What if losing your hair meant losing a part of your identity?
I’m joined in this episode by Nicola Wood, founder of The Wonderful Wig Company, TEDx speaker, and author, to explore the profound psychological and emotional connection between hair and self-worth—especially for women facing hair loss due to cancer, alopecia, or other health conditions.
Nicola shares her personal journey of being diagnosed with breast cancer at 36, the struggles she faced, and how a transformative moment during her treatment led her to create a life-changing service for women experiencing hair loss. From working with the NHS to providing holistic support, Nicola discusses why hair is more than just appearance—it’s a fundamental part of confidence, identity, and emotional wellbeing.
We delve into the importance of valuing your health, prioritising yourself, and the journey Nicola went on from her cancer diagnosis to writing a book to support others, who as she describes - are forced to join the club that nobody wants to join: The Cancer Club.
This is such a thought provoking conversation that emphasises why women must value themselves and their health.
The key highlights from our conversation are:
About Nicola Wood:
My journey began starting with my first salon, Kitui Hair Design, which I opened at just 21 years old. I was a committed and passionate hairdresser, enjoying the impact I had on my clients and building a small, local business.
At 36, a diagnosis of Invasive Breast Cancer became a pivotal moment in my life. Having already navigated the challenges of Rheumatoid Arthritis since my early twenties, the cancer diagnosis led me to realise during my treatment the inadequate hair loss solutions available to women. Existing services left people feeling defeated, with wigs that were unnatural and failed to restore their sense of self.
This experience became the catalyst for The Wonderful Wig Company. Nicola is the author of ‘The Cancer Club’, TEDx Speaker - “How to stop minimising the impact of hair loss”, Winner of the Entrepreneur for Good Award 2023 and the Northern Power Women Disruptor for Good Award 2024.
Watch Nicola's TEDx Talk: Why it's not 'just hair'
Connect with Nicola:
Get a copy of Nicola's book The Cancer Club
About Life Now Coaching:
We unwrap what healthy living really means to help you get clear on the power of building sustainable healthy habits without overwhelm and confusion. We’re stripping back and laying out the truth about why taking better care of yourself is the answer to the happy vibrant life you’re striving so hard to create so that every woman knows the incredible value of her health.
Life Now Coaching supports women in midlife to build sustainable healthy habits using our success framework of mindset, movement, nutrition, sleep and stress
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