February marks National Cancer Prevention and Awareness Month, and there’s one aspect to a cancer diagnosis of which everyone is aware, but only those experiencing it can fully understand — hair loss from chemotherapy. The physical damages that the body goes through from treatment are only one side to a multi-faceted beast. The mental and emotional tolls can often be similarly impactful, and it can lead to a blow in confidence and a loss of identity for the individual experiencing it. Thankfully, there are hair transformation options available to those who have undergone treatment and are looking to feel like themselves again.
“Chemo Girl Extensions” are offered at only a select number of salons across the whole country – with a limit of one stylist per state. Luckily for Western New York, the one stylist certified in Chemo Girl Extension application in all of New York State is located right here in Buffalo! As an established expert of extensions, Maria D’Amato of Di Lusso Salon and Spa was approached by an increasing number of clients inquiring about chemo-specific hair extensions. Seeing how great the need was, and how few resources there were, Maria was inspired to participate in training from the inventor of Chemo Girl Extensions himself – John Richardson. Maria is now the only stylist certified in these chemo-specific hair extensions throughout New York State, New Jersey, and Canada.
There are certain qualifications that must be met to receive Chemo Girl Extensions: your hair must be an inch long, and you must be cleared by a doctor who asserts that your natural follicles are viable to withstand the extension process. After that, you can book your color-match appointment and then prepare for your day of extension installation! The result? A whole head of natural, individually bonded hair to boost confidence and help heal the emotional impact of Chemotherapy. Former recipient, Amanda Morseon, said, “the best moment… just waking up the next morning, looking at myself in the mirror and just, like, feeling like myself again. It was absolutely incredible.” You can hear more about Amanda’s experience in the Daytime Buffalo segment below.
It’s easy to say “it’s just hair,” or to overlook hair loss as an insignificant side effect of a famously grueling treatment. However, hair is a major contributing factor in self-esteem and sense of identity. After going through something as physically devastating as cancer, seeing one’s hair come back might just be the first step in a long and difficult healing process in mental health, as well as physical. It’s not just hair — It’s a sign of an unimaginable battle fought and won.
If you, or someone you know, could use Chemo Girl Extensions to get your confidence back, you can book a consultation with Maria here.
