Dear Readers: Last month, I shared this question that was sent to me: “How can older/homebound women get haircuts? Are there traveling stylists or a list somewhere of people who serve homebound folks? My mom is disabled and has chair limitations; she can’t go to just any salon.”
Answer: This is an interesting topic. You might think there is an easy answer: there isn’t.
This question took me on quite an adventure. First, I called the ADRC (Aging and Disability Resource Center). They normally know the answer to anything! They have no one listed. I reached out to multiple hair salons. They are already at capacity and are not aware of anyone who does mobile hairstyling for the public.
After a Google search, I found that this is a service supplied in other parts of the country but not here.
What I learned is that hairdressers are very busy. They have back-to-back appointments, and their time is full without even leaving their chairs. Financially, it isn’t practical for them to spend time gathering supplies, getting additional insurance, driving, and then arriving at an unknown home and an unknown situation.
A few mentioned that they wouldn’t know what they are getting into. Are there dogs? Is the house sanitary? Is the setup adequate for their needs? Many hairdressers would want a client’s hair washed before they style it. How would they wash your hair? Does your layout work for that, and how would they know that before they arrived? Would they wash in your kitchen sink, or would they be leaning you over a tub? That can be delicate for a client with disabilities. They aren’t caregivers, so, they aren’t comfortable with a situation they aren’t in control of.
Many hairdressers do cuts for private clients, but they know these people, and, generally, there aren’t physical challenges to accommodate. They also do bridal parties, but, in that case, it makes financial sense for them because it is a group.
In my search, I called Valley VNA Senior Care because they do in-home service. I came across Tracy Nikolai. She is the director of marketing and development. As I asked my multiple questions, I found out that she coincidently is a master hairstylist at J.C. Pennys. Bingo! She was able to confirm many of the comments I had heard.
I wondered if Valley VNA had people they can refer for in-home hair styling. No, they do not. She reiterated many of the reasons above.
She did say that if you have an in-home caregiver who does your personal care, they will wash your hair also. But your question is more about haircuts, perms or coloring, right?
I also learned that before 2017, it wasn’t even legal for a stylist to do in-home services in Wisconsin. Perhaps, that is why it isn’t popular in Wisconsin.
There are traveling stylists for seniors in other states. Using a Google search, they appear to start at about $200. Maybe supply will pick up with demand. What a great business opportunity for someone with an entrepreneurial spirit.
Jean Long Manteufel writes a column each month about life changes associated with aging. Send your questions to Jean@TransitionsWithJean.com or call 920-585-7769.
This article originally appeared on Appleton Post-Crescent: Mobile hairstyling not an option for seniors in Wisconsin | Ask Jean
Reporting by Jean Long Manteufel, For Appleton Post-Crescent / Appleton Post-Crescent
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