Fife College has become the first college in Scotland to launch a specialist hair and scalp clinic, offering free health checks and affordable expert advice to help people tackle hair loss and common scalp conditions.
The pioneering new service, which launched on Monday 9 November at the College's Elevate Salon at Dunfermline City Campus, is being led by lecturer Yvonne Morrison, the only registered trichologist in Fife.
The clinic offers free hair and scalp assessments carried out by hairdressing students under Yvonne's supervision, using specialist microscopic equipment to help identify concerns such as hair loss, dandruff and other scalp conditions.
Clients requiring more in-depth advice can also book a specialist consultation with Yvonne for just £25 – a fraction of the £100 or more that similar private consultations can cost. Free student-led assessments will form the main part of the service, with a limited number of specialist appointments with Yvonne also available.
According to Alopecia UK, around half of men over 50 and half of women over 65 experience pattern hair loss, highlighting the importance of accessible advice and support.
The new service also aims to challenge common myths surrounding hair and scalp health, while giving students valuable experience in an increasingly important area of the hairdressing industry.
For Yvonne, the launch marks another milestone in a career that began at Fife College in 1986. After studying hairdressing at the College's Kirkcaldy campus, she worked in salons across Dunfermline and spent nine years with renowned Edinburgh hairdresser Charlie Miller, before returning to Fife College as a lecturer 23 years ago. She has since continued to develop her expertise, qualifying as a Wella Colour Expert and, more recently, as a trichologist with support from the College.
Yvonne Morrison, Hairdressing Lecturer and Trichologist at Fife College, said:
"There is increasing awareness of hair loss and scalp health within the hairdressing industry, so it's vital that we're giving our students the skills and knowledge to respond to these changing needs.
"By introducing specialist scalp health training alongside more traditional hairdressing skills, we're making sure our students are learning the latest techniques and gaining experience that will help them stand out when they enter the workplace.
"The new clinic is a fantastic example of that approach in action. Not only are we giving students the opportunity to put their learning into practice with real clients, but we’re also providing a valuable service to the local community, making professional hair and scalp advice more accessible and affordable.
"Having started my own hairdressing journey at Fife College almost 40 years ago, it's incredibly rewarding to be helping the next generation develop their skills in an industry that continues to evolve."
As well as providing free assessments and specialist consultations, the clinic offers a range of treatments including scalp massage, dermabrasion and exfoliation.
Clients may also receive advice on suitable hair and scalp care products, with Elevate Salon a registered provider of professional haircare brand Nioxin.
Where concerns are identified that may require medical investigation or treatment, Yvonne can advise clients on seeking further support from their GP or a dermatologist, including where blood tests or prescription treatments may be needed.
The clinic will also play an important role in developing students' skills, complementing the College's new scalp specialist qualification within its Level 4 Hairdressing course.
Students will learn to recognise different scalp conditions, understand factors that can contribute to hair loss and identify when clients may benefit from specialist advice.
The initiative reflects Fife College's commitment to ensuring its courses keep pace with emerging industry trends, equipping students with relevant skills while providing valuable services to the wider community.
The Fife College Hair and Scalp Clinic is now open at Elevate Salon, Dunfermline City Campus. Bookings are available for free student-led hair and scalp assessments, with a limited number of £25 specialist consultations also available with Yvonne.
For further information or to book an appointment, visit the Elevate Hair & Beauty Facebook page.