9 minute read
DR. SIMONE LEE:
Transforming Trichology With Innovation And Leadership
By Louise May
Dr. Simone Lee is a formally trained trichologist, scientific researcher, and leadership expert with a master’s degree in leadership from Deakin University. She completed her trichology training at the Australian Institute of Applied Sciences in Queensland and received clinical education through the World Trichology Society of America. Most recently, Simone obtained a PhD from the University of Southern Queensland.
With more than three decades of experience in the cosmetic and cosmetology industries, Simone has owned one of Western Australia’s most awarded salon brands since the age of 18. She has worked creatively with countless celebrities in film and television, held multiple international fashion week creative director positions, and secured top contracts as an innovative leader, hair science educator, and media representative for leading cosmetic brands such as Redken, Schwarzkopf Professional, Dyson Australia, and Virtue Labs, where she was involved as a hair science authority.
Holding formal qualifications in training and assessment, Simone has delivered cutting-edge creative hair science programs globally for conglomerates such as the Jean Yip Group Singapore, GHD, and Medavita Malaysia. She has also appeared on national television during a Today Tonight story concerning her research into the linkage between scalp and facial aging.
Dr. Simone Lee’s contributions to the field of trichology extend beyond her role as an educator. Her establishment of the Australian Institute of Trichology, following her esteemed membership in the World Trichology Society of America and The American Hair Loss Council, is a testament to her commitment to the industry. This decision was driven by her passion for teaching, continuous growth, and the need to provide sophisticated hair science learning propositions for hair practitioners in Australia and globally.
Her continued involvement in the industry, as a member of InterClinical Labs, Safe Laboratories Australia, and The Australian Hairdressers Council, along with numerous hair science media contributions for leading organizations such as Mocha Publishing, News Corporation, Vogue Australia, and Mamma Mia, further solidify her position as a trusted leader in the field.
Hair Biz Editor Louise May chats with Dr Simone Lee about her journey…
Can you tell us about your journey in the industry and what inspired you to pursue a career in Trichology?
As a young woman, I left my regional home to live with my grandmother due to family circumstances. My mother was in the hospital, and my father couldn’t cope. My grandmother informed me that school wasn’t an option and that I needed to work, so I began working in a hair salon, earning $93 a week, of which my grandmother took $80.
Fortunately, the salon I joined was one of the best in the nation, cementing my passion for the industry. I completed my apprenticeship, won awards, and saved money from several jobs, learning the art of enterprise along the way.
At 18, my father suggested I buy a salon to help support the family financially, which ended my dream of working as a wiggie in West End theatres or as a film artist. The salon we bought was in a rough area with high crime, quite different from where I had worked before. Struggling to make ends meet in my mid-twenties, I applied to study the new Certificate 4 in Trichology.
This decision paid off as I obtained top-level positions in film and television due to my trichology background, working as a personal artist for actress Alicia Vikander and as Head of Department for countless film productions. My trichology skills were invaluable, such as designing 22 runway shows for Kevin. Murphy, where I used my knowledge to keep models’ hair in excellent condition despite back-to-back shows.
Can you tell us about your training in Trichology at the Australian Institute of Applied Sciences?
I completed Certificate 4 in Trichology at Queensland’s Institute of Applied Sciences. Dermatologists developed the formal trichology course, and all exams were taken in the presence of medical professionals. My grades were consistently high, and I was informed that I was likely the only hairdresser to complete the qualification fully.
Unfortunately, shortly after I finished, Certificate 4 in Trichology was removed from the hairdressing training package, a disappointing move given its importance. This formal training laid a solid foundation for my understanding of hair and scalp health, equipping me with the skills to diagnose and treat various hair loss conditions, a qualification that remains recognised by ASQA.
What was it like studying clinical education with the World Trichology Society of America?
I trained at the World Trichology Society (WTS) in Staten Island, New York. While the training was valuable, I noticed a gap in the scientific practices performed by Australian hair stylists compared to what could be achieved at a cosmetic level. This realization led me to form the Australian Institute of Trichology. The WTS founder, a PhD academic, inspired me to pursue scientific research and achieve a PhD.
I aimed to evolve AIT’s training to enable hair stylists to manage cosmetic hairdressing with precision. Today, I am Dr. Lee, having completed a quantitative scientific PhD in Australia without a high school diploma or undergraduate degree. My journey through WTS highlighted the importance of clinical education and its potential to revolutionize hairdressing practices, bridging the gap between creative artistry and scientific rigour.
How are you applying your trichology knowledge in your current work?
The Australian Institute of Trichology has released an online course for trichoscopic hair evaluation methods for hairdressers, covering foundational knowledge of common hair shaft and scalp conditions using trichoscopic technology. My current work involves pairing human intelligence with technology to create personalized digital hair-cutting procedures using trichoscopic imaging, matching certain scissors to hair types for optimal results, and strengthening hair during the cutting process.
From what I have researched and experienced as a clinical trichologist, hair could become more damaged after a haircut if scissors are blunt or different texturing shears are misused than what it was before the cut. I am also researching and developing practical methods for hairdressers to monitor scalp and hair health, such as pH and hydration testing, to improve their procedures and craft fabulous, healthy hair for their guests.
These advancements aim to enhance the overall hairdressing experience, ensuring that stylists can provide the best possible care for their clients’ hair and scalp.
What are some of the key projects you are working on right now?
My scientific research and creative work focus on anti-aging of the scalp and hair. As a film and television makeup artist, I explore trichoscopic imaging of eyebrow hair and the facial skin beneath it. I gauge how specific eyebrow treatments affect the hair’s structure and skin, addressing issues like inflammation and scarring from chemical treatments.
Trichology has enormous potential in the beauty sector. In my recent project, the mini-series “The Claremont Murders,” I used trichology for accuracy and care in hair and makeup design, a practice I will continue in my upcoming work. This project showcased the practical application of trichology in the entertainment industry, emphasizing the importance of scientific knowledge in creating realistic and healthy hair designs for on-screen talent.
Can you discuss the significance of your research on the linkage between scalp and facial aging and its potential impact on the industry?
I began researching the linkage between scalp and facial aging in 2017 while working in my trichology clinic. I noticed several clients had scalp wrinkles connected to their foreheads and researched skin elasticity and thickness changes with age. My mother was dying from cancer, and I wanted to provide gentle care for her hair and scalp. During this research, I learned about the negative implications of applying certain chemicals on the thinner skin of older people and the potential absorption through the scalp’s vascular network.
My findings suggested that aging scalp conditions could impact facial aging, a discovery I felt could be transformative for the hairdressing industry. This research led to an article titled “The New Fountain of Youth” in Hair Biz magazine and a feature on Channel 7’s National Today Tonight Program. The implications of this research are vast, suggesting that regular scalp care and appropriate treatments can significantly affect facial aging, offering new avenues for both trichologists and cosmetologists to explore.
What are your plans for the Australian Institute of Trichology in the future? What are your future goals in the field of Trichology and hair science?
I aim to continue providing intelligent, evidence-based scientific learning proposals for hair stylists and beauty professionals. I also intend to work with leading brands to improve hair science innovations. My goal is to bridge the gap between scientific research and practical use by stylists, ensuring that products developed for scalp health are effective and user-friendly.
Despite facing challenges and biases as a trichologist and hairstylist, I am committed to advancing the field through education and collaboration. By partnering with brands, I hope to enhance product development processes, ensuring that new products meet the practical needs of both stylists and clients, thereby fostering innovation and excellence in the industry.
How do you stay updated with the latest developments in hair science?
I don’t consider myself the sole authority in trichology but one of many. I believe in collaboration and continuously push myself to learn and share knowledge. I practice hairstyling in my salon and clinical trichology in the AIT clinic. I join specific hair science organizations and leave when there’s no alignment with my goals. Most recently, I joined the International Trichology Society, which comprises top hair and scalp specialist dermatologists.
This membership aligns with my pursuit of excellence in trichology. Staying updated requires constant engagement with the latest research, attending industry conferences, and participating in professional networks, ensuring that I remain at the forefront of advancements in hair science.
What do you enjoy most about teaching and sharing your knowledge with others?
I enjoy being a contributing force as an educator, constantly pushing myself to be better through sharing, caring, and learning. Teaching allows me to inspire others, helping them realize their potential and achieve their goals. Sharing my knowledge and experiences not only enriches others but also fuels my passion for continuous growth and development in the field of trichology and hair science.
