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My name is Nicola Wood. In 2016, I was diagnosed with breast cancer, aged 36. This was a huge setback for me, my family and loved ones and of course my hairdressing business too. During my diagnosis I was exposed to many women in a similar situation as myself. Some were losing all of their hair, some were losing none of it and others were just losing just parts.
I saw second hand what was on offer for people suffering from hair loss and I was disappointed with it. Nearly four years later and we have created a hair loss service which puts people at the heart of it. Our primarily focus is to support people but to also to make their experience as normal as just going to the hairdressers. I found that people miss visiting their hairdresser. They missed chatting with their stylist.
Generally, losing your hair isn’t anything to worry about. It’s a natural part of ageing and can be affected by our genetics with the average person losing 50-100 hairs a day. It’s estimated that around 70% of women over the age of 70 experience female pattern baldness – the most common type of hair loss, which is thought to be inherited. Sometimes, however, it can be the result of a medical condition or illness, and it can come in a number of forms; partial loss, full loss, temporary or permanent.
For women, losing your hair can be particularly difficult, with many becoming less social, giving up activities they enjoy, and even questioning whether their partner will still love them or find them attractive…
If your hair-loss is due to a medical condition, your first point of support is of course your doctor or healthcare provider. Most, particularly the NHS, will be able to point you in the direction of some incredible experts and support groups.
There are also some amazing support groups throughout the UK with people facing exactly the same issues as you. Alopecia UK is just one of them. Visit their website to find your nearest support group where you can get answers to your questions, share your concerns and meet wonderful people going through the same thing.
Most importantly – talk to your friends and family if you can. Sharing your concerns with those close to you can lift a great weight from your shoulders and theirs!
If attending a group isn’t for you, you might want to try online. One such place is the Cancer Research forum. Here you can share your experiences and read others’, and even ask nurses any questions you might have.
In addition, Cancer Research also have a huge range of information to help you talk with your friends and family if your hair-loss is cancer related. You might also find 'Macmillan’s guide to cancer hair-loss' useful.
That doesn’t mean you’re stuck being without your hair!
Whether you have partial hair-loss and just need a piece to give you that fuller look again or complete loss and need a wig, there’s something for you.
Wigs have come a long way and with the right style and fit, you’d never you had one!
If a wig isn’t for you, there’s a whole world of beautiful headscarves and hats to discover. These are specific for those with hair-loss and cancer, using the softest natural linen and bamboo fabrics to feel amazing on your skin, keep you warm or cool and look stunning!
If you’re an NHS patient and your hair-loss is medical, you can get a wig or hair-piece completely free. Unfortunately, we can’t currently accept NHS vouchers online but we can accept them in our salons.
Simply get in-touch in the comments below and I'll you with the next steps.
I saw second hand what was on offer for people suffering from hair loss and I was disappointed with it. Nearly four years later and we have created a hair loss service which puts people at the heart of it. Our primarily focus is to support people but to also to make their experience as normal as just going to the hairdressers. I found that people miss visiting their hairdresser. They missed chatting with their stylist.
Generally, losing your hair isn’t anything to worry about. It’s a natural part of ageing and can be affected by our genetics with the average person losing 50-100 hairs a day. It’s estimated that around 70% of women over the age of 70 experience female pattern baldness – the most common type of hair loss, which is thought to be inherited. Sometimes, however, it can be the result of a medical condition or illness, and it can come in a number of forms; partial loss, full loss, temporary or permanent.
For women, losing your hair can be particularly difficult, with many becoming less social, giving up activities they enjoy, and even questioning whether their partner will still love them or find them attractive…
You’re not alone!
All of these questions, concerns and worries are perfectly normal, and there are a huge range of services available to help you answer them, overcome them, feel confident and be yourself again.If your hair-loss is due to a medical condition, your first point of support is of course your doctor or healthcare provider. Most, particularly the NHS, will be able to point you in the direction of some incredible experts and support groups.
It’s good to talk
First off, we’re here for you. Whether you’re a client or not, we’re here to answer your questions and point you in the right direction whenever you need. Our wonderful team are available online, by email and phone to support you and arrange a free consultation in our salon or via Skype or FaceTime if you’d rather. Simply get in touch and we’ll take it from there.There are also some amazing support groups throughout the UK with people facing exactly the same issues as you. Alopecia UK is just one of them. Visit their website to find your nearest support group where you can get answers to your questions, share your concerns and meet wonderful people going through the same thing.
Most importantly – talk to your friends and family if you can. Sharing your concerns with those close to you can lift a great weight from your shoulders and theirs!
If attending a group isn’t for you, you might want to try online. One such place is the Cancer Research forum. Here you can share your experiences and read others’, and even ask nurses any questions you might have.
In addition, Cancer Research also have a huge range of information to help you talk with your friends and family if your hair-loss is cancer related. You might also find 'Macmillan’s guide to cancer hair-loss' useful.
Avoid miracle cures
We’ve all seen them – oils, creams, lotions, potions and “ancient herbal remedies” – all promising to help re-grow hair and transform your life… but the reality is, these wonder products just don’t and won’t work.That doesn’t mean you’re stuck being without your hair!
Enter the wonderful world of wigs, hair pieces and headwear!
Wigs and hair pieces are a wonderful way to help you be you again. There are thousands of styles, colours and types available, and, in the unlikely event it’s not out there, we can make it!Whether you have partial hair-loss and just need a piece to give you that fuller look again or complete loss and need a wig, there’s something for you.
Wigs have come a long way and with the right style and fit, you’d never you had one!
If a wig isn’t for you, there’s a whole world of beautiful headscarves and hats to discover. These are specific for those with hair-loss and cancer, using the softest natural linen and bamboo fabrics to feel amazing on your skin, keep you warm or cool and look stunning!
If you’re an NHS patient and your hair-loss is medical, you can get a wig or hair-piece completely free. Unfortunately, we can’t currently accept NHS vouchers online but we can accept them in our salons.
Free wigs for kids!
We’re pleased to be a Little Princess Trust provider, a charity who provide real hair wigs, completely free of charge, to boys and girls across the UK and Ireland that have lost their own hair through cancer treatment.Simply get in-touch in the comments below and I'll you with the next steps.
