors?

How was the Conference Space?

4.3

AVG RATING

4.3

AVG RATING

Couldn’t be better

72%

Needs improvement

28%

4.0

Too Many Classes

4% 92%

Not Enough

4%

46%

AHLC.org

34%

From a friend

15%

I attend every year

7%

Postcard/Brochure in the Mail

0%

Social Media

0%

How well did Hair Now 2019 meet your expectations?

NOT AT ALL

4.2

AVG RATING

EXTREMELY WELL

AVG RATING

THANK YOU FOR YOUR INPUT How was the AHLC Staff?

The Link Magazine

Education Schedule:

Just Right!

How was the Food?

IT ’S NOT TOO LATE!

Take the survey here: www.bit.ly/hairnow19survey

4.9

AVG RATING

Your contribution helps us be better each year!

How likely are you to attend Hair Now 2020 in Nashville, at the Opryland Hotel?

NOT LIKELY AT ALL

UNDECIDED

4.3

AVG RATING

EXTREMELY LIKELY

Welcome New Members!

Gladys Micks Twin Cities Hair Loss Solutions LLC Eagan, MN I started my journey in hair replacement 17 year ago, learning my craft at Hair Club for Men & Women. I’ve had the opportunity to be featured in many venues, from live demonstrations & training others to master the art of hair cutting & style giving me the title of multicultural hair loss specialist. My desired passion is to help restore your growing hair in our one-on-one private suite.

enCOMPASS has partnered with hair restoration studios all across the country and helped to grow their business through our top-notch digital marketing expertise. From building award-winning websites, to implementing comprehensive marketing strategies including SEO, SEM, Display, Email, Video, Radio, Social Media and more, we are ready to help your studio get more clients. We are passionate about the hair restoration industry and playing a role in changing lives by connecting people with hair loss to the hair centers that can help them.

Kelli Yoder K&M Hair Systems, Plantation FL I’ve been a hairdresser for 13 years and after having a family member struggle with androgenetic alopecia I decided to make hair loss my specialty. I started my training at the Jeffrey Paul Academy in 2016 after attending the Hair+ Summit and never looked back. I started my business with the support of the salon owner I worked for and we recently expanded moving into a larger space. Our goal is to change the way people feel about hair loss and restore their confidence. Helping people with their hair loss is my true passion and I love it!

Our mission is to solve and minimize hair loss problems, through skillful innovation and in product materials. HusazomoUSA’s hair volume enhancement technique is Japan’s most advanced technology that provides a solution to people who suffer from hair loss. Increase hair volume in hours without surgery, without chemical, without glue and without clips. We handle Histemo hair products, a famous hair care brand, which strengthens hair and prevents future hair loss.

18 Issue 30, Summer 2019

APRIL 18-20, 2020

O P RYL A N D R E S O R T N A S H V I L L E

NEW AT OPRYLAND INDOOR/OUTDOOR

WATER RESORT

T E N N E S S E E

e v a S ! e t a theD Issue 30, Summer 2019

19

The Voice of the AHLC

Emmy TO Alternative Hair

FROM

ANNEMICHELLE RADCLIFFE, OWNER, ANNEMICHELLE HAIR, RHINEBECK, NY Emmy Award Winning Hair Stylist and Designing Women Award recipient.

What a privilege to contribute an article to LINK Magazine and share informative, useful, and motivational ideas about my journey as a professional hair stylist in the wild and crazy production world of theater, television, and film. Thanks for this invitation.

In May, I attended my first AHLC conference, Hair Now 2019, in Nashville. The event was inspiring, and I was impressed with the great turn out in support of our industry. I met so many wonderful, talented, and caring, hair loss support providers, practitioners, educators, team members, and artists with hearts of gold and hands of transformation. I feel I have come home.

While I am new to this organization, I am not new to working with individuals with hair loss… many of whom you have seen on your favorite TV show or movie!

Opera and Wigs So how does an Emmy Award Winning Hair Stylist become an Alternative Hair Specialist? I guess I should start further back in my colorful tale for it to make sense.

My career started in Chicago. I was a makeup artist that “did a little hair”, although hair scared me at the time.

One day during my makeup artist stint at Chicago Lyric Opera, I walked into the hair room and spied 38 tall, powdered wigs being prepared by the Wig Master. Time stood still, I was instantly smitten. I knew I was going to work with wigs, even though I didn’t know exactly how.

20 Issue 30, Summer 2019

Passion and Education After moving to New York, I apprenticed with the legendary Bob Kelly, Makeup Artist and Wig Master, studying wig construction and ventilation.

His shop was right in the middle of Manhattan and well known. The walls of his no-frills studio workshop were lined with countless black and white vintage photos of his days working in film and television with the old Hollywood guard. It was so inspiring to me as an artist and technician and fueled my love for production.

With wig making and styling skills in hand, I joined IATSE Local 798, Hair and Makeup Artist’s Union and then went to beauty school to become a licensed hair stylist because the union mandated a cosmetology license for all production hair work, including wigs.

Broadway shows. In opera, big hair means big wigs, while on Broadway, the same is true, but generally the wigs are not as big, however, just as many. Nevertheless, I was in heaven, immersed in wigs!

The hair stylist’s job at this level involves the maintenance and styling of wigs; putting wigs on, taking wigs off; and running the show, which means conducting wig changes actors require throughout the show. Because I wasn’t responsible for the performer’s own hair, I never thought about hair loss, unless it was part of a character role. This was about to change.

SNL – What a Ride!

The next phase of my career kicked off when TV came calling. I accepted a position at NBC working on Saturday

Theatrical Beginnings, Great Training Grounds My hair stylist career began in the theatrical world with the position of Director of Wigs and Makeup for American Ballet Theater, where I toured the globe, responsible for the Hair and Makeup (HMU) department, delivering character makeups, and dressing wigs for grand ballets. Then the Metropolitan Opera hired me as a principal hair stylist to support big operas; whoever heard of a small opera at the MET? My next step was as a production hair stylist for many

Getting Will Ferrell ready for the SNL Cold Open as President George Bush

The Voice of the AHLC

SNL Backstage in the small hair and makeup room where many cast changes were made.

was careful not overstep professional boundaries. As crazy as this sounds, speaking to a cast member about hair loss was tricky, no matter the medium or the artist. It was not considered part of the job, so hair loss was just not openly discussed. I realized that I wanted to do more to help, but was not in a position or supportive environment to do so.

Dramatic TV The Sopranos and More So, after 14 years at SNL, an Emmy, and serving as Hair Department Supervisor, I moved into the next phase of my career, movies and dramatic episodic television: Sopranos, Fringe, Rubicon, Nurse Jackie, Smash, to name a few. And, in case you were wondering, episodic television is the hardest and most grueling of all production work, by far.

How ironic, that while working on this comedic jaugernaut of a show, amidst all the accolades and hilarity, I became aware of actors with hair loss and how deeply and personally it affected them.

Wigs designed for SNL: Long Island Medium Sketch and Marie Antoinette.

Night Live. This was my first TV gig and I was nervous, but with my background in wigs, quick changes, and live theater, I knew it was in my wheelhouse. It took only one show to realize I was aptly suited for the adrenaline sledge hammer that is SNL! Fast styling, faster quick changes, adaptability, precision focus, and wigs. Wigs, wigs, wigs, wigs, wigs. I won an Emmy working with all those wigs.

While most actors were wigged for SNL sketches, they would occasionally have a sketch in which they wore their own hair. They certainly wore their own hair for the after party (often a very important event to any celebrity) so camouflaging their hair loss was of great concern. Powders, sprays, and clip-in extensions were used to quickly camouflage hair loss for promotional engagements, on-air Good Nights, and those infamous after parties. This was the beginning of my “sleuth-ful” work with hair loss.

In this strangely personal, impersonal high stakes environment, one

Imagine waiting in your hair and makeup trailer early in the morning preparing to start a new show. An actor walks in, someone you don’t recognize.

This person is one of the stars. You knew they would appear, you knew their ETA, it’s on the call sheet, but you didn’t recognize them, talk about devastatingly awkward!

You and your coworkers continue nonchalantly to work, faking it, until you realize who stands in front of you. On the outside you are calm, cool, and collected, while on the inside you are hard scrambled! Yes, this happened to me, more than once. And this is when I realized how pervasive hair ARTICLE CONTINUED...

AnneMichelle’s Emmy: Outstanding Hairstyling for Multi-Camera Series or Special Issue 30, Summer 2019

21

The Voice of the AHLC

loss is, crossing all boundaries and in desperate need of attention. There are so many high-profile artists suffering from hair loss, each dealing with it in their own private way. The level of public scrutiny is almost unmanageable for these celebrities, especially with the rise of social media. The toll of discreetly managing hair loss is high and the cost of not managing it is career damage.

Artist Protocol on Set In this celebrity world, everyone is overly cautious about communication; agents, producers, managers, directors, assistants, all want to avoid stepping onto extremely sensitive turf. It is unseemly for a director or producer, or even a hair stylist to directly and openly speak to an actor/ artist about hair loss. If the hair loss is a well-known fact, there is no issue.

But, if the hair loss is not commonly known, or unexpectedly reads on camera, a telephone chain of hushed tones, side notes, and murmurs is the usual approach. The production hair stylist, appropriately, assumes final responsibility for correcting hair loss on camera.

Hair stylists must employ high levels of sensitivity, to the point of being cryptic when introducing solutions to an actor, for example, proposing wearing a custom piece for “more volume on camera”, or using powder to “camouflage scalp to help out the lighting crew”, or wearing a system to “help save your hair from the rigors of daily production styling”. If the actor brings up the topic of hair loss, then the door is more open for discussion, but it is still a slippery slope and must be handled with the utmost decorum.

It’s All Smoke and Mirrors

Living the Dream... for Real

I was continually surprised by the numbers of actors with mid-toadvanced hair loss, who were cast to play a character with a full head of hair.

I would very seldom have preliminary notice about an actor’s additional hair needs, so my bag of hair tricks needed to be extensive and ready to go at a moment’s notice.

At the top of my game with over 25 years in the biz and a raft of accolades and recognition, I left the production world and moved on. In 2012, free from the constraints of my previous employment, I realized my dream and opened, AnneMichelle Hair. I am energized by finally being able to talk openly about hair loss, demystifying it. I can now inspire, educate and empower clients in a supportive environment, share beautiful and realistic hair loss solutions that make people feel whole again. This is an honor.

My job was to quickly remedy the situation as best I could, efficiently and expertly provide the illusion of more hair, make actors camera ready, and send them to set with a high degree of confidence and ease. Sometimes an actor would arrive with a really bad hairpiece glued on his head (crooked), and I would just make the best of it because time is money in production.

That is why I always say, “It’s all smoke and mirrors, baby!”

My movie and TV world narrowed to two extremes: Really bad hairpieces and hair loss, neither of which I could discuss nor remedy beyond the immediacies of the production schedule. So, I decided to do something about it.

22 Issue 30, Summer 2019

I continue to hone my skills and artistry as an Alternative Hair Specialist, seeking the latest and greatest while continuing the tried and true. I strive to live where inspiration, science, art, efficacy, and beauty intersect. My learning and joy from helping people is like a perpetual engine, the more I help, the more I have to help. I look to all of you, as my inspiration, a dedicated community of talented hair loss practitioners, artists and healers, choosing to make a difference in people’s lives, learning, sharing, and caring. You help me, help people, beyond the daily shoot.

The Voice of the AHLC

BEHIND THE SCENES A

Unique Hair Concepts Photo Shoot

FLORA FUENTES, OWNER, UNIQUE HAIR CONCEPTS, ARDSLEY, NY Like many in the hair loss industry, I‘ve had the honor of helping many men and women with thinning hair of various ages look and feel their best with more hair. When a guest is willing to share their story, whether it’s through photographs or video, I am so appreciative for the opportunity. I strive to go out of my way to make their photo and video experience special. With the help of my team, I plan a whole day to shoot which includes hiring a fashion stylist to dress them, a professional makeup artist, fashion photographer and video production.

At the end of the shoot, my guests

24 Issue 30, Summer 2019

have had a fun day, make new friends and feel pampered by the experience.

Many tell us we make them feel like models or celebrities.

I make it a high priority to feature photos and videos on my website that are of my actual clients. I strongly believe it personalizes the business and helps us stand out in a competitive New York market. Because of this I plan a photo/video shoot at least three times per year. Each shoot features four to six guests. The shoots provide me with plenty of content to promote my business on social media. Additionally,

the content is used in my blogs articles, banner ads, pre-roll videos, and the footage is used for new television commercials. The professional footage, along with before and after photos we take at the salon with our iPad, provides us with plenty of content for our social media followers to see how versatile our work is.

About 6 months ago, the makeup artist I have worked with for over 7 years sent me a text, “Hi Flora, would you be interested in working with Jeana Turner?” She is a model with alopecia areata and was a runner up on

The Voice of the AHLC America’s Next Top Model. I had so many questions and needed as many details as possible, so I immediately called her to discuss how we would be working together. I have worked with high profile guests before; Actors, journalists, models, politicians, socialites and musicians. Usually, those are the guests that want the highest form of discretion. Some even use pseudonyms when scheduling their visits. But, this would the first time that I would be working with a public figure with an active following for a campaign that features my brand. I was so excited to get started.

Jeana Turner is a noted fashion model living with alopecia areata since the age of 10. Alopecia areata is an auto-immune condition that attacks hair cells resulting in patchy hair loss throughout the scalp and/or other places of the body. The National Alopecia Areata Foundation estimates that up to seven million Americans are diagnosed with alopecia areata in the US. As with other types of autoimmune conditions, alopecia areata is not specific to any age or gender.

I was familiar with Jeana’s story because of my daughter, Lauren.

Although she is not much into watching TV, she has watched America’s Next Top Model for years. It’s a reality television series in which a number of aspiring models compete for the title of “Top Model”. Jeana was so open about living with alopecia that she competed throughout most of the series with a shaved head. Ultimately, Jeana finished the competition as runner up. We fell in love with her determination and confidence.

After Jeana and I were introduced, I thought she would be perfect to showcase our UHC Signature Hair Prosthesis.

As a professional model, Jeana works with or without wigs based on the project or assignment. My UHC Signature Hair Prosthesis is made to custom fit the wearer seamlessly. I flew out to Las Vegas to take Jeana’s custom measurements. I decided to order 3 different prosthetics to showcase the versatility in hairstyles that may be achieved with modern hair replacement. Once the prosthetics arrived at the center, one of my master

stylists added beautiful balayage highlights to complement her facial features.

On April 27th, Jeana flew out to New York for our photo and video shoot. In the past, we have planned photo shoots at the salon or at a studio. This time, I decided to plan the photo shoot in New York City. I thought it would be perfect to have the sky scrapers serve as a backdrop for the different looks. My stylist cut in and applied the prosthetics. The first look was long and flowing hair with beautiful blonde highlights. The second, consisted of bouncy, voluminous waves with soft, warm undertones of color. The last look was more rock and roll with a faux-hawk style. The team and I had a blast working with Jeana. It was truly amazing to have total creative control of the looks we wanted to portray. The fashion stylist I normally work with was out of town, so I stepped up to plate and dressed Jeana for the shoot. Growing up with a dad in the fashion industry rubbed off and I decided on four wardrobe looks. My goal was to focus on fun fashion pieces that would not take away from showcasing the hair. That meant no bold jewelry or distracting prints.

We ended the day with over 200 pictures of Jeana and three videos. One of the videos was ourversion of a music video that features the different looks achieved with more hair. My goal was to demonstrate to women living with alopecia that natural hair replacement is available and that you can have fun again with your hair. Jeana is presently wearing one of my prosthetics and loves the fit. To check out the video footage, visit www.uniquehairconcepts.com If an opportunity to work with a professional model presents itself to you, I say go for it. Depending on the model or the agreement, you may have to compensate them by the hour, or provide the hair at no charge in exchange. Make sure all the details are solidified before you decide to move forward. Have fun and show off your creativity. You will love it.

SPECIAL THANKS TO Makeup Artist: Anya Sinclair.

Fashion photographer: Nelson Castillo. Video production: William Crump/ Crump Media. Unique Hair Concepts master stylist: Valerie Estrada.

Issue 30, Summer 2019

25

THE CONTINUING STORY OF

26 Issue 30, Summer 2019

The Voice of the AHLC

MARCH 19, 2019

THE WORLD RECORD FOR

MOST DONATED HAIR

IN ONE DAY WAS BROKEN.

PREVIOUS RECORD: 338.67 LBS. | NEW RECORD: 339.14 LBS.

SO MANY AMAZING THINGS HAPPENED THAT DAY. and the stories keep coming

Chris Healy & Lindsay Barto: The Record-Breaking Moment moment

AHLC EDITORIAL

The day started out as most do in San Diego. The weather was perfect as the sun rose over the Boardwalk Pier Pavilion that morning, a picturesque scene on the bay. The event was organized by The Longhairs of ABC’s Shark Tank fame, a community supporting men with long hair and supplier of men’s hair care products. Their goal was ambitious to say the least; to break the world record for donated hair.

Donations to Children with Hair Loss

Jon Renau, one of many companies sponsoring the event and the only hair-related corporate sponsor, invited the AHLC to participate. As we made our way past an enormous sound stage which provided live entertainment, food trucks, and sponsor’s booths we were greeted with a warm smile from a familiar face, Regina Villamure, founder of Children with Hair Loss, the benefactor of the event. But as volunteers, we were there to work.

There was already a long line of people, many with curiously long hair, waiting patiently to donate their locks to the cause. There were men, women and children along with entire families and coworkers who had taken time off to support one another and participate. Each was there for a common purpose. Each was there to give something precious so that another may not go without. This was the theme of the day. It was magical, electric, and invigorating.

The cutting floor was crowded with dozens of volunteer stylists, from across the nation who had left their own salons and clientele, carefully cutting and collecting donated hair. They not only cut and collected hair according to Guinness World Record standards, but also provided a style that the donor would be proud to wear, in many cases, after years of proudly wearing it long.

Sound Stage on the Bay

On the Cutting Floor

Each participant had their own reason for being there, but all were there to give of their time, talents and in the case of the donors, literally give of their personal selves; to leave behind their locks so that others may benefit. Witnessing the tears of generosity and support of strangers was quite overwhelming.

ARTICLE CONTINUED...

Left: A small sampling of 349 people who cut and donated their hair that day.

Bottom Left: Panorama of The Cutting Floor

Volunteers at the Sorting Station

The Voice of the AHLC

THE GREAT BACKSTORY THE CUT

The Longhairs was founded by fraternity brothers Chris Healy and Lindsay Barto. They reconnected after college and started a media and marketing company, ultimately shifting their focus to building an online community by producing helpful and entertaining content for an under-served market, men with long hair.

Chris explains, “Coincidentally, we both had been growing our hair out and started noticing the little problems and inconveniences; ‘long hair problems’ we like to call them.

Especially from a male standpoint, most men who grow their hair out really don’t know what the heck they’re doing.”

“We are content creators and over the first year after we launched The Longhairs, we didn’t sell anything. All we did was publish a piece of content every week. At first we had a few people reading them and it was both of our moms.

Nobody else. We had no traction, but we kept at it. We started building our social media, posting things that guys can relate to and over time more people started reading.

We started getting some traction from search engines, our social media started picking up steam, and guys were commenting on our blog. Slowly we built an audience and a year later we launched our flagship product, Hair Ties for Guys, and we had a built-in, baked-in audience already. So when we launched the hair ties they started selling, about one sale every day. We were still a pretty long way from shutting down the marketing agency but we had something going. Over time we continued refining the products and to this day we still publish a blog post every week. Its been about 275 weeks in a row. We never missed.”

Swimming With the Sharks “We got to a point when we had some legitimate sales and someone suggested, ‘Wow, you guys should go on Shark Tank.’ We thought, ‘Well, of course we’re going to go on Shark Tank. We are perfect for Shark Tank and we’re going to get a deal.’ So we waited until we had some sales, some data and some concrete evidence that we have something, and we appeared on the TV show in January 2018. Of course we got the deal with Mark Cuban and that really provided a huge boost of exposure and credibility. It obviously grew our business from a sales standpoint. We were able to deploy the investment funds and really focus on our growth.

That really elevated us to the next level.”

Giving Back Was Always a Part of the Plan “We knew from the get-go that we wanted to have a charitable outreach. We wanted to build a company that made a difference and made a positive impact. We are so fortunate and grateful to be able to grow our hair and many people cannot. We started researching companies that helped children with hair loss and Initially started a relationship with an organization that lasted about a year. It didn’t go so well. We didn’t have a good experience. Even though we were a small company and what we had to offer was not

28 Issue 30, Summer 2019

huge or overwhelming, we were still donating $1 from every sale. That relationship kind of fizzled-out and so we looked for someone who would be more of a partner, and that is when we found Children With Hair Loss. Right off the bat they were eager to work with us. They were very thankful we reached out to them. Immediately, we felt that this was much more the type of relationship we were looking for.”

For the Kids and The World Record Regina Villamure is the founder of Children with Hair loss. “Our mission is to provide free human hair replacements to any child, for any medical reason experiencing hair loss. They receive a brand new hair replacement package, complete with hair care products, until they are 21. The Longhairs contacted us and were looking for a charity to partner with. They specifically wanted a charity relating to kids and hair loss. We got to be good pals very quickly, so they jumped on board and helped sponsor our Charity Ball.

Ever since, we receive a check once a month and it comes from people that purchase from them.”

Another supporter of Children With Hair Loss is Jon Renau, also the primary sponsor of their Charity Ball each year. Lisa Minervini, VP of Product Development and Branding for Jon Renau is pretty straightforward about their support. “Children With Hair Loss is just a wonderful organization. Regina has such a big heart and there is no other charity that we would rather partner with. Their Charity Ball brings awareness and provides so much to the kids who receive the hair and helps to raise money. Everything that Regina does is simply to raise money so that she can provide more hair systems to more children. And we definitely partner with her on that. We manufacture the systems in an effort to get her as many as we can, because the lower her cost on the systems, the more she can give to children.”

“The Longhairs asked if we would partner with them on The Great Cut. Which we did, obviously, because we support Children with Hair Loss. We volunteered time, donated money and were one of the main sponsors. I knew that the Jon Renau team would really rally. I mean, the camaraderie of how everybody came together to make The Great Cut happen; it honestly blew me away. But, The Longhairs were the visionaries behind it. I really have the utmost respect for what they did. Their heart is in the right place, it’s authentic and you can feel it when you sit in a room with them. These are not the kind of guys that just say, ‘Oh yeah, let’s bring awareness...,’ they’re the kind of gentleman that go big or go home. And it doesn’t get much bigger than a World Record.”

The Voice of the AHLC

SHELIA TOST San Diego, CA I was sitting facing the ramps, surrounded by people with cameras, as my hair professional started ponytailing my hair to be cut. Up on the ramp was a little blonde girl with her family, just staring at me. I waved and smiled. She waved and half-smiled. I made a scissors-cutting motion and said, “Are you cutting your hair?” She said, “What?” with a puzzled look. I did the motion again and asked if she was cutting her hair.

She reached up and took off her wig.

I started crying. My hairdresser started crying. 16 people around me started crying. I’m pretty sure her parents were crying. She may have been crying. After my son cut my first ponytail, I held it up toward her and said, “This is for you.”

She gave me heart-hands, which I gave right back. Then she gave me thank-you/prayer hands, and I held out my arms to her. She launched herself down that ramp, and people were holding up barriers and pushing aside chairs to let her get to me. She gave me the biggest, tightest, most wonderful hug of the whole day (and I hugged 1,000 people that day).

Our souls made a connection right then and there, and everyone who witnessed it knew. It was overwhelming and astonishing and a blessing to see how my small gift–just a little hair–led to a human connection with a beautiful little girl who couldn’t grow her own.

The connection is real.

MARSHALL SHAKRO

San Diego, CA My aunt had leukemia and when she started going through chemo, she struggled with losing her hair.

That inspired me to shave my hair in support of her.

After she passed away I wanted to regrow it and then donate it in her memory. I grew it so could help a young child in need.

I want a child to feel more confident in their own skin.

LISANDRA ANTONIO

Knstruct, San Diego, CA It was really such an amazing event. I got to spend my birthday donating my time to an incredible cause.

I did a total of about 12 haircuts and each person had an inspiring story to tell. I’m so passionate about giving back to the community and I’m glad I could play a small part in making some child’s life a little brighter.

MARY MOTTO

LEO LOPEZ Matices Salon, Cicero, IL In April, 2018 The Longhairs approached me about the The Great Cut. I didn’t think I could wait another year to cut my long hair, but it was so worth it!

I am proud I was able to motivate others to donate, like my goddaughters Mia and Milan. It was an honor to be part of the day by donating my hair and my time for this amazing event.

Red Clover Salon, Essex Junction, VT

Total number of hair donations exceeded 2,834

Sadly we were unable to attend but even from afar many great hearted people went to great lengths to donate for a great cause. Everyone at Red Clover Salon, the stylists, customers and community friends were so excited about the donations we were able to collect and ship out for The Great Cut! We felt honored that we were able to contribute close to five pounds of hair, which was about 126 ponytails. to be included with the record breaking donations.

Our hearts were with them as watched social media updates. It all was very exciting and we look forward to the next cut and plan to participate again in-person.

349 haircuts were performed at the event Approx 2,485 hair donations received by mail Over 1,300 attended, including 100 hair professionals and 97 volunteers Over 35 generous business sponsors and vendors contributed

LEARN MORE • GET INVOLVED www.thegreatcut.us | www.thelonghairs.us www.gofundme.com/the-great-cut-2019

Issue 30, Summer 2019

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AHLC ACADEMY

THESE CLASSES QUALIFY FOR MASTERS CERTIFICATION POINTS

AHLC MEMBER SPONSORED EDUCATION

JON RENAU MASTERCLASS: CLIENT JOURNEY + MARKETING July 14 - Minneapolis, MN August 25 - San Diego, CA September 15 - Atlanta, GA This class will lead you through the journey of the hair loss client, providing you and your team with actionable steps to engage the client of today. Learn how to elevate your client consultations, provide hair loss solutions for every stage of hair loss, while offering the best possible client experience. The CORE Masterclass program allows you to further your knowledge and expertise in alternative hair, setting you apart as a professional in the industry.

MASTERCLASS: CUSTOMIZING + SERVICING July 15 - Minneapolis, MN August 26 - San Diego, CA September 16 - Atlanta, GA This advanced education offers hands-on demonstrations to build and evolve your technical skills, while adding to your service offerings. Create client loyalty for your brand and business by learning how to offer custom ordering, cutting, in-salon coloring, human hair styling, and exclusive sizing alteration methods.

Learn the skills that will elevate you as the expert that clients are searching for The completion of CORE Masterclass: Client Journey + Marketing is required

Call 800-462-9447 to reserve your spot. https://www.jonrenau.com/education-1

HOUSE OF EUROPEAN HAIR INTENSIVE ADVANCED HAIR REPLACEMENT TRAINING Learn everything you need to know about the hair replacement business from one of the leaders in the industry. HairArt has been in the hair replacement business for nearly 40 years and founder and head stylist, Doris Yu will teach you all the intricacies of the business; from how to discuss with your clients the delicate nature of hair thinning/hair loss and recommending the correct solutions, to making a mold, proper hair ordering, techniques for applying perm and semiperm attachments, performing proper hair ventilation, cutting and styling. You will get an intensive hands-on training on mannequins and actual clients, so by the end of the course, you will be able to incorporate hair replacement solutions for your clients immediately and add to your portfolio of services. Techniques and client interaction are crucial for success, so a one-day or two-day course is not enough practical experience to fully understand, which is why we strongly recommend a minimum of a one-week course. All training materials and hair are included in the cost of the course. Mannequin, tools, and practice pieces are yours to keep.

HairArt Salon: Los Angeles, CA Date Open (call for available dates) COST: $6,000 for one-week course. $10,000 for two-week course CONTACT: 310-217-8900

30 Issue 30, Summer 2019

AMERICAN HAIRLINES

TWO-DAY NON-SURGICAL HAIR REPLACEMENT CERTIFICATION June 9-10 - Lenexa, KS (Kansas City) August 25-26 - Lenexa, KS (Kansas City)

Included In The 2-Day Certification

• Understanding Hair Loss And Hair Growth • Non-Surgical Solutions For Hair Loss • Detailed Review Of System Construction • Client Consultations For Men And Women • Live Model Demonstrations Of American Hairlines Systems • Hands-On Template-Making • Hands-On System Removal And Maintenance • Hands-On Men’s System Application Customization • Hands-On Women’s System Application And Customization • Home Care Instructions

Call 888-389-4785 to register.

HAIRUWEAR

ON THE ROAD TWO-DAY HANDS-ON WORKSHOP August 11-12: Chicago, IL September 15-16: Philadelphia, PA Transform your business and elevate your skill with hands-on training by the industry’s best instructors. Our new extended program covers everything you need to know about wigs, clip-in extensions and hairpieces over two incredible days.

Day 1: MASTERING THE BASICS

• Hair Extension & Pieces Application - HANDS-ON • Shade Selection • Special Occasion Hair & Updos • Heat Styling Tru2Life® Fiber - HANDS-ON • Wig Construction • Wig Styling & Steaming - HANDS-ON • Stages of Hair Loss & Ready-To-Wear Solutions • Client Consultation • Cap Customization - HANDS-ON

Day 2: ADVANCED CERTIFICATION

• Human Hair Care & Styling • Restoring Tru2Life® Fiber - HANDS-ON • Thinning a Wig - HANDS-ON • Adding Bangs to a Wig - HANDS-ON • Point Cutting Techniques for Wigs - HANDS-ON • Coloring Trends & Application Techniques • Cap Customization - HANDS-ON • Customizing Hair Density - HANDS-ON • Tools to Develop Salon Service Menu Curriculum is subject to change

Call 888-389-4785 to register REGISTRATION: DAY 1 (Sunday) $175 per person, DAY 2 (Monday) $250 per

person, DAYS 1 AND 2 $400 per person (Save $25) DAY 2 POLICY: To participate in the extended education program on day 2, applicant will be required to have attended day 1 or a single day HairUWear On The Road workshop within the prior 24 months.

Registration fee includes: Workshop Admission, Beverages and Lunch Provided, Hairuwear On The Road Kit Your complimentary Day 1 Kit includes: Lace Front Wig, Canvas Blockhead, Clip-In Extensions, Hairdo® Color Ring, Essential Care Kit, Styling & Customizing Tools, Training Materials, $500 Retail value!

Your complimentary Day 2 Kit includes: 100% Human Hair Lace Front Wig, Advanced Styling & Customizing Tools, Certification Tool Kit, Advanced Training Materials, $900 Retail value!

The Voice of the AHLC

HAIR VISIONS INTERNATIONAL

For over 20 years, the Hair Visions International Hair Academy and & Regional Academy’s have excelled in enhancing both the technical and business sides of hair replacement to over 3,000 national and international technicians and studio owners. And now with the introduction of Head First Hair Loss Prevention and Scalp Therapy, studios across the country are increasing their client base while providing additional services to existing clients. Strengthen your business with beginner to advanced training and education. The Hair Academy and Capilia Head First’s innovative training classes will provide all the technical knowledge needed to excel in today’s market. We will teach the latest application and styling techniques for men’s hair replacement grafts, women’s hair augmentation, hair extensions and focus on clients who are experiencing the beginning stages of hair loss through trichology training. Get the edge on the industry.

TWO DAY, HANDS-ON ON RITE/GEMTRESS HAIR REPLACEMENT CERTIFICATION CLASS August 4-5 - Hair Academy, Ft Lauderdale, FL ONE-DAY MEDICAL HAIR LOSS CERTIFICATION CLASS August 6 - Hair Academy, Ft Lauderdale, FL ONE DAY ONLY - SPECIALTY CUTTING & STYLING CLASS FOR MEN BY DWAYNE DILLON August 19: Hair Academy, Ft Lauderdale, FL Acquire a solid understanding of the advanced barbering skills to have success in creating today’s in-demand men’s hairstyles. Look and learn tutorial to create high fades, low fades, texturizing, pompadours and hair bonding applications methods. Limited class.

TWO DAY, HANDS-ON ON RITE/GEMTRESS HAIR REPLACEMENT CERTIFICATION CLASS November 3-4 - Hair Academy, Ft Lauderdale, FL ONE-DAY MEDICAL HAIR LOSS CERTIFICATION CLASS November 5 - Hair Academy, Ft Lauderdale, FL

Call 800-327-5555 for more information. ​REGIONAL HAIR ACADEMY July 28-29 - Hampton Inn, Atlanta, GA 404-767-9300 September 22-23 - Hampton Inn, Schaumburg, IL (847-380-2155 Regional Hair Academy - Two Day Women’s Hair Replacement Class 30 million women suffer from thinning hair. Whether it’s medical or genetic, you can give her a beautiful full head of hair again! Gemtress’ Two-Day Women’s Hair Replacement Certification Class offers an in-depth curriculum with hands-on instruction. Learn the perfect type of attachment to resolve any woman’s level of hair loss. Our expert instructors will provide educational training for your staff that will empower them to offer this valuable service to your customers.

Call 800-327-5555 for more information HEAD FIRST HAIR LOSS PREVENTION & SCALP THERAPY CERTIFICATION CLASS October 27-28 - Ft Lauderdale, FL The Hair Loss Prevention and Scalp Therapy certification class will educate you on the causes of hair thinning, hair loss and general scalp ailments. The Head First Hair Loss & Scalp Therapy program is an in-depth two day training course that certifies your salon as a hair renewal center.

The Head First trichology program includes:

• Two day hands-on workshop • Diagnostic assessment package including the analysis edition software • A Head First Advanced Scalp Care & Natural Hair Start‑up kit • Center listing on www.HeadFirstPro.com and an invitation to join a private Head First Facebook group • Marketing collateral for your salon • Ongoing technical support and webinar updates Call 800-327-5555. Classes have been filling to capacity. Book Early

INTERNATIONAL HAIRGOODS INT INTRO INTO HAIR REPLACEMENT July 15-17 - Minneapolis, MN September 16-18 - Minneapolis, MN Expand your current services with solutions for those with hair loss. Learn the ABCs of hair replacement, from selling to choosing the best solution to creating loyal customers. Become a hair replacement specialist and start increasing your hourly income with this intensive 3 day hands on training.

PRIVATE ISSUE BY CYBERHAIR CERTIFICATION A​ collection of wigs featuring Cyberhair, a high quality created fiber that is lightweight, fade-resistant and heat friendly. Each style is designed to allow you to personalize the finish to best suit your client. Offer your clients a new level of comfort and consistency by becoming a Private Issue by Cyberhair Retailer.

Call for dates and availability CYBERHAIR CUSTOM DESIGNS CERTIFICATION ​Cyberhair is the superior fiber on the market. It beats human hair in its durability and ability to hold color, and beats synthetic fibers by its heat tolerance, love of water and lightness in weight. Cyberhair Custom Designs allows you to create a personalized solution for your client, no matter their needs.

Call for dates and availability MICRO POINT SOLUTIONS CERTIFICATION July 29-30 - Minneapolis, MN September 23-24 - Minneapolis, MN East coast and West coast dates and locations coming soon! ​The solution for clients in the early stages of hair loss. Micro Point Solutions is a safe, healthy way to add volume and density to your client’s fine, thin hair. This 2 day training will certify you as a Micro Point Solutions Retailer, giving you a one of a kind solution for your current clients and a great way to get new clients in the door.

Call 800-328-0311 for more information.

HAIRMAX

WE OFFER FULLY CUSTOMIZABLE TRAINING • Successful laser consultations • Understanding the hair growth cycle • Identifying hair loss causes and how to correct them • The art of a successful hair loss consultation • Anything you might need to increase sales in your business We work to make your business more successful. Take advantage of 15 years of expertise in consultations and sales of hair replacement, laser therapy, transplants, and hair loss.

Call Grant at 412-980-4247 to discuss your needs

NEED TRAINING? Just log into your Membership Account at AHLC.org and click Event Calendar Issue 30, Summer 2019

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DID YOU MISS THE HEH MAGIC? Seeing is believing! AHLC members got to see and feel the highest quality hair systems difference in person.

MEMBERS RAVED ABOUT • Our “No Hassles Exchange” Policy • HEH Expert Sales Team • Custom Color & Perming Service available for our hair systems • S a t i s f a c t i o n G u a r a n t e e o r Yo u r M o n e y B a c k - A n d M o r e !

HAIR QUALITY WARRANTY

CUSTOMER SERVICE IN HOUSE COLOR, PERM & REPAIRS

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