Today we’d like to introduce you to Melinda Galloway.
Melinda, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
When I started out in cosmetology, I immediately noticed a huge gap between the cosmetic hair service industry and medical professionals. The education of options just was not there on either side. When clients sought medical help, they would come to me depressed feeling like there were no immediate remedies to help with the emotional aspect of hair loss. I also saw many new clients who were familiar with cosmetic options but they were doing nothing to help prevent or stabilize their hair loss and in some cases, they knew nothing of the underlying medical cause. Sometimes, hair loss is a major symptom of a bigger problem. That is why it is so important to work in concert with my client’s medical needs.
At a very young age, I had a personal struggle with hair loss (Trichotillomania). This led me to seek as much information as possible and left me with the desire to help others. After learning the cosmetic side of dealing with hair loss, I became certified in Trichology (the branch of medical and cosmetic study and practice concerned with the hair and scalp). Once I developed the tools and skill to help others with hair loss and provide real solutions, it became my specialty and my passion.
Has it been a smooth road?
One of the biggest struggles is with misinformation online, self-diagnosis, lack of proper training in the hair replacement industry, social stigmas lack of support from the medical community, in general, are all challenges. New clients sometimes have a hard time figuring out what their options are. When they see a doctor they have prescribed a pill or told there is no solution. Dramatic hair loss in any form can cause depression, lack of confidence and lead to bigger problems. Sometimes, hair replacement is the solution that makes the biggest difference.
My advice to women starting their journey is to provide quality service. Care. Invest in your education especially if you want to specialize in a specific area of hair services. Test out products and methods before you offer them to your clients. Earn your expertise rather than just labeling yourself an expert. Once you have the skill, know your value. You can not make every client happy but you can treat each client with respect. The right clients will stay with you for life.
So let’s switch gears a bit and go into Advanced Hair Aesthetics story. Tell us more about the business.
Advanced Hair Aesthetics specializes in Hair Loss Recovery Solutions. What sets us apart is the unique combination of having a full-service salon, hair replacement options and a trichologist who is experienced in identifying and treating hair loss in many forms. We also work with and refer to doctors and dermatologists that take a more natural and holistic approach. The emotional aspect of hair loss requires a private space where our clients can rest assured that their hair secrets are safe.
Our new location in Del Mar will allow us to have a color specialist, Scalp Micro Pigmentation Artist, Permanent Make-Up Practitioner as well as our full-service salon. We are synergistically located next to a Med Spa and cosmetic dentist. Aesthetics are so important to emotional health. It goes far beyond vanity.
Who do you look up to? How have they inspired you?
My biggest inspiration has been my Grandma Daisy. My only tattoo is of a daisy in remembrance of her. She was a kind and strong woman who always made me feel supported and loved. I put a lot of her love into my children. My daughters are my daily inspiration. I have a full grown college daughter and one just starting on her path. They show me each day how unique we are as women and how much you can grow and change. My oldest chose to serve at the Air Force Academy over options at Yale. She surprises me all the time with her ability to be tough and strong but still so sweet and beautiful. She went on a survival training mission last week where she had to hunt for her own food. It really amazes me when she shares (what she is allowed) about her training. She is so strong, independent and intelligent. My littlest daughter has so much sass I know she is destined for big things. Her ability to draw people to her is incredible. Sometimes, I see her and I am excited what lessons I am intended to learn from this vivacious little human that I was blessed with.
Of course, I am blessed with some beautiful souls who came into my life through hair loss. These are the lifetime clients that I feel are more like family. They have been with me so long and always offer the greatest advice through the different stages of life!
Contact Info:
- Address: 13983 Mango Dr. Suite 103
Del Mar, CA 92014 - Website: www.SanDiegoHairLossSpecialist.com
- Phone: 619-667-4247
- Email: info@SanDiegoHairLossSpecialist.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/san_diego_hair_loss_specialist/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/advancedhairaesthetics/?ref=aymt_homepage_panel
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/SD_Hair_Experts?lang=en
- Other: www.linkedin.com/in/SanDiegoHairLossSpecialist
Image Credit:
AHA Social Media Director: Skye Ross
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