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Earlier this week I had the privilege of working with three extraordinary women. ITV This Morning invited Debbie, Janet and Doris onto the show to discuss one of the most common side effects of cancer treatment – hair loss and re-growth. Each of the ladies had undergone various types of chemotherapy and had lost different amounts of hair. Anyone who has experiences hair loss knows that it can take away your confidence, and leave you feeling less feminine.
Debbie used to have straight hair but it grew back curly and she didn’t know how to manage it. For Debbie it was a learning curve, she had to figure out how to style her new hair and make it work for her. I gave her a permanent blow dry, which removes frizz and controls curls and taught Debbie how to blow-dry her new hair at home.
Janet ‘s hair fell out as soon as her chemo began and it had been pride and joy. Loosing it had a massive impact on her but thankfully it grew in quickly. Janet had a good amount of hair but was in desperate need for some texture and shape. After a good haircut, Janet’s hair instantly looked styled, with more volume and enhanced colour.
With Doris, her hair had started to thin at the front, which was due to bereavement, and the stress of finding out she had cancer three weeks after her husband passed away. I could tell from looking at Doris that her confidence had been shattered. The kind folk at Trendco donated a lace front wig, which I cut to suit Doris and as soon as I fitted it you could see the joy and confidence reappear.
The thing with chemotherapy is that it kills off the cancer cells but it alters other cells, including your hair follicles, which is why the hair can grow back differently in texture and colour. I would advise anyone having undergone chemotherapy to leave their hair for about six months before getting any colour or treatments applied and the hair needs time to settle.
It was a huge honour to work with Debbie, Janet and Doris, three beautiful women who at the end of the day began to feel like their old selves.
Leo x
February 12, 2012 at 2:30 am
As part of Leo’s summer residency, he took part in an amazing makeover with This Morning viewer Sara Jane. Sara Jane had lost her confidence and with the help of the ITV Summer makeover team – she was completely transformed. As well as new teeth, facials and a new wardrobe, Leo completely transformed her lifeless locks. From over ten years of experience in the industry, Leo knows that hair plays an important part in how we feel about ourselves and how self-assured a person we really are. Leo began by adding a deep violet shade through Sara Jane’s style which added shimmering shine and lots of depth, making the hair look super lustrous and healthy. Afterwards, he trimmed Sara Jane’s hair, as she hadn’t had it cut for over two years! A good cut is the basis of any great style – it adds bounce and helps add volume as long hair can be very heavy and lack movement. He then curled her hair using a wide barrelled wand, and pulled it to the side creating a glamorous yet flattering vintage inspired look.
The makeover wasn’t about making Sara Jane look prettier or more attractive, it was about instilling confidence and taking her back to the assertive person she had once been. After the makeover Leo noticed a remarkable change in Sara Jane’s demeanour; “Sara Jane instantly stood up straighter and looked far more happier within herself. I love being able to be part of such a change – we see it everyday in the salon, women leave happier and more confident. Hair is a very big part of this.”
To watch Leo in action on This Morning CLICK HERE
January 1, 2012 at 10:24 am
ITV This Morning Christmas Crackers – WATCH MAKEOVER HERE
I can honestly say, hand on heart; the current Christmas Cracker feature on ITV This Morning is my absolutely favourite yet to work on. We chose three women from hundreds who were nominated by family and friends and we set out to give them a complete body overhaul. The aim of the makeover is not to make the three lucky ladies look better, but to make them feel better, feel more confident and a little more polished.
First up and shown on ITV today (you can still get it on ITV Player) is the very lovely Joanne Sparks. Joanne has had a bit of a rough time of it in recent years after splitting with her husband then losing her son. The absolutely devastating events had taken their toll on Joanne’s hair, skin and teeth and we set about changing this. As well as a teeth whitening treatment and skin light treatments, I invited Joanne for a day of pampering at the Leo Bancroft Salon. Joanne’s hair was looking tired and lank – she has been home colouring for years and this had built up creating a dark, dense base, which left her skin looking washed out, and pasty. I spent an entire day safely lifting this colour whilst conditioning and nourishing her dry hair. I lifted to two shades lighter and added a stunning warm caramel shade to add warmth and depth. Joanne has a petite face and her hair over powered this so I cut it into an angular bob that highlights her fantastic cheekbones and gives her a younger, fresher look.
I’m sure you will agree that Joanne looks absolutely stunning, and I think I got the ultimate seal of approval live on ITV – her mum loves it! Result!
Cheers,
Leo x
December 12, 2011 at 11:43 am
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