Those dealing with the stress and frustration of hair loss and balding can find relief at the Alternative Hair Center on Sashabaw Road in Independence Township.
At AHC, Manager Karen Henckel and her staff of hair technicians help people find confidence again after suffering from hair loss.
‘When people have lost their hair, it’s like they feel they are walking around with out their clothes on. A lot of people say they feel invisible,? said Henckel.
People’s reactions once they enhance their look at AHC make Henckel’s work day.
‘It’s priceless, that’s why I still do it. It’s very rewarding to know you can help someone like that. And all of us who work here feel like that,? she said.
AHC treats the five types of hair loss including Alopecia, female pattern hair loss, chemotherapy, temporary hair loss and male pattern hair loss. Treatment is conducted through nonsurgical methods which are completely reversible and cause no damage to the scalp or existing hair. AHC deals with patients one-on-one, custom fitting a hair system to clients? life-styles.
‘There are so many different types of hair loss that no matter the type we can fix it through color, cut, style or whatever they want. You can bring a picture, I can create that. Between all of us on staff, we’ve seen it all,? said Henckel, who emphasized AHC is not a hair transplant clinic.
‘This is for dealing the reality that you’ve lost your hair and it’s not coming back.?
Henckel stresses that many people try medicines, but cannot get the results of AHC’s hair systems.
‘The drugs won’t get the results depending on what you want. If you want a full head of hair, the drugs won’t do that. We will,? said Henckel.
Recognizing the sensitivity many people enduring hair loss feel, Henckel and her staff strive to provide a comfortable, private atmosphere. Their building contains separate rooms for patients and appointments are scheduled to eliminate unnerving waiting rooms filled with strangers.
‘I try to make them feel comfortable. I sit down and have eye contact and listen to them. I’ve been doing this for a long time,? said Henckel.
There is also a masseuse on staff who understands hair loss so customers can get massage therapy without worrying about being treated by someone unfamiliar with hair systems.
Helping people who have lost their hair due to chemotherapy has a special place in Henckel’s heart. Her mother’s death from breast cancer caused her to want to help ‘Look Good Feel Good,? a program run by the American Cancer Society. The program prepares women undergoing medical treatments to cope with their hair and makeup concerns.
‘Sometimes it’s tough. You see someone younger than you are in this situation. It’s really emotional,? said Henckel.
In the future, Henckel hopes to host a fund-raiser at AHC to provide hair systems for people with the five types of hair loss who cannot afford the replacement systems.
Alternative Hair Center is located at 5730 Bella Rose Blvd, suite 300 off Sashabaw near DTE Music Theatre. The hours are Tuesday 10 a.m. ? 7 p.m., Wednesday 9:30 a.m. ? 3:30 p.m., Thursday 10 a.m. ? 7:30 p.m., Friday 9:30 a.m. ? 3:30 p.m. and Saturday 8 a.m. ? 3:30 p.m. For more information call 248-625-6560 or visit www.alternativehaircenter.com.