The deep connection between hair, identity and confidence
More than just hair
What if losing your hair meant losing a part of your identity? For many women, hair is deeply intertwined with confidence, self-worth, and emotional wellbeing. Whether due to cancer, alopecia, or other health conditions, hair loss can be an incredibly challenging experience—one that goes beyond appearance and touches the core of who they are.
I recently had such an inspiring conversation on the Women’s Health Unwrapped podcast with Nicola Wood, founder of The Wonderful Wig Company, TEDx speaker, and author, to discuss the emotional and psychological impact of hair loss. Nicola’s personal experience with breast cancer at 36 led her to transform the hair loss journey for thousands of women, offering them not just wigs but emotional support, confidence, and community.
Why hair loss is so emotionally challenging
Hair is more than just strands of keratin—it’s part of our identity. It plays a significant role in how we see ourselves and how the world perceives us. Nicola explains -
“When you walk into a boardroom after getting a blow-dry, you feel amazing.
But when you lose your hair, it’s like losing your sparkle, your confidence. It’s a new level of naked.”
For many women going through cancer treatment, the first question isn’t ‘Will I survive?’ but ‘Will I lose my hair?’ Some even refuse treatment because they fear the loss of identity that comes with baldness.
Hair loss is a visible marker of illness, making women feel exposed when they might just want to feel “normal.” Nicola’s mission is to help women regain control, confidence, and self-acceptance through personalized support and high-quality wigs.
How Nicola turned her cancer journey into a mission
At just 36, Nicola Wood received a devastating breast cancer diagnosis. In the midst of navigating treatment, she noticed something profound—the women around her weren’t just struggling with cancer; they were struggling with losing their hair.
One day in a radiotherapy waiting room, she had a powerful realisation - as she shared in our conversation, it was like trumpets suddenly began to play as she had a huge flash of knowing that the reason she got cancer was to ensure that no other woman should experience the loss of identity that comes with losing your hair - she would ensure that no other woman lowered her head with shame and fear because she’d lost her hair. Every woman deserved to look and feel beautiful.
From that moment, Nicola’s focus shifted. She built The Wonderful Wig Company, a service designed to provide not just wigs but holistic care, empowering women through every stage of their hair loss journey. Her work has now expanded to partner with the NHS, covering hospitals across the UK, and her impact continues to grow.
Self-worth, confidence and acceptance
Hair loss can be an isolating experience, but acceptance and support can make all the difference. Nicola’s work isn’t just about wigs—it’s about helping women navigate the emotional side of hair loss.
Many women struggle not because they personally can’t accept their hair loss, but because they fear how others will react—their children, partners, colleagues, and friends. Nicola’s approach is to help them find peace in their journey, whether that means embracing wigs or going natural.
“It’s not just about the woman—it’s about making sure her loved ones are also comfortable, so she can be comfortable.”
The Cancer Club
Nicola wanted to write a book that would make women feel less alone. Hair loss can be an isolating experience, and she wanted to share real stories to show that no one has to go through it by themselves. She shared -
“It wasn’t just about my story—it was about giving a voice to so many women experiencing hair loss.”
One of the areas I wanted to chat to Nicola about was her health and how she supports herself to feel healthy, well and strong post-cancer. Nicola shared how she leans into what being diagnosed with cancer so young taught her, so that she i snow much more self aware and supportive towards what she needs to do to thrive in work, and as a Mum, wife, sister and friend. She appreciates having recovered from cancer and uses this gratitude to embed the right healthy habits for her into her life.
Three simple steps to start valuing your health today
Sadly, many women only take their health seriously after a crisis—whether it's the diagnosis of an illness like cancer or other disease, burnout, or a major life event. But both Nicola and myself agree and advocate: don’t wait for a wake-up call to start prioritising yourself, your health and your wellbeing.
Here are three simple steps to start taking care of yourself today:
1️⃣ Pay attention to your hair – It’s an early indicator of health. If you notice changes, check in with a doctor.
2️⃣ Prioritise self-care – Whether it’s movement, nutrition, or stress management, make time for yourself every day.
3️⃣ Build a support system – Surround yourself with people who lift you up and encourage healthy habits and support you being the person you want to be.
“We shouldn’t have to hit rock bottom before we start taking care of ourselves.”
Final thoughts: Embracing change and moving forward
Nicola Wood’s journey from a small-town hairdresser to a TEDx speaker, Cancer advocate, Hair Loss specialist, and bestselling Author is nothing short of inspiring. Her mission is clear: helping women reclaim their confidence, whether they have hair or not.
Her TEDx Talk is a must-watch for anyone wanting to understand the deeper connection between hair, identity, and self-worth. And her book ‘The Cancer Club’ - a collection of powerful real-life stories - serves as a guiding light for those navigating cancer themselves, or supporting a loved one on their cancer journey.
Watch Nicola Wood’s TEDx talk - Why it’s not ‘just’ hair - below:
Get Nicola Wood’s bestselling book - The Cancer Club - below:
Take a listen to my full conversation with Nicola Wood on the Women’s Health Unwrapped podcast:
Like this topic? Find out more with these additional FREE resources:
The Macmillan cancer support - Coping with hair loss guide
Cancer Research UK - Hair loss and cancer treatment
