By Debra Wallace

Some 56 years ago, when Stacy Costabile’s father, James started The Hair for Life Center, he used his experience as a licensed cosmetologist and inventor to offer a unique hair loss replacement treatment that his daughter still uses today.

The product, The Intralock Process, is a nonsurgical application for hair enhancement that is focused on women who experience hair loss due to illness, hormonal imbalances, medication, heredity, chemotherapy, thyroid disease, stress, Alopecia, and a compulsive disorder called trichotillomania, also known as hair pulling.

“Our proprietary method of hair enhancement differs from other products and companies because we do not use glue or clips that would normally be used with a topper or extensions by your typical hair replacement center,” explained Stacy, a licensed cosmetologist for 40 years.

“These hair products cover and damage the client’s existing hair which leaves a very unnatural appearance,” she added.

“Our hair product allows the clients’ existing hair to be utilized within the new hair and blended around the Intralock Process,” she said. “We believe it’s important to utilize your own hair to protect the health and integrity of it. This provides a natural healthy approach to enhance what you still have and not shave away or apply glue for a hairpiece or topper to adhere to.”

While James Costabile passed eight years ago, his daughter frequently reflects on his legacy and knows that choosing to work with her father was the best decision she ever made.

Her work in the family business gave her a platform to expand on his ideas and technology and make this a highly personal experience for the clients.

 “My father, who had a life well lived, left a gift, not only for me but for every woman who struggles with hair loss,” she said. “He always said, ‘For woman, hair is not a luxury, it’s a necessity!”

Stacy, the owner/operator of the Hair for Life Center says that she discovered early on that when a woman loses her hair it can feel devastating.

This means that “the biggest challenge is working with the clients more emotionally than physically. So, we feel our biggest accomplishment is regaining someone’s confidence, as well as their sense of well-being. Not to mention the obvious, which is having hair back!”

As a result, maintaining “a safe environment” where the clients never have to feel ashamed or embarrassed about their hair loss, is of the utmost importance.

She understands that the initial visit can be extremely embarrassing as well as stressful, that’s why Hair for Life Center offers private rooms for the applications as well as the initial consultation.

“I think the reason for our longevity all these years has been absolutely with no doubt the proprietary process my father had created long ago,” Stacy explained.

“When a woman experiences hair loss to the point of baldness no other hair product can achieve the most natural way to create a beautiful head of hair that will never have to be removed and can allow her to live her life normally.”

The results that Stacy and her clients see are truly memorable. “When we complete the hair application and I see the reaction on a client’s face I am always amazed  and delighted by the fact that obtaining a person’s hair back completely changes their whole demeanor!”

She added, “The first thing I always hear from a happy client is ‘This is the way my hair used to look.’ ” The before and after photos reveal stunning results.

Making the world better by giving back is something that Stacy always makes time for. During her free time, she volunteers to help disabled children and adults who participate in community theater every July. Using her skills, she creates wigs and donates her time with hair and makeup for their local musical performances, including Guys and Dolls, Mean Girls, and Pippin.

Through The Thespian Foundation, she was also honored with a nomination for best hair, wigs, and makeup for her work in The Great Gatsby.

Stacy never doubts that she is in the right field of endeavor. “When I think about it, I know what an awesome thing this is to do for someone!! To give them back what they once had!! It’s truly gratifying!”

She adds that the best part of her job is when she is getting ready to meet with a new client for her first application. “The hope and excitement that they feel in the possibility of getting their hair back is so exciting. Then to finally see their faces after the new hair is complete is extremely rewarding. I love making women look and feel beautiful!”

The Hair for Life Center is located at 120 County Road in Tenafly. To book a free consultation, call 201-731-3530. For more information visit TheHairForLifeCenter.com. See ad, page 13.

Debra Wallace is an award-winning contributing writer for Natural Awakenings.