When James Earl began losing his hair as a 25-year-old, he found the most effective form of hair replacement to be a hair system.
He’s now teamed up with hairdresser Sally Robinson to launch Cheshire Hair Clinic on Kingsway, becoming the first clinic in Altrincham to offer the treatment.
We popped down for a chat.
ALTRINCHAM TODAY: James and Sally, can you tell us a bit more about who you are and how you’ve come to set up Cheshire Hair Clinic together?
JAMES EARL: Sally is an experienced hairdresser, for both men and women, and has over 15 years of experience in the world of hair, hair loss, styling and colouring. I started losing my hair at the age of 25 and after a lot of research, decided that a hair system was the way to go.
It’s estimated that excess hair loss and hair thinning affects 70% of all men by the age of 70, and 50% of women by the age of 50 in the UK.
Together we set up Cheshire Hair Clinic to bring this exciting hair loss treatment to Cheshire and further afield. Hair loss is not just physical, but also a psychological change and we want to offer a relaxing, discrete and friendly place to offer a solution to hair loss for men and women. It can have a massive effect on your confidence and general wellbeing.
AT: Tell us a bit more about a hair system and how it works?
JE: The basis of our hair system is an artificial skin that imitates the properties of the human scalp. It is only 0.03mm thick, meaning it’s see-through and porous.
The hair system itself is injected with individual human hairs randomly into this artificial skin, creating the impression that the hair is naturally growing out of your scalp. Each hair system is unique and customised to fit the exact balding/thinning area on your head. It is carefully bonded to your skin, using a water-based, pH neutral and toxin-free bond, and can remain in place for up to six weeks. It becomes a part of you without restricting you in any way and allows you to live your life to the full. Whatever you do with naturally growing hair you can do with our hair system. Shower, swim, gym, play sports and anything and everything else!
Each system is bespoke to each client, from length, colours and textures and to densities of the hair. All of this makes our hair system completely undetectable and incredibly comfortable to wear.
Unlike a hair transplant, a hair system gives instant, incredibly realistic results and requires no surgery, no time off work and most importantly, no medication. In terms of how long the system would last, this is entirely dependent on your lifestyle and how you look after your hair system after fitting. Some clients prefer to change their hair system regularly whilst others can wear the same system for over six months at a time.
AT: There’s a variety of hair loss treatments and products on the market, but this is one you can personally vouch for James?
JE: Absolutely, after toying with the idea of a transplant and using hair loss medication, I just wasn’t seeing the results I wanted. I’ve worn a hair system for over five years now, and since then, I can’t imagine my life without it. With instant pain-free results, it has restored my confidence and I look and feel much better as a result of it. I don’t have to worry about the weather, what hat to wear, what light I’m sitting under, or what suncream to put on my bald patch in the summer! I love that it’s seamless, undetectable and completely natural. If I ever mention it to someone who I’ve just met, they’re always so surprised! It’s nothing like a clip-on wig of the past, hair systems are amazing!
AT: Many people will be unfamiliar with hair system products. Is this one of the first in the area?
JE: Yes. We are proud to be the first clinic to offer this in Altrincham. Although it is becoming much more popular over the past couple of years, more companies offer it which is a great thing. It is a growing market for men from 20 to 80 years of age, and more recently women who have suffered from genetic hair loss, hormonal imbalance or after having children.
We also welcome clients with a variety of medical conditions, such as alopecia or those recovering from radiotherapy and chemotherapy at any age and also have many clients who have previously undergone hair transplants, but haven’t got the results they were looking for.
AT: Can you give us some idea of how you work with customers and a bit more detail about price and timescales?
JE: We differentiate in that our only focus is hair systems for both men and women. We take our time with each client at their consultation, giving the right information and best advice about hair loss treatments from CHC. Each client’s hair loss journey is unique, and we focus very much on supporting them through the transition from having very little hair, it’s a big shock to some people.
A typical timeframe from consultation to fitting is around two weeks, but this can vary. In terms of cost, as the systems are bespoke, we have different options for differing budgets. We also offer payment plans to help spread the cost.
AT: You’ve just opened on Kingsway – what are your hopes for Cheshire Hair Clinic going forward?
JE: We are extremely fortunate to be able to offer our services in such a friendly and welcoming environment in the heart of Altrincham. We have clients visit us from all over the country, so being close to the Metrolink, train and motorway network is fantastic.
We can offer consultations and fittings in complete privacy and understand how important that may be. Our main goal currently is to spread the word about hair systems and their life-changing abilities through CHC. We are also working to develop new hair system technologies to increase choice and make the experience even more impressive… watch this space!
Cheshire Hair Clinic, 10 Kingsway, Altrincham WA14 1PJ. For more information, visit cheshirehairclinic.co.uk or contact 0161 941 3418 or cheshirehairclinic@gmail.com. They can also be found on Instagram @cheshirehairclinic
