A hairdresser who specialises in helping women experiencing hair loss has reached almost one million views on Facebook after sharing a video of an 83-year-old client's transformation.
Joe Cunnick, 29, who runs his own salon JC Hair Solutions on New Road in Porthcawl, has attracted thousands of likes and a wave of attention after posting the video of Barbara, who travelled from Newport to visit him.
Specialist in mesh integration systems
The hairdresser, originally from Blackwood, specialises in mesh integration systems, which help women experiencing hair thinning, bald patches and conditions such as alopecia regain their confidence.
Joe has been working in the hairdressing industry for 14 years, having started training as a teenager, but only recently began promoting his work on social media. He said the response to Barbara's transformation had been incredible, with his video reaching one million people and his following growing from nothing to almost 5,000.
Joe, who has been running his own salon for around three months, said he had always offered hair loss solutions but had not previously advertised them widely online.
How mesh integration works
Mesh integration systems work by attaching a hairpiece to a client's existing hair, creating the appearance of fuller hair. Depending on the method used, the system can remain in place rather than needing to be removed every night.
Joe said the service could make a significant difference to women whose hair loss had affected their confidence and personal lives. He recalled meeting a client whose husband had died from cancer and who subsequently experienced hair loss following the trauma. The woman had become reluctant to stay overnight with her new partner because she was worried about removing her hairpiece.
Joe said mesh integration could help women in similar situations feel more comfortable by allowing them to wear their hair system continuously. He said helping women feel better about themselves was one of the most rewarding parts of his work.
Opening his own salon
Joe's move into running his own business came after years working in salons, where he said he had built up a loyal client base. He decided to leave his previous job because he felt the working environment had become too difficult to continue in, despite loving hairdressing.
The decision to open his own salon was a significant financial risk, with Joe remortgaging his house to help fund the business and create a space where he could work with his clients. He admitted he had struggled with anxiety and sleepless nights while deciding whether he had made the right choice.
But he said the experience had proved to be the best decision he had ever made, with many of his long-standing clients following him to his new salon.
Encouraging others
Joe, who is married to his husband Ash, said he had previously doubted whether he was capable of running a business. He said: “I always thought I was never good enough. I could never understand how I could run a business.
“I’ve been doing it for three months and it’s the best thing I’ve ever done. I can’t believe it.”
He now encourages others who are considering becoming self-employed to believe in themselves, despite the risks involved. Joe's journey into hairdressing began when he was still at school. Having experienced bullying and difficulties during his early life, he pursued vocational training while many of his friends were preparing to go to college.
He said he had been interested in hairdressing from a young age and knew it was what he wanted to do. After spending years building up experience and working behind the scenes in other businesses, he said opening his own salon had given him the opportunity to build something of his own while continuing to help clients.
Joe said he hopes that sharing his work online will help more women discover the hair loss treatments available to them, particularly those who might not realise there are alternatives to living with hair loss. His salon is based at 32 New Road, Porthcawl.
