Reinvention at Any Age: My Journey from Stylist to Hair Replacement Specialist

By Cindy French, Owner, Cindy French Hair Solutions, North Miami Beach, FL

Reinvention doesn’t always come with fireworks. Sometimes, it sneaks in as a quiet nudge — a shift in perspective, a client conversation, or even a chance observation in the salon chair. Other times, it arrives as a loud, undeniable call that you can’t ignore.

I’ve been in the hair industry for 37 years, and over those decades, I’ve learned that reinvention is not a single event. It’s a way of life. I’ve stepped into new roles and new versions of myself many times: competitor, educator, salon owner, trichologist, and now, a hair replacement specialist. Each chapter has required courage, curiosity, and the willingness to begin again

If you’re reading this and wondering whether it’s too late to change directions, let me assure you—it isn’t. In fact, some of the most rewarding seasons of life come after we’ve already invested years into our craft. Experience doesn’t weigh you down; it equips you.

From the Stage to the Salon

In my early years, I thrived in the competitive and educational side of hairstyling. I was aiming to be part of the Hair Olympic Team, pushing my skills to the highest level of artistry. Later, I traveled the world as a platform artist, working with Matrix Essentials, L’Oréal Professionnel, and alongside industry legends like Vivienne Mackinder, Charlie Price, and Danilo Dixon.

Those years were exhilarating. I loved the lights, the energy, the collaboration. But they also shaped me into an educator at heart. I discovered that my real passion wasn’t just about creating beauty — it was about sharing knowledge and helping others grow.

Eventually, my path led me away from the stage and into the salon. In Miami, I opened one of the first organic salons in the area. At the time, “green beauty” was new, and clients were searching for healthier, more holistic options. It was another reinvention, another leap into something uncharted. And I loved it.

When Curiosity Becomes a Catalyst

The shift into trichology began with three clients. They each developed alopecia areata in the same area of their scalp after using the same no-poo conditioner-wash routine. I remember thinking: What are the chances?

That curiosity became a catalyst. I couldn’t ignore the patterns I was seeing. So, I enrolled in the World Trichology Society and spent four years studying the anatomy and physiology of hair and scalp and disorders. I graduated in 2020 — ironically, the year the world stood still.

It was an unsettling time to launch something new. But in that stillness, I found clarity. I realized that as much as I wanted to help every woman regrow her hair, that wasn’t always possible. That realization could have felt like failure — but instead, it opened the door to something greater: hair replacement.

When you lean into curiosity, it has the power to change not just your career, but your life.

Discovering Hair Replacement and Community

When I began exploring hair replacement, I quickly realized this was the missing link. If trichology gave me the knowledge to understand hair loss, hair replacement gave me the tools to restore confidence, dignity, and beauty.

But what truly transformed my journey wasn’t just the technical training — it was finding community. Reinvention can feel lonely at times, but connecting with the right people makes all the difference. Lisa Ferestad was and continues to be my “911 hair replacement angel,” always available with wisdom and support when I needed it most. Eliana and Mirko offered guidance that grounded me in both skill and perspective. And Martina Candido, who I worked with first through CRLAB and now at the Italian Academy of Hair Microscopy, has been instrumental in helping me grow into advanced levels of analysis and care.

Community has also been at the heart of my membership with the American Hair Loss Council. Attending their HairNow Conferences has given me the chance to meet incredible peers, connect with vendors, and speak directly about the needs we face in this industry. The classes are always inspiring, but the relationships and conversations are what keep me coming back. And of course, I always look forward to The Link Magazine arriving in my mailbox — it feels like a lifeline that keeps us connected, informed, and inspired between conferences.

These connections remind me that reinvention is never done alone. Behind every new chapter are mentors, peers, and friends who lift you up and guide you forward.

Why Reinvention Matters

Malcolm Gladwell writes that it takes 10,000 hours to become an expert. When I look back on my career, I see those hours stacked up — behind the chair, on the stage, in classrooms, and in private client consultations. Each one was preparing me for this new season.

That’s the beauty of reinvention. You don’t leave your old skills behind — you carry them with you. My years as a master colorist and stylist help me design seamless, natural hair systems. My time as an educator gives me the confidence to guide clients through complex choices. My experience as a salon owner helps me create a space where women feel safe and supported.

Continuing education has also been the cornerstone of every reinvention in my career. After completing my training with the World Trichology Society and pursuing advanced certification in hair replacement, I sought out the Italian Academy of Hair Microscopy to deepen my expertise. Microscopy has given me the ability to study hair follicles and scalp health at an advanced level, uncovering details invisible to the naked eye. For my clients, this means more precise analysis and more personalized solutions. For me, it’s another reminder that no matter how many years you’ve been in the industry, there is always more to learn — and that curiosity is the fuel that drives meaningful reinvention. When you reinvent yourself, you don’t start over. You start forward.

Tips for Transitioning into Hair Replacement Later in Life

• Stay Curious: The best ideas often come from asking “why” or “what if.” Let curiosity guide your next chapter.

• Listen for the Catalyst: Your turning point may come from a client’s story, a new trend, or even a challenge you can’t ignore. Trust that spark.

• Keep Learning: Education is the bridge to reinvention. Whether it’s trichology certification, hair replacement training, advanced microscopy, or AHLC conferences, learning keeps you sharp and relevant.

• Build on What You Already Know: Every season of your career has value. Blend your past skills into your new specialty — it’s what makes you unique.

• Find Your Community: Mentors and peers provide the support you need when challenges arise. Surround yourself with people who want to see you succeed.

• Lean Into Empathy: Hair loss is deeply emotional. Your ability to listen, comfort, and support may be more important than your technical skills.

• Embrace Innovation: Modern hair replacement and scalp treatments are sophisticated and life-changing. Staying open to new tools and protocols will keep your work meaningful and effective.

The Heart of Reinvention

I often tell clients and colleagues that reinvention is not about becoming someone new. It’s about becoming more fully who you are meant to be. Every season of my life — every pivot, every challenge — has led me here.

At nearly four decades in the beauty industry, I can say with certainty that this chapter is my favorite. Helping women reclaim confidence through hair replacement is the most rewarding work I’ve ever done.

So if you find yourself standing at a crossroads, don’t let fear keep you still. Be willing to take that first step. Whether you’ve been in the industry five years or fifty, there is always room for new beginnings.

The best part of your career — the most fulfilling, the most meaningful — might be waiting in the chapter you haven’t yet written.

Cindy’s Continuing Education Path

Reinvention is powered by learning. These are the key educational steps that shaped my transition from stylist to trichologist and hair replacement specialist:

• World Trichology Society: Formal training in the anatomy and physiology of hair and scalp, building the foundation for trichology practice.

• Advanced Hair Replacement Training: Comprehensive education that included trichology integration, non-surgical hair systems, and scalp treatment protocols.

• Italian Academy of Hair Microscopy: In-depth study of hair follicles and scalp health at a microscopic level, enabling precise analysis and personalized treatment plans.

• American Hair Loss Council: Membership and HairNow Conferences that provide ongoing education, industry updates, networking with peers, direct conversations with vendors, and a chance to share our needs as professionals. Education is never a finish line — it’s the bridge to every new beginning.