Tough cuts

HAIR:A sleek new salon caters for people losing hair during chemotherapy, writes ALANNA GALLAGHER

When cancer strikes, a woman’s first thought flies to her head, says hairdresser Jim Hatton, who for years has found himself visiting clients’ homes to treat their ailing hair during chemotherapy. “For many women losing their hair is nearly worse than the chemo. They are traumatised. Now I have somewhere to bring them,” he explains. That somewhere is Hatton’s sleek new salon in Rathgar, where private consultation rooms allow women, men and children the complete privacy to talk about wigs.

“With breast cancer your hair will fall out between day 10 and day 16 of treatment,” says Hatton. “In here you don’t have to wait until it falls out. You can try on our many styles and colours and order your wig in advance. When the time comes, rather than let your hair fall out in clumps it can be carefully removed in private.”

There are products to help nurture the hair back to vitality once regrowth starts. He also offers wig washing and dressing. Prices start at €220 for the synthetic styles and €400 for real hair. Some health insurance providers offer a contribution towards these costs.

The salon is tucked away on Highfield Road, away from the village. “I wanted something discreet, with parking outside and a back door if anyone feels really unwell.”

Tel: 01- 406 5522, jimhatton.ie