Supplements in the Barbershop: How Professionals Should Address Client Doubts
Experts warn that barbers should guide but not diagnose. Conversations about supplementation require a scientific basis and clear boundaries to avoid errors.
The routine of hair and skin care often leads clients to question the use of dietary supplements in salons and barbershops around the world. For the professional who serves these consumers directly, understanding the role of these products is essential to offer safe guidance and avoid exaggerated promises.
Supplements work by adding nutrients or other ingredients to the daily diet. Although some help meet specific nutritional needs, real benefits depend on the product's composition and existing scientific backing. The beauty professional needs sufficient knowledge to recognize possible contributing factors to hair or skin problems and judge whether it is worth discussing the topic with the client.
It is fundamental to establish clear boundaries during the consultation. Although observations made by the barber can guide the conversation, they do not confirm a nutritional deficiency. In the case of hair loss, for example, the American Academy of Dermatology recommends the use of biotin, iron, or zinc only when laboratory tests prove a lack of these nutrients in the body.
Before suggesting any product, it is ideal that the professional researches the ingredients, analyzes the manufacturer's claims, and reads reviews. Experiences reported by other users help understand the practical impact, but it is necessary to verify if there are studies supporting the promised benefits. Based on this information, the barber can issue their technical opinion.
If the professional believes the product will not resolve the client's concern or meet their expectations, they must explain why with transparency and suggest another alternative or course of action. More complex medical issues, such as drug interactions, therapeutic doses, or suspected clinical deficiencies, are outside the scope of the salon and require a doctor's guidance.
Finally, it is important to be honest about expectations. A supplement represents a new habit and a continuous cost for the client. The conversation should include how the product fits into the routine, the consistency required in use, and the estimated time until results can be evaluated, always supported by scientific evidence.
BarberRicci newsroom, with information from Salon Today (EUA).