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And this is what I love about introversion: Even after knowing I’m an introvert, embracing it, and building a business around introversion, I’m still learning. Just when I think I’ve figured out this introversion thing, I have another realization about how it shows up in my life and why I behave and think the way I do.  Being in a salon often means being the center of attention and enduring enforced small talk — two things introverts hate. A few weeks ago, I had a haircut, which might not seem like a big deal. But trust me, it was: Lately, my husband has been cutting my hair at home. This recent visit reminded me just how much I don’t enjoy going to the hair salon. In fact, I’ve never really liked it and often leave feeling drained and dissatisfied. Then came a lightbulb moment: I’m an introvert, so of course I don’t like going to the hair salon. Being in a salon means I’m the center of attention, there’s enforced small talk, and I can’t leave without drawing even more attention to myself. It’s an introvert’s nightmare! I also realized it’s no coincidence that I’ve been getting my hair cut at home for the past 16 years, ever since my eldest child was born. Initially, it was just more convenient, but over time, the home haircuts became the norm, and I had no desire to return to the salon. Friends would talk about how much they loved their stylist or share stories about how the salon was a treat, but I just couldn’t relate. And this is what I love about introversion: Even after knowing I’m an introvert, embracing it, and building a business around introversion, I’m still learning. Just when I think I’ve figured out this introversion thing, I have another realization about how it shows up in my life and why I behave and think the way I do. Back to the hairdresser… it turns out I’m not alone in my discomfort. Other introverts I’ve spoken to have shared their own experiences with haircuts, and many find the salon uncomfortable too. Most of them also get their hair cut at home. Coincidence? I think not. Tips for Surviving a Hair Salon Visit as an Introvert 1. Check out the vibe in advance. Before booking an appointment, visit the salon to get a sense of the atmosphere. Is it filled with loud music and high energy? If the environment feels overstimulating, chances are the staff and clients enjoy that kind of vibe. If you feel drained just by stepping into the place, even before talking to anyone, then this isn’t the salon for you. 2. Consider the size of the salon. If the salon has numerous workstations and serves several customers at once, it’s likely to be noisier and more chaotic. You might prefer a more intimate setting. Personally, I find it frustrating when stylists chat with each other while working and ignore their clients. Even though I’m not always the most talkative person, I want my stylist’s full attention on my hair, not on a conversation with a colleague. 3. Ask yourself if you feel heard. In every interaction — from booking your appointment to discussing your haircut with the stylist — do you feel heard? As an introvert, it might not always be easy to speak up and express your needs, so it’s important to be surrounded by people who make you feel comfortable and truly listen to you. This applies to everyone you encounter, from the receptionist to the person washing your hair to the stylist themselves. There are great professionals out there, so take the time to find someone who really works for you. 4. What about conversation: Will they support the level of interaction you prefer? Small talk isn’t something most introverts enjoy… at all. Sometimes it’s a necessary evil, but we’d rather connect with someone over a more meaningful topic than the weather. And then there are days when you just want to sit in silence. Both are perfectly fine, but it’s important to find a salon that respects your preferred level of interaction. Let’s be honest, many stylists might be introverts themselves who appreciate some quiet time to focus on the haircut without the need for constant conversation. 5. Timing is everything when deciding when to go. A wise friend once told me to choose a time when the salon is likely to be quieter. If possible, avoid weekends altogether. Mondays are probably as quiet as it gets. This way, even in a larger salon, the atmosphere is likely to be more relaxed, allowing you to enjoy a peaceful experience. I wish I’d considered this back when I used to visit the hairdresser. Because of work commitments, I always scheduled my haircuts on Saturdays, which is the busiest time of the week. The salon was always packed, with loud music blaring. While some might find that environment energetic and exciting, for me, it was just overwhelming and exhausting. 6. Choose the right stylist for you. This is likely the most important decision of all. No matter where you get your hair cut, if you have a rapport with the stylist — where you can talk as much or as little as you’d like — you’ll likely enjoy the experience more and leave with a great haircut. Many introverts I’ve spoken to have had the same stylist for years. So when you find someone who matches your introverted vibe, it could be the start of a long and rewarding relationship. 7. Do your research on the haircut you want. Whether you’re considering a new hairstyle or just a trim, it’s helpful to do some research before heading to the salon. Have a photo or two ready to show your stylist. I know how it feels: You’ve planned it all out in your head, but when your stylist asks what you’d like, you suddenly feel like a deer in headlights. Your words escape you, and you struggle to explain what you want. It’s almost like being back in the classroom, put on the spot by your teacher. To avoid this, be prepared. Photos are great, and if that’s not possible, think carefully about how you can describe the style you want — maybe even jot down some notes. Remember, preparation is one of the things introverts do best. 8. Be prepared to speak up — after all, it’s your hair! Even with the best research and preparation, things might not always go as planned. Your stylist might have a different vision for your hair, or there might be an assumption that you’d enjoy a free head massage while getting your hair washed. If at any point you feel steamrolled or unheard, as difficult as it might be, you need to speak up. Being prepared can help in this situation too. Think about what you might say if things don’t go as expected. You could even practice before your salon visit. Remember, being assertive is not the same as being aggressive. It’s simply about setting boundaries to ensure your needs and opinions are respected, just as you would respect someone else’s. Learning to be assertive is a valuable skill — not just for haircuts, but for life in general. Case in point: Many years ago, I had my hair cut at a local salon (on a Saturday afternoon, of course, when the place was super busy). When I got home, I realized one side was shorter than the other, which was definitely not the look I was going for. Although it felt awkward, I went back to the salon and asked them to correct the mistake, which they were happy to do. Be Prepared so You Can Actually Enjoy the Experience The good news is that there are some wonderful hair stylists, nail technicians, and masseuses who know how to make us “quiet ones” feel comfortable, heard, and relaxed. Whether you decide to stay home for your next trim or venture out to a place where you feel at ease, the key is to ensure you enjoy both the experience and the end result. As for me, I’ve heard there’s a lovely salon nearby that’s known for making fellow introverts feel comfortable and listened to, all while delivering a great haircut. All this talk of salons has piqued my curiosity, so I might just check it out when it’s time for my next cut! from IntrovertDear.com
 Scientists have identified a previously overlooked set of stem cells inside our hair follicles, and it could be a game-changer for people who feel anxious about thinning hair. Their work highlights an area higher up in each follicle that appears to control the biological switch between silent and active hair growth phases. Lu Q. Le, MD, PhD, from UVA’s School of Medicine and his colleagues conducted this investigation to learn how these forgotten cells might prompt new follicles to become active once again. They believe this finding opens the door for new techniques to address hair loss, but they emphasize that ongoing analysis is needed before final treatments reach the public. Stem cell hair growth triggers This newly recognized cell group sits in the upper and middle sections of the follicle. Researchers say these cells can renew themselves and produce various specialized offspring that participate in building new hairs. Some were skeptical about whether follicle activity hinged on lesser-known compartments, but the team reported strong evidence that this region holds untapped power to spark hair regrowth. They found that, in lab settings, depleting these cells disrupted the natural cycle of replacing older hairs with fresh strands. Why this matters for everyone Some people view hair thinning as an inevitable rite of passage. Researchers suggest the presence of unique cells, which may be more responsive to therapy, gives fresh reason to think differently. “It is our hope that these stem cells could one day provide a novel therapy for treating hair loss in people,” said Le. That goal remains on the horizon, but the concept has stirred excitement among scientists who study the biology of skin. Challenges with existing therapies Typical solutions, such as over-the-counter creams or prescription medications, may improve only certain types of hair shedding. Many users also struggle with results that come slowly or plateau. These new insights, however, add another target for investigation. Experts think that directing medical treatments toward lesser-studied follicle zones could bring more consistent or sustainable outcomes. What this means for bald scalp The most compelling twist is that these cells are still present in bald areas, even after hair shafts are long gone. That means the problem might not be total cell loss – it could be a matter of reactivating what’s already there. Le’s team found that the upper follicle stem cells were still intact in human scalp samples taken from bald patients. This raises the possibility that with the right signals or drugs, these dormant cells might be coaxed into restarting the hair cycle from scratch. A few surprising details Some of the earliest tests on mice, documented in the Journal of Clinical Investigation, showed that once these high-placed cells were taken away, hair shafts were lost in parts of the skin. The animals also displayed disorganized follicles, hinting at a broader role these cells may have in preserving a healthy hair structure. An earlier paper on skin growth patterns pointed out that multiple factors interact to dictate why certain patches produce hair vigorously while others stay dormant. With this new clue, researchers can look more carefully at what signals these newly identified cells send to the surrounding layers. Hair, stem cells, and the future Scientists believe that maintaining or boosting the activity of these mid-follicle populations might guard against baldness. They are especially intrigued by how these cells might react if transplanted into areas that have gone quiet. “We plan to fully investigate the potential of these stem cells in human hair follicles,” Le said. To get there, the team is examining human samples to see how often these cells remain in bald regions and whether they can be awakened. Next steps in the lab To understand how these cells behave over time, researchers are experimenting with different ways to trace their movements inside hair follicles. They’ve used genetically marked cells in mice to watch how the upper follicle stem cells migrate and change during the hair cycle. This tracking helped confirm that these cells not only exist but also actively repopulate lower regions of the follicle, especially the bulge. That behavior is key, because the bulge has long been viewed as the main source of hair growth, and it now seems these newly discovered cells are its upstream supply. Hope for stem cells and hair loss Public health data suggest millions of adults feel uneasy about hair-related changes. Stress, genetics, and medical conditions can all play a role, so there is no single fix that works across the board. Researchers say this discovery adds another set of possibilities to that conversation. They believe a refined understanding of these mid-follicle cells will guide specialists toward a more targeted approach in the years ahead. These findings show promise for those who want a new strategy that tackles hair loss at its roots. They also raise interesting questions about how our bodies control tissue renewal. The study is published in the Journal of Clinical Investigation. from Earth.com
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May 2025
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