ghd: The Beauty Tutorial put to Good Use

This year around 1.7 million women across the world will be told they have breast cancer. That’s three women every minute that will experience this life-changing and daunting diagnosis.

Then add the prospect of losing your hair to chemotherapy and the serious consequences that this can have on self-esteem and confidence - as if breast cancer wasn’t bad enough already.

To support Breast Cancer Now, the UK’s largest breast cancer charity, we’ve partnered with women who have been through breast cancer and the biggest names in the fashion and beauty industry, along with expert advice from Breast Clinical Nurse Specialist Denise Flett, to bring you a unique online resource housed permanently on ghdhair.com.

Offering styling advice for women recovering from treatment-related hair loss, the tutorials cover everything from how to tie a glamorous 70’s headscarf and ‘hack’ a shop-bought wig, to the more unexpected elements of hair loss - such as drawing in eyebrows.

Having worked in the breast cancer field for over 15 years, I have witnessed the difficulties patients face. Often the most significant anxiety regarding treatment is loss of hair. A resource that can offer practical and expert tips in an empowering way is something we would direct patients and colleagues to. Denise Flett, Breast Clinical Nurse Specialist.

Wig Hacks

Styling a wig by Zoe Irwin – ghd UK Ambassador

Often the hair that we lust after like Beyonce’s new curl or Jessie J’s crop cut is all wigs, so don’t be scared of wigs. Synthetic wigs are a great starting point and are used a lot, as the price point is so fantastic. However, you need to get rid of the synthetic reflection and shine; use some dry shampoo or eye shadow to give a natural looking root and around the hairline.

Zoe's tips

• Ask your hairdresser to trim your wig to suit your face shape
• Wear a wig cap to protect your sensitive scalp and keep your wig in place
• Natural hair wigs can be washed, blow-dried and heat styled like your own hair

Wrap It Up

Styling a Headscarf by Lily Russo – Fashion Editor

See a scarf like another accessory and work the rest of your wardrobe around it. The best thing you can do is embrace it and actually make a fashion statement with it – owning the look.

Lily’s Tips

• Go for cooler, breathable fabrics like linen, cotton or modal
• Pair with a bold lip or statement earrings
• Take inspiration from fashion icons like Bianca Jagger and Talitha Getty

The Look

Brows & Eyes by Sophie Beresiner – Beauty Editor

The hardest thing was when I lost my brows and lashes because of how much you use them and how much expression they create on your face. If you have no hair on your eyebrows you will want to recreate fine hair-like flicks and go over the top with a bit of powder or shadow to blend it into your skin. It’s about defining your eyes; that’s what make-up is for!

Sophie’s Tips

• Mimic eyelashes by pressing your mascara wand against the edge of your eyelid
• Define eyes by adding a flick with liquid eyeliner
• Without eyelashes, your eyes will water more. Waterproof eye make-up will last longer

The Grow Back

Styling from six months on by Adam Reed – ghd Global Ambassador

When your hair starts to come through you will find that it’s uneven. If you had straight hair it might be tight coarse curls or if you had curly hair it might be straight; this is absolutely normal and it’s your new normal! You’re going to have short hair, shoulder length and long hair – plan that journey and embrace that change.

Adam’s Tips

• Avoid heat styling and colouring your hair in the first six months after treatment
• Stimulate growth by brushing your hair with a soft-bristle brush
• A diet rich in calcium, vitamin D and Omega 3 is great for strong healthy hair

ghd has raised £9 million for breast cancer charities across the globe with annual pink limited editions over the past 12 years. This year we want to raise that number to £10 million by donating money from every electric pink purchase to breast cancer charities.