Marketing Hair Loss
You’ve no doubt read and reread astounding hair loss statistics—up to 60% of men past the age of 40 and 65% of all women by age 65 now have noticeable hair loss. Because of this growing phenomenon, one of the hottest salon trends is hair extensions, which improve the overall appearance of puny strands and fi ll in lost hair caused by diffuse thinning. According to HOT sources, not only does this trend have legs, it’s also fueling a secondary service demand— comprehensive hair loss programs.
Even so, whether it’s due to ineffective products, non-existent training or poor marketing support, most salon owners have not experienced meaningful success with hair loss treatments. However, it’s interesting to note that even in our unstable economy, dedicated hair loss centers are reporting that business remains brisk.
One such company is Hair Loss Control Clinic (HLCC), which has 140 affi liate locations in 30 countries and has been in business for 25 years. “We also run our own clinics,” informs Bill Blatter, President. “We take a handson approach to ensure that our hair loss centers are profi table, as well as the many customers that we deal with throughout the world.”
Here are just a few of Blatter’s tips for creating a booming hair loss business:
? The most successful hair loss treatments adopt a multi-prong approach. This means using cool lasers that embody FDA-cleared technology and an effective haircare program that supports your efforts on a daily basis. (Note: Cool lasers do not require physician use or supervision.)
? You need to receive education in all phases of hair loss and salon-based treatments. This is often done in a oneor two-day seminar with periodic advanced classes— available in person or through interactive webinars.
? Hair loss requires a more in-depth consultation. To do this properly, you need a small, at least semi-private space that has video capabilities, even if it’s a laptop computer. You should also have a scope available to measure clients’ initial hair density and to re-measure it on subsequent visits to chart their progress.
? It’s wise to align yourself with a company that stakes its success on your success. This means that the company should sell cool lasers and an effective haircare brand. This business should be willing to help you with marketing materials (social media and print), have the capability to review and consult with you regarding client results, ideally have physicians available to consult with your clients when advanced hair loss is present, and offer continuing education.
Like any serious service category that you add to your business, you can’t just stick your toe in the water; you’ve got to dive in. The investment is certainly more than a case of shampoo (average investment of an HLCC client is $5,000 to $10,000, with some investing as little as $3,000). But with marketing and training, it’s highly possible that you will see a rapid return on your investment. “The average hair loss client spends between $200 and $400 a month for laser treatments and haircare products,” says Blatter. “This means that four steady clients for one year could pay, or at least nearly pay, for your equipment.”