A SALON in Petersfield is supporting people affected by medical hair loss with the help of charity MyNewHair.
Review is one of more than 800 members of the charity’s Salons that Care network across the UK and Ireland, which comprises more than 1,000 professional hairdressers.
MyNewHair, founded and inspired by professional stylist Trevor Sorbie, provides advice and support to anyone who has experienced medical hair loss.
It also supports and trains a national network of independent salons and hair professionals who provide a wig customisation service for their clients.
Review believes the impact of losing hair can be profound and the difference that a professionally cut and styled wig can make should not be underestimated.
Review’s wig customisation service transforms an ‘obvious wig’ into an individual’s ‘new hair’ – helping those affected by medical hair loss regain their confidence.
To help people affected by cancer and alopecia feel at ease, Review has a dedicated private room for clients to use.
Fitted out with two basins and a separate toilet, the space ensures hair loss clients have full privacy and can be joined by friends and family for support.
Review owner Paul Hawes said: “Last year one of my regular clients was diagnosed with cancer.
"She approached me for support and I couldn’t believe the huge difference customising her wig made, not only for her confidence but on her family.
"I received a tear-jerking letter from her daughter that really struck home the impact I had had on all of their lives during that difficult time.
“Working with that client made me realise that at this stage in my 42-year hairdressing career I wanted to dedicate my time and skills to helping people across Hampshire living with medical hair loss.
“It spurred me on to train with Trevor Sorbie and his training team in London in 2019. Now Review is a MyNewHair affiliated salon where I can offer guidance and support to those suffering with medical hair loss.
“We really want to make our clients feel welcome, to show them that we really do care and that we can make a difference.
"That’s why we created the salon’s private room. We’ve tried to make it as comfortable as it can be and it really is a lovely, supportive environment.
“I am proud to be able to work with this wonderful organisation and to bring this service to our local community and the wider Hampshire area. If you need support please pop in or get in touch.”
As part of the salon’s work with the charity, Review has pledged its commitment to training and providing a caring and sensitive service for its clients.
MyNewHair founded the UK’s first national hairdressers training programme. The charity’s programme is nurse-led, providing specialist expertise across all areas of advice, wig cutting and aftercare.
Mr Hawes has completed the charity’s level one and level two training seminars and is dedicated to providing a responsible service with respect and sensitivity for all clients.
Mr Sorbie said: “We welcome Paul and Review’s support as a member of our ever-expanding network of UK-wide Salons that Care.
"We greatly value the work that all of our hair professionals do for people who suffer from medical hair loss – and we wouldn’t be able to do it without them.
“When we started the charity over ten years ago, we had no idea that we would grow to an over 800-strong network of salons, but we have big ambitions for the future.”
For more information on Review, call 01730 260346 or visit www.review-hair.com
To find out more about MyNewHair, visit www.mynewhair.org
To donate to the charity, text MYNH00, followed by the amount you wish to donate, to 70070.