Alopecia World
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Hairdressers
It occurred to me that a natural way of promoting alopecia awareness is through hairdressers. I now have AU but during all the years I had AA (20) I never once came across a hairdresser who knew what I had. Many had seen it before but came with different explanations. Many asked why I was so stressed.
I guess I am starting two discussions:
1) what experiences have you had with hairdressers?
2) how can we make hairdressers aware of alopecia?
Take care,
Per
I guess I am starting two discussions:
1) what experiences have you had with hairdressers?
2) how can we make hairdressers aware of alopecia?
Take care,
Per
Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by Tamara Dixon on
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I know that I hate going to hairdressers. First, because they are crowded places where you can see eyes automatically steering towards your head. I hate the assumption that peoplle automatically have that I didn't take care of my hair and thats why its gone (going). Hairdressers really dont know about alopecia and I have had reccommendations for massages, vitamins and cremes. The best thing to do is just tell them about it, explain what it is firmly and refuse the well meaning advice.
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Permalink Reply by Tallgirl on
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Why not find out what governing agency or licensing board there is and have them send legit medial notices to salons,with suggestions to send clients to DERMATOLOGISTS, plus have info sheets at each salon with the magazines?
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Permalink Reply by Lee on
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I actually am a former hairdresser and in NY, you are required to take a state exam after about 2 yrs of school. I remember in our textbooks, it did bring up alopecia, but it was very breif. I really don't think this should be their territory. I agree with Tamara. They don't know about, but they should not be required to. They are not doctors...by far haha. However, they should all know what it looks like, and tell the person to see a Dr.
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Permalink Reply by Amanda on
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I have always hated going to get my hair cut. Not just because of my alopecia but when I do have a full head of hair it's naturally very fine and thin. Plus, I hate how they are crowded and it feels like someone is always staring. I finally found my current hairdresser about 5 or 6 years ago and he is great. It turns out one of his sons has AA. It's conforting knowing he's familiar and may know what I go through.
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Permalink Reply by Tracy and Amanda on
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I really agree and think hairdressers should be informed about alopecia. Whenever I take my daughter for a trim they always ask if her bald spots are some sort of birthmark.
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Permalink Reply by Susan VanOrder on
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I have gone to a lot of hairdressers in the last 26 years who, first did not know I was wearing a wig, and second were afraid to cut my hair for fear of showing the bald spots that I was sporting at the time. I ran across a lot of hairdressers that did not have a clue as to the extent that alopecia areata could go to. I am currently in the process of opening a boutique in a salon/spa who invited my best friend, owner of a wig store, to join their spa in business. I am very excited about this as it is something that I have been wanting to do but had not taken the big leap.
I wish everyone who suffers from any type of alopecia the best. I am thankful every day just to be alive. Life is too short to not be happy! Never regreat anything that made you laugh! Everything happens for a reason!
Susan
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Permalink Reply by Michelle on
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My hairdresser for the past three years has never mentioned my hair 'problem.' Though, it is very obvious that I'm slowly losing my hair. The only observation she has made is that my hair is slightly dry and needs a good moisturizing conditioner.
Well..if only that was the problem!!
I suppose one way to make hairdressers aware of alopecia is if they are more exposed to it through their client base. I live in a major cosmopolitan area and have seen a lot of women, like me with visible hair loss. Oddly enough, my hairdresser doesn't have any other clients with alopecia.
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Permalink Reply by Sarah H on
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GOOD TOPIC!
I gave up going to my hair stylist after being diagnosed with AA last year. Thank God my mom used to do hair and she can cut it any way I need it. I couldn't bear being in that salon with all those bald patches and women staring. I have 6 inches of regrowth with longer hair and I still wont go back.
I gave up highlights too and went darker so it was gentler on my hair.
I wish there was some database so that we could get a referral for a stylist specializing in this from our doc or something...perhaps I'm dreaming.
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Permalink Reply by Stacy P on
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Per- It is true what you are saying. But the weird part about it. Is that all of my friends are hairdressers and they all learned about it in school. I am currently in Cosmetology School and we will be going over it. I think that at one point Cosmetologist were not aware of this. But it is becoming mandatory to know. Which it should. I was always very embarrassed and still am to get my hair done. Even though my girlfriend knows I have it. It still bothers me. I think it is getting better though and if they dont know. Tell them to open there dang Cosmetology books and read up on it, cause they should! :)
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Permalink Reply by Leah Turlo on
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I guess I am lucky enough to have a cousin who is my stylist. She knows about it, and is able to give me fun haircuts.
The only thing that I am worried about is my dance recital that is coming up, but that probably will not be a problem for her. I love going to her. SHe hardly mentions it, unless she sees something weird, which has happened a couple of times.
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