Diversifying into the Hair Loss Industry - A Success Story from Yorkshire Hair Loss Clinic
As part of Hair Loss Awareness Month, we’re shining a spotlight on businesses that are making significant strides in the hair loss industry. At Finishing Touches Group, we understand the importance of raising awareness about hair loss solutions and celebrating those who are helping others regain their confidence. One such inspiring example is Yorkshire Hair Loss Clinic, a business that has successfully diversified from the cosmetic industry into the specialised field of hair loss treatments.
We recently had the opportunity to sit down with co-founder Sue Nightingale to discuss their journey, the challenges they’ve faced, and their plans for the future.
Can you please introduce yourself and your business, and tell us a bit about your background before you decided to enter the hair loss industry?
There are two of us involved in Yorkshire Hair Loss Clinic, myself and Emmalene Beck, both coming from aesthetic backgrounds. I’ve been working in permanent makeup and aesthetics for over 15 years, while Emmalene has focused on aesthetic treatments. The business was set up in 2022, and since we’re both from Yorkshire, it made perfect sense to name our clinic after the county we both are from.
What sparked your interest in hair loss treatments?
During lockdown, I experienced thinning hair due to menopause and began researching hair loss treatments. My experience with clients with alopecia in the past also contributed to my interest. I had been doing their eyebrows through permanent makeup and noticed how much of a difference it made in their confidence. I felt that I could offer them a total solution for hair loss. Noticing hair growth in clients who had undergone treatment further piqued my curiosity. The more I explored these treatments, the more I realised how life-changing they could be for people, and that inspired me to delve deeper into the hair loss industry.
What treatments do you offer at your clinic?
We offer Scalp Micropigmentation (SMP), Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) treatments, and microneedling for hair growth. Each treatment has its unique benefits and client base
How did you go about getting trained in hair loss treatments?
Emmalene trained in PRP, and we both travelled down to Sussex for training with FTG's Emma Furlong on your Tricho Treatments course. I have been microneedling since 2002 on the face and body, so I already had a baseline level of knowledge of the technique, whereas for Emmalene, it was totally new. I had previously learned SMP (Scalp Micropigmentation) a number of years ago with FTG so took the opportunity for a refresher course while I was with them.
What challenges have you faced starting out?
Learning about hair loss and alopecia, which is very different from our background in aesthetics has been a learning curve. We’ve had to educate ourselves on the various types of hair loss to be able to offer the right treatment plan for men and women. I have to say Calecim has been a great help, offering extensive knowledge through their partner portal. Plus you guys are always at the end of the phone should we need help.
Social media marketing to maintain a professional yet engaging presence was daunting at first as it was quite new to me. I went on a few courses and now I block out time each morning and having this consistency has really helped.
How have you built awareness of the business?
Social media plays a big role, but we also use old-school methods like distributing leaflets in local barbershops. Plus promoting our new treatments to existing cosmetic clients. If Emmalene and I have clients in for skin or PMU treatments that's a lot of time to discuss what other treatments we offer.
Any other tips on what's worked for you?
Packages have been really big for us. We offer a 6 treatment package of microneedling and make avaiable to our clients hair homecare kits, HairMax laser products and an array of supplements.
Also when you're starting out reviews and testimonials are so important so for some clients we offer a reduced price in exchange for capturing content.
How important are the hair homecare kits in your treatment process?
Homecare kits are crucial for maintaining treatment results. We provide a home kit with a full course of Stem Cell Therapy treatments, which helps clients see continued improvement. This also encourages them to purchase maintenance treatments.
What advice would you give to someone looking to diversify into the hair loss industry?
Go for it! It's a growing field with immense potential. Ensure you have reliable suppliers, get proper training, and be confident in selling your services.
Last but no means the least, what are your future plans for Yorkshire Hair Loss Clinic?
We’ve been expanding our offerings to include eyebrow hair loss treatments for thinning brows. We’re also seeing fantastic results with stem cell therapy for men with patchy hair loss in their beards.
Ultimately we want to ensure our reputation for quality treatments continues to grow and who knows, possibly focus solely on hair loss treatments in the future!
Wrapping Up
We’d like to express our gratitude to Sue for opening up about her and Emmalene's journey and new business venture.
Yorkshire Hair Loss Clinic results from @yorkshirehairlossclinic
Are you leading a clinic that’s making a difference? We’d love to hear from you. Join our Student Spotlight Series, and let’s shine a spotlight on the impactful work you’re doing.
