In the world of beauty and transformation, few leaders embody compassion, purpose, and expertise quite like Renae Miller. As a licensed cosmetologist and certified hair replacement specialist, Renae is the visionary force behind Complete Image, a sanctuary for women experiencing hair loss due to medical, emotional, or personal challenges. With over 30 years in the beauty industry, her mission goes far beyond aesthetics—Renae helps women reclaim their confidence, their identity, and their joy. Her approach is holistic, heart-led, and rooted in a deep desire to serve women at every stage of their journey.
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Beverly Hills Magazine: We are so excited to welcome a very special guest to the show today — Renae Miller, a licensed cosmetologist, certified hair replacement specialist, and the founder of the incredible company Complete Image. She’s here to share her journey and tell us how she’s helping people regain confidence through hair restoration. Welcome, Renae!
Renae Miller: Thank you! I’m so happy to be here. I really appreciate the opportunity to share what I do.
Beverly Hills Magazine: Let’s jump right in. Can you share your journey into the cosmetology field and what ultimately inspired you to specialize in hair replacement?
Renae Miller: Absolutely. It’s actually been quite a journey. I come from a family that didn’t have much income, so I had to choose a career path that was financially accessible. Cosmetology fit that mold — and I ended up in a salon in Cleveland, Ohio, with a great apprenticeship program. I loved doing hair, but I always felt like something was missing. And then — almost like divine timing — an opportunity fell into my lap. A co-worker’s client’s cousin needed someone to temporarily fill in at a hair replacement clinic. I had never even heard of a place like that, but I figured, why not give it a shot? The moment I stepped into the clinic and saw what they were doing — I was floored. They weren’t just “selling hairpieces,” they were transforming lives. This was 25 years ago, and even then the quality was amazing. I knew right then and there, this was the missing piece.
Beverly Hills Magazine: That’s incredible. So inspiring how it all came together so naturally. Now, have you personally experienced hair loss? Does that help you connect with your clients on a deeper level?
Renae Miller: Yes, 100%. Over the past 10 years, I’ve dealt with autoimmune issues that affect my hair. Depending on the medications I’m on, I sometimes need to wear toppers or extensions myself. After seeing how good my clients looked and how much better they felt — even if they were going through something physically difficult — I had this moment of realization: Why am I not doing this for myself? And once I started, it was a total game changer.
Beverly Hills Magazine: It really is a deeper issue than people think. I’ve personally experienced hair thinning from anemia — I had no idea it was connected to iron deficiency until it was really bad. Hair loss affects our self-image so much. That’s why your work is truly life-changing. So, you started Complete Image in 2005. Tell us what inspired that and what your business offers.
Renae Miller: It was really another moment of timing and opportunity. Someone in the field was retiring — they’d been doing this since the 1920s! I felt like it was the right time to really focus on what I loved, so I bought the business and it just took off. There aren’t many businesses that truly specialize in hair replacement, especially with the level of care we provide. Once people found out about us, the referrals started flowing in. It’s been such a blessing to watch the business grow and to help so many people.
Beverly Hills Magazine: That’s amazing. And let’s be honest — this isn’t vanity. This is about restoring a person’s sense of self. When you lose your hair, it can feel like you’re losing a part of who you are. Your work really helps people reclaim that. What are the most common causes of hair loss that you see in your practice?
Renae Miller: There’s a wide range, but the most common causes include androgenic alopecia — which is tied to stress, hormones, and genetics. Another one that’s really growing in frequency is frontal fibrosing alopecia, especially among women. Interestingly, frontal fibrosing alopecia is a scarring type of hair loss and it’s often linked to autoimmune issues — like thyroid disorders. Hair is incredibly sensitive to what’s going on inside your body. If your system is off — whether due to stress, nutrition, or chronic illness — your hair will usually show it first.
Beverly Hills Magazine: That makes so much sense. Our hair is like a barometer for our health. Are there any tests or indicators you recommend for people who think something might be off?
Renae Miller: Absolutely. One of the biggest game changers is checking your ferritin levels — which reflects how your body stores iron. A general iron test won’t always reveal an issue, but low ferritin can be a huge red flag for hair loss. Even small dips can affect people with naturally fine or thin hair. I always recommend working with a healthcare provider, because optimal levels can vary from person to person.
Beverly Hills Magazine: That’s such a helpful tip. Now let’s talk about the types of hair loss you treat — can you explain the difference between things like alopecia and chemotherapy-related hair loss?
Renae Miller: Sure. Alopecia is an umbrella term for various types of hair loss, and it doesn’t discriminate. I’ve worked with clients as young as six or eight years old. In many cases — especially with alopecia areata — it’s triggered by stress or trauma. For kids, that might be bullying, divorce, or another major life event. Autoimmune conditions are often at play, and emotional trauma can cause the immune system to turn on itself, affecting the hair follicles. Chemotherapy-induced hair loss, on the other hand, is due to the effects of treatment on rapidly dividing cells — and while it’s expected, it can be deeply emotional. In both cases, we approach clients with compassion and customized solutions, whether it’s a medical wig, a topper, or full hair system.
Beverly Hills Magazine: You are doing such important work. I truly believe that restoring someone’s confidence can be a form of healing. Your personal story, your empathy, and your passion really shine through. Before we wrap up, is there one message you’d like to leave with people who are struggling with hair loss?
Renae Miller: Yes — just know that you are not alone. Hair loss is far more common than people realize, and it’s nothing to be ashamed of. There are so many solutions out there now that look and feel completely natural. And don’t wait until it becomes overwhelming — the earlier you address it, the more options you have. Most of all, give yourself grace. You are still beautiful and worthy, no matter what stage you’re in.
Beverly Hills Magazine: Beautifully said. Thank you so much, Renae, for your time, your expertise, and for all the lives you’re transforming through Complete Image. We’re honored to share your story.
Renae Miller: Thank you! It’s been a pleasure. I’m so grateful for the chance to share and hopefully help others feel empowered to take that first step.
Beverly Hills Magazine: So, are you involved in hormone replacement therapy, or is your work more external and aesthetic?
Renae Miller: I actually don’t do any internal or chemical treatments. Everything we offer is external. We do, however, refer clients to physicians if they need lab work or deeper medical insight. But I’ve found that what really matters is getting to the root cause—looking at nutrition, body chemistry, and absorption. What we provide is a way to support people externally, so they can focus on healing internally. We create custom toppers, cranial prosthetics (medical-grade wigs), and hairpieces that integrate with their own hair to make getting ready easier and relieve the stress of hair loss.
Beverly Hills Magazine: That’s wonderful. How important is it to get a proper diagnosis before seeking hair replacement solutions?
Renae Miller: It’s very important, especially if you’re trying to get insurance reimbursement. A diagnosis from a dermatologist or primary care physician—like alopecia—can qualify you for coverage. Some of our clients receive up to two cranial prosthetics a year through their insurance. But you do need to be persistent and advocate for yourself to get that coverage in place.
Beverly Hills Magazine: Now, how do you determine the best hair replacement option for each client?
Renae Miller: We offer complimentary 30-minute consultations to go over everything. Most people are hesitant at first—they don’t realize how common hair replacement actually is. I always say, “You’re going to walk out of here and people are going to compliment you on your hair—not because they think you’re wearing something, but because you look refreshed and confident.” During the consultation, we go through different options based on their lifestyle, goals, and budget.
Beverly Hills Magazine: Love that! Can you explain the differences between wigs, toppers, extensions, and hairpieces?
Renae Miller: Sure! Wigs cover the entire scalp—great for complete hair loss. Toppers provide partial coverage and blend with your natural hair. Hairpieces can target specific areas for volume or coverage. Extensions are best for adding length or volume but require a healthy base of hair. Everything we do is custom—clients bring in previous pieces, photos, inspiration, and we match to their skin tone, hair texture, and personal style.
Beverly Hills Magazine: What about maintenance—what do clients need to know about caring for their hairpieces or wigs?
Renae Miller: Maintenance is everything. Human hair needs washing, conditioning, and styling—just like natural hair. Synthetic hair is more low-maintenance: wash, shake, and go. We always recommend clients come back for proper care training. If they’re out of state, we offer Zoom or FaceTime support. And we encourage people to hold on to older pieces—we can often repair or restyle them.
Beverly Hills Magazine: As the founder of Complete Image, how do you stay up to date with trends and new techniques?
Renae Miller: I’m constantly researching. I follow trends on social media, stay active with vendors and global manufacturers, attend hair shows, and ask a lot of questions.
Renae Miller’s work is a powerful reminder that beauty is more than skin deep. Through her dedication to hair restoration and emotional empowerment, she is giving women the priceless gift of self-worth and healing. Whether helping a cancer survivor feel radiant again or guiding someone through a deeply personal hair journey, Renae’s impact is lasting and life-changing. As she continues to elevate lives through her work at Complete Image, her message remains clear: true beauty starts with self-love and the courage to rise above.