June 2003 - Patty Kelly The Wig Lady For millions of women undergoing cancer treatments or suffering from alopecia disease, a "bad hair day" is more than a minor distraction or a temporary inconvenience. It is a life-altering, often psychologically devastating fact of life. Patty Kelly, a.k.a. "The Wig Lady, is compelled to make a difference. Kelly, an 18-year island resident, is no stranger to offering her help. Having worked as a pediatric nursing assistant for three years and as a paramedic for the local EMS for five, it was her own life-altering health concern - a back injury - that required her to change career paths. That's when David Weinrauch, owner of Hair Paradise, where she now works as salon coordinator, encouraged Kelly to get her barber's license and tap into the growing demand for wigs. People want wigs for different reasons, Kelly explained, adding that some women, especially those who frequently travel, simply want the convenience of a quick fix. But the more fulfilling role she plays is offering an attractive alternative to a bald head or a bandanna for those enduring medical trauma. "When I first learned that I had cancer and would have to undergo chemotherapy treatments, several of my friends told me I had to go see Patty," said Jacquie Jouanet, community relations and development director for Hospice Care of the Lowcountry. Kelly recommends that potential hair-loss victims visit her before the hair starts to fall out. She also advises against shaving the existing hair, preferring to clip it short instead. Retired nurse and Volunteers in Medicine (VIM) volunteer Marcia Bentley learned about Kelly's services from the local chapter of the American Cancer Society. What meant most to Bentley, she said, was the amount of time Kelly devoted to fitting and styling the wig. Perhaps what's most amazing is that Kelly contributes her time and talent as a gift, only charging for the wig. Kelly starts by putting her clients at ease. Her own bright eyes and smile radiate compassion and comfort. "She was able to make me laugh," said Bentley. Wig consultations and fittings are conducted privately, in a room separate from the hair salon. On the first visit, Kelly gets to know the client and helps educate her on the construction of wigs. Gone are the days of the heavy helmet, she explained. Today's wigs are unbelievably light (approximately 1.2 ounces), comfortable, natural looking, and easy to maintain, Kelly said. "A lot of people never realized I wore a wig," said Jouanet. "I never had a bad hair day. It was shake and go." Clients are encouraged to try on different colors and styles of wigs. Some choose a wig that is close to their natural color and style. Others opt for a subtle or dramatic change. Friends or family members are always welcome at the consultations to help make choices or just for support. Once a wig is chosen, it is ordered from one of two companies Kelly prefers. Three to five days later, when the wig arrives, the second session is scheduled, which includes fitting the wig and trimming and shaping it to suit the client's features. Kelly gives other helpful beauty tips as well. As a member of the American Cancer Society (ACS), she has trained through the Look Good... Feel Better program to advise women not only on the fit, color, style and maintenance of a wig, but also on beauty issues like skin changes, makeup - especially for eyebrows and lashes - and nails. She also offers information about hats and sleep hats. "A lot of body heat is lost through the head when there's no hair to protect it," she explained. "The Wig Lady" sees three to six new clients per week, helping many to regain a positive self-image and renewed confidence in their physical appearance. The cost of a new head of hair? About $130. Kelly's commitment? Priceless. The reward? "When a person walks out of here looking and feeling like a million dollars," said Kelly. ™ - Linda Smith For more information about the ACS Look Good... Feel Better program, call 842-9566. Patty Kelly can be reached at 785-3498. Kelly specializes in "good hair days," helping clients regain confidence and self-esteem.