Professional stylists, wig and head covering fittings and more
Typically, people don’t equate a cancer center visit with a spa-like boutique experience. But with the May 25th opening of the new Elevate Salon at Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, cancer patients will feel like they are in an upscale specialty salon, complete with professional stylists, a selection of premium brand wigs, supportive retail products, gorgeous décor, as well as seasonally appropriate hats and head coverings.
What prompted the creation of such a space within a cancer center?
“Many times, patients feel vulnerable and apprehensive as they begin to experience hair loss due to treatment. Our goal is to help patients regain their sense of empowerment, to feel more like themselves again and to remember that it’s all about allowing their inner beauty to shine through,” says Resource Center Manager Martha Hickey. “At Elevate Salon, we provide a respite for patients where they can feel comfortable and understood in an uplifting environment.”
What patients can expect
Patients experiencing hair loss due to cancer treatment are eligible to receive one complimentary wig and a complimentary head covering. Patients can also purchase additional wigs and head coverings to complete their new look.
“It all starts with a first fitting appointment, where we sit down with patients and caregivers and talk through the offerings available in our Elevate Salon,” Hickey says. “Patients share with us what they think they’ll be most comfortable with, whether it's hats, beanies or wigs. During the consultation, patients also have the opportunity to browse our wig catalog so that preferred styles can be selected prior to trying on three or four top wig choices."
Personalized wig and head covering fittings
At their first scheduled appointment at the Elevate Salon, patients try on the wigs, hats and beanies. Patients can take home any in-stock items or place an order for the items of their choice. Wig orders are placed weekly and usually arrive within two weeks. Patients also can choose to purchase a Wig Starter Kit that includes wig shampoo, wig conditioner, a bamboo wig cap, a netted wig cap, a secure fit band, a wig stand and a wig brush.
“When wig orders arrive, we call each patient to let them know that their wig is ready to pick up and to schedule styling appointments, if desired. During a complimentary styling appointment, experienced stylists can add bangs and layers, or they can thin out more full hairstyles. Many wig styles come with more hair than needed and our stylists are ready to customize the patient’s wig with that personal salon touch,” explains Hickey.
Make an Appointment at Elevate Salon
We invite you take time to relax as we guide you through navigating hair loss during treatment. We’re here for you every step of the way – we’ve got you covered!
Request an AppointmentAdditional services and products
“Even if you choose not to wear a wig, you may benefit from an appointment with one of our New York State-licensed hair stylists,” says Hickey. “Stylists can provide pre-treatment haircuts and head shaves, as well as pre-treatment haircuts intended for hair donation organizations."
Made possible through generous donations
The Buffalo Sabres Alumni Association has been a dedicated partner of Roswell Park for more than 20 years, often focusing its giving toward efforts that positively impact women with cancer. Elevate Salon is made possible in part by a generous gift from the Sabres Alumni in support of all patients who will seek comfort and peace there.
The salon is located on the first floor of the Clinical Sciences Center near the entrance to the Breast Oncology Center. The Resource Center, which continues to offer patient education services, a lending library and more, has reopened on the first floor of the Main Hospital by the Tower Elevators, near the Sunflower Café. For more information or to make an appointment with the Elevate Salon, call 716-845-8659, option 2.
