If you suffer from hair loss, you’ll probably have experienced a rollercoaster of emotions. Maybe after years of hating what you see when you look in the mirror and researching different solutions, you’ve given up hope that anything will work. When your confidence is low and you’re in distress, you might not feel like you want to go to a big faceless company to discuss hair loss solutions; what you need is someone who will understand and care. Someone like The Hair Confidante.
Emy Hassan is the proud and very talented owner of The Hair Confidante and she uses her knowledge and experience to change lives. Here’s why she loves what she does ( and why her gorgeous new puppy is the apple of her eye!)
When did you first become interested in hair replacements?
I’ve been wearing different types of hair replacements for around 22 years now. When I was 15, you’d find me in the afro hair shops in London, trying on the wigs. I’ve done it all, from wearing clip on ponytails to synthetic hair bunches, and gluing wefts into my hair; and yes, I do cringe when I think about it now! The things we do to our hair all in the name of having more volume!
Was hair replacement something that you always wanted to do?
No, in fact I went from being just about to complete a degree in Nursing and Midwifery to working with hair; a complete change in career path. Maybe some people would have called it madness, but I do think I made the right decision!
What was it that led you to focus on hair loss solutions?
I’d been a hair extension technician for several years, then I began working for a trichologist in Cairo. I learned all about the huge range of hair replacement solutions that were available specifically for hair loss and I was fascinated. It opened up a whole new world for me.
What’s the most rewarding part of your job?
Every part of my job is rewarding, Building a hair system and seeing the positive effect it has on people’s lives is amazing. That feeling never gets old. Seeing my clients’ hair (and their confidence) grow is a great feeling and it’s what makes my job the absolute best!
Is there any client ‘success story’ that sticks in your mind?
Yes, my greatest success stories are always with my clients who have suffered from trichotillomania. The one story that has always stuck in my mind was a client who had been pulling her hair out since she was young, to the point where her scalp would bleed. I worked with her along with her therapist and a year and a half later, she was able to go without a hair replacement system. It was a long and difficult road because she’d pull at her hair system and remove it, but after a few relapses, she learned some new coping mechanisms to deal with her condition and was able to recognise the hard work she had done to get her hair to grow to a decent length and thickness. It has been seven months now since the hair system was removed and we still keep in touch regularly.
What makes you different?- why do clients choose The Hair Confidante?
The reason I chose the name The Hair Confidante was because I wanted my clients to see me as the person they could confide in about their deepest hair problems and fears. My clients choose me because they are given a private and bespoke service, and not a ‘one size fits all’ approach. I really use my knowledge and experience to offer the best options for every person who walks through my doors. I like to build a relationship with my clients, so when they come to their appointments, it feels just like they’re visiting a friend. Our salon is super friendly, not pretentious and my clients are not judged by me, or anyone else in the salon.
If you could give ladies who are suffering from hair loss just one piece of advice, what would it be?
My advice would be DO NOT DESPAIR!! There are so many options available nowadays, and hair replacements are much more socially acceptable now than they were even as little as 10 years ago. When you’re looking for hair loss solutions, do your research and don’t be pressured into buying something you are not sure about.
What do you like to do in your spare time when you’re not transforming ladies’ hair?
When I have lots of free time (which is hardly ever!) I love to travel. my fave trips are castle spotting in the Scottish highlands and its just amazing! It’s such a breathtakingly beautiful and spiritual place. I’m hoping to do it all again next year with my mum.
Tell us something people don’t know about you
Hmm…probably the one thing that people don’t know about me is I’m such a home bird! If I’m not working, I’m usually at home working or just relaxing. Clients always ask if I’m out partying on a Friday night; maybe that’s people’s perception of hairdressers, eternally happy party animals! But that’s not me. I love to spend a Friday night snuggled up with my dog and a nice glass of Rose, either reading one of the Outlander books (my obsession!) or watching a good film.
Tell us more about your gorgeous doggo Chapo!
Ahh my lovely boy Chapo; he’s our gorgeous golden Labrador. I got him because we lost our last dog two years before he was born and our lives just hadn’t been the same since. Chapo is now 3 years old and he is the funniest and most affectionate little boy ever! I’m totally obsessed with him; I love taking him out on fun walks and watching him swim in the rivers and sea. I’m an unashamedly proud dog parent! its amazing how dogs can really help calm a person, Chapo gave me such comfort after the sudden passing of my father, he was in sorts my therapy dog and I will be eternally grateful for him.
If you would like to find out more about Emy’s hair replacement services and bespoke solutions, contact the salon to book a consultation.