Dublin Salon Adds Wig And Hair Replacement Studio

DUBLIN BOROUGH, PA — Manes on Main Salon and Spa celebrated the opening of its new wig and hair replacement studio during an open house on Saturday, Sept. 14 at the Shops at the Square, 123 North Main Street, Dublin.

The salon is showcasing its new wig and hair replacement studio where cancer patients and individuals with alopecia or female/male pattern baldness can receive personalized service.

In addition to offering a selection of wigs and hair pieces for women, the salon provides hair systems for men, skin care and permanent makeup. And an experienced massage therapist provides oncology massage at the spa.

Manes on Main owner Kim Flagello and associate Pat Moore first joined forces in 2010, each bringing decades of experience and special talents to the salon.

As the former owner of Hair Alternatives in Dublin and Ribbons Studio in Doylestown, Moore is an expert in helping cancer patients select and maintain wigs and hairpieces.

Manes on Main’s Flagello works with hair systems for men, as well as permanent makeup for women such as brows and eyeliner and areola creation for mastectomy patients. Their talents complement one another.

"We provide full personalized service,” said Moore. “When a woman comes in, she is never rushed. We often take photos in different wigs for her to take home and consider. She can then return as often as needed until she finds the perfect wig or hairpiece. Once she has a wig that works, we teach her how to maintain it. We can even alter the piece - cut it, shape it or go from straight to curly or vice versa.”

Over the years, not only has cancer treatment evolved, but so have the wigs and hairpieces.

“Years ago, wigs were like helmets," observed Moore, “but now they are lighter, often with a lace front that looks more natural. Different manufacturers make wigs for different head shapes. Some are denser and others airy and thin. If one has fine hair, a thin cap is in order.”

As cancer treatment moves toward immunotherapy, women are more likely to have thinning as opposed to total hair loss. The same is true when patients use a cold-cap.

While cooling the scalp during treatment reduces the chance of total hair loss, hair still may fall out in patches. Many other women experience hair thinning due to hormonal change. This is where hair pieces or toppers come in, said Moore. Here again, there are special tricks to selecting, fitting and maintaining these head accessories which is an important aspect of the service Manes on Main provides, she said.

Manes on Main owner Kim Flagello and associate Pat Moore first joined forces in 2010, each bringing decades of experience and special talents to the salon.

While Moore focuses on women’s wigs, Flagello helps men. This specialty started when a male family member wanted a hair system. So, 30 years ago Flagello traveled to Florida for training and ever since has been working with hair systems for men undergoing cancer treatment or experiencing male-pattern baldness.

“The hair system is similar to a toupee but more natural looking and better wearing,” explains Flagello. “It must be cut to size and blended into the remaining hair. Because the hair system is
attached with adhesive or tape, it needs to be cleaned and changed every three to four weeks. Typically, men will purchase 4 to 6 systems," she said.

In addition to hair systems for men, Flagello is a permanent makeup artist, creating eyebrows, eyeliner (prior to treatment) and aerolas for breast reconstruction patients. She also installs eyelashes for regular clients - not those undergoing cancer treatment.

Both women stress the importance of skin care while in treatment and provide informative seminars for cancer patients.

Most recently the pair participated in seminars provided by the Cancer Support Community (a merger of Guild’s Club and the Wellness Community of Philadelphia). In addition to many helpful topics, participants are invited to bring in their wigs for a free maintenance consultation from Moore.

The journey through cancer impacts every aspect of an individual’s life. Numerous studies have shown the link between a positive attitude and healing.

Former wig client and self-esteem guru Ann Ciliberto said, “When I received the diagnosis, I kept asking, ‘Body, why did you let me down? I want control!’ Having the feeling of control, if only over a small part of my life, was crucial. Choosing when to cut my hair off and choosing wigs was at least one thing I could control. I decided to follow the plan, and to stay positive!”

She also continued to find joy in life and laugh.

“One funny thing happened during a visit with my 5-year-old grandniece,” she recounts. “I removed my wig while vising and when she saw it, she said, ‘But I want to take my hair off too.’ Since that wasn’t going to work, we went shopping for a couple of colorful fake wigs that matched. That way we could both wear them when we were together. We had so much fun.”

Staying positive is a major part of who she is and Ciliberto continued her FaceBook Tuesday Tune-up posts throughout her treatment and recovery. “It wasn’t about vanity, but it was about sanity!” she adds.

With the opening of a dedicated space at Manes on Main, women and men dealing with hair loss will find options to maintain a sense of control while boosting their self-esteem. Flagello and Moore take pride in the very personalized service they provide, helping clients have an easier journey.