I was diagnosed with alopecia at the age of 6, and it was challenging for my mom to camouflage my bald spots at such a young age.
She was incredibly creative and managed to shield me from potential teasing and bullying. My hair would grow back and fall out, and despite numerous visits, the dermatologist couldn't determine why it kept falling out.
By my junior year in high school, I began wearing wigs, styling them to resemble my natural hair, and praying for my hair to return. When I got pregnant in my junior year of college, my hair was at its healthiest, but after having my son, it started thinning again, and I returned to wearing wigs.
I completed my Bachelor's degree in Business Administration and started a business offering anti-skincare solutions. Though my professional background is in the banking industry, where I worked as a teller, and the medical industry, where I worked as a biller/coder, I always had a passion for dance and the beauty industry.
I earned a Master's degree in Human Resource Management and became a Human Resource Director while continuing my involvement in the beauty industry. Over time, my skills with wigs improved, especially with the introduction of lace fronts and glue less wigs.
I began coaching other women with medical-related hair loss on comfortable and affordable wig options, which led me to pursue certification as a Cranial Prosthesis Specialist.
What do you enjoy as a Cranial Prosthesis Specialist?
As a Cranial Prosthesis Specialist, I advocate for those with medical hair loss, educating others about their options and raising awareness about the condition.
I have the opportunity to make a significant positive impact on individuals experiencing hair loss due to medical conditions, boosting their confidence and self-esteem. Building strong, supportive relationships with clients and witnessing their transformations is deeply fulfilling.
Staying updated with the latest techniques, materials, and trends in cranial prosthesis keeps the work dynamic and intellectually stimulating. Knowing that my work helps improve the quality of life for my clients brings a profound sense of satisfaction and purpose to my career.
I also enjoy the flexibility and independence of being my own boss while exploring various avenues within the beauty and healthcare industries.
How do you want to help your clients?
I want to help my clients by providing personalized solutions that cater to their individual needs, preferences, and lifestyles. By focusing on them, I aim to help them regain their confidence and self-esteem.
My clients will receive the education they need to make informed decisions and manage their hair loss effectively. By creating a compassionate and understanding environment, they will feel comfortable sharing their concerns and experiences, knowing they are in a safe space.
We will establish a strong, trusting relationship, making me a reliable source of support and expertise as we navigate their hair loss journey together.
What do you love about the community you work and live in?
The African American community experiences higher rates of certain medical conditions that cause hair loss, such as traction alopecia, central centrifugal cicatricial alopecia (CCCA), and specific autoimmune disorders.
Providing specialized care helps address these health disparities. It is crucial to work with a specialist who understands the specific needs of African American clients, fostering trust and representation. This ensures that their unique requirements are met with expertise and sensitivity.
Catering to the diverse needs of the African American community encourages innovation in techniques and products. It also promotes inclusivity within the beauty and healthcare industries, ensuring all clients receive equitable and high-quality care.
Understanding the cultural significance of hair in the African American community allows me to offer more empathetic and respectful care. Hair is often deeply connected to identity and self-expression, making it essential to approach this work with cultural awareness.
Providing tailored solutions helps clients regain their confidence and self-esteem. This empowerment is particularly significant in a community where hair is a vital aspect of personal and cultural identity. By focusing on these aspects, I can make a meaningful and positive impact on the lives of African American clients, addressing their specific needs with compassion and expertise.
I am incredibly enthusiastic about sharing the advancements and progress in hair loss solutions. Having experienced challenges with hair loss myself, I understand firsthand the limitations and frustrations of older treatment options.
The current innovations and developments in
hair loss solutions represent a significant evolution from what was available when I faced this issue. My excitement stems from the opportunity to educate others about these new options.
I want to empower individuals by providing them with knowledge about treatments that may not have been accessible to me during my own journey. By sharing this information, I hope to inspire hope and confidence in those navigating hair loss today, knowing that there are now more effective and diverse solutions available to meet their needs.
Connect with Janel Tiffany Jones in Flossmoor, Illinois