By MELISSA MEEHAN
CANCER is scary enough.
But the added heartache of losing their hair is one of the toughest moments for a woman.
For many, it’s a sense of identity and buying a wig is just another expense that’s not easy manage.
That’s why the Yarra Valley Opals, along with Mount Evelyn hairdresser Allison Wright, have started up a wig library.
“We are a support group for women undergoing cancer treatment,” Yarra Valley Opal Susan Wootton said.
“It’s a social group where those fighting the illness and their families can come together twice a month.”
Hairdresser Allison decided to start selling wigs in her salon, but her first client to purchase one was a pregnant breast cancer sufferer who had just lost her home during the bushfires.
“I just thought it’s not right for me to make money from something that is so hard,” she said.
“These wigs are roughly worth $500 to $600 each, wholesale, so it’s a big expense.
“So I decided women should be able to come and borrow or rent the wig for as long as they need it, whether it is a night out, a wedding or for weeks or months.”
The group now has six wigs available but is looking for members of the community to either donate wigs or give money to buy more.
“It’s an important thing for women who lose their hair,” Allison said.
“We’re just trying to do our bit to help.”
Anyone who wants to donate can contact Allison on 9736 1755 at AliAndra’s Hair and Beauty in Mount Evelyn.
