Helping Clients Who Have Cancer

by Antonio Gonzales on Monday, October 4, 2010

I was born in Trinidad in the height of a hurricane. I spent my childhood surrounded by the sights and sounds and smells of Carnival and the other Indian, African and Spanish festivals of the Islands. Loving the amazing costumes, I got my start dressing my sisters and doing their hair and makeup. An opportunity came up to work with Trinidad’s leading costume designers, makeup artists and hair stylists. After I left the Island, my career evolved with work in Munich, Los Angeles and now New York City. Here in New York, I am a stylist at the Orlo Salon in the Meat Packing district. Vogue magazine recently named me as one of the rising hairstylist stars in N.Y., I was awarded the best haircut of 2008 by shecky’s.com, Gotham Magazine called me a Shear Genius and Allure Magazine featured me as one of the best cuts 2009.

See Antonio’s blog here.

Sadly, many of us have been affected by cancer. If not personally, then through a loved one or client. I can’t begin to imagine what it must be like to be receive such bad news, and then on top of it, be forced to endure hair loss (among many other painful side effects) through chemotherapy. Total hair loss is something no one wants to experience. Here are three scenarios for walking your client through this difficult time. Hopefully, to some small but meaningful extent, you can thus soften the impact of the hardship your client is facing.

A GUIDE TO HELPING YOUR CLIENTS WITH CANCER

OPTION 1: Hair Maintenance Through Treatment

I have met several women who are not afraid to keep their long hair during chemotherapy treatment. As there are so many beautiful hair scarves and hats out there, for this group of clients I recommend doing some fun shopping to help secure proper and flattering hair coverage. Some clients have requested (prior to treatment) having fun with their hair color, going from blond to brunette or vice versa. In other words, I give them the hair color they always dreamed of but weren’t quite brave enough previously to try. When these clients come in for their new color, I always make the service as comfortable as I can. This may entail a simple gesture: gifting them flowers, chocolates, or even movie tickets. In other words, I recommend making a difficult time as special as you possibly can—as their stylist and friend in the salon.

I would also let the rest of the staff know what is happening and why, to avoid any curious onlookers making innocent comments along the lines of “why did you change your color?” Better that the staff be sensitive and supportive of the change, helping to make the experience an even better one. Then, as serious hair loss occurs and the client is ready to have the rest of the hair removed, ask the salon manager if you can make a house call in this instance. This way, the client is in her environment, perhaps with friends and/or family members on hand to give support during what is invariably an uncomfortable situation. Alternatively, schedule the client early or late if she so desires, when the salon is less busy and privacy more attainable.

OPTION 2: Going Short

Then there are some women who are ready to go short as soon as necessary, way before any hair loss actually happens. I recommend that clients come in with photos from magazines or websites that reflect the styles they have in mind (especially at this difficult time). With the anticipation of treatment, some women would prefer to lose their hair even before the chemo begins. I also suggest that the stylist do some research on his or her own, perhaps printing images of haircuts that they feel would be best suited for the client’s face.

Please keep in mind that this not a client making a change according to what’s fashionable or in style; rather, these women are seeking a gentle approach to eventually losing their hair. It’s a sensitive situation, and naturally some clients do lose composure and cry. So be sure to bring these clients in on a day that’s relatively quiet, and mark some extra time for these special appointments, giving as much TLC as you can, and dishing out a great cut.

OPTION 3: Bald Is Beautiful

If your client has decided to have her head shaved, you can be certain that she has given this decision quite a lot of serious thought. Again, I recommend offering a house call if you think this would make her more comfortable. Have several blades of varying length at hand, so that you can start slightly longer and go shorter if necessary. Be sure to have a good machine (like an Oster) that is powerful and efficient with consistent results over the entire head. Before shaving the neckline, be sure to apply a little baby powder on the neck and use a feather styling razor with a guarded blade to clean the edges, keeping it soft. Do not use hair trimmers on women; these can create hard edges and result in a look that’s too masculine. If you’re on familiar terms with the client, recommend that she have makeup and earrings on hand. Adding some lipstick, lip gloss, or their favorite pair of earrings after such a big change might help her feel more feminine and more like her old self.

While clients are considering which way to go with the length of their hair, they’ll also be making the corresponding decision regarding whether or not to wear a wig. This is another difficult transition, from the financial aspect involved (a good wig isn’t cheap), to choosing the right one, and having it cut and styled for the perfect fit.

In my next installment I will address this topic, making suggestions related to helping clients choose wigs as well as providing valuable tips on cutting and styling them.

Here is a website that I recommend you share with your clients living with cancer, from a coworker’s mother named Sharon Henifin, who survived cancer 15 years ago and together with other women, is giving back by helping others through similarly difficult times.