NEW GLASGOW – After Master Stylist Kenda Goyette saw the Oscar-winning documentary ‘Mondays at Racine’, she was inspired to act.
The documentary, in which two hair stylists make cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy feel beautiful by offering free salon services every Monday.
“One of the ladies in the documentary really moved me,” said Goyette. “She said losing her hair was like being erased.”
She and the staff of the Head Shoppe are committed to making women and men feel pampered and beautiful.
Bethany Tupper, the Head Shoppe’s Salon Leader says once hair has fallen out due to chemotherapy treatment, it can grow back in unexpected ways. “Hair that was once straight could now be curly and hair can grow back different colours,” she said.
The salon aims to ease that transition through providing vouchers at the Aberdeen Hospital which gives patients free sessions for cuts, grooming, skin consultations and esthetician’s services.
Goyette says when the idea was pitched to the staff, everyone agreed enthusiastically. Some of the staff members are dealing with a friend or relative undergoing chemotherapy.
“It’s a very emotional thing for us,” she said.
Tupper said it’s about easing patients transitions.
“When treatment starts, people are more concerned with their appearance and losing their hair. A person’s hair is an outward expression of self,” she said.
The Head Shoppe aims to provide the service in April.
“We want to provide ongoing care, which means it may take more than one treatment,” said Kenda.
john.brannen@ngnews.ca
On Twitter: ngnewsjohn
