A LOCAL woman who is leading the Cancer Hair Care outreach clinic in Fermanagh has been described as “a gem” as she helps people cope with hair loss following their treatment for cancer.
Laurine Lilley is the lead hairdresser for Cancer Hair Care in Ireland and she’s running a daily clinic at Salon 22 in Enniskillen every Wednesday.
She realised there was a lack of support for people who needed hair care support in the North.
“I saw Cancer Hair Care advertising for hairdressers and Jasmin [Julia Gupta, founder] emailed me back and said they weren’t involved in Northern Ireland,” explained Ms Lilley.
“A couple of months later she contacted me and said they were doing a Foundation course and I could do it because it was on Zoom.
“I did that and it gives me the qualification to do what I do.”
It was later agreed to run a Cancer Hair Clinic in Altnagelvin, later branching into Enniskillen.
Ms Lilley, pictured right, feels it’s important people have a service in Fermanagh where they can avail of help.
“It’s all very private. I only the door five minutes before the appointment and the door is closed and locked. The person could be in for an hour or two hours,” the volunteer said.
“They can discuss what they need. It could be a new wig, to sort out issues with their wig, to restyle their hair which is growing back or some people just have questions for me.”
In the North, all of the wigs from Cancer Hair Care are provided free of charge.
“People are in a state of panic when they go looking for a wig in the first place,” said Ms Lilley.
“Come the second time around, they’re more relaxed and they bring out the fun side of themselves.
“We also have a caring studio and it deals with people who have alopecia.”
Cancer Hair Care also provides support for men who are having hair care concerns.
“People forget about men. They think they won’t miss their hair but they do,” Ms Lilley said.
“It doesn’t matter if they only have a few grains of hair or a big head of hair, that’s still their identity and it’s nice to give them a bit of help along the way.”
Founder of Cancer Hair Care, Jasmin Julia Gupta, paid tribute to the local volunteer.
“Laurine is one of those people who is a gem,” she said.
“She’s a talented hairdresser who has had her own cancer and hair loss experience and is wholeheartedly dedicated to supporting others.
“She is our lead hairdresser in Ireland and we hope that other caring hairdressers will be inspired to get in touch, complete their training and like Laurine support others.
“Laurine is a star and her commitment is such a beautiful use of her hairdressing skills,” the founder of Cancer Hair Care added.
Information can be found on the Cancer Hair Care website or by contacting them directly.
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