Navigating Hair Loss with Simon Constantinou NHS Approved Wig Fitters, Cardiff: Your Guide to Finding the Perfect Wig
Are you searching for a NHS approved wig provider in Wales? Here, at Simon Constantinou Hair Salon & Wig Fitters, based in Cardiff, we understand the impact that hair loss can have on your confidence and self-esteem. Whether it’s a result of health conditions such as alopecia, or medical treatments like chemotherapy, the changes to your usual appearance can make you feel uneasy.
Our wig fitters have many years’ experience of working with wigs and hair pieces for all genders. We have worked for the last decade as a trusted wig fitter for The Little Princess Trust, a charity providing real hair wigs for children suffering hair loss due to medical treatment or alopecia. We are now proud to have been selected as a trusted NHS wig fitter and our mission is to guide patients through the process of choosing a look that suits them during treatment and recovery.
Understanding Hair Loss:
Hair loss is a natural part of aging and can also be a side effect of certain medical treatments such as chemotherapy and conditions, such as alopecia. If you are being treated by the NHS for cancer treatment or have ongoing medical conditions that contribute to hair loss, the NHS will provide you with a voucher for a synthetic wig. The value of the voucher will vary depending on where you are being treated and whether you will need repeat wigs during the course of your treatment.
While the prospect of losing hair may seem daunting, a wig or hairpiece can play a crucial role in giving you a sense of control and restoring your confidence. Just like makeup, the right wig styled for you can look so realistic and comfortable that no one will know you’re wearing one unless you choose to share.
Hair Loss Options Available:
While wigs are a preferred choice for many experiencing hair loss, alternatively partial hair pieces or ‘toppers’ may be what is required. Or even headwear options like scarves, wraps, turbans, or hats with attached hair are also worth considering. Some individuals may choose to embrace their baldness with pride, opting not to cover their heads at all.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Wig:
Length and Style: Shorter styles are easier to care for, while longer styles may require more maintenance. Consider your hair type – do you have straight, wavy or curly hair and would you like to recreate your natural look in your new wig?
Human Hair or Synthetic: Your NHS voucher will allow for styles within the synthetic hair range. However, it is important to remember that you have to treat synthetic hair quite differently to your own. For instance, you must not use any heated stylers on synthetic hair or it will singe/burn. If you wish to upgrade to a human hair option, you can use your voucher towards the total cost of the wig.
Colour: We will help you choose a shade that complements your features and is close to your original hair colour. If you are used to colouring your hair, perhaps you will choose to have a rooted colour option, to appear more like your natural hair. Our experienced wig fitters will be able to advise the best match for you.
Lifestyle: Consider your daily activities when selecting a wig. Will you be wearing it every day? Do you want to be able to tie your hair back to exercise?
Tips for Purchasing Your First Wig:
- If you are considering your NHS wig due to chemotherapy, consider booking your consultation appointment before your start chemotherapy. As depending on the style you choose, it can take 2-3 weeks to order in. And from our client feedback, following the start of chemo, hair loss can occur in as little as 2-3 weeks.
- This is an emotional process. We suggest bringing a close friend or family member for extra support during the selection process.
- Once you have your new NHS wig, wear it around the house to get used to the new look.
- Experiment with styles similar to your own for an easier transition.
- Prepare for looking after your wig at home by purchasing tools and accessories recommended by your wig fitter. We have a selection of these to purchase in the salon or head over to our shop for Amazon Associate links.
Once you have your wig, there are some basic tools and products that we will advise, specific to your wig or hair piece needs.
A poly head is always the one thing we suggest for storing and caring for your wig. This poly head comes with a hole underneath to attach to a table clamp if you so wish. Our professional poly blocks are available to purchase in-salon for £10 or this more basic option is available on Amazon.
Please note, as an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you. So, this is a great way to support our small business whilst enjoying the convenience of online shopping.
How things work for NHS patients:
You will be given a NHS voucher for a wig at your hospital appointment. You will also be given a list of wig providers/fitters in Wales. If you choose us to provide your wig, please call 02920461191 to book your free NHS wig consultation appointment.
We understand it can be daunting taking the first steps towards a wig, or hair piece, but let us reassure you that we respect the need for privacy and confidentiality. At our award-winning salon in Cardiff, we have private rooms that can be accessed discretely from our rear car park. We are an inclusive salon. We provide this service for all genders and we are a LGBTQ-friendly salon.
During your wig consultation:
- Your first consultation will take about 3/4 hour.
- We would discuss the style options that would work for you and your hair type/texture.
- We will colour match to your natural hair.
- Size specifications are taken for made-to-measure pieces.
- If proceeding, we will then place the order and advise the time frame before completion (most styles should be available within 2-3 weeks).
- We customise the wig or hair piece and get in touch to book you in for the final fitting.
- You then book in for a fitting session, where we fit your new wig and ensure customisation is as required. And we provide advice on how to care for your wig at home.
To find out more or to book a NHS wig consultation with one of our experienced specialists, Call Us on 02920 461191
What wigs qualify for VAT exemption:
If you are having a wig for medical reasons then you may qualify for VAT exemption.
What this means is if have selected a wig within the NHS voucher range, then there is no further cost to you. However, if you have selected an upgrade with an additional cost, then you may be entitled to VAT relief on the remaining cost.
We ask that you fill out this form below (also available at the salon) so that we can deduct the VAT from your bill.
Wig Client Testimonials
Here are a few anonymous testimonials from some of our lovely customers that may offer support or encouragement if you have any concerns or reservations about getting a wig or hair piece:
“I Bought my wig from this salon before starting chemo. They took me into a private room to save embarrassment and upset as other clients had their natural locks cut and styled. The staff were incredible and made the experience less painful.”
“Thank you for all your care, time, compassion, and kindness. We are very grateful for all your help.”
“Maggie helped me to choose a wig. She was so friendly and Kind. She explained the different brochures and how the different wigs would work with my voucher. I can’t wait to pick my wig up next week. Would highly recommend.”
“Simon Constantinou – the loveliest bunch & do amazing wigs! My new one today is so natural! No hair, no probs!”
“I turned up for my appointment on Saturday nervous and embarrassed because I was having a wig fitted due to my hair loss, I left the salon happy and confident with my new hair. All staff were friendly and polite, I was also happy how the staff included my mother and son in all the decision making I had to do to find the right style for me.”
“So, today I finally got my [men’s] hair replacement system and couldn’t be happier. I’ve hated how thin my hair had become and couldn’t do anything with it. Thank you to Simon Constantinou for helping me through the process and doing a fab job.”
“Sat excited in Simon Constantinou’s. These guys do #awesome #real #hair #wigs can’t wait to look like me!”
“My amazing real haired wig. It looks so natural and nobody knew any different!! So talented.”
“My fantastic real haired wig [from Simon Constantinou] looking so #natural @CR_UK gave me great courage.”
“My amazing wig by Simon Constantinou. Thank you so much #lifesaver #natural #keptmegoing “
Useful Hair Loss Resources
FREE book download Cancer Hair Care: A guide to cancer treatment related hair loss and hair care
https://www.cancerhaircare.co.uk/book-free-download/
Live & Online Workshops Cancer Hair Care
https://www.cancerhaircare.co.uk/live-online-workshops/
Scalp Cooling Information: Cancer Hair Care
https://www.cancerhaircare.co.uk/scalp-cooling/
New Hair Growth Information: Cancer Hair Care
https://www.cancerhaircare.co.uk/new-hair-growth/
Afro Hair Information: Cancer Hair Care
https://www.cancerhaircare.co.uk/afro-hair/
Explaining to young children about your hair loss: Cancer Hair Care Free Dolly
https://www.cancerhaircare.co.uk/support-services-overview/children-and-teenage-services/
