Accentuating Professional Expertise

Credentials count. With licensed cosmetologists on staff, salons set themselves apart from the lady next door who can cut hair, while a title of “board-certified colorist” from the Board of Certified Haircolorists (BCH) indicates to clients a high degree of expertise in hair color. Today, with more clients concerned about hair loss and scalp issues—and with a larger selection of products to choose from that address those concerns—how about a credential in trichology? 

Virginia Meyer and David Adams, co-owners of Fourteenjay in New York City, were thinking along those lines. A trichology certification would be the logical next step in their salon’s mission of “beautiful color begins with healthy hair.” That second component—healthy hair—is impacted by conditions of the scalp, which is the focus of trichology. Adams decided to pursue advanced education to become a trichologist. 

Adding Value

“I bet there are 40 to 50 salons within two miles of us,” Meyer says about having a business in NYC’s Tribeca neighborhood. “We’re always trying to add value to the guest experience. David is a colorist and expanded his skills. He became certified (in trichology) to analyze conditions of the scalp and deliver customized treatments to address scalp concerns.”

The other thing he can deliver is an even more comprehensive consultation, which reflects a core value at Fourteenjay.

“We’ve always been extremely consultation-focused,” Meyer explains. “Now we can take it to the next level. Our customized consultation is complimentary and can last up to 30 minutes. We dedicate that time at the top of the service process to ask questions and learn about the guest’s lifestyle. This results in a written plan and price quote, so the guest is very clear about what’s going to happen.”

With the new focus on trichology, Adams might be called over when a stylist uses a scalp camera for a scalp assessment during the consultation. Meyer says the deeper examination of the scalp, in turn, provides a more detailed analysis of the condition of the hair. This helps the stylist target solutions to follow through with both the service and the take-home product recommendation.

“Educating guests not only on what to use at home but how to use it is important,” Meyer says. “We take the time to have that lesson, so we are setting up a better plan from the beginning.”

In addition to enhancing the consultation, the trichology certification is driving an expanded menu. The website now lists “Healthy Scalp Treatments” and “Healthy Hair Treatments” as two of the main service categories, and there’s a “Trichology” button that links to an Instagram page Adams has @mythinninghairsolutions. The primary scalp treatment, the Aveda Pramasana Treatment, is described as similar to a facial but for the scalp, “to exfoliate, cleanse and moisturize.” There also are spa mist treatments that add a scalp conditioner to a scalp cleansing service.

Nutrition is Next

The salon’s next new focus area of expertise will be nutrition, which also can play a role in helping clients maintain hair health and prevent hair loss. A stylist at Fourteenjay has earned certification as a nutritious life coach, and Meyer says that will influence the questions asked during every lifestyle consultation.

“Guests may tell us that their scalp is dry,” Meyer says. “If they ask what they can do for that, we’ll talk about the nutrition aspect. There are foods you can eat to help keep your scalp in balance.” As part of this focus, Meyer says they’ll work up their favorite recipes for keeping scalp skin healthy. It’s all aligned with the salon’s long-established culture.

“We offer salon hair services, and as part of that process we are going deeper into the condition of the scalp,” Meyer says. “We strive to offer higher value and create a holistic experience for our guests and provide helpful, useful information.”