ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. – For many women who have served in the military, the transition to civilian life comes with unexpected battles—including hair loss. But at a Bay Area restoration center, one local woman is helping veterans reclaim their confidence and natural beauty.
Simone Durant, founder of The Hair Dive in St. Petersburg, has dedicated her career to helping women struggling with hair loss and thinning. Through personalized treatment plans and custom hair systems, she works to restore not just hair, but self-esteem.
“It’s incredibly rewarding,” Durant said. “We develop individualized solutions to help our clients regrow their hair and feel more fulfilled in their daily lives.”
In 2023, Durant noticed a growing need among a specific group: female veterans.
“When they leave the service, many women experience changes in their hair,” she explained. “They’re searching for answers, for a way to reintegrate. And oftentimes, they don’t feel or look like themselves anymore.”
A Personal Battle
Among Durant’s clients is Leslie Ridlon, who served 29 years in both the U.S. Marine Corps and Army before retiring as a major. She said the physical toll of military service—especially the constant strain on her hair—left lasting damage.
“Being in the military for so long, you tend to neglect your hair. It’s always pulled tight, and sometimes it just doesn’t grow back,” Ridlon shared.
Before finding Durant, Ridlon’s hair loss became so severe she opted to shave her head completely. She’s now been working with Durant for five years and says the transformation has been life-changing.
“Just look at me—I look great. Is there any question?” she said with a smile.
Another client, Melody Costa, served nine years in the Navy. She is currently being treated at Bay Pines VA Hospital for sarcoidosis, an autoimmune condition that includes hair loss among its symptoms. A dermatologist at the VA referred her to Durant, who is an approved community care provider for veterans.
“Whatever treatment plan she has for me, I’ll follow it to the letter,” Costa said. “Military training made me very meticulous.”
Serving Those Who Served
Today, approximately 30 percent of Durant’s clientele are veterans.
“They’ve fought for our country, and sometimes they come home and have to fight all over again—for their health, for their identity,” Durant said. “To be someone who helps them feel like themselves again—who gives them a sense of peace when they look in the mirror—is something I don’t take lightly.”
For many women like Ridlon and Costa, Durant’s work is about more than aesthetics—it’s a step toward healing.
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