In St. Petersburg, Florida, a compassionate entrepreneur is making a profound difference in the lives of female veterans—one strand at a time. Through her company, The Hair Dive, Durant is helping women who’ve served in the military overcome a common yet often overlooked challenge: hair loss. Her personalized approach to hair restoration is not just cosmetic—it’s restorative, empowering, and deeply human.
The Hidden Toll of Service on Hair Health
While military service demands extraordinary resilience and strength, it also places unique physical demands on women’s bodies—including their hair.
“After they get out of the military, their hair changes,” Durant explains. “They’re looking for answers and wanting to reintegrate. Their hair isn’t always the same as when they first joined.”
Years of tightly pulled hairstyles required by uniform regulations, coupled with high-stress environments and sometimes poor access to routine self-care, often result in significant hair loss or damage. Durant recognized this underserved need in 2023 and began tailoring her services specifically for veterans.
“It’s So Rewarding”: Personalized Hair Solutions
Durant’s method focuses on customized hair systems and regenerative programs that suit each individual’s needs. Her goal? To help women grow back their natural hair and feel confident in their appearance once again.
“It’s so rewarding,” she says. “We work with them to tailor a hair system or restoration program to help them grow their hair back so they can live their lives to the fullest.”
This tailored care resonates with her clients, many of whom have tried countless other solutions without success.
A Marine’s Journey: Leslie Ridlon’s Transformation
Leslie Ridlon served in the U.S. Marine Corps and Army for 29 years, retiring with the rank of Major. Her long service left a lasting mark—not just emotionally, but physically. After years of military hair grooming requirements and neglecting hair care, Ridlon’s hair stopped growing altogether.
“Being in the military for so long, in addition to not taking care of it, your hair is constantly being pulled. And it doesn’t necessarily grow back,” Ridlon shares.
The damage was so severe that she made the difficult decision to shave it all off. Then, she discovered Durant. Through personalized care, Ridlon began to reclaim not only her hair but her sense of identity.
“Well, look at me, I look great. Any questions?” she quipped, flashing a confident smile.
Rebuilding Through Care: Melody Costa’s Experience
Melody Costa, a U.S. Navy veteran who served for nine years, is another success story. She suffers from sarcoidosis, an autoimmune disease that among other symptoms, causes hair loss. Treated at Bay Pines VA Hospital, she was referred to Durant by her dermatologist.
A former servicewoman trained in discipline and precision, Costa follows her treatment plan meticulously.
“Whatever treatment plan she prescribes for me, I follow it to the letter because my military training has made me very meticulous,” Costa says.
For Costa, the transformation goes beyond physical appearance—it’s a restoration of dignity, routine, and emotional well-being.
A Mission to Serve Those Who’ve Served
Currently, approximately 30% of Durant’s clientele are veterans. She views this part of her work as a continuation of service—supporting those who have already given so much.
“You know, they fight, and sometimes they have to fight again,” Durant says. “And being able to give them some comfort and make them look better and feel better is irreplaceable.”
The relationships she fosters with her clients often go beyond the professional. In fact, Ridlon and Durant have been in a loving relationship for five years, a testament to the deep trust and understanding they’ve built through shared experiences and healing.
Looking Forward
With veterans making up a significant portion of her business, Durant is on a mission to expand her services and reach even more women struggling with hair loss post-service. Whether it’s autoimmune disease, aging, or the physical rigors of active duty, The Hair Dive is proving that with the right care, compassion, and expertise, healing—and hair—can be restored.
For women veterans like Ridlon and Costa, it’s not just about looking good. It’s about reclaiming their power, identity, and pride in every mirror they face.
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