Wigs & Hair Replacement Systems

I started using Nichares hair salon in 2023. My hair at this time was short and I was looking for a layered style which Laura advised me upon. I was very pleased with my hair and continued to book in every 4-6 weeks.

At Christmas 2023, I found a breast lump and was diagnosed with breast cancer in Jan 2024 and subsequently had surgery, chemo therapy and radiotherapy throughout the year. This was completed in October 2024. 

I went to Nichares before chemotherapy started to have a very short cut to minimise the distress of hair loss. I started losing my hair very quickly after the first chemotherapy infusion with handfuls of hair coming out each day. By the second chemotherapy infusion I had lost significant amount of hair and I decided to ask my husband to shave the remaining hair off. This was less distressing than losing the hair each day in the shower.

I started to lose my hair quickly after chemotherapy started and each day in the shower I would find handfuls of hair coming out. This was quite distressing and I would dread showering and also waking up to find hair on my pillow.

My biggest concern was how I was going to cope in daily life and going out without hair, eyebrows etc. I had visited Nathan  prior to starting chemo to have a consultation for the purchase and fit of a wig.

I was overwhelmed with the consultation with Nathan who took a lot of time and patience in listening to my situation, anxieties and needs in managing my hair loss journey. He advised me on the varied wigs that were available and how he could match colour type and style. He also advised me on soft cotton hats that I could buy which I bought in several colours and were my staple headwear during 2024!

I was in a state of panic at the thought of not having any hair and I am indebted to Nathan who was so helpful, kind and understanding in the practical advice and options that were available to me. I brought a friend with me to the Consultation for fitting and trimming the wig and by the time I left the salon I felt much more confident and happy that I could get through the treatment with my wig and hats.  Nathan took time with us and we didn’t feel rushed at all.

I was so overwhelmed by the positive experience that I put a recommendation on the google review and also shared my experience with the Taunton Breast Cancer friends network that I joined so that other ladies who were in the position could consider this for themselves.

I was worried that my hair would not grow back at all which I understood was a possibility. My hair grew back very slowly and is still fine, very soft and fluffy with some limited growth.  I am struggling to cope with the new frizzy, fluffy hair which is curly and unlike my previous hair BUT it is hair and I am very thankful for that.

I would advise anyone to take one step at a time. If you have long hair consider a shorter cut so that any hair loss is not as traumatic. Try not to panic and to go to the hairdressers and get some advice on supporting your hair that you do have and look ahead at options should you start to lose it. I would advise to keep in mind that for cancer patients this is hopefully a temporary situation and to focus on health and keeping as well as you can during the demands of treatment which is exhausting. Buy colour co-ordinated hats for various outfits which give you confidence when you have to go to events.

There are some amazing cancer charities such as MacMillan / Breast Cancer Now who also advise on hair loss during cancer treatment.

I would thoroughly recommend Nichares to anyone about to start cancer treatment as my experience with Laura and Nathan was extremely positive. I was very emotional during my wig fitting and also on my first haircut after treatment. I was not expecting to be so emotional at my first haircut but I think it was the relief at having hair again to be cut and also as a marker that treatment was concluded apart from daily medications.

Nathan was incredibly supportive and I cannot thank him enough for his warmth, kindness and understanding in supporting me during treatment - alongside a bit of a laugh!