Business Women Scotland Issue 45 | Page 18

#BWSMAGAZINE Ask the expert Taylor Ferguson Hairdressing | Tel: 0141 332 0397 | 106 Bath St, Glasgow G2 2EN DEALING WITH HAIR LOSS Anne Ferguson is a director of celebrity hair stylist Taylor Ferguson Hairdressing. Here, Anne discusses hair loss and the huge impact it can have on women. made for us when we did a Chanel photoshoot a few years ago so knew they would get ‘my look’. HAIR LOSS resulting from health issues can be a huge impact. We’ve known some who when facing cancer treatment were more distressed at the thought of the hair loss than the health consequences. “I have short hair so I wanted something that would replicate my own look which they did brilliantly. Interestingly once I got the wig, I wore it a few times but somehow felt more at ease with my scarves. So I ended up using both scarves and the wig. I had collected an abundance of scarves over the years so there was no shortage. It’s about how you wear your scarf. There is so much you can do. I got a great bejeweled beanie too from Scottish designer William Chambers which I love. It’s all about attitude - I am where I am right now, nothing can change that so I might as well embrace it and ride it out in style.” As one who’s experienced limited hair loss I can empathise. The topic of wig-wearing is always a sensitive one. Here, in Scotland, the NHS will provide free wigs via a network of outlets who work with the authorities. For the last 40 years or so we’ve also provided a bespoke wig service for clients giving wider choices including real-hair options instead of synthetic. In this column our client – and my close friend – Dr Tessa Hartmann CBE, founder of the Scottish Fashion Awards and media guru, agreed to talk about her personal experience relating to the wig question when she faced her own fight with breast cancer. WIG WAS RIGHT THING FOR RIGHT TIME In conversation about wig-wearing I asked Tessa if she felt there were times the wig worked better than the scarf option? IMPACT AND SOLUTION Tessa said: “There is nothing that prepares you for the loss of your hair. It’s a bizarre concept but once off it’s off. I work in fashion so I’m well aware how often we use wigs and their incredible versatility so I knew that getting a good wig wasn’t going to be a problem. Tessa said: “I wore my wig to several business meetings as somehow I felt the corporate culture would cope better with a wig than a scarf. Also I hate people feeling sorry for me and, while my friends know that, the business community doesn’t so people automatically want to treat you softer and that’s not me or what I’m about. “I immediately turned to Anne at Taylor Ferguson as I remember the great wig they 18