I have incorporated trichology services as an additional offering alongside my hairdressing services in our Swindon salon. Initially, I attempted to operate it as a separate business, but it wasn’t practical for me as I was also working as a hairdresser.
Combining the services under one business streamlined operations and reduced costs associated with accounting and inter-salon paperwork. The team and receptionist have a good understanding of trichology and – with careful questioning – they can create appointments based on the clients’ needs.
I originally repurposed a small treatment room, and while it provided privacy, it lacked the space for a backwash basin, limiting my ability to perform certain scalp treatments. When we introduced Hair Replacement Systems, the room proved inadequate, requiring us to use a station in a corner of the salon that offered minimal privacy. So, during our salon renovation last year, I allocated approximately 9mÇ in a corner of the space and designed it with wooden slatted walls to maintain openness, complete with blinds for full privacy. The addition of a backwash basin and a styling area made the space highly functional for trichology services.
As a director and member of the Institute of Trichologists, my details are shared with any individuals seeking trichologists in my region. We also have a section on our own website promoting these services. Recently, I established a partnership with an endocrinologist at a local private hospital to assist patients experiencing hair loss. This year, I plan to expand outreach efforts to include local general practitioners too.
Our trichology services are deeply intertwined with the ethos of our salon business; we believe that hair health and scalp care are fundamental to achieving great hair. The London Hair and Scalp Clinic operates as a natural extension of our salon services.
While the trichology consultations and treatments are specialised and science driven, they are seamlessly combined into the overall salon experience. Our team of stylists works closely with the trichologists to ensure that every client’s journey is cohesive and supportive.
We also extend these services beyond our salon, offering consultations at Harley Street to cater to clients who require a more private or medical setting. This dual approach allows us to meet the needs of diverse clients while maintaining our commitment to exceptional hair and scalp health.
Creating a trichology clinic within a salon doesn’t require a huge amount of space, but privacy is paramount. We’ve allocated a dedicated salon day that is tranquil, discreet and designed for comfort. For those considering adding a clinic to their salon, I recommend a calm, spa-like atmosphere to reinforce the credibility of the service.
Educating our clients is at the heart of how we promote our trichology services, and we view every interaction as an opportunity to discuss the importance of scalp health. We also offer complimentary scalp assessments to salon clients, giving them a taste of the clinic experience to raise awareness of scalp care.
We are lucky to have a large salon on different floors, so I can work in a dedicated, more private space. Remember, it’s not just the space you need to think about, but also the environment your clients are walking into.
Many clients can be self-conscious about their hair, and it’s intimidating walking into a salon where the team are all looking glamorous with great hair. With this in mind, we create a relaxing, welcoming vibe on these days with minimal team members and a quiet, private environment where they can talk openly. It can be emotional for many people, so we always have tissues on hand and turn them away from mirrors so they don’t have to sit and look at themselves if they don’t want to. My point of difference is that we are a hair salon that offers trichology advice, so we let new clients know they are coming to a salon rather than a clinic. Having the two services together can be really helpful for all our clients, as we can offer bespoke advice on retail products or information about something I can offer as an added value to their overall service.
I offer a full trichological consultation, where we discuss their concerns, medical background and lifestyle – all the different factors that can impact their hair and scalp health. This naturally leads into hairdressing services, so they often come and see me as a trichologist then stay as a client for their hair colour or styling.
