Meet Debbie Williams, a holistic nutritionist and hair specialist whose journey from cosmetology to trichology and nutrition was inspired by her sister’s battle with Lupus. Witnessing the impact of Lupus on her sister’s hair health fueled Debbie’s passion for understanding the deeper connections between hair loss, overall health, and nutrition. Through her business, “Ask Debbie About Hair & Health,” Debbie combines her expertise in cosmetology, trichology, and nutrition to offer comprehensive care and holistic solutions for hair loss and scalp problems. In this interview, Debbie shares insights into her personal journey, the challenges she faced along the way, and her aspirations for the future of holistic wellness.
Your inspiration behind starting this venture was deeply personal, driven by your sister’s battle with Lupus. How did her struggle influence your approach to addressing hair loss and overall health?
My sister’s battle with Lupus was a real eye-opener for me. Seeing her struggle not only with the disease itself but also with the hair loss and skin changes that came along with it was heart-wrenching. Back then, no one truly understood the severity of Lupus, but I knew there had to be better answers out there. I’m a very analytical person so I have to know the ‘why’ of why things happen the way that they do, especially when it comes to hair loss and health issues.
As an up-and-coming hairstylist, my sister’s journey inspired me to take a more holistic approach to hair health, nutrition, and wellness. This initially led me on a path to trichology, which is the study of hair and scalp disorders. That journey led me to health and nutrition. Equipped with all the knowledge I learned along the way, I dove headfirst into researching how different nutrients and lifestyle factors can impact not only our internal health but also the health of our hair and scalp. I became so passionate about finding ways to support the symptoms of hair loss and the underlying issues contributing to it that I started recording my findings and posted them on YouTube. One of my infamous findings was the discovery of how fermented rice with water can contribute to hair growth and healthy hair. That video started a viral trend, and after thousands of people saw the results of using rice water to combat hair troubles, many major beauty brands jumped on the bandwagon and created shampoos, conditioners, and all sorts of hair products with rice water. Today, that video is one of YouTube’s highest-viewed videos for hair, boasting over 8,000,000 views to date. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YKySh_kvgIM&t=1s
Transitioning from being a licensed cosmetologist to delving into trichology and eventually becoming a Board-Certified Nutritionist is quite a remarkable journey. What challenges did you encounter along the way, and how did you overcome them?
Transitioning from cosmetology to trichology and then to nutrition wasn’t always a walk in the park. I questioned myself often and imposter syndrome really tried to take over, but I prevailed and I’m so happy I did not give up!
One of the biggest challenges I faced was simply navigating through the different fields and learning entirely new concepts. Cosmetology was my comfort zone, but diving into trichology and holistic nutrition required me to expand my knowledge base significantly. There were times when I felt overwhelmed by all the new information and doubted whether I could keep up.
But you know what? I didn’t let those doubts hold me back. Instead, I approached each challenge as an opportunity to grow. I sought out additional training, whether through formal education, workshops, or self-study. I surrounded myself with mentors and experts who could guide me along the way.
Another challenge was overcoming skepticism, both from others and from myself. People sometimes raised their eyebrows when I told them about my career shift – “You’re leaving cosmetology for nutrition? Are you sure about that?” But I believed in my vision and the importance of holistic health, so I stayed true to my path.
And as for self-doubt, well, that’s something I think we all grapple with from time to time. But I learned to trust in my abilities and in the value of the work I was doing. Every success, no matter how small, reinforced my confidence and reminded me that I was on the right track.
I’m so grateful for every twist and turn along the way – they’ve helped shape me into the holistic nutritionist and hair specialist I am today.
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Your business focuses on providing holistic solutions for hair loss and scalp problems, integrating expertise from cosmetology, trichology, and nutrition. Can you elaborate on how these disciplines intersect to offer comprehensive care?
You know the phrase, “you are what you eat?” It’s such a true statement when it comes to your overall wellbeing and hair health. Many people don’t realize that hair loss and scalp problems truly stem from your diet and lifestyle. I always say, “healthy hair starts from within.”
Cosmetology, trichology, and nutrition intersect in a variety of ways.. Cosmetology lays the foundation for understanding hair anatomy, hair types, and various hair care techniques. This discipline allows me to assess the external factors that may contribute to hair and scalp issues, such as product buildup, styling practices, and environmental damage.
Trichology delves deeper into the science behind hair and scalp health, which enables me to identify some major causes of hair loss and scalp problems, whether they stem from hormonal imbalances, genetic predispositions, nutritional deficiencies, or other factors
Nutrition is a fundamental pillar of holistic health, and it plays a crucial role in hair growth and maintenance. By incorporating nutrition into my practice, I can assess clients’ dietary habits and identify any deficiencies or imbalances that may be impacting their hair and scalp health. Through personalized dietary recommendations and supplementation, I can support hair health, improve circulation to the scalp, and reduce inflammation, all of which contribute to healthier hair.
By incorporating cosmetology, trichology, and nutrition, I’m able to offer a holistic approach that addresses both the external and internal factors influencing hair and scalp health. Utilizing all three disciplines ensures that clients receive tailored solutions that promote long-term results and overall well-being.
As you’ve expanded your expertise into nutrition, what are some common misconceptions about the relationship between diet and hair health that you’ve encountered?
There are so many misconceptions floating around when it comes to the relationship between diet and hair health, here are some of the most common I’ve heard:
- Taking biotin supplements will solve all your hair woes. Biotin, also known as vitamin B7, is often touted as a miracle solution for hair growth. While it’s true that biotin deficiency can lead to hair loss, simply popping biotin supplements isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution. In fact, excess biotin can sometimes do more harm than good. Instead, focus on maintaining a well-rounded diet that includes foods rich in biotin, such as eggs, nuts, seeds, and leafy greens.
- Supplements are a shortcut to healthy hair: While supplements can be helpful for filling in nutritional gaps, they’re not a substitute for a balanced diet. Your body absorbs nutrients more efficiently from whole foods, so prioritize getting your vitamins and minerals from food sources whenever possible. Supplements should complement, not replace, a healthy diet and lifestyle.
Building a business often comes with its share of obstacles. What were some of the biggest challenges you faced in establishing and growing “Ask Debbie About Hair & Health”?
Building and growing “Ask Debbie About Hair & Health” has definitely been a journey filled with challenges and obstacles. Here are some of the biggest ones I faced along the way:
- Balancing business and passion. As passionate as I am about helping others improve their hair and health, running a business comes with its own set of demands and responsibilities. Balancing the administrative tasks, marketing efforts, and client consultations while still staying true to my mission and values was a constant juggling act.
- Finding trustworthy team members. Building a reliable and skilled team to support the growth of “Ask Debbie About Hair & Health” was another significant challenge. It took a lot of time to find individuals who shared my passion for holistic health and were committed to providing exceptional service to our clients. Trusting others with the reputation and success of the business was a big step, but finding the right team members has been invaluable in expanding our reach and impact. Although my team is small, they’re very mighty, and I’m grateful for each one of them.
- Managing risky business decisions. Over the years, I’ve learned how easy it is to get caught up in the excitement of making money and making risky business decisions. I’ve made costly mistakes by moving too fast with expansion plans, investing heavily into advertising campaigns with expensive agencies, and partnering with questionable business professionals who talked a good game, but couldn’t back it up.
- Dealing with skepticism. The holistic approach to hair and health that I advocate for isn’t always mainstream, and I encountered skepticism and social media trolls along the way. Especially transitioning from cosmetology to nutrition. If only I had a dollar for every time I heard someone say “you’re a hairstylist, what do you even know about nutrition?” Oh, if only they knew. Unfortunately, people are often skeptical of holistic practices or view them as alternative medicine. I had to consistently work to educate others about the importance of holistic health and demonstrate the effectiveness of my approach through tangible results and showing science-backed studies.
Each obstacle has taught me valuable lessons, but have also shaped me into the fearless leader and business owner I am today.
Your business operates in both physical and digital spaces, offering services locally in Atlanta, GA, while also reaching a global audience online. How do you navigate these different landscapes, and what strategies have you found effective in connecting with your audience?
Navigating both physical and digital spaces has been a dynamic journey for “Ask Debbie About Hair & Health,” especially with the shift in focus due to the pandemic.
With the pandemic reshaping the way we interact and do business, we’ve leaned heavily into digital platforms to maintain connections with our audience. This includes virtual consultations and coaching sessions, digital programs, hosting webinars and online workshops, and providing digital programs and resources. This has helped us reach a wider audience beyond our local Atlanta community and spanning across the world.
Showing up consistently on all social media platforms and interacting with my audience through comments and messages is also a strategy we’ve implemented to help people feel more connected to me. I also host a weekly livestream on Fridays called “What The Health Is Wrong With You?” that has been very effective in connecting and interacting with my audience.
With your presence on various social media platforms like TikTok, Instagram, YouTube, and Facebook, how do you leverage these channels to educate and engage your community effectively?
Fun fact about me, I’m a nerd. I LOVE reading, learning, and researching. As soon as I learn about something I know my audience will love to know, I run to the camera to share and post on my social media. I strive to keep my content short, relatable, light-hearted, and entertaining to capture my audience’s attention. I use my channels to share health and wellness tips, juicing and healthy recipes, hair tips, DIY hair and skin masks, and even pet tips.
I also use my channels to share and promote various health challenges and classes to help people learn how to eat and live healthier. I truly love enlightening my audience on all things wellness to help them live a happier and healthier life.
What advice would you give to someone struggling with hair loss or scalp issues, especially those who may feel discouraged or overwhelmed by the process of finding solutions?
My advice to those who are struggling with hair loss or scalp issues is to first understand that hair loss is often a symptom of underlying issues, which could be related to nutrition, hormonal imbalances, stress, or other factors. Getting to the root cause of your hair loss is crucial for finding a long-term, effective solution. I highly recommend getting a Hair Mineral Analysis or Gut Health Test to reveal any imbalances or deficiencies that may be contributing to your hair loss.
No lotion, potion, or pill will truly help restore your hair until you know the underlying issues of your hair loss. Focus on improving your nutrition, managing stress, getting enough sleep, and incorporating healthy lifestyle habits into your daily routine. When you support your body’s internal balance, you can promote healthier hair growth from the inside out. By utilizing these steps in my own practice, I have hundreds of testimonials of people who were told they could never grow their hair back again. However, today they have a full head of hair.
Looking ahead, what are your aspirations for the future of “Ask Debbie About Hair & Health,” and how do you envision continuing to make a positive impact in the realm of holistic wellness?
My aspirations for the future of “Ask Debbie About Hair & Health” are to continue expanding the range of services and products offered to meet the diverse needs of my community and to continue to educate and empower individuals to take charge of their own health.
I envision “Ask Debbie About Hair & Health” as a hub for holistic wellness education, offering virtual and in-person workshops, courses, books, products, and resources that empower people with the knowledge and tools they need to live healthier, happier lives. I also plan to explore opportunities for collaborating with other health and wellness experts to provide interactive education and events for our audience.
I’m so passionate and committed to fostering a community of lifelong learning and empowerment to help people take back control of their health to live a healthier and happier life.
https://www.askdebbieabouthair.com/
Hair Products: https://www.hairandscalpmeds.com/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@askdebbieabouthair
YouTube: https://youtube.com/c/AskDebbieAboutHair
