AN EMOTIONAL EXPERIENCE...

Being part of the initiative has been an emotional rollercoaster for Sally Montague, whose chosen charity was Breast Cancer Care for many years prior to her involvement with My New Hair. “My mother-in-law suffered from Breast Cancer and a member of staff lost her mother to the disease, so we have always shown our support with charitable initiatives over the years,” she says. 

Although often asked about wig cutting by clients, it wasn’t something Sally offered until she was approached by the My New Hair initiative, which was looking for affiliates throughout the country to join its network of hairdressers. “My New Hair asked if I would represent the East Midlands region, so my manager, Sarah Fletcher, and myself were educated by Trevor Sorbie so that we fully understood everything involved in offering a service as sensitive as this,” says Sally. 

Part of the training involved spending time with Macmillan nurses, ensuring Sally and Sarah could gain an in-depth understanding in to the emotions felt by those suffering from the disease. “We were trained in what – and what not – to say, and while we can’t ever profess to know just how our clients feel, we can offer compassion and understanding of their situation,” she says. 

An emotional experience for everyone involved, clients sometimes bring friends and family to help them through. “Being diagnosed with Breast Cancer and then losing their hair is a traumatic experience for everyone involved and we accommodate our clients and offer privacy, understanding and compassion,” says Sally. Most appointments are held in the private White Room in the Old Hall in Derby –“The White Room is often filled with tears, laughter and lots of cups of tea!” recalls Sally, who describes the work she does for My New Hair as ‘a humbling experience’. 

Being part of the My New Hair network has, Sally says, been the most emotionally challenging and rewarding work she have ever done. “Losing your hair can seem like you are losing your femininity. By offering this service and ensuring clients leave with hair that looks natural and feminine again, means ladies are not so alone, not as vulnerable and have the confidence to face the outside world once more. 

“I have met some wonderful families along the way and there is always a great sense of satisfaction on both sides. My aim is to give clients their confidence back; when they leave they have their heads held high. I am thrilled to be involved in the scheme and to offer clients a caring, respectful service that has resulted in some wonderful friendships along the way.”

STYLE HELP

Throughout the consultation process we help clients choose a wig that will best suit them, taking into account colouring and skin tone, which often changes dramatically following chemotherapy. We work in an advisory capacity to help them in what is initially a painful part of the process, and with our help and understanding we ensure that our clients leave with the confidence they often lack when they first arrive.