Professional stylists, wig and head covering fittings and more
Typically, people don’t equate a cancer center visit with a spa-like experience. But with the Elevate Salon at Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, cancer patients 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.
Why a salon in a cancer center?
Patients often feel vulnerable and apprehensive as they begin to experience hair loss due to treatment. The goal of the Elevate Salon 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. The salon provides 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 trained volunteers sit down with patients and caregivers and talk through the offerings available. “Patients share with us what they think they’ll be most comfortable with, whether it's hats, beanies or wigs," says longtime volunteer Diana Mogavero. "During the consultation, patients may browse our wig catalog and select three or four top choices to try on so they can decide which styles they like best."
Personalized care
At the Elevate Salon, many wigs and head coverings are custom ordered with about a two-week turnaround. Patients can take home any in-stock items, including custom beanie caps or seasonal hats. Custom Wig Starter Kits are always available for purchase. These kits include wig shampoo, wig conditioner, a bamboo wig cap, a netted wig cap, a secure fit band, a wig stand and a wig brush.
When patients orders arrive, they'll receive a call to let them know it's ready to pick up. At this time, patients can also schedule an appointment with a stylist. 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.
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!
Additional 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. Stylists 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. For more information or to make an appointment with the Elevate Salon, call 716-845-8659, option 2.
