Germaine Williams-Beckles Healthy Body = Healthy Hair

.“At Rayogee, our approach to hair loss is a multi-therapeutic approach. From studies, we have realised that a healthy body equals healthy hair; that’s one of the main reasons we incorporate the [nutritional] element in our practice.” Through her work, she tries to impart knowledge of hair loss and says early diagnosis and prevention are her specialties.“We also incorporate laser therapy for advanced hair loss as well as the use of natural products.“The field of corrective hair care is dynamic; it’s ever-changing so I am always looking for ways to improve the business.”

Germaine recounts her introduction to trichology: “I was assisting the world-renowned Clem Leu Yatt at a beauty trade show in Atlanta. On my break, I was walking through the show and by mere coincidence I heard a man shouting at the top of his voice, trying to get the attention of passers-by to attend his class.” It was in this first class that Germaine learned about the “epidemic” proportions of hair loss. She would go on to earn a Doctorial in Trichology from the ?lan Institute of Trichology, a diploma in Nutrition Counseling from the School of Nutrition & Science, California, and has been accredited by the American Association for Drugless Practitioners as a Board Certified Holistic Health Practitioner.

She says the most common forms of hair loss are genetic but she has treated many hairand scalp-related ailments through holistic healthcare.
“The holistic approach to hair loss takes into consideration the individual’s entire being,” she explains. “When we do a treatment, we start with a consultation which looks at the person’s nutritional deficiencies, as well as a microscopic examination of the hair and scalp.

“We tend to treat the underlying cause of the hair loss via topical and oral treatment. We also look at the types of product that we use on our clients, such as products that are paraffin free, DEA and sulfate free.” Counseling is also offered to patients at the clinic, for those who may need advice and to implement changes in their lifestyles.

Among her roles as businesswoman, wife, mother, and grandmother, Germaine also considers herself a facilitator, and she has traveled to many places to impart her knowledge of hair and scalp treatments, as well as to certify others in the field of trichology.

“I enjoy sharing information and certifying individuals in the area of trichology. I just came back from [certifying persons in] Orlando – that’s why I am so excited about sharing the knowledge with beauty professionals this weekend.”

She is speaking of her upcoming Hair Loss Practitioner 2 Day workshop, in conjunction with the US Trichology Institute, which will be held at the Trinidad Marriott from September 27-28 between the hours of 8 am and 5 pm.The workshop will allow all manner of beauty professionals to “learn more about hair loss and the latest hair loss treatments that are available, while gaining a greater knowledge and understanding of trichology.”

Attendees will also receive a hair loss practitioner certificate, hair loss treatment products, and access to mentors based within Trinidad and Tobago for further consultation.

The workshop is perfect for salon operators, hairdressers, barbers, and aestheticians to name a few, and she hopes persons who are interested in a deeper understanding and knowledge of hair loss will join.

Professionally, she is hoping to expand treatment options and her Rayogee brand. She admits she has faced some challenges as a business owner, citing that the term “salon” can be misleading to institutions that facilitate business loans.

“Once you tell someone you own a salon, they think hairdresser, and so banks and their lending policies tend to be difficult. It’s hard to get the bank to believe in the direction that you are looking to take your business.” However, she says her concrete business plan and the support from the persons in her life, least of all her family, have helped her overcome these minor setbacks.

“One thing that I always like to share with entrepreneurs like myself is to explore what is out there; invest in yourself through education.

There are so many things happening in the world that you can incorporate into your business, which will make your work easier and more efficient, while ensuring the satisfaction of your clients, as well as another income revenue stream.” Rayogee is also a familial affair. “My daughter currently works alongside me in the clinic and seeing her following in my footsteps makes it all rewarding,” she says proudly, also speaking of the apprenticeship program at the clinic where she continues to teach and train.

She notes that one of the most common health issues she encounters in her line of work is high blood pressure. According to her, the stressful nature of hypertension encourages hair loss, which is further compounded by the drugs meant to combat the ailment.

She touts through holistic care and natural remedies, patients can reap health benefits that not only relate to their scalps but also can extend to other aspects of their physical selves.

She speaks passionately about the clients she has helped and the information she has learned and teaches, highlighting both popular and lesser-known myths concerning scalp health and warning signs.

Her advice to anyone who suspects they may have scalp health issues is seek professional advice and to not give up hope.

Her greatest professional fulfillment is a satisfied client. There is no other comparison “to see the wonderful smile of their face when they see the regrowth of their hair and the regaining the natural texture of their hair.

If you look good, you feel good.” And how does she ensure her own “feel good”? She says unwaveringly, “Live life to the fullest, enjoy what you do, it should be enjoyment to you. I am doing what I love so I don’t consider it a job. And finally, be thankful in every situation.

To register for Germaine’s two-day workshop at the Courtyard Marriott from September 27-28, call 627-4659.

For more information on Rayogee Wellness and Lifestyle, visit www.geesexclusive.com - Germaine Williams-Beckles