HAIR loss can be an added personal strain on cancer sufferers already trying to cope with the gruelling side-effects of chemotherapy treatment.

For some, the thinning or complete loss of hair may seem like the least of their problems when facing a battle with cancer.

Yet for many their hair is an intrinsic part of their identity. It helps them feel confident, attractive and ready for the day ahead. Losing it has a huge impact on their self-esteem.

Market trader Charlene Wallis has recently won an NHS contract to provide wigs and hair pieces for people suffering hair loss as a result or chemotherapy or other medical conditions, such as Alopecia.

Miss Wallis, who runs Diamond Dazzle Hair and Accessories in Bolton Market’s Lifestyle Hall, is trained to help people chose a style and look after their wig.

The new NHS contract also has a personal significance for Miss Wallis who lost her dad, Michael, to cancer when she was just 17-years-old.

The mum-of-three said: “My dad had a 14-year battle with cancer and Iosing his hair did really affect his confidence.

“He worked all the way through his treatment and was always very open with people about his illness.

“But I know he felt embarrassed about the way he looked. My partner’s mum has also had cancer which is another reason why this NHS contract is so important to me.

“I really want to help people feel confident enough to get out and get on with their life — even when they’re going through something as terrible as cancer.”

Patients who would have previously had to travel to Manchester to spend their NHS wig vouchers can now go to Miss Wallis for a fitting.

Diamond Dazzle offers styles and colours from a range by wig manufacturers Dimples.

Fittings can also be done in a private room in the stall.

Miss Wallis, who runs Diamond Dazzle with partner Scott Burrows, added: “I actually got quite emotional when I first had a lady in for a fitting.

“I didn’t think I could carry on because it reminded me of everything my family had been through.

“But then I realised how much my dad hated the long journey from Blackpool to Manchester for his treatment. He would get really worked up on the way.

“I hope by offering this service locally it’ll mean one less long trip for other people going through the same thing.

“I’ve seen people cry with joy when they’ve had a wig fitted and they like it. It’s wonderful to be able to help people.”

Cllr Sufrana Bashir Ismail knows the impact hair loss can have on a person’s self-esteem after having treatment for breast cancer in 2011.

She said her hair loss left her feeling vulnerable and embarrassed.

Cllr Bashir, cabinet member for community services, said: “When I had chemotherapy I lost all of my hair and it had a big impact on the way I felt about myself.

“Hair is such a strong part of your identity and to lose when you are at your most vulnerable is very hard — particularly for women.

“I got an artificial fibre wig with my NHS vouchers and it was very reassuring to know I had it.

“If you just want to nip out to the shops or go to a party, you might not always want to have that conversation with a stranger about why you have lost your hair.

“This is an excellent service for people in Bolton to have on their doorstep and I’d encourage people who have lost their hair to come and have a look.”

Short styles are the most popular, according to Miss Wallis.

Wearers have to get used to caring for the wig to maintain its condition.

Wigs need washing around twice a week in luke-warm water with special shampoo and conditioner made by Dimples. In between washes, it is best to spray the wig with fibre conditioning oil to keep the shine.

To dry, it needs to be given a gentle shake upside down and put back on a rack.

A wig must never be brushed when wet or left to dry on a radiator. The style, long or short, will fall back into place when left to dry.

Curling tongs or straighteners can never be used on synthetic wigs — only on ones made out of human hair.

Miss Wallis added: “There are lots of things to get used to when you first start wearing a wig.

“There are practical things to remember like never sitting too close to a fire and not opening the oven door when you’re wearing it.

“And if people aren’t happy with the fringe length, they can bring it back to me to trim.”

Diamond Dazzle’s service is also available at home to residents of Bolton, Wigan, Leigh, Bury, Rochdale and Heywood.

Appointments are available on market days — Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday — or at home by appointment.

Contact Miss Wallis on 07923 860235 or visit the Diamond Dazzle Hair and Accessories Facebook page for more information.