For some cancer patients, it isn't the physical illness brought on by their radiation or chemo treatments or the anxiety of wondering whether those treatments will beat their disease that's the worst.

The worst part is losing their hair during the course of their treatments, according to Stacy Meyer, oncology patient navigator for two UPMC Hillman Cancer Centers on Technology Drive and Oneida Valley Road.

In an effort to provide an important, if overlooked, support service, Meyer put together a beauty salon to cater to cancer patients who want to look like themselves again.

Because of the effects of chemotherapy most patients will lose their hair within 14 days.

Meyer said the salon, located at the UPMC Hillman Cancer Center on Technology Drive, was put together using chairs, equipment and wig stands donated by defunct beauty salons.

Other services and materials are provided by volunteers.

“The hair salon is just a fraction of what we do here,” Meyer said.

But, she said, it's needed.

“I think for women particularly, the hardest part of cancer treatment is losing your hair,” Meyer said.

“I do see some men. The wigs in the salon are mainly for women, but we do see some men.”

The salon is one way of preparing patients for losing their hair.

“We have wigs made from synthetic hair, and we have a variety for patients to choose from, ”she said. “And we have hair halos made from donated real hair actually made in Indonesia.”

A halo is basically a circle of hair minus the hair on top of the hair, Meyer said.

Paired with a hat or scarf, the halo, she said “creates the illusion the patient has hair and makes them look more like themselves.”

“Because it is real, it can be braided or pulled into a ponytail. And you can cook with it,” she said.

Synthetic wigs, Meyer explained, can be ruined if worn during cooking.

The fibers in synthetic wigs are made from a variety of quality plastic strands which may contain polyester, polyvinyl, and acrylic.

Heat in the kitchen — say from a pot of boiling water and the blast of hot air when opening a stove — can scorch, fry or even melt a wig, ruining it forever.

A hair halo is more comfortable and easier to look after, Meyer said.

“You can save your wig for going to work or some family function,” she said. “You can wear the hair halo around the house or out to the mailbox.”

Pat Julkowski, owner of Creative Hair Solutions in Allison Park, volunteers to travel to Butler every two weeks to trim and take care of wigs.

In addition, she gives a bimonthly demonstration on how to care for a wig and accessories called “Styling It Right & Looking Your Best.”

The course also teaches makeup techniques.

“People do not pay. Everything is provided through generous donations including the Butler Health System Foundation Support Service Fund,” Meyer said.

Another thing the salon provides is privacy, which is extremely important to cancer patients who have lost their hair, she said.

Equally important was a setting that didn't reflect the rest of the clinic's medical environment.

“I wanted an environment to feel comfortable and allow people to be themselves,” she said.

She added a lot of cancer patients need emotional support, but because of COVID-19 restrictions friends or family can't sit beside them as they go through treatment.

Meyer hopes a trip to the salon and a chance to improve their appearance might provide a substitute for that in a small way.