Shanna Lord Blends Caribbean Tradition with Trichology in Brooklyn

Shanna Lord is redefining approaches to Black hair wellness by merging Caribbean traditions with scientific trichology. As the founder of SLS Hair and Scalp Wellness in Brooklyn, New York, Lord incorporates ancestral wisdom into her practice, focusing on the health of hair and scalp rather than treating them purely as cosmetic concerns.

Raised in a West Indian household, Lord’s upbringing in Brooklyn was steeped in the herbal healing practices of her Jamaican father and St. Vincent mother. She recalls using ingredients like peppermint and sea moss long before they became popular in wellness circles. “Before sea moss was a hashtag, we were taking it as children,” Lord said, highlighting the importance of these traditional remedies in her life.

At her studio located on Howard Avenue in Bedford-Stuyvesant, Lord offers a holistic head spa experience. As a certified trichologist since 2011, she emphasizes that hair loss often indicates underlying health issues. “Hair loss is rarely just cosmetic,” she explained. Her approach involves detailed scalp analyses and customized treatment plans to address conditions like traction alopecia, hormonal shedding, and dermatitis.

Lord’s commitment to holistic health is evident in her practice. Clients receive personalized care that may include referrals to medical professionals upon noticing signs of thyroid dysfunction or autoimmune disorders. “I’ve had clients discover underlying conditions because we paid attention to what the scalp was saying,” she noted, underscoring the significance of her work.

The services at SLS Hair and Scalp Wellness go beyond traditional hairstyling. Lord provides stimulating scalp therapy, exfoliating treatments, and customized facials, creating an oasis for women seeking restorative hair care. She also leads a multidisciplinary team that includes natural hair stylists and a medical nail technician specializing in diabetic foot care.

Central to her philosophy is the integration of prescribed treatments with herbal regimens. Lord advocates for low-tension braiding techniques and discourages harsh chemical processes. “Protective styles are only protective if the scalp underneath is healthy,” she stated, urging clients to prioritize long-term health over short-term beauty.

Lord’s journey into this line of work was catalyzed by her personal experiences. After giving birth to her second son, she faced hormonal imbalances that prompted her to investigate the relationship between internal health and hair issues. This exploration revealed what she believes is often overlooked in traditional cosmetology: the connection between autoimmune conditions and scalp disorders.

The essence of Lord’s mission extends beyond her business. “I want women to understand their bodies,” she expressed. “Your hair is part of your health story.” By merging Caribbean traditions with clinical practices, she empowers Black women to care for their hair from the root.

In her Brooklyn studio, Shanna Lord is not just styling hair; she is fostering a deeper understanding of health and wellness. Her work reflects a commitment to both heritage and science, ensuring that her clients leave with not just beautiful hair, but also a better insight into their overall well-being.