Frodsham Nub News aims to support our community, promoting shops, businesses, charities, clubs and sports groups.

Over the last couple of months, we have been talking to some of these local businesses and organisations for our 'Up Close in Frodsham' series.

This week, we chatted with a very special hairdressing salon, Angel Hair by Amie.

As well as offering your usual cuts, blow-dries and highlight treatments, Amie also provides a discreet wig fitting service for women who have suffered hair loss due to cancer treatments, or conditions such as alopecia.

"I decided to do this because, during appointments, a lot of clients spoke about times when they had experienced hair loss or told me about friends who had struggled with their hair during illness.

"When I started to look into it, I found that there was hardly anywhere for these ladies to go, so I thought, "I can help with that!""

With a successful career working in cruise ship hair and beauty, followed by 10 years at Toni & Guy, already under her belt, Amie decided it was time to diversify.

So, in 2011, she began her wig fitting training. Part of this was provided by My New Hair, a charity which offers advice and support for independent salons who style wigs for women suffering medical hair loss.

"It provides a great network of professionals to support us when we need it, and gave me the confidence to go and help the hundreds of ladies who have come to me since," Amie says.

Angel Hair, which is nestled in the peaceful gardens of Castle Park, is now registered with Clatterbridge, Halton, Warrington and Leighton hospitals, who refer cancer patients to Amie before they begin to receive chemotherapy.

In this way, these ladies can have a wig both matched to their hair and ready to wear before the treatment side effects begin to take hold.

"Happy and confident"

"The key is to find out exactly what ladies are looking for," Amie says. "Normally we would have a consultation either at the hospital or at my salon. However, in these times I have been doing these by email and over the phone.

"I will ask the lady to send some pictures of her hair as she likes it, and from there I will send back some images that might be suitable. I will then match the style, length, colour and place an order for a wig.

Amie then organises a fitting appointment with her client, during which she can cut, colour and style the wig to their liking.

As you would expect, wigs also require grooming, and Amie is also able to restyle, refit and repair any pieces in need of some tender loving care.

"The most rewarding part of the job is the final result: a happy, confident lady who can't wait to show off her new style to the world!" Amie says.

Hair loss is one of the most feared aspects of chemotherapy, and can make patients feel like they have lost a part of themselves. Having access to a wig that matches their hair can therefore really help to reduce the impact of this upsetting change.

"It gives them their confidence, their identity and allows them to continue with one less worry."

"I have some very loyal clients who I enjoy seeing," Amie says, adding that, while she would like to attribute her large customer base to the quality of her cuts, colours and hair treatments, she must also admit that the salon's massage chair must be a big attraction!

Although closed for the duration of lockdown, Amie is happy to be reopening Angel Hair on 2nd December. She is looking forward to 2021, which will bring some exciting changes for Angel Hair, creating a more relaxed environment for her clients to enjoy.

Amie will be offering free Keratine treatment with every cut and blow dry throughout January. She also has a small range of Milkshake hair products, including some Christmas gift boxes.

In the new year, Amie will begin some training so that she can offer hot stone massage to new and existing clients.

"I have only just ventured onto Facebook and will be posting news and offers on there," Amie concludes. So, be sure to follow the Angel Hair Facebook page to keep up to date!

You can also read more about Amie's services on the Angel Hair website.