Women’s Health Unwrapped
Episode 124:
The deep connection between hair, identity and confidence
What if losing your hair meant losing a part of your identity?
“When you don’t have strong self-worth, it doesn’t matter how many times you go to the gym or how much healthy food you eat—you won’t truly feel well or live a full life.”
— Nicola Farndell
“Losing your hair is like losing your sparkle. It’s a new level of naked that many women aren’t prepared for. Some women would rather refuse cancer treatment than lose their hair. That shows how powerful our identity is tied to it.”
— Nicola Wood
In this episode of Women’s Health Unwrapped:
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:
Why Nicola dedicates the first two hours of every day to self-care.
How important morning movement is vital for overall energy and wellbeing.
The significant role that hair plays in women's identity and confidence.
How a cancer diagnosis can shift your perspective on life and health.
The emotional support that is crucial for women experiencing hair loss.
How building a community can help women feel less alone in their struggles.
Writing can be a therapeutic process for sharing personal stories.
How self-worth is essential for overall health and happiness.
Tracking habits can help maintain balance in life and support you in feeling healthy and well.
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. My goal was simple yet revolutionary: create a truly bespoke hair loss service that caters to everyone, restoring not just hair, but confidence and dignity. My mission is clear: to become the UK's premier hair loss support service, offering comprehensive solutions for those experiencing hair loss through cancer, alopecia, or stress-related conditions.
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 Wood’s inspiring TEDx Talk - Why it’s not ‘just hair’
Get Nicola’s bestselling book The Cancer Club
Connect with Nicola:
Get Nicola’s FREE Hair Loss Guide
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