The Link Issue 45

Special Section

Trust the Journey

When experiencing hair loss, we each walk our own path

contributors

COLLEEN CAMP

EDUCATION DIRECTOR, BOSELY, MD

LAUREN JACKSON

RENATA HAIR CO.

KELLY CARSON EDITOR, THE LINK MAGAZINE

NAZY CURTIS FOUNDER, AMANI HAIR

PERRI DAVIS

SENIOR MARKETING SPECIALIST, JON RENAU

SHONDA KING

GIFTED CREATIONS SALON & RESTORATION HAIR LOSS CLINIC

CARLY KLEIN PRESIDENT, NATIONAL HAIR LOSS MEDICAL AESTHETICS

GLENN MICHAEL MILLIET

GLENN MICHAEL SALONS

LYLANDA EDWARDS GABRIELLE'S SALON & EXTENSIONS BOUTIQUE

The Link Magazine is the official, quarterly publication of the American Hair Loss Council. The Trade Association Serving the Hair Restoration Industry. For advertising or contributing editorially, please contact us:

THE AMERICAN HAIR LOSS COUNCIL 615.721.8085 or info@ahlc.org

THE LINK STAFF

Publisher: Janine Farro

Editor: Kelly Carson

Editorial Committee: Paul Albee, Lisa Ferestad, Kelly Nemitz

AHLC Board of Directors

Randy Clark, Board Member

Joseph Ellis, President

Janine Farro, Administrator

Susan Kettering, Executive Director

Marsha Scott, Past President

SUBSCRIPTIONS

Subscriptions to The Link Magazine are mailed FREE to AHLC members within the continental U.S. International members are provided digital copies. 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 AHLC.org.

BERNARD ORY OWNER, ON STAGE HAIR EXTENSIONS AND THE PROFITABLE STYLIST

LEGAL STUFF

The opinions expressed in The Link Magazine are those of the authors and may not reflect the views of the AHLC. Advertisements in The Link may not reflect the beliefs, opinions or attitudes of the AHLC and do not imply endorsement.

© 2023 The American Hair Loss Council, All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission is prohibited.

For the Love of Community Giving can lead to joy, passion and reward

By Lylanda Edwards, Gabrielle’s Salon & Extensions Boutique, Austin, Texas

Giving back to the community was an integral part of my upbringing. I remember watching my mother, Dianne, be the poster child of cheerful giving, whether through church or simply providing a hot meal to a neighbor.

This “giving mindset” rubbed off on me, and I found myself being intentional about extending an open hand. It wasn’t until my time in high school as a Special Olympics volunteer that I realized how much serving my community infused me with joy, passion and reward.

As the founder of Gabrielle’s Salon & Extensions Boutique, I knew from the start that community and service would be a big part of our salon culture. I even included a few community service projects in my business plan.

We are a full-service salon in Austin, Texas, specializing in hair extensions and hair loss services. Our tagline, “a purpose bigger than hair,” is displayed every time we share our gifts and time with the community. During the 16 years we've been in business, we’ve found a variety of ways to give back and raise awareness for the need to serve.

Volunteering With Local Organizations

Volunteers are the heart and soul of most nonprofit organizations. We help bring these organizations’ missions to life. At Gabrielle's, we seek opportunities to provide direct support to organizations manifesting positive change across our community. During our 15-year

anniversary celebration, our team served at The Central Texas Food Bank, the largest hunger-relief charity in Central Texas. Its mission is to nourish hungry people and lead the community in the fight against hunger. Through our team’s joint efforts with other volunteers, hundreds of readyto-eat meals were assembled for those in need. Those meals were distributed to warming centers, shelters and schools.

Monetary Donations

Another way we make a difference is through monetary donations. Charitable contributions from businesses to nonprofits can qualify for tax deductions. Donate to charity because you feel a connection to an organization, not because you want a

tax deduction. Two of our recent donations include nonprofits that are near and dear to my heart, St. Jude and Grambling State University Alumni Chapter, which supports historically Black colleges and universities.

Hosting Events and Drives

We also find that hosting educational events and collaborative drives are other ways to plant positive change in the community. I’ve had the pleasure of co-facilitating several events with my twin sister, Dylanda, who shares a love for serving the community. In our opinion, two of the best events held at our salon were Financial Peace University and our Youth Empowering Camps.

Dave Ramsey’s Financial Peace University is a nine-lesson course that teaches you how to save for emergencies, pay off debt fast, spend wisely, and invest for your future. As facilitators, we have witnessed this financial literacy program change the trajectory of a family tree.

Our Youth Empowerment Camps were interactive experiences where middle and high school girls were empowered to be bold, effective communicators and authentic leaders in their communities. One of our primary goals was to inspire them to access their innermost potential and discover greatness while practicing a growth mindset. In addition, the camps promoted sisterhood, self-love and high self-esteem.

We’ve also organized Toys for Tots drives, clothing drives and a holiday gift card drive for single moms. In addition, we’ve hosted contests for single moms and teachers to win full makeovers during the holidays.

Choose Projects That Align With Your Personal Interests and Experiences

People tend to enjoy serving in capacities that align with personal interests or experiences. Shortly after opening the salon, our team set up a pop-up salon at the Ronald McDonald House, offering manicures and trims. The Ronald McDonald House provides lodging and services to families with critically ill and injured children. I have a special interest in serving those families because I’ve lived in their shoes, having a daughter who was a resident at the Dell Children’s Hospital in Austin numerous times throughout her life.

Make it Fun

After all, the only thing better than community service is doing it with friends. A couple of years ago, our salon hosted a Thanksgiving dinner and invited employees from surrounding businesses. Great food, good fellowship, and lots of laughter are all reasons to build a community outside of your four walls, and it’s a great opportunity to build relationships with neighbors who can introduce potential customers to your

business. Our team has also indulged in live music and other family activities through our efforts to participate in Martin Luther King Jr. celebrations and Relay for Life walks.

Be Community

Doing without the being can dumb down our impact. Remember, little things can sometimes make the biggest difference. Practice daily meditation and mindfulness to increase your ability to distribute more love in the world. We can only give to others what’s already been deposited inside of us. Feed yourself positivity and frequently purge anything that is not good. Never discount how much your

smile, kindness or acknowledgement can mean to someone else.

Life presents so many opportunities to generate positive change. We are all used as conduits to build community. Remember there’s strength in numbers and your team can make a difference. Our family mantra, “To whom much is given, much is required," serves as a reminder that we have a responsibility to give back because so many blessings have been given to us.

Gabrielle’s team will continue to look for fun innovative ways to serve our community at large and we encourage you to join us. Get your team involved! Get your families involved and let’s be the change that we want to see.I promise.

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Eating Your Way to Healthier Hair

By Colleen Camp, Education Director, BoselyMD

Many people view the appearance of healthy-looking hair as a sign of health and beauty. Like any other part of your body, hair needs an expansive variety of nutrients to grow healthy, strong strands and maintain a healthy scalp.

An important foundation for having healthy hair and scalp is having a nutritious diet, including nutrient-rich fruits and vegetables. Diets lacking key nutrients − high-fat-ladened foods, fast foods and processed foods − may greatly contribute to a hair loss environment.

Nutritional Uptake

Since good nutritional uptake is received through blood vessels at the base of the hair structure, it is extremely important to ingest healthy foods to promote growth and prevent shedding. Many studies show that hair loss is linked to nutritional deficiencies.

While factors such as age, genetics and hormones affect hair growth, optimal nutrient intake is a key benefiting factor in the overall scalp and hair health.

Key health factors such as good nutrition, digestive health, exercise, and well-being can be strong contributors to preventing hair loss. Eating the right nutrientrich foods provides proper

nourishment to promote hair growth and can greatly contribute to your hair health, length and density levels.

Healthy Diet

A healthy diet is important to growing healthy hair. Our hair is one of the first areas to show signs of poor nutrition. Rapid weight loss or crash dieting can lead to dramatic hair loss. Low protein and insufficient vitamins, minerals or amino acids can be damaging to hair cell reproduction and growth. If the nutritional deficiency is big enough — like for someone with an eating disorder — hair can fall out in large amounts.

Common deficiencies that affect the hair are vitamins A, C, B-12 and D, along with zinc, iron, magnesium and chromium. Beneficial ingredients include omega-3 fatty acids such as fish oil, flax seed and walnuts, all high in nutrition and offering anti-inflammatory properties. Horsetail extract helps to strengthen connective tissue. Saw Palmetto, a natural fruit extract, and pumpkin seed oil can help block the formation of dihydrotestosterone, commonly known as DHT.

A healthy hair diet can begin with protein, fresh fruits, vegetables and whole grains while limiting foods that have excessive fat, salt, and sugar. Let’s look at some unexpected food sources to boost hair growth!

Healthy Hair Foods

Eating adequate amounts of protein is important for hair growth because hair follicles are made of mostly protein. A lack of protein in the diet has been shown to cause hair loss. You can consume plenty of protein by eating meat and eggs, but you can also get protein in an array of other foods, all of which can be meat-free and still offer the protein your hair desires. Set a goal of 100 grams per day.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 11

Meat is a great source of protein, which is essential for healthy, strong hair. Red meat, in particular, is rich in iron, which can aid in hair growth. Iron helps red blood cells carry oxygen throughout the body. Iron deficiency is a major cause of hair loss, especially in women. Also taking L-lysine as a daily supplement can help women absorb iron from the foods they eat.

Eggs also are a great source of protein and biotin, two nutrients that promote hair growth. Biotin is essential to produce a protein called keratin, which helps support healthier hair strands.

Beans are a great source of protein, iron, zinc and biotin, which are all essential for optimal hair health. Together, they aid hair growth.

Soybeans are one of the best sources of spermidine, a compound that prolongs the active phase of hair growth and potential stimulator of melanin synthesis for the prevention of hair graying. Who knew you could grow your hair faster and slow the graying process?

Mushrooms are known as one of nature’s superfoods and a great source of vitamin D, ergothioneine and biotin, all known to help increase hair growth.

Brightly colored berries are loaded with antioxidants and vitamins that may promote hair growth. Strawberries are rich in vitamin C, which aids collagen production and iron absorption, two factors that promote hair growth.

Did You Know?

One cup of strawberries provides an impressive 85 milligrams (or up to 113% of your daily vitamin C needs). Vitamin C produces collagen to help strengthen hair to prevent it from becoming brittle, thus reducing breakage.

Spinach is loaded with beneficial nutrients such as folate, iron, and vitamins A and C, all of which can promote hair growth. Spinach is also a great plantbased source of iron, which can help red blood cells carry oxygen throughout the body and aid in hair health.

Omega-3 Fatty Acids

Fatty fish like salmon, herring and mackerel are excellent sources of omega-3 fatty acids, which have been linked to improved hair growth and density. Fatty fish is also a great source of protein, selenium, vitamin D3 and B vitamins, nutrients that help promote strong and healthy hair.

Salmon is a great source of omega-3 fatty acids, which are anti-inflammatory and can help grow hair and keep it shiny and full.

Avocados are rich in vitamin E, an antioxidant that helps prevent oxidative stress by neutralizing free radicals that can

cause hair loss. Additionally, they are a great source of essential fatty acids, which can be crucial for hair growth.

Did You Know?

One medium avocado provides 28% of your daily vitamin E needs.

Sweet peppers are a rich source of vitamins A and C, two nutrients that help hair stay healthy and that may aid in hair growth. Vitamin C helps promote collagen production, which can help strengthen your hair strands.

One yellow pepper provides up to 456% of the daily vitamin C needs of women and 380% for men. It is a powerful antioxidant.

Sweet potatoes are a great source of beta carotene. The body likes to convert this compound into vitamin A, which is linked to the production of sebum that helps keep hair healthy.

Shrimp is a great source of protein, B vitamins, zinc, iron and vitamin D, which may aid hair growth. They also provide a small amount of healthy omega-3 fatty acids.

Oysters are one of the best sources of zinc when choosing healthy hair foods. This mineral helps the cells responsible for hair support and reparative properties. Zinc supplements have been shown to improve hair loss in women with polycystic ovary syndrome.

I personally have experienced how a healthy hair diet and eating targeted foods can greatly increase hair health and the speed at which hair grows.

As you can see, what you eat can have a huge effect on the health of your hair. Fortunately, correcting a deficiency in any of these nutrients can help treat hair loss and promote the rate of hair growth.

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Building Boundaries

By Shonda King, Gifted Creations Salon & Restoration Hair Loss Clinic, Midway, Georgia

Since COVID-19, things have shifted in the workspace and in our relationships. COVID has taught us a lesson in how to operate and be functional with strict boundaries.

But, reestablishing boundary lines after the fact has been unpredictable. Things that we once believed we controlled are no longer in our control. Employers, employees, clients, contractors, retailers and distributors have all had to reset to regain what we found to be uncertain and unstable.

I believe we can all agree that since COVID we had to face life changes, fear, death, health, emotional and psychological challenges. If not directly with ourselves maybe indirectly with family, a loved one, staff or colleagues. And we all had client and business challenges.

As business owners or business professionals, we take the change from a different stance or in some instances a different perspective. We had to remind ourselves, our staff and our colleagues that our mental, physical, and emotional well-being is vital. Some immature people are not able to handle the boundary shift. The role or job description may not have changed but the responsibilities have.

The big question is, how do we handle boundaries when it comes to our professional and personal lives? We must accept people as they are but place them where they belong. If it must be rewritten in our job description or policy handbooks, we must remember what belongs in the

work environment or how much we allow of our personal life in the work environment. There must be a crystal-clear understanding.

I found that understanding boundaries depends upon the level of maturity. One would generally say age, but age is just a number. It’s the level of maturity that makes the difference. Some may handle responsibilities as growth, but one may handle it by understanding that to maintain a healthy work life, there must be a work-life balance. Prioritizing will eliminate being burned out or frustrated.

But just as we expect, or hope people will respect our boundaries we must also

learn to respect others. There must be a clear understanding of these boundaries and a work-life balance.

At Gifted Creations Salon, my daughter Chasity King and I had to work and build boundaries. Chasity has been with me for more than 15 years. And if you ask her, it was forced. I truly had to understand and learn boundaries. Just because she was my daughter and we worked together it does not give me permission to infringe on her personal space. Neither did it give her the right to not comply with company policies.

Did we sometimes get close to crossing the line, and did we cross those lines sometimes? The answer is yes. But we had a crystal-clear understanding of a few things, including whether we are going to keep the atmosphere and environment in our salon professional and relaxing and if our team is going to operate in the same manner. We had to decide that if we want our clients to see and feel the difference, we must demonstrate that by being and doing what we set in writing to be.

There is a thin line where owners are still trying to understand boundaries, especially regarding employees or staff. How do we keep it professional? Is there a law that says we must always keep it professional? I had to learn to recognize and appreciate each person as an individual.

We are a work in progress building boundaries as well as relationships. Let’s strive to never underestimate one’s power to build. It’s our responsibility if we are to keep building forward for the next generation.

A Journey Can Begin One Lost Hair at a Time

A personal adventure leads to helping others

By Lauren Jackson, Renata Hair Co., Grapevine, Texas

I launched Renata Hair Co. after my own hair loss journey. I know the pain and devastation of hair loss in a real way.

In 2018, I was diagnosed with several autoimmune disorders, one being alopecia areata, where the immune system begins attacking hair and follicles, causing extreme hair loss and bald patches all over the scalp. The following year after my hair loss began, I decided to go to the American Hair Loss Council's annual conference, which completely changed my life path.

I remember standing in the middle of the convention in tears and feeling completely broken and lost. Soon after experiencing those emotions, I moved into my destiny within the hair loss community. I met

amazing people who encouraged me and helped me see that I could help so many people with my own experience.

After coming home from that event, I was inspired to create an atmosphere of compassion and empathy for those facing the challenges of hair loss.

Turning Pain Into Purpose

Among my greatest accomplishments is being able to turn my hair loss into a way to help others. My team and I specialize in creating custom hairpieces for people undergoing all types of hair loss — thinning due to chemotherapy, alopecia, male pattern baldness, trichotillomania, illnesses, hormones — whatever the cause. All of our hair loss services offered are transformative. Our goal is to create the most natural and true-to-self hair for people.

I wrote this letter and put it on my website so clients can see that I have walked a similar journey. We also will print it out and put it in our essentials box for clients.

A Letter From Lauren to Those Experiencing Hair Loss.

Dear Hair Loss WARRIOR,

I write to you with a heart that knows the pain and devastation of hair loss in such a deep and real way. As I write this letter to you tears are running down my face because I am reflecting on where I've been and how far I've come. I first began my career in hairdressing at the age of 17 and it became my passion the day I walked into Ogle cosmetology school in 2000. Over the years I have had some incredible opportunities in this amazing industry. My mother and I opened Renata Salons in 2003 and it has been a gift building it together. Later in my later 20s, I moved to Los Angeles and there I was hired as a regional educator for a product line and salon called Bumble and Bumble in New York City. The growth I experienced as an educator was amazing. I had the incredible opportunity to work with talented hairdressers backstage at Fashion Week every season. The education and experience I received were the best in the industry.

Fast forward to September 2018 when I was diagnosed with several autoimmune disorders, one being alopecia areata where the immune system begins attacking the hair follicles causing extreme hair loss and bald patches all over the scalp.

The day my hair started falling out was actually not as bad as you might think because at first, you think it's just a one-time thing and that this one bald spot is as bad as it will get but for me, my hair loss continued.

I remember one of my hardest days ... I woke up in a pile of hair one morning and ran my fingers through my already pathetic hair and my heart sank. I had a massive pile of hair on my head and a pillow full of hair. My hair was pouring out of the follicles at what seemed like a never-ending speed. I sat on my bathroom floor shattered and broken, crying and begging it to stop. I remember looking up at one point and seeing my husband's face. Tears raced down his cheeks, at that time there were truly no words. He just picked me up and called the salon for both of us. We spent most of the day driving around the lake, I would go from bawling my eyes out to thinking it was going to all be OK. I grieved my hair as if it were a death of a loved one. Yes, I realize how vain and insensitive this may sound but it is 100% the feeling of losing what at times seems like your identity.

Then one day I decided I was going to find the best hair on the market and, like every hair stylist wishes they could do, cut and color my own faux hair. I wasn't going to compromise and wear ugly wigs that looked like wigs, I wanted to know all the options.

After feeling like my alopecia was a curse I began seeing that it was such a huge blessing in my life. Helping people through their hair loss journey is something that has changed my life. Seeing the faces of people who finally "see" themself again and walk out with all the confidence. It's something that has impacted my life so much that I want to spend all the time in the world seeing these faces smiling as they do. I know the feeling. My friend Cheryl did the same thing to me and it turned my frown upside down. She gave me a topper that helped me see myself again. Now I know that beauty shines SO much deeper than hair, but finally having the hair of your dreams feels pretty dang good!

Each member of my team of stylists has walked their own journey with hair loss and understands how painful and devastating it can be. One of our hair loss specialists started losing their hair in their mid 20s and knows the devastation all too well. Another one of our stylists walked through the journey of breast cancer and the other stylist found herself walking through hair loss with her grandmother. I love that our team can show empathy and compassion and truly knows the pain of hair loss as we walk through it with our clients.

We come from a place of empathy and know what our clients are feeling when they come to see us. Being able to fully relate to their emotions makes a big difference. The stylists who work with hair loss clients also have struggled with hair loss, so each client is greeted with compassion.

Our goal is to not just transform their hair, but also the hearts of people sitting in our chairs. The most gratifying part of our job is seeing people come into our salon, defeated and insecure about their hair, and watching them transform from the inside and out. We give people their confidence back, as well as give them lots of love and encouragement. The reward is seeing that transformation.

I found my best option Wearing Hair

By Anonymous

My hair loss journey started around when I was about 19. A friend of mine was cutting my hair and he took a picture of the top of my head. I remember looking at the picture and noticing a thinning spot on the top. Naturally, I was pretty devastated so I started looking for a solution. My dermatologist prescribed finasteride, which in the end helped significantly.

A few years later I decided to stop that treatment after reading about the adverse effects it can have on your sex drive. Being a young male I didn’t think any amount of hair was worth that risk.

Once I stopped finasteride, my hair started falling out again. Desperate for another solution I decided to get a hair transplant. Personally, it was a horribly traumatic experience that left me with a nasty scar on the back of my head and hardly any hair on top. I was distraught, to say the least. The pain of losing your hair, especially at such a young age, is a real and dark struggle.

Someone close to me suggested the idea of a hair system. She had witnessed my struggle firsthand. At first, I immediately shot it down. To me, the term “hair system” was just a less embarrassing way of saying “toupee.” I couldn’t bring myself to the point of trying until one

day I hit a dead end. I figured I could try it once and chalk it up as yet another loss if I hated it. I didn’t have much more to lose at that point anyway besides more hair. Honestly, I was pretty desperate as the thought of being bald was something I could not come to terms

with. I have no reason why other than the fact that I simply prefer hair.

I remember the first time a “hair system” was put in my head and I was honestly shocked. It felt foreign. I looked way different, and it was just too much. I went home and showed my wife and she was a bit shocked as well. That night I couldn’t sleep wondering what the heck I just did. It wasn’t until a couple of days later when I was able to shower with it on that I realized how natural it looked. I stepped in front of the mirror after washing the system and I was amazed at how it looked so real. I asked myself “Could this be the answer?”

Later that day my wife took a picture from behind of me and my daughter walking and showed me. I freaked out. It looked indistinguishable from real hair. It all started to sink in. I honestly couldn’t believe it. It was as if a massive weight was lifted and I could finally look and feel like myself again after so many years of anxiety and stress.

No one has ever asked me about my hair or said anything negative. Quite the contrary actually. I've been complimented left and right on how good my hair looks. When I first started wearing it most people couldn't pinpoint anything. They just said I just “looked different but so good." I would tell them I shaved or got a haircut in response then change the subject. I’ve never felt the need to give away the fact that I wear hair. At the end of the day, it’s really no one’s business but mine. I’ve found that most people could not care less anyway.

I’m so grateful to have the option to wear my hair. It has brought back so much confidence and I’m not always worrying about balding. Just like anything else, it does take a bit of time and money out of your life but it is well worth it. I highly recommend it to anyone struggling for an answer to their hair loss. You won’t look back. I promise.

Photo courtesy of Amani Hair

It's Just Hair

The truth about alopecia is that it's a constant battle

all day when I was losing mine more with every passing day.

One person said, “Well sometimes God takes what we are most prideful about.” Can you freaking believe someone would actually say that? It pissed me off to another level for so many reasons. First of all, I’ve never had great hair and it’s never been something for which I’ve been prideful. Secondly, I don’t know what God she knows, but it’s not mine.

I had another client tell the receptionist the day I was most depressed, “Well this is the last time Lauren will cancel on me. I’ve found a new hairstylist.” I thought, “Well thank God, she did me a favor.” People can be so self-centered and mean while I’m trying to figure out how to continue to be passionate about the very thing I am most devastated about — my hair.

By Lauren Jackson, Renata Hair Co., Grapevine, Texas

It’s just hair. That’s something only people with hair say.

How many times I’ve heard those words come out of people's mouths as I cringe at my first memory of my own hair loss?

The day my hair started falling out was actually not as bad as you might think. At first, you think it's just a one-time thing and this one bald spot is as bad as it will get. Almost a year out and it’s only become worse. And, it's my new normal.

I remember one of my hardest days.

I woke up with a pile of hair and ran my fingers through my already pathetic hair and my heart sank. It was like I was a cancer patient going through chemo. I cried, begging for it to stop.

Life at the salon was really tough for me. The truth is, no one can fathom the amount of grief that one goes through when one loses their hair. A lot of my clients wrapped their arms around me and cried with me but a few had zero compassion or any understanding. I wrestled with whether I even wanted to continue doing hair. Honestly, it became so gut-wrenching for me to talk about hair

The truth about alopecia is that it’s a constant battle and a forever fear. No one can tell you how long it will happen, how much hair will fall out, or if the end game is complete balding. The other hard part about alopecia is that it is an autoimmune disorder that usually comes with other immune issues. People don’t always talk about what goes on inside their bodies because the focus is on the obvious outward part of hair loss.

A lot of us who struggle with alopecia also seriously struggle with complete and utter exhaustion, feeling nauseous a lot, frequently getting sick because our immune system is all messed up, and so many other health issues. The immune system can’t function correctly when it's constantly fighting your body. And, alopecia is an incurable autoimmune disease.

Lauren's husband shaves her head.

Yes, and It's My Hair Cancer treatment comes with hope my hair will return

By Kelly Carson, Editor, The Link

I agree with Lauren Jackson of Renata Salons who so eloquently tells her story of hair loss and alopecia. "It's only hair" is something only folks with hair would say.

In the winter issue of The Link Magazine, I detailed my cancer journey and hair loss. Y'all witnessed me have what remained of my natural mane removed at the skillful hands of my friend, Toni Doyle of Peroxide Hair Studio in Hattiesburg, Mississippi.

I was taken aback by my own reaction to my bald head. It was shocking. I didn't know I was that attached to the graying hair on my head. But I was, and I cried.

Since then, I have been hiding my bald head under one of those slinky millennialfavored knit beanies. I wasn't ashamed that I was bald, I don't think. I know I didn't want to "shock" the public too severely with my shiny scalp. As the follicles started returning ever so slowly I looked like a baby eagle or something. I guess I keep it covered because I didn't want to be laughed at. And, because it's been a cold winter, I don't think people noticed at all. Of course, I'm giving myself way too much power over people's reactions to my head. I would like to think no one gives a damn.

It's just hair but for me that statement has a different meaning. I'm not short-selling Jackson or her position. Her struggle is real. I may not have a full head of hair, but I will at some point in the future. That realization struck me as I was having lunch in downtown Hattiesburg and my waitress and new friend, 25-year-old Tanner Madden, had a head of hair that was cut super short and multicolored. She did the normal waitress stuff just like all the

other waitresses I've seen in my life, only she did it with kaleidoscope hair.

I don't know if I'll ever have the courage to go hatless and be uncovered in public like my new friend. Madden said she shaved her hair a few years ago so she would stop hiding from the world. It seems to have worked. She's personable, dynamic and energetic, all the things I want to be.

"I had put so much pride in my hair," she said, "I would hide behind my hair. I cut it off and then I couldn't hide anything."

I'd like to think I could follow in her footsteps and stop hiding behind my hair, but the 40-year difference in our age may stop me. Maybe. I did go out in public uncovered by accident getting gas one

day. Does that count? Madden shaved her head on purpose — a way to get out of her comfort zone.

A few days ago I drove with the windows down and I could feel the little hair follicles dancing in the breeze. It made me smile.

By the time this magazine is published, my hair should be of sufficient length to at least need a good combing every once in a while. But the cruelty that is cancer, I will lose it again as I begin a second round of radiation treatment. It's all part of the original recovery plan created by a spectacular team of doctors, nurses, technicians, and others who guide me to recovery.

Yes, it's just hair. Maybe I'll have some by my birthday in August, though I'm not complaining.

Tanner Madden shaves her hair because she likes it that way.

Consultations

By Nazy Curtis, Founder, Amani Hair

As a successful hair restoration studio owner I have found that consultations are a cornerstone of my business. It is often the first meeting you'll have with potential clients. And as they say, first impressions are lasting impressions.

Here are some helpful ideas on how to conduct a successful consultation:

Create a Comfortable Atmosphere

This is essential. Make sure your private rooms have a vibe of comfort and warmth. Green plants and calming art with vivid colors can be welcoming. Your client is going through a tough time and we want them to feel like things are normal — not like they are in a doctor's office or a place that feels clinical.

Educate Your Staff

This is a place where people come with different emotional vulnerabilities. Be sure your staff knows what to say and what not to say. Understand that listening and empathy are paramount. Selling is actually secondary. Your body language and verbiage should have a kind and healing effect on your clients.

Customize

It is important to find out if the client is there for a short-term or a long-term solution. This will determine what products

you will choose to show. It also dictates the conversation to some degree. Don’t overwhelm them with terminology. Using technical terms can be confusing and lead to more questions and more of your time.

Empathy is a Must

Show clients compassion and know that they have been through a lot by the time they are sitting in your chair. Even if they are not ready to buy, let them know all of

their options. Be sure they know they have found a safe place to talk about their hair loss and support their decision.

Listen

You will strengthen the relationship with your prospective clients by asking them about the challenges and goals they would like to reach. Listening to them is about connecting. It involves paying close attention to their needs and understanding how you can help them achieve their goals. Stay humble and patient, and let the customer speak.

Manage the Time

Keep your consultation time to under an hour. Long appointments can lead to confusion. Give clients no more than three options. Again, we don't want clients to feel confused or overwhelmed.

Show Assurance

Make sure you are confident in the product that you are selling them. Know the sources of your products.

Contracts

Once your client decides to purchase, be sure you have all of your contracts in order. Review them with your clients and be sure they read them, including the fine print. Your policies need to be on both your contracts and receipts. This protects both parties, you and your client.

Using these hints and seeing how happy customers are can be a catalyst to strengthening your business.

Support Your Cancer Community

How To Take Care of Hair During Cancer Treatment

It is important to be washing the hair or scalp daily to every other day even when there are no visible follicles. It is important to keep the scalp as clean as possible to create a fresh clean slate for hair growth to occur.

Look for a paraben and sulfate-free shampoo, which is healthier and gentler on the skin and follicles. Baby shampoo would not be an appropriate cleanser for the scalp as the pH levels of an infant are different from that of an adult.

By Carly Klein, President, National Hair

Loss Medical Aesthetics

Cancer touches us all in some shape or forms over the course of our lives. Friends, family, colleagues, yourself. You never know who may get cancer or when, or exactly how it may impact your own life.

The first questions a cancer patient commonly asks are: Is this curable? Will I lose my hair with chemotherapy?

Hair loss is common with most chemotherapy treatments. Once treatment has been completed, it may take up to a year for hair to grow long enough to feel comfortable in.

We were one of the first in the country to have a specific cancer division devoted to helping patients with their hair loss after chemo. There are so many misconceptions and misinformation about hair loss and treatments that people seemed to lose hope and do not know which way to turn.

Even if hair loss is actively occurring from chemotherapy, it is important to still be washing hair and scalp consistently to help level out the amount of shedding you are seeing. Some find it helpful to cut the hair shorter to make loss less traumatic.

Ninety Percent of Women Regard Hair Loss as the Worst Side Effect of Cancer Treatment

If hair loss occurs from chemotherapy, it is typically between the second and third treatments. Adequate hair growth following chemotherapy may take 10 months to one year and returning hair may be different from the hair that was lost.

Due to the absence or alteration of pigment, the hair may grow back white, gray, or a different color. Eventually, as the pigment cells return to normal, the original color should return. It is common for the new hair to return finer in texture initially.

Misconception: As soon as chemo ends hair will grow back full and quickly.

In actuality, the rate of growth for hair post-chemo can be much slower. Normal hair grows ½ inch to one inch a month on a normal young adult. This is much slower when recovering from chemo, surgeries, and radiation series. Hair typically will grow on the sides and back of the headfirst, and the top grows in the slowest.

Your body pulls energy (mitochondria) from wherever it can get its resources internally to heal and recuperate. Your body always pulls the energy from the hair and skin and nails. That is why those areas are the last to return to normal after treatments.

Variables that can dictate hair growth following chemotherapy are a person’s overall health, the number of chemotherapy treatments, the type of chemotherapy that was used, and if there was hair loss before cancer treatments. We also find that those who may be on inhibitor medications following cancer may have a slower rate of regrowth compared to a person who is not on these medications.

Genetic Hair Loss and Chemotherapy Hair Regrowth

A staggering 90% of the population experience genetic hair thinning at some point in their lives. Throw into the mix of sickness, medications, or chemotherapy and a person can be faced with losing hair at an alarming rate.

We know that telogen effluvium or shock hair loss is not a permanent type of loss. However, if there is a mass exodus of hair there will also be a massive regrowth. When examining your client, check if the hair is growing more quickly in the back and sides of the head, is the hair finer and thinner in the temples and top of the head to the crown region? If you are trained to look at your client microscopically, what is the density of the new hair growth coming in? These are all signs that the client also has genetic hair thinning and will need not only a short-term plan of action but a long-term plan to grow the hair and keep normal density as much as possible.

Boosting Hair Growth Following Chemotherapy

There are a variety of ways to boost growth following cancer treatments. These are some of the methods we have successfully utilized for years with a great outcomes:

■ Compounded Prescription Topicals can be utilized to trick hairs into an active growth cycle. These do not need to be used long-term but rather as a booster until desired results are achieved.

■ At-Home Medical Grade Laser Therapy increases cell metabolism and the health of blood vessels in the scalp for thicker, supple, and more durable hair shafts. This method has no side effects, which makes it especially appropriate for long-term use to meet hair goals. Not to be mistaken with LED light or cohesive laser-red light devices which do not penetrate to the proper depth. We have results in 50% faster growth when using medical-grade laser therapy.

■ Hair Analysis Testing can be utilized to help your client healthily get into their cancer recovery phase. Strands of hair are collected from the scalp or eyebrows and tested for all food and drink intolerances, and vitamin,

mineral, fatty acid, and antioxidant deficiencies. This also tests for the presence of toxic metals, parasites, or EMF disturbances in the body. We have long utilized this test for clients who seem to be doing everything right and still falling short of where they should be with results. Looking deeper within the body for additional puzzle pieces helps us to get a person on a faster pace toward hair and health recovery.

Supporting Your Own Cancer Community

Since the conception of my company, assisting cancer patients in their next chapter of recovery has always been held near and dear to my heart. My team has run with this passion and created a global support group called “HERE.” This is based on the premise that HERE, a client will find support, community, and resources before during, and after their cancer diagnosis and on into survivorship. We have trained numerous practitioners and image professionals the world over to take on their local cancer communities and offer care, support, and empathy. It is within your power to make a difference!

With state-of-the-art technology and a focus on unparalleled functionality, Progen Probe is proud to offer industry professionals the best and most accurate and user-friendly skin, hair scalp and hair cuticle analysis machines available in the world. These cameras have gained the attention of beauty and health experts across the globe including L'Oréal, Kérastase, and Aveda™ for its unparalleled analysis capabilities. By accurately assessing your client’s personal skin and hair health needs, these devices will help your salon increase: sales, services, profits and repeat business; helping your business to become the local skin and hair authority.

Nutrifuse is a daily treatment collection, specifically designed to mend, revive and ultimately reverse hair damage, and made to be used on hair replacement systems. Every product is filled with proteins and essential oils that help support the building blocks of hair, restoring and rebuilding dry, brittle strands, and helps bring hair systems back to life.

Going beyond beauty, and starting at the root with a deep knowledge of scalp and hair care, Progen Active care has four unique lines designed to help treat scalp care issues, each made with specially curated essential oils and effective active ingredients. Hair care specialists should have the tools to effectively assess their client’s hair and scalp condition to proactively offer the best recommendations. The Active Care scalp regimens are available in professional sizes and take-home kits.

Pro|Gen Fiberbond Daily Treatment Collection

Fiberbond is an instant solution to the age-old problem of hair loss and thinning in men and women. Through the body’s natural static charge, thousands of small protein fibers bond to the hair to create the immediate effect of fuller hair.

Fiberbond Keratin Thickening Fibers are the best hair fibers in the market today and will help you transform your client's fine, thin or thinning hair instantly with thousands of micro organic protein fibers that adhere statically to the hair. They can also be used it to add finishing touches to your client's final look, and to add fullness to facial hair, available in 8 artisanally crafted shades. Fiberbond includes the world’s first and only electric hair fiber applicator that is patented and ergonomically designed for an easier, more comfortable application.

www.progenfiberbond.com

Luxia Artiss Hand Crafted European Hair Extensions

Luxia Artiss hair extensions are made with 100% European fullcuticle hair. This is the most luxurious, healthy, and topperforming hair, which makes Luxia Artiss the best quality hair extensions in the world. Luxia Artiss Paris takes the utmost care in their cultivation process by employing the double drawn hair technique, a rare practice only used by a select few masters in the craft. Double drawn hair is the highest-grade possible and implements additional steps during the manufacturing process. This significantly increases the quality of the hair extensions and provides a healthier full appearance. The hair will be very thick, right to the tip; and that sought-after full-bodied look will be easily achieved. With Luxia Artiss Paris, impeccable lush European hair meets incredible innovation with an artisanal touch, for the hair your clients desire, they are available in 3 lengths, and 24 color tones.

www.luxiaartiss.com

Luxia Artiss Hair Thickening Fibers Hair Fibers for Women

Luxia Artiss Hair Thickening Fibers are made to help conceal the effects of coloring, styling, and excessive use of heat on hair that may lead to thinning hair or hair loss for women over time. The specially curated hair fibers are an instant solution to women's hair loss and thinning, as thousands of small protein fibers bond to the hair to create the immediate effect of fuller hair. Use Luxia Artiss hair fibers to help conceal problem areas, while creating a fuller look and boosting your client's confidence. Luxia Artiss Hair Fibers are available in 7 artisanally crafted shades, and includes the world’s first and only electric hair fiber applicator that is patented and ergonomically designed for easier, more comfortable application.

www.luxiaartiss.com

Or & Argan Daily Treatment Collection

Get the latest in luxury hair care with the Or & Argan hair care collection. All products in this collection are created with age-old ingredients such as virgin Argan oil, tiger nut oil, and gold dust that work together to restore, hydrate, protect, and add luster to dry, damaged, and chemically treated hair.

www.luxiaartiss.com

How to Empower Your Clients to Share Their Hair Loss Story

the chair must be treated with sensitivity and compassion.

Kevin Bryan, a second-generation hair stylist, educator and hair restoration expert, has experienced success from his online marketing efforts. Before and after photos, testimonials and short-form videos for social media skyrocketed his career. He owns Hair By Kevin Bryan, a salon in Temecula, California.

We sat down with Kevin to learn how he builds trust with his clients and empowers them to be photographed and open to sharing about their hair loss journeys.

By Perri Davis, Senior Marketing Specialist, Jon Renau

As a proud hair stylist or alternative hair professional, it’s only natural to want to share your amazing work and heartwarming transformations. What’s more, having a strong online presence that educates and inspires through testimonials is your business’s key to success.

Society has come a long way in overcoming the stigma of wearing alternative hair, and with this rising acceptance, it's easy to assume that a client would be comfortable sharing their hair transformation online.

However, if there’s one thing I've learned as a stylist it’s that hair reflects a person’s identity and plays a substantial role in one's self-esteem. While hair loss is common, experiencing it can surface solid emotions and is often kept hidden from one’s community. Hair loss is extremely private and personal, and each person in

How do you start a conversation with your client about taking before and after photos?

I always take (pictures) before and after for them personally to see the process. I generally start the conversation with something like, “Wow, you will have such a transformation today! We have to document this!” After the work is done, I will ask, “May I have permission to share these images? I find it really gives others hope and helps them to see that there are amazing solutions.” Nine out of 10 times the guests are more than willing.

What do you say to help them feel more comfortable?

I think instilling confidence is key. Lots of affirmations and really helping them own the new look is my priority. When you make them believe they look good, it’s almost always a yes to share images.

If a client says no the first time, do you approach them with it again? If so, how would you adjust your approach?

Actually, no. This is big for our brand culture. We have created a “pressure-free” environment for our guests and we recognize this is very personal.

Do you have any personal stories you want to share about where your approach went positively or negatively? What did you take away from this experience?

I once had a hair replacement client book a session at the last minute and we had a cancellation. That day, I happened to have my videographer present in the room when the guest entered our private studio. I cordially introduced them and let my guest know that we had done some filming that day, hence his presence, and then asked if he would be willing to let us get some shots of him being worked on that day. I could tell that he was very uncomfortable when he was reluctant to answer right away.

I immediately realized his level of discomfort and assured him there was “no pressure” and that he could absolutely say no. So, he did. And I made him feel great about it. I excused our videographer to lunch and resumed his service.

No look is off limits with AHL in your toolkit. This kick-ass collection of men’s hair replacement systems lets you give your clients a look that’s remarkably realistic and downright enviable.

GRAVITY features guides for cutting down two sizes smaller. It’s like having three systems in one!

Model is wearing Gravity in Lighter Blonde.

©2023 HairUWear Inc.

My big takeaway was that it’s nice to let the clients know in advance when we’re filming. I always ask for permission in advance, and I always respect the “no."

Do you have any tips or do’s and don’ts when sharing a client on your marketing channels?

Be specific about what and where you’d like to share with the client. We once had a disgruntled guest that had previously given us permission to take video footage. He did not realize this would be posted on Instagram, which he’s active on, and we later got the call with a request for the post to be taken down.

Anything else you’d like to share on this topic?

Again, I can’t stress enough having clear communication with guests about sharing their images. We must always ask permission, respect a “no” and work to create a pressure-free experience.

The main thing to get the “yes” is to instill confidence! Encourage them to own their new look and foster an environment of compassion, encouragement, and trust. This goes a long way.

Our annual three-day event for members at Music City’s own Gaylord Opryland Resort. Learn about the latest products and innovations from respected vendors and manufacturers serving the hair restoration industry. The conference features educational breakout classes ranging from advanced technical how-tos to practical business and marketing insights. Freely exchange ideas with your peers during the event as well as during breaks, breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Our most valuable resource is our members. They are the most dedicated, caring and passionate professionals you’ll ever meet. It’s no wonder that many refer to our annual conference as “the family reunion of the industry".

EARLY BIRD TICKET PRICE

Kevin Bryan works with a client.

BRING SYNTHETIC HAIR BACK TO LIFE

WITH SYSTEM REVITALIZING MIST™

Save Your Hair Hair extensions can help your hair

By Bernard Ory, Owner, On Stage Hair Hair Extensions and The Profitable Stylist, Slidell, Louisiana

Hair extensions have become increasingly popular in recent years, but many people still have concerns about the potential damage they can cause to natural hair. However, when done correctly, hair extensions can actually be a great way to add volume, length, and style to a person's hair without causing any harm.

In my opinion, there are three major categories to ensure a great head of hair extensions.

Use High-Quality Hair

One of the most important things to keep in mind when getting hair extensions is to

use high-quality hair. Cheap, low-quality extensions can be rough, dry, and difficult to manage, which can lead to tangling, breakage, and damage to your natural hair. Using high-quality hair extensions is the first step towards having long, healthy hair over time.

Proper Maintenance

Another key factor in preventing damage from hair extensions is proper maintenance. It is important to follow the instructions provided by your stylist, such as not sleeping on wet hair, de-tangling daily, and being gentle when styling your hair. This can help to minimize the amount of stress and tension on your natural hair, reducing the risk of breakage or damage.

CONTINUED ON PAGE

Proper Application Techniques

The stylist's technique is also crucial. They should use enough hair to support the weight of the extensions and place them at the correct, natural fall angle. This way, there will be no unnecessary tension on the natural hair, which can cause damage or breakage.

In addition to these tips, it's also important to choose the right type of hair extension method for your hair. For example, tape-in extensions are a low-cost option, that go in quickly, but are rarely attached to enough hair to be healthy for most people. Then the sticky mess during removal is a recipe for tangles and knotting.

Fusion extensions, also known as K-Tips these days, like SHE Hair and Great Lengths, on the other hand, can be more permanent and less damaging if applied and removed correctly. The big challenge is keeping the stylist and the client patient during the removal process. That’s usually where most of the damage happens. The second biggest reason for damage with K-Tips is the client waiting too long for the redo.

A stylist's favorite these days is anything with beads. Beaded strands, beaded wefts, beads with I-Tips, and the hand-tied wefts sewn in with beads, needle and string. All are great options. It just depends on the skill and experience of the person using the technique.

It's also essential to have your extensions professionally installed and maintained by a trained stylist, who can ensure that the extensions are not too tight and that the hair is not being pulled or tugged. Regular maintenance appointments are also important to keep the extensions clean, remove tangles, and adjust the tension as needed. You should also make sure to use the appropriate hair care products. Avoid harsh shampoos and conditioners, as well as high-heat styling tools, which can dry out the extensions and cause damage. Instead, use sulfate-free, moisturizing products and let your hair air dry naturally, or use a diffuser as much as possible, but don’t sleep with wet hair. So cleanse early

in the day if going natural.

Hair extensions can be a great way to enhance hair, but it's important to be mindful of the potential damage they can cause. By taking steps to use high-quality hair, maintain your client's extensions properly, choose the right technique, and use the appropriate hair care products, you can ensure that natural hair remains healthy and strong while enjoying the benefits of extensions. The added hair can actually be more beneficial by adding a buffer or shield from the sun, wind, and heated styling tools.

It’s also important to not leave the extensions in for too long. The general rule is to have them removed and reapplied every six-12 weeks, depending on the technique and recommendation of your stylist. This prevents the extensions from pulling on the natural hair for too long and causing damage after some of the support hairs have naturally shed, and they are supported by less hair in each section.

It's important to note that not all hair types and densities are suitable for extensions. People with fine, thin, or damaged hair should avoid longer wear times and sometimes should not have them at all. It is always best to consult with a professional stylist before deciding to get extensions. Encouraging clients to talk to each other about their experiences can be helpful and reassuring.

Hair extensions can be a great way to enhance your hair, but it's important to be mindful of the potential damage they can cause. By using high-quality hair, maintaining your extensions properly, choosing the right technique, and using the appropriate hair care products, you can ensure that a client's natural hair remains healthy and strong while they enjoy the benefits of extensions.

I am constantly answering questions about hair extensions and all things hair and hair business related on multiple platforms. Go there and ask me anything! I love this conversation!

If you are a current AHLC member and would like to be featured, scan the QR code and fill out the form. Become a member and get featured!

8 Easy Questions: Stacy Handle

Title: Owner

Salon: Garde Bien/Knox Hair & Scalp

Location: Knoxville, Tennessee

Question #1: Tell us about where you grew up.

Answer: Alabama, Georgia, Iowa.

Question #2: What was your favorite cartoon growing up, and why?

Answer: The Jetsons. I thought the technology was so cool and would make life more convenient. I guess many came to fruition.

Question #3: If a movie were made about your life, who would play you?

Answer: Meryl Streep.

Question #4: Describe your high school years.

Answer: Happily involved in clubs, sports jock, studies, and good grades and friends. I grew up in a small midwest town where everyone was friendly. We lived on a lake.

Question #5: Who have been your most substantial influences in life?

Answer: Parents and grandparents. Good hard-working Christians.

Question #6: How would friends and acquaintances describe you?

Answer: Tall….. haha! A friend once said I knew a lot about a lot. It’s because I’m interested in current events and the community.

Question #7: What would you do differently if you had a chance?

Answer: Buy fewer things.

Question #8: Describe a scene of your vision for the future.

Answer: The first time I really look forward to becoming a grandmother and seeing my kids living their best life.

If you are a current AHLC member and would like your pet to be featured, scan the QR code and fill out the form. Become a member and get featured!

Meet The Pets

We all love our pets. So, let’s get to know each other. Meet the Pets lets you show off your favorite fur baby, fish or any other loving creature in your world.

Pet Owner's Name: Jessica Lawrence

Cosmetologist, stylist, colorist, wig fitter A Special Place

Greensboro, North Carolina

Pet's Name: Beau Beau Lawrence

Pet's Age: 6 months

Pet's Breed: Shorthair Maine Coon mix

What does your pet add to your life?:

He has helped my mom and me get through the loss of our 14-year-old short-haired female cat Heather. He is so loving, sweet, and sometimes silly but always appreciative. He is a rescue whom I found as a 2-month-old kitten in the parking lot of my old job, drinking out of the gutter and I could not leave him there.

He is always making us laugh. It is entertaining to watch him play and learn new things or places to explore the larger he has grown.

Does your pet come to work with you?

No. If he did, I think he would quickly end up destroying a wig by “playing with it.”

What is your pet’s superpower?

Being able to jump straight up in the air and run like The Flash.

Be a Powerful Communicator

By Glenn Michael Milliet, Glenn Michael Salons

I am often amazed that highly intelligent, highly motivated and highly skilled professionals will spend enormous amounts of time, energy and money in an effort to attract new business. Yet they will miss the one key element that will virtually guarantee sales success. It's their ability to communicate, connect, and close consultations, both live and virtually, that provide value to their client while providing profits to their business.

Understand that one’s ability to communicate, connect, and close conversations effectively and efficiently are among the most influential, persuasive, and powerful skills in one’s business, sales, financial, and personal life.

These skills supersede the quality of one’s products and services, for without them, products and services remain sitting on a shelf. They can be the differentiator between growing one’s business versus going out of business. Often times these skills are what separate the winners from those who have not yet learned how to win.

Like most stylists, I began my career focused heavily on refining my technical

skills. Yet I realized early on that it was my ability to communicate effectively that would put my hands to work, build a profitable business, and provide the opportunity for a better quality of life.

Becoming an effective communicator is no different than becoming a highly-skilled services professional. It requires systems that are predictable, measurable, and of course highly profitable.

Consider my "Five Pillars of Communication Success" as you transform your consultations into positive results-driven success and build your communication skills.

1) You must have a burning desire to be a powerful communicator.

Simply stated, “You gotta’ want it” for it is your want power that will fuel your will power. Without the desire to change nothing will happen.

2) You must understand the process of successful communication.

Using sentence structure and emotionally based verbiage creates the proper

image in the mind of your listener. Selling is the transfer of emotion. Your client transfers the payment to purchase the emotion of happiness in order to replace their emotion of unhappiness. Consider the client visiting your salon with fine thinning hair who leaves with a confidence restoring new hair system. Did they purchase hair or the emotion of confidence and happiness their new hair provided?

3) Schedule a specific time to study and practice the techniques and how-tos of effective communication.

Consider:

■ Going online to learn from communication skills tutorials.

■ Studying in detail the recommended techniques.

■ Practicing these techniques as you roll-play your consultations.

■ Recording, evaluating, and correcting your efforts.

■ Listening as if you were the client.

■ Securing professional coaching and critiques.

As Newton's third law states, “For every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction.” Simply stated, you will get out of it, what you put into it.

4) Be patient yet persistent.

Neither Rome nor your communication skills will be built in a day. Small actions done repeatedly over a specific period of time will create a compound effect of powerful results. Create a practice schedule, stick with the program, stay the course, be accountable, and soon the momentum of consistency will take over.

5) Lastly, never lose your coach's phone number.

Seek and secure a professional skills coach, preferably someone in your industry. Professional athletes, musicians and top business MVPs never go it alone and welcome the value of professional coaching.

THESE CLASSES QUALIFY FOR AHLC MASTER'S CERTIFICATION POINTS

One-Day Business Seminar Coaching

June 3, Amani Headquarters, Newport Beach, California, Cost $399

Take your business to the next level, transform, and learn all the steps for a successful business to elevate your skills and set yourself apart from other salons and stylists. Train with Nazy Curtis, founder of Amani Hair Newport Beach. With more than 25 years of experience, Nazy will provide you with an understanding of target groups and solutions, consultation technical training as well as an overall marketing strategy.

As a bonus, get answers to your questions about color-customized human hair systems. For additional information or to register, contact Rike at info@amanihair.com.

CNC Training

March 12-13 CRLAB Laguna Hills, California, Training Center

May 7-8 Wall Township, New Jersey

May 21-22 CRLAB Laguna Hills, California, Training Center

April 2-3 West Palm, Florida

Learn all the steps for designing a beautiful CNC hair prosthetic with master trainers Eliana Bottiglieri, Danielle Marzella, and CRLAB Laguna Hills trainer Diana Ford. The two-day training will include live models for hands-on training with designing a CNC, application, removal, customization, and cut-in.

CRLAB Training

April 30-May 1 CRLAB Laguna Hills, California, Training Center

July 23-24 CRLAB Laguna Hills, California, Training Center

Learn all the steps for a successful CRLAB client consultation, Trico test, and scalp treatments for optimal scalp health.

For information contact starr.fox@crlab.com, jodie.vanderhoof@crlab.com, or visit crlab.com

Online Certification Program

Learning this new skill that will allow you to:

• Help the more than 80 million women who have hair loss or thinning hair.

• Set yourself apart from other salons and stylists by developing your unique skills as a certified hair loss specialist.

• Build a loyal repeat client as hair loss clients return every four-five weeks.

• Join the elite network of Evolve Certified Stylists.

Introductory Price: $1,200 (Use promo code ONLINE and get $300 off the regular price of $1,500) Payable in two easy payments; $600 down, $600 at receipt of your toolkit. For information call 888-545-1416, evolvehairsolutions.com

Two-Day Nonsurgical Hair Replacement Certification

June 4-5, Lenexa, Kansas (Kansas City)

Included in the two-day certification:

• Understanding hair loss and hair growth

HairUWear On the Road Two-Day Workshop

April 16-17 Lenexa, Kansas (Kansas City)

May 21-22 Tampa, Florida

June 11-12 Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Transform your business and elevate your skill with hands-on training by the industry’s best instructors. Our extended program covers everything you need to know about wigs, toppers, clip-in extensions and hairpieces.

Day 1: Mastering the Basics

• Hair extension and pieces application

• Heat styling Tru2Life® fiber

• Wig construction

•*Wig styling and steaming

• Stages of hair loss and ready-to-wear solutions

• *Cap customization

Day 2: Advanced Certification

• Human hair care and styling

• *Restoring Tru2Life® Fiber

• *Point Cutting Techniques for Wigs

• *Cap Customization

• *Customizing Hair Density

*Hands-on activities. Curriculum is subject to change. Contact your HairUWear account executive or email education@hairuwear to register.

Whether it's hands-on or online, Hair Visions has the education to elevate your skills and move your business forward.

Hair Visions Look & Learn Virtual Classes streamed from Image First Salon and Day Spa, instructed by Baha Alwardi

April 17 Long Hair Bonding. Introduction to Hair Replacement for Women

Attendees will be guided through the full scope of long hair bonding for women. From the initial consultation, hair preparation, and finishing techniques to removal and maintenance. This is an intensive look into the who, what, where, and why's of long hair bonding.

May 8 Perimeter Bonding and Grafting

Who are your perimeter bonding and grafting clients? These questions along with the implementation of the three-dot method, proper removal and maintenance, and proper re-attaching methods will be covered in depth during the Perimeter Bonding and Grafting class.

May 22 Link Method: The Art of Hair Replacement without Chemicals

Would your client benefit from link attachments? Baha will introduce you to the different types of links, conduct the consultation, mold making, and deliver the finished product. Check out the Link Method and see how it would benefit your clients.

April 23 - 24 Two-Day Art of Hair Replacement for Men and Women

Houston, Texas

In-depth two-day hands-on training with International Educator Baha Alwardi. With more than 25 years in the beauty industry, Baha is a favorite among industry educators. The Art of Hair Replacement Class includes:

• Hands-on education

• Product kit

• Live model demonstration

• Men’s and women's hair replacement bonding techniques

• Men’s and women's hair cutting techniques

• Continental breakfast and lunch

• Certification class

For detailed information, contact Karla Hurtado at 800-327-5555, 3325 or visit hairvisionsintl.com/hair-academy/

• Nonsurgical 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

One-on-one virtual and in-studio training opportunities are also available. Contact your American Hairlines account executive, call 866-618-1200 or email education@hairuwear.com

Intensive Advanced Hair Replacement Training

Date Open (call for available dates), HairArt Salon, Los Angeles, California

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 semi-perm 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 oneweek course. All training materials and hair are included in the cost of the course. Mannequin, tools, and practice pieces are yours to keep. $6,000 for one-week course.

Contact: 310-217-8900

Micro Point Solutions Certification

Call For Dates Virtual and In-Person

Virtual, New York City, Chicago, Minneapolis, Las Vegas, Cleveland, Phoenix, Boca Raton

Going where no extension has gone before — the top of the head — this solution is for clients in the early stages of hair loss. A safe, healthy way to add volume and density to your client’s fine, thin hair. Recreate the look and feel of your client’s natural hair and visibly boost thin hair in just one appointment.

Intro to Hair Replacement Certification

Virtual, New York City, Chicago, Minneapolis, Las Vegas, Cleveland, Phoenix, Boca Raton

Call for Dates

Hair replacement certification class helps you master the many fundamental technical aspects of nonsurgical hair replacement for women and men. Intensive and comprehensive handson technical training, and Includes thorough client consultation and coaching, and in-depth business discussion.

Cyberhair Certification

August 7-8, Eden Prairie, Minnesota

This certification addresses the technical and business aspects of working with Cyberhair. This comprehensive session encompasses the many possibilities of nonsurgical hair replacement for women and men, and how they will exceed the expectations of your hair loss clients. Typical Cyberhair custom lead time is four-six months.

Call 800-328-0311, 1008for information or to register, or email Promos@IntHair. com.

In-Person Education Masterclass Certification

In this two-day, hands-on certification you will learn how to transform and grow your business by expanding your product offerings and obtaining knowledge for more lucrative upselling. Setting you apart as an elevated professional.

In this certification you will learn:

• How to increase your ROI, reduce returns and maximize your time.

• Business development strategies.

• Professional customization and servicing techniques to promote a better client experience while you generate recurring revenue.

• How to further your industry knowledge and expertise in alternative hair. Limited seating with multiple locations in 2023. Contact us to learn more.

On-Demand Education

Ready when you are regardless of distance or time zones. No travel expenses, no lost time, no waiting for what you need.

Men’s

Hair Replacement Certification

New to hair replacement or looking to expand your knowledge? From perimeter to full scalp bonds, temporary tapes to long-term hold, this certification provides multiple techniques and options based on your skill level and your client’s needs.

You will learn how to ensure a positive experience for your clients through:

• New client requisition and consultation.

• Preparation plus application for multiple base designs.

• Care instructions for a successful at-home experience.

• Client retention through follow-up and program pricing.

Cheveux

Direct Inject Certification

Cheveux Direct inject systems offer our hair replacement customers the ability to design handcrafted custom systems for their clients with high-quality European hair, the most natural innovation added to Jon Renau.

You will learn how to ensure a positive experience for your clients through:

• Consultation with a new client and transitioning current clients into a new system.

• Placing a custom order.

• Preparation and grafting application for a non-shaved method

• Care instructions for a Cheveux Direct system

Masterclass Certification

Business Success Mastery + Product Knowledge for Success certification will lead you through

the hair loss clients' journey, providing you and your team with actionable steps to emphasize capturing new clients while gaining market share to engage today’s clients and give the best client experience.

• Increase revenue, reduce returns and maximize your time.

• Increase brand awareness and impact purchase decisions.

• Implement client retention strategies

Topper Certification

This is designed to provide you with the tools and knowledge you need to service one of the fastestgrowing segments in alternative hair, the topper client. Because after all, not every client is ready for a wig. You will learn to:

• Address all aspects of in-person and virtual topper consultation.

• Customize toppers and apply blending techniques.

• Provide maintenance and care.

• Set the right expectations to ensure success.

For information contact JREducation@jonrenau.com, 800-462-9447, or log on to jonrenau.com/education

Hair Loss Academy

Gain knowledge, transform your business, and fill in the blanks for hair, skin and wellness.

• One-on-one course training customized to your unique practice.

• How to incorporate a hair recovery program in your own practice.

• Identify different forms of alopecia.

• Create customized prevention programs.

• Carry your own at-home booster.

• The difference between PRP, exosomes, and other booster treatments.

• Treat chemo-radiation-related hair loss.

• Cutting-edge customized protocols for treatments.

• Booster injections that aid extension damage or traction alopecia.

• Tracking your clients' success with digitized 3D global photos

• New follicular assessment to find environmental exposures, nutritional deficiencies, food intolerances, and more!

Receive hands-on training with medical professionals, real patients, and live procedures in webinars, half-day, two-day and virtual training. For information, visit nhlma.com/academy-courses, email education@nhlma. com, or call 602-283-2355.

Crossfit Educational Training

May 7-8, New Image Labs Headquarters , West Palm Beach, Florida

September 15 at the AHLC's HairNow23 conference, Nashville, Tennessee

November 5-6, New Image Labs Headquarters , West Palm Beach, Florida

Our training will help you take your business to the next level! Learn from the top salons and educators in the country!

At New Image Labs, we offer CrossFit Educational Training that prepares you to be the best in the hair replacement industry, Whether you're new to the industry or experienced. We deliver intensive, hands-on training and certification sessions to help you gain in-depth knowledge of our latest technology and products and how they will benefit your business. Our renowned team of educators provides expertise in application, theory, and technique to help you meet your clients' needs and demands.

• Tools for success using Pro|Gen Probe scalp analyzers

• Attract new clients with Pro|Gen Active Care scalp therapy

• Repair and maintain processed hair with Pro|Gen Nutrifuse hair products

• Become a hair fiber master with Pro|Gen Fiberbond Keratin Thickening Fibers

• Increase your bottom line with our new Club.W women’s collection

• The art of delivering to the female market with top-of-head or full caps

• Transform pre-custom lace and skin units to custom units

• Become a certified Luxia Artiss hair extension stylist

• Deliver pre-custom skin units from start to finish

• Learn how to deliver personalized custom units to your clients, from super rush delivery to precise mold making, to proper hair samples, accurate densities, and much more!

Educators: Randy Clark, Karyna Fields, Ricky Knowles, Keith Zimmerman, Marcelle Laurenne, Mohammad Rahebi

Contact Debbie Metz 800-359-4247, 343 dmetz@newimagelabs.com Register here: newimagelabs.com/pages/training

Thank you, House of European Hair for making my client so happy! The custom topper I ordered is exquisite: The color gradation from front to nape is beautifully done; the density and curl pattern are exactly as requested; and the fibers are so silky and soft. The custom ordering process can be intimidating, but Johanna walked me through the order form, and instilled confidence in the process. She was always quick to return my calls and emails. Given the supply chain issues worldwide, I was pleasantly surprised by the quick turnaround time and competitive pricing! Best of all, the product is beautiful. I was proud to show it to my client, and my client is so happy with her topper. We’ll be ordering again Cheers, Katherine www.thehairladyshop.com

Soft, Silky, Natural. Styles gorgeously.

HEH Miranda Wig