Confidence Boost for Women Who Lose Their Hair to Breast Cancer

“Losing your hair is very traumatic, especially for us women,” said Bobbi Barnes, co-owner of Hair Studio 10 on US19 in New Port Richey. “It must feel like the last straw, the final indignity after going through surgery and then chemotherapy,” she said. “Often doctors, family and friends don’t comprehend what this can mean to a patient, especially a female.”

Hair Studio 10 is owned by couple Bobbi and Kyle Barnes. It’s a full-service salon that also specializes in hair restoration, hair extensions and wigs for people with medical hair loss, such as those caused by breast cancer therapy or conditions like alopecia.
Many medical conditions use chemotherapy to target fast-growing cancer cells. The therapy uses powerful medicines that attack those cancer cells and these include the cells in your hair roots. Chemotherapy can cause hair loss all over your body, not just on your scalp. Sometimes, your eyelashes, eyebrows, armpits and other body hair also fall out. Some chemotherapy medicines are more likely than others to cause hair loss and your doctor can alert you to that.

At the salon, wig consultant Becky Anderson of Spring Hill has been a hair designer for decades and was a longtime facilitator in the American Cancer Society’s Look Good Feel Better program in Hernando County. Anderson and all the staff at the salon are highly qualified to help cancer patients make the best of themselves as they go through chemotherapy.

“We’re seeing more cancer patients than ever,” she says, citing the increase in chemotherapy treatments. “We want to help support women going through hair loss, often one of the more difficult aspects of dealing with cancer treatments. Sometimes patients refuse treatment because they know they will lose their hair,” she said. “But knowing she can have the security of a wig as she goes through treatment can give her a measure of control,” she said.

“Wigs look so natural now,” Kyle said, adding that manufacturers are responding to the demand from medical patients. They’re lighter, more comfortable. And the fibers are better, they look like real hair.”

Realizing you soon will be bald and looking for something to replace your crowning glory must be a daunting experience, but there’s a cozy, almost nurturing family atmosphere in Bobbi and Kyle’s salon that takes away some of the anxiety. Customers sometimes end up talking with each other and exchanging experiences and phone numbers — “like a therapy group, said Bobbi.”

Ann Bake, also a hair designer and wig consultant at the salon, said, “We have so many women and men that come to us and some are very anxious or depressed about their hair loss and buying their first wig. Because of that, we have private rooms for our consultations. It’s paramount for their comfort,” she said.

“When a prospective client arrives at the salon, we like to get a feel for the person,” said Bake. “Everyone is different. Once, we had a customer who had to turn away from the mirror. She started crying and couldn’t bear to look at herself. It was very sad.”
Bake recommends that clients come in before they lose their hair so she can match it and so they will have a wig on hand when they need it. She also recommends that they come with someone who knows them and can help them choose.

“Most people choose something close to their own hair the first time. If they get a second wig, maybe they pick frosted or a different color or length,” she said.

“After a wig is chosen, we wash and cut it, style it, fit it,” Kyle continued. “Most of them have to be thinned to look more natural. I tell them to contact me back when they lose all their hair, and we’ll adjust the wig.”

Everyone here can teach clients how to take care of wigs. Wigs need to be washed about once a month. They can be washed and styled at home or at the salon.

Wigs at Hair Studio 10 can cost from $250 and upwards. A synthetic wig can look very natural. Human hair wigs cost much more. They can last several years with good care. The salon will instruct clients on how to put on their wig and how to care for it. Wigs can also be customized by adding a gray streak, for example, or be completely custom-made.

“Because we get referrals from doctors’ offices, hospitals, beauty salons and clinics, we know that having a stylish wig made with real-looking hair provides a much-needed confidence boost to many men and women,” Kyle added. “A wig can really make it easy for them to continue their normal life. Our clients come from all over.”

“A wig makes all the difference in the world,” he added. “A woman may feel terrible on the inside, but on the outside, she is herself. Our salon is successful because we care for our clients. Come join our family. Everybody deserves hair.”

Buying a wig can cost from $250 to as much as several thousand dollars, depending on whether it’s made from synthetic or human hair. Health insurance usually pays in whole or part for a wig with a doctor’s prescription. Sometimes, wig banks operated by the American Cancer Society offer free, used wigs for those who can’t afford them.

For women undergoing breast cancer chemotherapy, hair usually begins falling out 2 to 4 weeks after you start treatment. It could fall out in clumps or gradually, depending on the type of chemotherapy you receive. Every patient reacts differently. But the good news is, it grows back!

For more information, call the salon at 727.846.7369. Hair Studio 10 is located at 9822 US Hwy 19 in Port Richey. For information on the Look Good, Feel Better programs, visit the American Cancer Society website at cancer.org.