New Wig Line For Women With Hair Loss – An Interview With The Colorist
Silk or Lace’s founder, Suran Yoo, has launched a new line of ready-to-wear, real human hair wigs for women with hair loss called, Strandie.
Strandie’s summer collection is here and they are going to become your new favorite summer piece.
The summer collection features human hair wigs that are ultra low density have an open wefted cap construction and a single lace top to allow more airflow for those hot summer days!
Strandie collaborated with Houston Hair Stylist and hair loss specialist, Dorin Azerad, to color the human hair wigs in the collection. Get to know the strong woman behind the color in this interview!
Interview conducted over email on May 18, 2021
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How long have you been doing hair and how did you get started in it?
“I never imagined I would become a hairstylist.
I’ve had hair loss since age 4 and always dreaded going to the salon.
I spent my childhood, teens and early twenties being really ashamed of my trichotillomania (hair-pulling disorder) and subsequent hair loss. Slowly, I decided I no longer wanted to live my life feeling defined by my deepest, darkest secret - my trichotillomania. Even more, I didn’t want others to feel defined by their own experience with hair loss.
In 2016, I quit my first job out of college and joined the beauty industry to support those with trichotillomania and spread awareness about it and other hair disorders. Today, I am a hairstylist at Élan Hair Studio, a salon specializing in hair loss solutions, in Houston, TX.
Behind the chair, I strive to provide each of my clients - men, women, and children - with a safe space to begin taking control of their hair loss journey.”
What was the last photo you took?
A wig I colored - My entire camera roll is hair lol
Tell us a little bit about your hair loss journey. When did you know you had trichotillomania? How did you find your first piece?
“I started pulling out my eyelashes and eyebrows when I was 4 years old. By the age of 8, my trichotillomania had spread to the hair on my head. Over 20 years later, I still live with trichotillomania every day. Over the past 5 years, I have worked hard to get to a place of acceptance of my trichotillomania, my hair (or lack thereof), and myself!
In middle school, I started wearing headbands everyday to cover up my bald spots. My headbands got bigger and bigger as my bald spots grew. By high school, a headband could no longer cover up all my bald spots. My mom found a hairstylist on the TLC Foundation for Body Focused Repetitive Behavior’s website. She gave me my first hairpiece - it was an integrated mesh topper. I wore it for almost 7 years and it totally changed my life.
4 years ago, I started wearing wigs and instantly feel in love with them!”
Favorite spot in Houston to eat!
Killen’s BBQ - I didn’t grow up eating BBQ, so I love to eat it any chance I get now.
What is the most rewarding part of your job?
“I’m so grateful to go to work everyday doing what I love - helping men, women, and children take control of their hair loss journey and feel confident with their hair. New hair days are definitely the best - I love seeing the look on my clients’ faces as they see themselves with their new hair!”
What’s something that will always be in fashion, no matter how much time passes?
White sneakers - Love them, and can’t live without them.
What is your favorite hair color?
“For myself - I love a really rich brunette. For my clients - Anything that makes them feel their best! I love it when my clients put on their hair, and instantly feel like the best version of themselves!”
Go to vacation spot?
New York City - I grew up in the area, and love going back to see family and friends.
What is the process to work with you remotely?
“I work remotely with clients interested in new hair pieces (wigs, toppers, or CNC) and clients wanting customization done to an existing hair piece. Anyone interested in these services can fill out the consultation form on my website:
https://dorinazerad.com/newclients Once I’ve received the form, I will reach out to you to schedule a virtual consultation.”
What’s the most useless talent you have?
I can still do a cartwheel. Some girls at recess in the first grade taught me and 2 decades later I can still do it!
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Suran always dreamed of finding the perfect hairpiece that complimented her female hair loss from alopecia.
Instead of continuing to search, she finally decided to make her own! Collaborating with Dorin, who also experiences female hair loss, to color the pieces was so important.
Having someone who understands the female hair loss experience behind the colorist chair, made the journey of bringing these human hair wigs for hair loss to life extra special.
Strandie is officially launched and will be housed on Silk or Lace!