Real Fringe Hair Bands help cancer patients keep their hair
Hair loss is just one of the devastating side effects of chemotherapy. But a Greensborough oncology nurse has developed a solution — and it is now being sold across the country.
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A Greensborough oncology nurse has found a way to help cancer patients about to undergo chemotherapy retain their own precious locks.
Nicole Dematos launched Real Fringe Hair Bands in August — a “first of its kind” solution where a patient’s hair could be sewed onto a non-slip headband.
Ms Dematos said hair loss was one of the most visible and unfortunate side effects of chemotherapy.
She said many of her patients suffered from depression, social withdrawal and even attempted suicide after educating them about consequences of chemotherapy and radiotherapy.
“No matter how prepared a patient is for the inevitability, hair loss becomes an issue which, like the cancer itself, changes them beyond measure,” she said.
“So instead of using hot and uncomfortable wigs and instead of their own beautiful hair going into the bin patients can still keep and enjoy their hair.”
Ms Dematos said the headbands helped patients feel more confident about themselves.
“When you see someone without any hair you know something is not quite right,” she said.
“These headbands give patients an option of hiding what’s going on.”
Preston’s Kaitlyn O’Kane was diagnosed with a brain tumour at just 13 years of age in 2009.
Despite now being cancer-free, she was told by doctors her hair would never grow back.
But the 24-year-old, who had cut her blonde locks when she started to lose them 10 years ago and kept them inside a cupboard, will now wear them again through the headband.
“To think I’ll have my hair back on my head after 10 years makes me emotional — I’m just so happy I can’t even describe the feeling,” she said.
“I never thought of my hair going into a wig at the time, it was just the one thing I could keep after losing so much.”
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The headbands are manufactured in Rosanna and available to order using either a patient’s own hair or a donation.
They can be created with as little as 15cm of hair and start at $399.
For those needing help, contact Lifeline on 131 114.