Hairdressers - changing lives with wigs

Hairdressing isn't always about making people look pretty. Some hairdressers have branched out into the wig world, cutting styles for those who've lost their hair due to illnesses like cancer or varying forms of alopecia.

Snipper to the stars Trevor Sorbie MBE is highly experienced in this specialist area and set up the non-profit organisation 'My New Hair' in 2006. One of the missions of the organisation is to train hairdressers in wig cutting and to encourage them to donate spare time to the worthwhile cause.

"My New Hair has given me a whole new dimension to job satisfaction, using my skills to give something back to society and do something truly meaningful, it isn't about hair, its psychological medicine for women who are suffering hair loss through illness," says Trevor.

It's not just hairdressers that are making a commitment to hair-loss, classic wigmaker Banbury Postiche, has worked as an approved supplier to the NHS since the 1960s. Originally, real hair wigs were supplied but as technologies grew, acrylic wigs have become more popular.

Clients are prescribed wigs by a GP from their local hospital and the company will arrange for the wig to be fitted, cut and styled into their desired look. The client pays a prescription charge to the NHS of around £53 so when the client visits Banbury they have no more costs.

If a patient requests a real hair wig, the client will be referred to one of the many agents across the country. Banbury Postiche is an agent and the client will visit them at one of their sites.

Celebrities like Gail Porter and Jade Goody have brought female hair-loss to the attention of the public over the past couple of years. Not everyone decides to wear a wig but for many, wigs can help to boost confidence.

Michelle Chapman lost her hair at the age of five and has campaigned to raise awareness of these conditions. She says, "The loss of hair isn't just cosmetic, it can be soul destroying."

Wigs have moved on since the days of fake-looking lengths perched on someone's head. Quality acrylic and real-hair wigs are often undetectable and wig cutting and styling can be a worthwhile skill for a hairdresser to learn.

Forthcoming My New Hair with Trevor Sorbie Courses

29 March, 27 May, 15 June, 14 July, 11 August, 21 September

L'Oréal Professionnel International Academy, London

Tel: 020 8762 4200

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