World Cancer Day (February 4) is a global awareness day dedicated to highlighting the inequities in cancer care, education, and resources. The theme for 2022 is “Close the Care Gap,” and we at StyleSeat want to acknowledge beauty, grooming, and wellness professionals within our community who go above and beyond to make cancer patients and survivors look and feel good with quality service. Keep reading to meet these pros, some who share first-hand accounts of breast cancer, and learn how they educate and inspire their clients.
Narada, Cosmetologist and Microblading Expert, Burtonsville, MD
The main concern that my clients have is am I using animal and cruelty-free, sulfate-free, and no alcohol products in their haircare and on their skin. I am a breast cancer survivor, so I’m very cautious about what is being used not only on them, but myself as well. I completed my chemotherapy and radiation treatments early last year and lost all body hair, including my eyebrows. I used mild professional products in my hair and cruelty-free microblading pigments on my brows.
To help my clients look and feel good, you first have to know what the clients want. I do consultations before doing any service. Clients feel their best when they feel like they’re being heard so I often ask them what they want in order to fulfill that need. I also make sure that I understand their lifestyle. Do they workout? Do they need a low-maintenance hairstyle? Do they like wearing wigs or do they want to add hair extensions? What do they sleep on to prevent their scalp from itching? What products can they use to prevent scalp dryness?Are they bored with their look? Do they want longer or fuller hair? If so, I’ll add extensions after discussing their options. Are they concerned with their new texture and don’t know what products to use?
The advice that I would give to breast cancer patients and survivors who are looking for professionals like myself, is to make sure that you are going to an experienced professional hairstylist. Someone that knows the the anatomy of the body, hair, and skin. Someone that has experience and knows the integrity of the hair and theory. Look for a stylist that will listen and give advice on how to maintain the health of your hair even when at home. Look for someone that uses professional products that do not have harsh chemicals in them. Look for a stylist that maintains her education. There is always something new to learn and new products that are coming on the market. Most important of all, look for someone that knows what product to use depending on the type, texture, curl pattern, elasticity, and density of the hair.
Channell Lamerdin, nail technician, Chicago, IL
Doctors throw it all on you, give you packets, and then treat you. They don’t educate you on the different options you have, and personally, my mom’s experience moved way too slow progressing her from stage 2 to stage 4 in the matter of a month.
Mani and pedi services is a top hit for my cancer patients!
Shop around! Keep searching until you found the [a professional] who is the one!
Tasha Gray, makeup artist and brow expert, Elk Grove, CA
Self-confidence, trusting the process, and is this service safe for me are among the main concerns for clients who are breast cancer patients and survivors.
The cancer support group I work with has a monthly drawing. Each month, I offer a free set of ombre brows and touch-up.
Look for a professional who is in the business of people. Patience and understanding goes a long way.
Marcus Eddington, stylist, Miami, FL
Cancer patient clients are concerned about privacy, discretion, and a hairstylist who serves other cancer survivors and understand their special needs. [They are also] clients who just want to be alone with the hairstylist and no one else around — we do it upon request.
We customize extensions to enhance any side of the head where hair may be missing and we also make custom wigs for the clients per their desired texture, color, or length.
Come see us! We will paper you with several services, from manis and pedis to extensions, wigs, eyelash installs and color eyebrows.
Rennie Lachica, cosmetologist, San Diego, CA
[It’s about] just truly educating them, offering services like custom wigs. Nice, short pixie haircuts [help them look and feel good].
For professionals servicing cancer patients, be open-minded of their needs, and be humble at the same time.
Tami Karim, stylist, Smyrna, GA
Staying healthy is a top concern among my clients. I offer scalp exfoliation, which helps to remove buildup that accumulates on the scalp, along with a steam hydration treatment.
The advice that I would give is eat a healthy diet (mostly fruits and vegetables), increase your water intake, and never stop feeling beautiful and being amazing.
Jalisa Williams, makeup artist, Cheverly, MD
My clients just want to feel beautiful and sexy again. By doing their makeup I help them see the diva that still lives inside.
When looking for a professional who can cater to the unique needs of cancer patients and survivors, I would say go with someone that is kind and will treat you like a human being.
Steph L. Johnson, cosmetologist, Saint Lucie West, FL
Some of the main concerns among my clients who are breast cancer patients and survivors are related to their hair after chemotherapy. Will it grow back? What do I do until then? Do you make wigs? Can you add extensions to my weak, thin, color changing, extremely soft hair? All of which I can help with.
My advice to breast cancer patients and survivors who are looking for professionals who can cater to their needs and wants is to find someone who is caring, gentle in nature, experienced in this area, spiritually-uplifting, and who will listen to you. Lastly, to maintain your privacy choose a mobile stylist who is affordable and reliable like me!
Shelvin Gray, barber, Baton Rouge, LA
My clients are concerned about hair loss and hair thinning because of chemotherapy. I offer men and women hair enhancements: hair fibers, colors, and men and women hair units.
You can look your best through all stages of your recovery. Come in and let’s talk. I’m here to listen and help you look your best.
Amber Tiarra, stylist, Lithonia, GA
Cancer patients and survivors want to be able to be comfortable in their styles and have wig units that look natural. I offer protective styles, including sew-ins, crochets, and custom wig units.
Select a stylist who is passionate about their craft and can fully understand your needs and desires.
Megan Victoria, stylist, Dallas, TX
Hair loss is the main concern among cancer patients and survivors. To help them look and feel good, I offer wigs, scalp oil, and the ability to accept health insurance.
My advice would be to remain encouraged and know we are all in this together. My heart overflows with love and I am inspired by their strength!
Shakira Kali, stylist, Dearborn, MI
A lot of survivors have had hair loss and would love to feel beautiful again. I provide wig services and hair treatments for hair growth.
Do your research to find a professional that fits your needs and wants!
Kimberly Armstrong, makeup artist, Laguna Hills, CA
As a permanent makeup artist, my breast cancer survivors who have gone through mastectomies are concerned with their appearance. The surgery completely eliminates their areolas, leaving them with a blank canvas on their breasts.
My 3D Areola and nipple tattoo reconstruction process reconfigures the breast, and every single one of my survivors tell me, with tears of joy, that they feel complete again after my services.
I think it’s really important to find service providers who deeply understand what they’ve been through. Undergoing beauty services again after going through cancer treatments can trigger deep emotional release: it’s important to find someone who has a heart and patience and can be there for these warriors.
Richshawn Johnson, stylist, Scottsdale, AZ
I am a survivor as well. My cancer was thyroid cancer. I offer my clients wigs to help them look good when they lose their hair during the treatments.
My only advice for cancer patients and survivors is to keep on fighting and be strong.
Faith Deskins, cosmetologist, Knightdale, NC
My clients concerns include losing their hair during chemo and wearing wigs.
I have shaved their heads when it starts falling out and then I go with them to pick out new wigs. I show them how to maintain and style. Of course, I don’t charge them for this service.
We cry together because I can’t imagine how hard it must be to lose their hair. After their hair starts to grow back, we find the best hairstyles for them to be the best version of themselves. I also do fundraisers to help with the extra expenses. Last year, I did pink extensions to honor a client. I have found that when they lose their hair, I think they are even more beautiful than before. It’s like the hair hid the true beauty.
Brejaé Chamberlin, stylist, Chicago, IL
My clients who are breast cancer patients and survivors want their hair looking as natural as possible.
I offer wig installs with full glam. That’s when a client pays to get their hair done by me and I have a makeup artist come and do their makeup professionally free of charge, so that they can feel refreshed and beautiful inside and out. No before-and-afters if they’re uncomfortable with that.
Look for someone who understands and respects your condition, not someone who pities you! Nobody wanted to be pitied.
Devine Pendergrass, cosmetologist, Richmond Heights, OH
My concern for my clients and friends that have survived breast cancer is feeling whole, beautiful and having a healthy self-esteem before and after cancer.
I offer head and hair massages, custom wigs, and beauty tips to help them look and feel good. I want to please all my customers/clients so they will be satisfied and happy with the end result.
Brittany Nicole, makeup artist, San Francisco, CA
I am a makeup artist and I provide a service that will show you are still beautiful no matter what.
You are still human, nothing has made you different. You are still beautiful and worthy of everything this life has to offer. Look for a professional who is willing and professional enough to treat you with respect and treat you equally. You deserve the best service just like anyone else.
Ready to connect with millions of potential new clients?
Related articles
