Being diagnosed with cancer can be very traumatic for anyone, but especially for a woman. We think of our hair as our crowning glory. The idea of losing her hair due to cancer treatment can be more daunting than the diagnosis itself.
When my Aunt Sue was diagnosed with cancer, she never wanted me to shave her head. She wanted to keep every last part of her old self that she could.
When my sister was diagnosed with cancer, a few years later, and her hair started to fall out, she couldn’t shave her head fast enough. She wanted to stay in control of the situation.
Both of these methods are RIGHT!
This can be an emotional moment, for both of you. We all know how attached we are to our salon guests. It’s ok to shed a few tears but be strong for her. You can have a good cry after she leaves the salon.
I have spent the last 18 years providing guidance and support to women battling cancer through a program I founded known as Hello Gorgeous! I would tell anyone, newly diagnosed, “This is your battle and you get to fight it any way you want to!”
When faced with a cancer diagnosis, many women find themselves grappling with the loss of their hair due to treatment. While hair loss can be a difficult and emotional experience, it’s important to remember that it’s a personal choice whether or not to shave her head.
There is no right or wrong answer; the decision ultimately depends on her preferences and comfort level.
But, there is a right way to perform this service and create a safe space for your salon guests.
As her salon professional, you want to give your salon guest the best advice and the best experience, especially under these circumstances.
Here Are a Few Tips to Help You Help Your Client
Work with a partner to sweep up the hair as it falls
Working with a partner to sweep up the hair as it falls is so important. It’s one thing to look in the mirror and see her shaved head, but it can be devasting to look at the pile of hair on the floor. Have your partner sweep up the hair as it’s falling and remove it so that she doesn’t have to look at it.
Keep her turned away from the mirror
This may be something you may not have thought of, as we work with the mirror as a tool all day long. Turning her away from the mirror so that she doesn’t have to watch her hair falling off, makes her time in the chair far less traumatic.
Double-check to make sure that she is unable to see herself in any of the other mirrors in the salon as well.
Ready her before you turn her to face the mirror
I find the best way to make this situation a little easier is to gently place your hands on her shoulders and ask her if she is ready to face the mirror. Again, this gives her control of the situation.
Shedding a few tears
This can be an emotional moment, for both of you. We all know how attached we are to our salon guests. It’s ok to shed a few tears but be strong for her. You can have a good cry after she leaves the salon.
This is never an easy service to provide however these few hints and tips will make this part of her journey a little easier.
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