An Afternoon Shared From the Head and Heart

Last Sunday’s WIGS 101 workshop co-hosted by Thea Chassin, founder of Bald Girls Do Lunch,® and our very own Shevy Emanuel, was a hit! Although Shevy hosts high-profile seminars at her salon all the time, this unique event was a new and different opportunity for everyone involved. As the only nonprofit created specifically for women with alopecia areata, Thea takes her event planning and outreach seriously. Her goal, above all else, is to support and educate women who are suffering from alopecia. The broad range of personal responses and experiences that crop up are as unique and varied as each of these women: Some are going through a phase of hair loss, while others are experiencing regrowth or might lose their lashes from only one eye. The irregular effects of the condition are often a cause of extreme stress, so it was important that we could provide a relaxing place where everyone could come together in a safe, judgment-free zone.

Some women were outspoken and confident while others were more reserved. Several had dramatic, colorful personal style and really played up their femininity while others were more casual, or confessed to being stuck in a style-rut and were seeking ways to freshen and modernize their look.
When the workshop began, and the women were gathered around the central styling station, Shevy expertly turned wigs inside out to explain the differences between caps, lace fronts, machine vs. handmade pieces as well as the care of a fine natural hair wig. The intimacy and excitement that sprung up at that round table was positively inspiring. And after a series of Q & A moments and shared stories, the guests were invited to look through the gallery of wigs and get inspired. At this point, Antonio Diaz joined the group to offer his expert advice on styling and color and generally keep things lighthearted and playful as he selected pieces that many women confessed they would never have chosen for themselves, but it was just the right wig. It was an absolute joy for us to watch!

There were two mother-and-daughter duos at the event. In the first, the mom was just beginning to lose her hair and wanted a sleek and sophisticated style that she could wear over her remaining hair so that she didn’t have to rely on the upkeep of the extensions she’d been wearing. The second duo was a loving mom who brought her adorable pre-teen daughter to the event. This quiet girl was completely bald, and as Shevy confidently and caringly measured her and let her try on pieces, she sat up a little bit straighter in her chair with every change. (Shevy’s daughter Ricky who is about the same age as this guest watched her own mom with anticipation and curiosity and a lot of respect as Shevy found the perfect wig for this little girl). It was one of many touching moments shared throughout the afternoon.

There were other empowering and interactive moments, including a Brow Station where women could have their brows painted and set with a brand new kit developed by Thea herself. The application is natural and wont flake, melt, or wipe off which is an added bonus for women who want to maintain an active lifestyle and don’t have the time to fuss over reapplications or worrying about fading.

The day was truly designed to open up our salon to the needs and desires of Thea’s guests — and in the end, it really opened us up to the concerns and conflicts that many of you are confronted with on a day-to-day basis. We’re eager to hear from those of you who came out to the event, please let us know how we can continue the dialogue or serve you better in the future.