Dunfermline stylist offers service for cancer patients

Matt Meade • Published 25 May 2012 08:35 2 Comments

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CANCER patients whose confidence has been crushed by sudden hair loss can now turn to a top Dunfermline stylist for help.

Douglas Barr, salon director at Sheds Hairdressing in Guildhall Street, has become an agent to supply, fit and personalise wigs forNHS patients of all ages suffering baldness caused by chemotherapy or other medical conditions.

And Rosyth woman Jo Freeman was delighted with her results after Douglas helped style and personalise her beautiful wig.

As previously reported in the Press, Jo was diagnosed with ovarian cancer in February this year.

"When he heard I was ill he said, 'If you need me just contact me', which I did because I have known him for so long," said Jo, of Parkside Street.

"I always had long, luscious hair but it was falling out by the handful.

"He did a complete shave of my head - there wasn't a lot left anyway, it was like Worzel Gummidge!

"That could have been so traumatic but it was so amazing. You think, 'that's not so bad'!

"This has come from years of hard work and quietly training himself to be able to offer this service to people who are going though a difficult time."

Many West Fife patients would normally have to go to Edinburgh for a wig-fitting.

Now they can pick up a voucher from Queen Margaret Hospital in Dunfermline or Victoria Hospital in Kirkcaldy and pop into Sheds for a private consultation to select a wig with Douglas' expert advice.

He first got involved with charity 'My New Hair' four years ago and received training from its founder, Trevor Sorbie MBE, the legendary hair stylist.

Douglas said, "When people are ill the last thing they want is an ill-fitting wig on their head that attracts attention. They want to blend in.

"People either want to run away and hide and go to Edinburgh to get it done or they want to come to someone they know and trust which was the case with Jo - we've been friends for a long time.

"All her days her trademark was her long hair so to have to shave it off was a big deal but she was so brave."

To find out more contact Sheds on 620609 or email info@shedshairdressing.co.uk.

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stormxxx
137 posts
May 26, 02:37
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I found somthing out about hair loss through cancer which would never have crossed my mind..im not sure if it affects each patient but i was told by someone who had cancer that the hair folicles are actually very painful through treatment...i do not think that any of us will ever grab the severity of the big C...i am more aware now than ever! Best of luck to you Jo..u have given so very much to everyone who knows u and to hundreds who dont know u..such a very brave and inspiring lady xx

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******
May 26, 10:48
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redrobin
285 posts
May 29, 16:05
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Sheds..Jo...!....lost for words!.....been there with a much loved relative.

Congrats on a wonderful contribution to life.

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