For many cancer patients – male or female – hair loss is their biggest fear and, for some, it can be the most upsetting experience of the whole cancer treatment journey.
Becky Anderson understands this. Anderson has spent more than 40 years as a cosmetologist, the last 25 of which she has specialized in helping people cope with hair loss.
Anderson, of Spring Hill, explains that losing a fine head of hair can change who you are, how you are perceived and can give your self esteem a serious blow; whether the hair loss is from chemotherapy treatment or for other reasons like alopecia or industrial accidents, for example.
“That’s why I decided to specialize in wigs and help people feel better about themselves.” said Anderson.
I wanted to be able to tell people that although you may not feel well, you look good enough to face the day,” she said. “The more normal your life is, it will help the treatment journey go faster, easier.” she said.
Clients are referred to Anderson from various avenues: Hospital contacts, cancer treatment centers and by word of mouth from satisfied clients.
“Most people will start to lose their hair within a week of chemotherapy,” Anderson said. Some people also lose their eyebrows, eyelashes and body hair.
“Clients can come in for a free consultation, usually two weeks before they are scheduled to start chemotherapy,” she said. Once the treatments begin, they might not feel well enough to come in,” she said. Then once the hair loss begins and the client decides to shave their head, I recommend another visit so the wig can be refitted and styled,” she said.
Anderson makes her clients at ease when they attend a consultation.
Her wig boutique is located in Stacey’s Hair salon just south of State Road 52 where she conducts her consultations in totally private rooms with serene music in the background.
Anderson handles every wig purchase and styling herself.
At each consultation, she inspects natural hair style, structure and color and takes precise head measurements to make sure wigs will fit perfectly, comfortably and securely.
Anderson recommends that clients bring someone along with them when shopping for a wig. Maybe a spouse, partner or a good friend.
“Make sure it’s someone who will give an honest opinion,” said Anderson. “Wig selection can be challenging. There are a multitude of styles and colors to choose from, some even have highlights and hints of gray.
“I recommend clients stay as close as possible to their natural look,” she said. Although some like to go completely wild, which makes for a fun appointment.”
After chemotherapy ends, it usually takes about a month for hair to begin regrowth.
Hair typically grows a half inch per month so many people wear their wigs until the hair is long enough to be styled.
Buying a wig is affordable. Prices start from $150 to $350 and up to as much as $1,200 depending on whether the client chooses real or synthetic hair.
Other many options include whether it’s a lace front, the cap is hand-stitched or if the hair is hand-tied. Human hair offers the most natural look and feel but is more expensive than synthetic blends.
“Wigs can be washed and gently blown dry at home but all my clients prefer bring theirs in for me to wash, blow dry and restyle for them,” Anderson said. It’s easy to damage the hair if clients have the hairdryer too hot or use curling irons.” she said.
“A lot of insurance companies will cover all or a percentage of the cost so be sure to check before you start shopping,” said Anderson. “Call your insurance company and ask what their requirements are and if they need a prescription from your oncologist,” she said.
On top of the very real physical and emotional concerns of the disease itself, the side effects of cancer treatment like hair loss, changes in skin tone and texture and weight gain or loss can play havoc with a person’s self-esteem.
Fortunately, today, there’s a variety of organizations that can help cope with the side effects of cancer treatment. Anderson is a longtime volunteer and trainer with the “Look Good…Feel Better (LGFB)” in Hernando and Pasco counties. -LGFB is a free, nonmedical, brand-neutral charitable program that teaches beauty techniques to people with cancer to help them manage the appearance-related side effects of cancer treatment.
“Throughout my career as a cosmetologist, I’ve worked with many, many clients and their friends who were battling cancer,” says Anderson, a trained “Look Good Feel Better” volunteer. “When I heard about the LGFB program, I realized that this was a chance for me to work with a really special group of women and make a difference for them during a very challenging time.”
“Programs include lessons on wigs and turbans, skin and nail care, cosmetics, accessories and styling,” said Anderson. “Helping people with cancer to find some normalcy whilst coping with hair loss is very rewarding for me,” she said.
Michelle Stemler, Mission Delivery, Program Manager at the American Cancer Society said she has worked with Becky for several years in connection with the “Look Good, Feel Better” program at the Society.
“Becky not only has an amazing heart but she is dedicated in helping the men and women in our community overcome the effects of cancer treatment,” she said.
“Look Good Feel Better is as much about improving and maintaining self-esteem and confidence as it is about appearance.
“Patients appreciate the free items donated by the cosmetic industry and instruction from beauty professionals while having the opportunity to spend time in a relaxed, nonmedical setting with others who are in the same situation. Our workshops allow them to regain control of their lives,” she said.
It’s not always cancer patients that are looking to buy wigs. One of Anderson’s clients – a man – had his head and scalp damaged in an industrial accident. Nearly two-thirds of his scalp, when healed would never grow hair again.
Anderson explained the most satisfying part of what she does is watching the transformation when they try on a wig for the first time, regardless of the reason why they need it.
“I know it’s a wig but it can make huge difference for someone,” Anderson said. “When you see that first beginning of a smile – it’s just priceless.”
Becky’s hair replacement service can be reached at 727.992.4335. Her wig boutique is located at 9822 U.S.19 in Stacey’s Full Service Hair Salon ((727) 846-7369).
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LOOK GOOD FEEL BETTER WORKSHOP AUG. 17
Look Good Feel Better®, a free national public service program for women who are undergoing cancer treatment, will be offered to female cancer patients in Springhill on Aug. 17.
The workshop runs from 4:30 p.m. to 6 p.m. and will be held at Florida Cancer Specialists at 11063 County Line Road.
To register, or for more information, call or 1-800-395-LOOK [5665].
The two-hour group workshop is led by volunteer beauty experts who teach makeup application techniques and offer skin and nail care guidance. They also demonstrate how to manage hair loss using wigs, turbans, scarves and accessories and show a video featuring expert advice from celebrity stylist Stacy London on styling during and after cancer treatment.
To find a LGFB chapter, call 1.800.395.LOOK or contact a local American Cancer Society office.