Hair loss is one of the most sensitive conversations that can take place in a salon or barbershop, and is increasingly becoming part of everyday client consultations. Trichology experts Tracey Hughes and Rita Perna Allor are on a mission to empower hair-care professionals to support clients struggling with thinning or shedding hair.
That involves a combination of empathy, education, and emerging technology, Hughes and Perna Allor shared in their master class “Hair Loss Decoded: Science, Solutions & Client Care” at the recent Be+Well | Beauty and Wellness Show in New York (formerly International Beauty Show).
As executives for EXO-GROW by DermapenWorld, Hughes and Perna Allor have spent countless hours learning, analyzing, and ultimately sharing their knowledge about the emotional and scientific elements of hair loss and treatment.
Here are their 7 main takeaways for hairstylists and barbers wanting to support clients going through hair loss.
1. Hair Loss is Both Emotionally Charged and Common
“Hair loss can be something exceptionally emotional for any individual to have to go through,” Hughes sad. “Where does the conversation begin? It usually begins with your client sitting in your chair.”
She emphasized the importance of understanding both the psychological impact of hair loss and the underlying causes, since hair professionals are often the first people clients trust enough to discuss changes in their hair.
Many clients are hesitant to raise the topic themselves, Perna Allor explained. “They’re almost embarrassed even to say it to their stylist,” she said. “They’re hoping that you’ll notice and open that conversation.”
2. Hair-Care Professionals Should Guide the Conversation
Often, salon and barbershop professionals feel they don’t know enough about hair loss to give helpful advice. Hughes encourages them to approach the topic with empathy and knowledge, rather than immediately referring clients elsewhere.
By gently nurturing the discussion, listening carefully, and acting as a trusted first step in identifying concerns and next steps, stylists and barbers can play a key role in helping clients, even if they’re not experts in hair loss.
3. Hair Loss Has Many Possible Causes
Hughes and Perna Allor highlighted how hair loss is often connected to numerous factors ranging from hormonal shifts and aging to stress, medications, underlying medical conditions, and nutritional deficiencies.
Understanding these causes helps stylists and barbers respond more knowledgeably rather than jumping to conclusions, they said.
Recent lifestyle trends are also contributing to more conversations around the issue. For example, Hughes noted that weight-loss drugs have prompted more client discussions about hair loss in recent years.
4. Scalp Health is the Core Principle
While causes may vary, the foundation of any approach to hair loss remains the same. “Anything to do with hair loss begins with great scalp health first,” Hughes explained.
Stylists and barbers should therefore treat the scalp as an extension of the skin. Like the skincare routines estheticians give their clients, the scalp also requires cleansing, exfoliation, and nourishment to create the right environment for healthy hair growth.
Building that foundation allows hair-care professionals to address potential solutions with clients while maintaining realistic expectations about timelines and results.
5. Learn the Biology of Hair Growth
Beyond building their consultation skills, hair professionals should explore science-driven solutions available to their clients. Perna Allor walked attendees through the biology of the hair growth cycle, explaining how maintaining follicle health and circulation is essential for supporting new growth.
“They need that micro-circulation to start,” she said. “They need the blood flow going. It’s very important for that follicle to be fed and nourished through that blood supply.”
6. New Technologies are Expanding Treatment Options
Treatment technologies gaining traction in professional settings include microneedling, LED therapy, and exosome-based therapies designed to support follicle regeneration and scalp health.
These approaches, they explained, are often used together as part of a broader treatment strategy.
7. Results Require Patience and Consistency
While new technologies and treatments continue to evolve, Hughes reminded the class that meaningful results take time and consistency.
“You may not get instant results overnight with any hair loss solution,” she said, “but when you start to see those results coming through and the impact that can have on someone — it’s life-changing.”