THICKIN’ THE PLOT!

How one Stylist and a Trichologist Put Hair Loss Back on the Barber-Shop Agenda.

Spin any Queensland barber chair on a busy Saturday and chances are one-in-three clients is silently worrying about their hairline or crown. Dermatology data suggests up to 80 percent of men experience some degree of androgenetic alopecia before they turn fifty. Yet the first person they talk to isn’t a GP or a derm. It’s you, their barber craning over that thinning crown or hairline every four weeks.

Barbers are the first responders in the hair loss journey, often noticing changes before the client does. And that frontline reality is what pushed Brisbane hairdresser Amy Armstrong to rethink the tools barbers use. After watching her own part widen in her twenties and fielding awkward “Are you okay?” comments from clients, Amy discovered hair fibres. Her first exposure came thanks to a client named Debbie, who returned from the Gold Coast raving about these hair fibres she’d tried. “You’ve got to use these,” Debbie said. “They’re amazing. You just sprinkle them in. Changed my life.”

Amy began experimenting. She loved how the fibres could create the illusion of density even through ultra-fine hair. It was instant confidence. Backcombing, scalp tattooing, extensions; nothing compared. But the available brands were irritating, flaky, chemical-heavy, and hard to colour-match. “They never quite had the right brown,” Amy laughs.

So, she did what any stylist-turned-entrepreneur would: she built a better one.

Enter: Thickin!

After twelve months of research, trial, error, and back-and-forth branding, Amy launched Thickin: a salon- and barber-exclusive line of natural, cosmetic-grade hair fibres. Ten blendable shades. No supermarket gimmicks. No scalp irritation. Just a natural finish that mimics real hair and clings like it belongs.

“Formulation matters,” she says. “Not all fibres are created equal. I wanted something I could stand behind as a stylist. And something my clients could use without damaging their scalp or clogging follicles.”

With the clinical expertise of Trichologist Sally Adamson, Thickin grew into more than just a product line. It became part of a broader mission to educate hair professionals about hair loss, from its biological underpinnings to its emotional toll, and to position barbers as trusted first responders in the early stages of hair thinning.

Why the Science Still Matters

Most hair loss treatments are time-sensitive, especially in cases of early androgenetic or scarring alopecia, where early intervention can significantly impact long-term outcomes.

Hair fibres aren’t a miracle cure -but they are an immediate morale boost. And when barbers understand the broader hair-loss picture, they can offer more than a temporary fix, they can guide their clients with clarity and compassion.

Here’s the foundational framework every barber should know:

· Non-scarring vs. Scarring Alopecia: Most common male hair loss (androgenetic alopecia) doesn’t destroy the follicle; it miniaturises it over time. Scarring conditions (like Lichen Planopilaris or Frontal Fibrosing Alopecia) lead to permanent follicle destruction.

Knowing the difference allows barbers to refer clients to the right professional early, such as a trichologist or dermatologist, when appropriate.

DHT Miniaturisation: Dihydrotestosterone (DHT) shortens the hair’s growth phase and prolongs the resting phase. Topical/oral treatments (like minoxidil or finasteride) take 3–6 months to show results. Fibres offer a “while-you-wait” cosmetic solution that supports confidence while clinical therapies take effect.

Chair-Side: From Awkward to Empowering

Amy and Sally recommend a trichology-informed, no-pressure, permission-based approach:

1. Mirror shock moment: when you hold up the mirror and your client says “Wow, I had no idea I was getting so thin there! Jeez...”

2. Permission to try: “I got you man! I can fix that in 2 mins flat. If you hate it, I’ll get rid of it in two seconds.”

3. Client phone magic: Snap a before-and-after on the client’s phone. Let the results do the talking.

Puff or shake Thickin, mist... application is super-fast. Your business card makes a perfect stencil for razor-sharp line-ups. Mist the locking spray, and you’re set. Done.

The Business Case

A fibre demo fits seamlessly into the cut flow. It takes 2 minutes. It increases client satisfaction, retention and boosts retail profits.

The 15g shaker lasts about three months, which fits naturally with the monthly rhythm of most barber visits. More importantly, it positions the barber as a solutions expert monitoring visible hair changes.

“You’re returning their confidence,” Amy says. “They just happen to leave with it.” Thickin also adds an edge to detail work. Use it for precision line ups, to sharpen fades, bulk out weak spots, or elevate your Instagram game. It’s not just a fix, it’s a flex.

The Bigger Picture

Thickin isn’t just filling a gap on the shelf. It’s redefining what barbers can offer. With trichologist-backed training, professional-grade products, and science-supported education, barbers can go from fade artist to follicle advisor. Our education is designed to position you as an expert in your field—giving you the tools, knowledge, and confidence to stand out in the industry and become the go-to professional for clients experiencing hair loss.

As Amy puts it: “Hair loss isn’t just cosmetic. It’s emotional. It’s personal. And barbers are in the best position to start the conversation.”

In a world of scalp tattoos and snake oil serums, Thickin keeps it simple. Real hair. Real science. Real confidence. Right there in the chair.

Follow the movement@thickenhair and @goldhaircollection