ERIC KEATING is well aware of the positive effects of a new hairstyle or colour, how confidently rejuvenated a woman feels walking out of a salon with a shiny head of hair. As a hairdresser in south Co Dublin, he’s been making it happen for clients for 20 years now.
But watching first his mother Margaret, then his sister Maireád deal with breast cancer, seeing how the stress of the illness and treatment was compounded by their search for a suitable, affordable wig during chemotherapy, raised his awareness about the value of a good hair day to a different level.
He saw for himself the expensive inadequacy of the hairdressing/wig services available to Margaret (who died in 2008) and Maireád (who died six months later), how little they did to boost confidence or give dignity.
Pink Ribbon Wigs, started two years ago as a service for women suffering from cancer and alopecia, was Eric’s heartfelt and very effective response.
Now an integrated, important part of his salon, he is very clear about Pink Ribbon Wig’s raison d’etre.
“It exists,” he says, “to provide an ethical service, to treat our clients with a moral conscience, always in a sympathetic way. It’s a service aimed at helping people through a very difficult time in their lives, helping them look well during their illness.”
Making Pink Ribbon Wigs a part of the everyday work of the salon has removed the stigma around baldness, Eric believes.
It also, most importantly, allows clients enjoy the normal atmosphere of a busy salon, be a part of the usual chat, music and noise. For practical reasons there is a private space for consultation.
Pink Ribbon Wigs offers wig fitting, advice on HSE grants and a follow-up hair service after successful chemotherapy.
Eric advises clients on the type of treatments and organic colours available to help them get their hair “back to its former glory. It’s about helping a person, in many cases a stranger, who visits you in a very vulnerable state, about the fulfilment that comes from providing them with beautiful hair, helping them come to terms with baldness and reassuring them it’s only a temporary state.
“I don’t think you can underestimate this service in terms of recovery and wellbeing. I know very well how hard the road ahead is for women with cancer.”
CONTACT DETAILS
* Pink Ribbon Wigs: pinkribbonwigs.ie, Dún Laoghaire, Co Dublin
* Wigwan Wigs: wigwam.ie, Sandymount, Dublin 4
* The Wig Clinic: thewigclinic.ie, Athlone and Galway
* Wigs Ireland: wigs-ireland.ie, Newry and Belfast
