Allison Ombres
Allison Ombres founded Encelia Hair creating comfortable wigs using athletic-wear materials. She developed Alopecia Universalis during pregnancy and designs products that solve the itch, heat, and stigma of traditional wigs. San Diego-based Give program donates one wig for every ten sold.
Allison Ombres's Bio
Allison Ombres is the founder and CEO of Encelia Hair, a San Diego-based company that creates comfortable, stylish wigs using athletic-wear materials. Encelia Hair reinvents life with alopecia by solving the itch, heat, and stigma that make traditional wigs unbearable.
Before launching Encelia, Allison built a career in the hair industry. She had her own hair clients and assisted in some of the best salons in Orange County, California. In 2015, she started Reveal, a business focused on building a team of beauty professionals in Hawaii.
Allison developed Alopecia Universalis during her second pregnancy. Frustrated with poorly made, itchy, hot, and ill-fitting wigs, she set out to design something better. She wanted wigs that felt comfortable and looked natural, without the compromises of conventional options.
Under her leadership, Encelia Hair operates as a mission-driven company. The wigs are manufactured in India, where the work provides a primary income for local women, and the hair is ethically sourced. The company gives back through a San Diego program that donates one wig for every ten sold.
Allison's mission extends beyond products. She wants to change the stigma around female hair loss and modernize the alternative hair industry. Encelia continues to grow, driven by her belief that women experiencing hair loss deserve comfort, confidence, and choice.
Career Timeline
2003 — Graduated University of San Diego
Completed undergraduate degree
2006 — Built hair client base and assisted at salons in Orange County at Various salons
Had own hair clients and assisted at top salons in Orange County, California
2015 — Started Reveal in Hawaii
Launched business focused on building a team of beauty professionals in Hawaii
2017 — Completed wig training program
Attended specialized wig training program and began wig consulting business
2019 — Ran wig consulting business at Independent
Operated wig consulting business for two and a half years after completing training
2019 — Developed Alopecia Universalis during second pregnancy
Diagnosed with Alopecia Universalis during the eighth month of second pregnancy, losing 80% of hair in 20 days
2019 — Founded Encelia Hair
Started designing and developing wigs using athletic-wear materials after experiencing poor quality options firsthand
2026 — Appeared on HIBT Advice Line with Monica Nassif at How I Built This
Called in as a featured guest to discuss Encelia Hair growth and marketing strategy
