Have you ever experienced hair trauma?
I remember the day my hair fell out like Ramen noodles. I had no other choice but to shave my head. I guess I needed learn how much my hair could withstand, because I couldn't blame any one but myself. I was in hair school at the time, dying my hair every color of the rainbow and then trying to go platinum blonde. Whoops.
But what about people that go into a hair salon, with all their trust in the stylist they chose, then end up with noodle hair or a change they did not ask for? What if the stylist is to blame?
Or, what about people that experience trauma, or come down with a medical condition that creates undesirable change to their hair growth and health?
It is not uncommon for people to go through some type of hair trauma in their lifetime. Many of us share past experiences that may have caused hair loss or weakness.
Hair loss or lack of integrity can be related to accidental trauma, life stress, immunity imbalances, and medications. Negative salon or at home experiences often include cutting the hair too short, cutting too many undesired layers, chemical burns on hair and scalp, and over-processing.
So, how do we learn to trust someone with our hair again after such a traumatic hair experience?
Hair 'practitioners' can help with hair trauma by helping clients receive the best type of care and understanding when it comes to their hair history. They are there to listen, and set new intentions for positive outcomes and experiences. But, not all salons specialize on the practitioner side of hairdressing. When you make an appointment with a regular stylist, we recommend being open about your fears when it comes to making changes to your hair. A good stylist will take their time to hear you, and connect with on what that fear comes from. Take a moment to express what it felt like when the trauma happened, and reflect on your special needs with the stylist. This makes a huge difference in the entire new experience versus holding it all in.
If it was a past salon experience, what fears did that experience create? Have those fears ever manifested? Often, the fear will manifest, and more often, they do in a pattern. Which is why, people tend to experience multiple bad hair services. It’s in the best interest of the stylist, to make sure you experience something that is much different than the past. To work with you, and believe in a positive outcome 'with' you.
When you or the stylist fail to address the fears, it can easily affect the positive end result. We may say something to the stylist during the service to try to protect the same thing from happening again, causing the hairdresser to second guess what you may need most. Every salon and stylist does things differently. It’s important to do your research, and trust your stylist, as they know best. Providing photographs for communication is a great way to communicate your needs and desires. A hairstylist should never let you remain unhappy with your hair, and guarantee that you leave fulfilled with a new pep in your step!
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