Women and men who are seeking hair loss solutions are often nervous about their conditions and the treatments. As a result, there are a handful of unethical and unsavory companies that prey on those emotions and can give the industry a bad name.

At Allusions we consider our honesty and ethics to be hallmarks of our business. We recognize the trust our clients place in us and take that very seriously.

Here are five red flags to help you spot false claims about hair restoration:

1. The promise of hair regrowth – Once a hair follicle is dead, there is absolutely no way to encourage regrowth. There are some great treatments to stimulate live follicles, thicken existing hair and even restore hair, but one cannot promise or guarantee hair regrowth. It is not always possible. This should be a large red flag for you.

2. Use of the word “miracle” – While there are some very exciting treatments available that deliver stunning results, the use of the word “miracle” would be an overstatement.

3. Lack of professional affiliations or credible testimonials – Accredited salons will be members of a professional organization or the Better Business Bureau. Allusions is a member of the American Hair Loss Council, a non-profit organization dedicated to education, networking and support for the hair loss industry. This accreditation allows customers to shop with confidence. Allusions is also a member or Transitions International, a group of all of the top hair restoration specialists in the world. Additionally, we feature video testimonials from a variety of customers. We even go a step further to include actual customers in our advertisements!

4. One-size-fits-all solutions – If a salon is limiting you to one treatment, regardless of your hair loss issue, then you should run, not walk to a different salon. There are many reasons for hair loss in men and women and there are many treatments available. Treatment products, shampoos, styling tools, styling products, laser hair therapy, vitamin supplements can all work together in unique combinations to produce the results you want.

5. Frequent change of ownership – Look for stability in ownership at a facility – someone who is invested and involved. Jeanne Sheldon has owned Allusions for 12 years. She hires skilled technicians and stylists with impressive backgrounds, many of whom are dealing with hair loss conditions of their own. This makes for a caring, compassionate staff.

At the end of the day, you should trust your instincts. What do you look for in a salon?