Lifelong Region Resident Leslie Robinson has been in the business of helping people look and feel their best since she was a child, and she now works to make a difference through hair restoration services – something that can be life-changing for those experiencing prominent hair loss.
Robinson grew up in Munster, Indiana, and moved to Chesterton when she was about 15. She remembers watching her mother style hair in their kitchen when she was little, so it was no surprise when her mother got a job at a local salon. Robinson’s mother bought into a few salon franchises in the area and ultimately landed in the hair replacement industry.
It was there that Robinson first discovered her passion for helping people find confidence through hair replacement.
“When I started here with my mom, I really liked the one-on-one atmosphere and how, when people were at their most vulnerable, I could help them,” Robinson said. “I've personally had issues with anxiety since I was a little kid, and it really fills my soul to take that little bit of anxiety away from people by giving them the hair that they want.”
Robinson now sits as the owner and president of Mane Image Hair Replacement Center, which has been owned and operated by the Robinson family since 1987. Mane Image has been serving the Region for decades, and it continues to be a leading establishment for people looking for privacy, respect, and expert hair care.
Mane Image’s current building is specially designed to provide the maximum amount of privacy and comfort for people seeking hair replacement services. The building has a secluded back parking lot in addition to the front lot, and separate rooms where every part of a procedure can be performed without having to switch rooms or sit in a public area.
Robinson and her team understand that people have many reasons for needing hair replacement services, and no matter what they are, the team is ready to help with open arms and genuine respect.
“We have some patients that are transgender, and some patients that have body-focused repetitive behaviors such as trichotillomania. I’m not here to judge or have an opinion. I'm just here to help you figure out the best solution that's going to make you happy at the end of the day,” Robinson said.
Throughout every step of the way, Robinson actively focuses on listening to the needs of the patient and provides several options at several price points. She feels there is a solution that works for everyone, and that hair replacement doesn’t have to be as expensive as people often believe it is.
“My goal is to listen,” Robinson said. “It's not my goal to shove a bunch of stuff down people's throats. I want them to come in, tell me what needs they have, and then I give them options as to how I could possibly fill that need.”
Mane Image offers several surgical and non-surgical options to patients, and Robinson often suggests a mix of the two for people with more prominent hair loss. The combination helps keep costs down while providing a seamless and realistic result.
Every procedure at Mane Image is carefully tested for comfort, effectiveness, and safety. Robinson ensures that every procedure is one she would be comfortable with getting herself, and she and her husband have both received hair replacement treatments that are offered at the salon.
As hair replacement technology continues to evolve, Robinson and the team work to evolve with it. Robinson rarely travels for vacation, but when she does, it’s usually still related to work. She has traveled to several countries to learn about new technology and techniques in the industry, and she thoroughly enjoys providing opportunities for her staff to learn more about the industry along the way.
“I always try to incorporate a lot of education throughout the year. Every time I go on an adventure somewhere, it's usually surrounding a form of education. It is really important to me to educate my girls because everything is always changing and advancing,” Robinson said.
Robinson knows firsthand how life-changing a hair replacement treatment can be, and she works every day to restore confidence in her clients through her work at Mane Image. She looks forward to continuing the legacy in the future and is especially excited to watch her daughter grow as she begins to get her footing in the industry.
Robinson’s commitment to excellence is apparent in every aspect of her life, and the Region will surely benefit as she continues to build a community of confidence.To learn more about Mane Image Hair Replacement Center, visit maneimagehair.com.