Master Cosmetologist/Hair Loss Expert Susan L. Peterkin and Dr. Chesahna Kindred, MD, MBA, FAAD collaborated to create the countries first dermatologic salon, PeterKindred Hair and Scalp Wellness Center, so hair styling and dermatology could finally be bridged to bring hair loss clients an approach that combines wellness practices with medical treatment.
As a Master Pioneer in the hair care industry, Susan has always been at the forefront of hair-care trends, good and bad. Susan found herself frustrated with the trend of hair stylists taking non-medical hair loss courses, and then re-branding themselves as “hair-loss” experts. Susan leads the wellness and in-salon curriculum for S.T.R.A.N.D.™ and leads the conception of S.T.R.A.N.D.'s activation concepts.
In the dermatology practice, Susan learned directly from Dr. Kindred while collaborative treating hair loss clients. Their integrative approach allowed clients to be routinely monitored, taught Susan how to navigate hair loss in the salon, and allowed for improved treatment outcomes.
Dr. Chesahna Kindred is a board-certified dermatologist, researcher, published author, and national speaker. Dr. Kindred began her studies at the University of Southern California where she received her Bachelor of Science with a minor in Spanish. She then relocated to Ohio where she continued to push herself in her educational pursuits, earning not just her MD degree, but also an MBA at the University of Cincinnati.
Dr. Kindred was awarded a full scholarship as a Yates Fellow for the MBA program, where she was only the third person in the history of the University of Cincinnati to receive the dual MD/MBA degree. She then took up her residency and fellowship at Howard University, an institution that pioneered Ethnic Dermatology. It was here that Dr. Kindred gained her passion and focus on hair loss and ethnic skin. Dr. Kindred became a leading dermatologist at MedStar Health in the Baltimore area after graduating from Howard University, and 5 years later opened her own practice.
She is considered a key opinion leader by her colleagues, and lead's S.T.R.A.N.D. dermatology curriculum. In addition to being a top hair loss dermatologist, Dr. Kindred also leads inclusive research that addresses that needs and questions of under represented communities.
S.T.R.A.N.D is the first educational program that brings leaders in dermatology and cosmetology together to provide hair care professional with a depth of hair loss and skin education and is dedicated to elevate the industry's knowledge base and level of client care. S.T.R.A.N.D debuted its pilot course at the Natural Hair Industry Convention on October of 2023, and has since activated in 5 states, hosted 4 workshops, educated 246 stylists, and impacted 447 community members in person as of October of 2025
S.T.R.A.N.D. Press Coverage:
"Doctor and Hair Salon Combine at this D.C. Haven for Hair Loss" - Vogue.com
STYLIST EDUCATION
Hair loss is one of the most common, and misunderstood, concerns clients bring to the salon. Yet many stylists lack access to the medical knowledge and resources needed to identify and support these clients effectively.
That’s where S.T.R.A.N.D.™ comes in. Our programs bridge the gap between cosmetology and dermatology, giving stylists the tools, language, and confidence to recognize scalp and hair loss concerns, provide science-backed care, and collaborate with board-certified dermatologists.
Explore how you can elevate your services and become a trusted hair loss specialist through our stylist education programs.
CONSUMER EVENTS
Your Scalp, Your Skin™ Community Brunches unite dermatologists, stylists, and the public for honest, easy-to-understand conversations about hair loss, scalp health, and overall wellness. S.T.R.A.N.D. dermatologists and stylists host open panels for attendees to gain clarity on hair loss, cosmetic marketing, and how to access care.
These events make reliable information about hair and skin health accessible to everyone at no cost, especially in communities that need it most. Learn more about how you can join us for education, connection, and empowerment that helps you walk away with confidence, clarity, and a renewed approach to you hair and scalp care journey.