Many District residents struggle with alopecia, or hair loss. A New Image by Acia & Hair Loss Rejuvenation Clinic at 705 Florida Avenue NW is one of the few hair salons to offer restoration services to those with the condition.
Owner Dr. Acia Williams, a native Washingtonian, grew up in the salon business. She styled friends and family member’s hair just for fun. After graduating from cosmetology school, she worked as a stylist in a downtown DC salon.
Cosmetology training and her salon experience still left Williams unprepared to help clients facing hair loss. Extensive research and training in alopecia treatment led Williams to establish her clinic. Using techniques such platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections and scalp micropigmentation, she now specializes in hair restoration.
Hair loss does not discriminate, Williams said. She has seen clients of all ages and genders experience this challenge. While Williams and her team provide these restoration services, style is not neglected.
“You won’t walk out still not knowing what to do with your hair,” Williams explained. “I’m still your stylist and I still give you style while we are taking you through treatment.”
Williams is also in the process of opening her own training center: The Image and Grooming Professional Institute will offer classes for the community to learn about hair care and style.
“Being an educator is more than teaching somebody how to style hair,” Williams believes. “It includes building self-esteem, encouraging and just being helpful.”
A New Image by Acia is open on Tuesdays at 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Wednesdays from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Thursdays from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., Fridays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Visit draciawilliams.com for more information.
Sarah Payne is a reporter for Capital Community News. She can be reached at sarahp@hillrag.com.
