As a hairstylist with over 15 years of experience, I’ve had the privilege of being a part of
so many special moments in my clients’ lives. From styling hair for weddings to creating
fresh looks for new moms, we get to be there for their most joyous milestones. These
are the moments we cherish, but then there are the moments that stay with us for
different reasons—the ones that are heavier, where we’re called to provide more than
just a service.


I still remember the first time a client sat in my chair and told me she had cancer. My
heart sank. How do you respond to that? As hairstylists, we’re often a part of someone’s
self-expression, and hair can be so tied to a person’s identity. When your client tells you
that she’s fighting for her life, it’s no longer about hair; it’s about connection, empathy,
and showing up for that person in a way you may not have anticipated when you began
this career.

Being a part of someone’s cancer journey is both an honor and a challenge. You share
the uncertainty, the fear, and yet you also witness their strength. You learn to balance
professionalism with compassion. I’ve cut hair for women who were preparing for
chemotherapy, some wanting to take control of the inevitable hair loss by choosing their
cut themselves. It’s a small act of power in a time when so much feels out of control.
There’s a different kind of energy in the room during those appointments. The
conversations shift, and so does the relationship. In those moments, you become more
than just a stylist—you’re a support system, a listener, and sometimes, a safe space
where your client can express their vulnerability.


I’ve learned so much from these experiences. They’ve shaped the way I approach my
work and the way I connect with my clients. The joy of seeing someone’s face light up
when they look in the mirror after a fresh cut is incredible, but the deeper connections
that come from navigating life’s challenges together are the moments that stay with you
forever.

During Breast Cancer Awareness Month, I reflect not just on the fight against cancer,
but on the resilience of the human spirit. I think of all the women who’ve sat in my chair
with their stories, their fears, and their triumphs. And I’m reminded that, as hairstylists,
we’re more than just people who transform the outside. We are a part of our clients'
lives, their memories, and sometimes, their healing journey.