By ANEEKA SIMONIS
IN A large and open mirror-covered studio, Gill Gilbert picked out the wig she would wear to cover one of the more painful reminders of her cancer diagnosis.
Almost three years on from her breast cancer battle, the then 43-year-old Officer mum remembers how intimidating the cold studio was as she sat, worn and vulnerable, trying to pick out a wig to suit her.
That feeling drove her and business partner Jules Sparks, of Bunyip, both professional hairdressers, to open a warm, intimate studio with wigs, headscarves and hats for women as they battle their darkest challenges.
Their studio, Wigs Sisters, located on Station Street in Officer, has more than 20 wig styles on offer along with bandanas, caps, headscarves and turbans to suit all women following cancer treatment.
Wig Sisters, which forms part of the hairdressing studio dually-located on the site, also provides a range of positive energy and self-help products such as candle, positive affirmation cards and books to help women on their course to recovery.
“When I lost my hair, it was probably the hardest part about it all. It made it all real. You can’t hide from it then,” Gill recalled.
“Every time you look in the mirror, it’s there.”
Gill said the wigs ranged from $99 – $160 and were made from synthetic hair to rule out maintenance requirements.
The women, who each identified a complete lack of inexpensive wig retailers between Officer and Bairnsdale, said they would also help women shape and style their wig to make sure it suited them.
“Wigs just bring back a sense of normality and hide it all for a little while,” Gill said, remembering times where she did not want to have to explain her illness to strangers or onlookers.
“It just takes the focus away.”
Wig Sisters will begin supplying styles to the soon-to-be finalised St John of God Berwick wig library for chemotherapy patients.
They will also host Look Good Feel Better workshops at the beginning of next year.
To contact Wig Sisters, call 0401 021 009.
