Northern Ont. hairstyling students' event aims to normalize wig-wearing
Students in Sault College's hairstyling program are raising awareness of a program designed to help those dealing with hair loss and remove the stigma of wearing wigs. To that end, they're organizing the "Wigged Out Walk-a-Thon" in support of the college's wig clinic.
"As a student myself, I was unaware that the college had a wig clinic," said Kayla Matthews, coordinator of the event. "So this year, with COVID, we decided that we would go in the direction of an awareness campaign and let everyone know that we do offer that service, and I think it's a great service for the community."
For the last seven years, the Sault College Wig Clinic has been providing wigs and other hair services for women dealing with hair loss. One of the aims of the awareness campaign is to end the stigma of wig-wearing.
"It's sad to see people lose so much confidence from losing their hair," said Madeline Dick, a student of the college's hairstyling program. "We just really want to end the stigma of wig-wearing and make it somewhat normal and help people feel better about themselves."
Matthews points out that wigs can also be very expensive, which is why she says the services provided by the wig clinic are so important.
"I think it's awesome that everyone should have an opportunity to feel confident and happy again after going through whatever they were going through," she said.
Dick, meantime, said giving people confidence is a big reason why she's learning the hairstyling trade.
"I just want to learn as much as I can and just really make people feel good about themselves," she said. "It's really rewarding to see."
The "Wigged Out Walk-a-Thon" runs from August 6 to 14, and you can participate through Facebook and Instagram using the hashtag #WiggedOutWalkAThon.
There's no cost to participate and no registration required. For those dealing with hair loss, whether it's as a result of cancer treatments or other medical conditions, you can apply to receive a free wig by contacting the Sault College Wig Clinic.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Most of Canada to receive emergency alert test today
The federal government will test its capacity to issue emergency alerts today, with the exception of Ontario, where the test will take place on May 15.
OPINION What King Charles' schedule being too 'full' to accommodate son suggests about relationship with Prince Harry
Prince Harry, the Duke of Sussex, has made headlines with his recent arrival in the U.K., this time to celebrate all things Invictus. But upon the prince landing in the U.K., we have already had confirmation that King Charles III won't have time to see his youngest son during his brief visit.
Ontario man devastated to learn $150,000 line of credit isn't insured after wife dies
An Ontario man found out that a line of credit he thought was insured actually isn't after his wife of 50 years died.
Boy Scouts of America is rebranding. Here's why they've changed their name
After more than a century, Boy Scouts of America is rebranding as Scouting America, another major shakeup for an organization that once proudly resisted change.
Trial begins for Winnipeg serial killer who claims he was mentally ill
The trial of a man who admits he killed four women in Winnipeg is set to begin Wednesday, and a law professor says lawyers for Jeremy Skibicki have multiple hurdles to clear for a defence of mental illness.
These adults born in the '90s partnered with their parents to buy homes in Ontario
An Ontario woman said it would have been impossible to buy a house without her mother – an anecdote that animates the fact that over 17 per cent of Canadian homeowners born in the ‘90s own their property with their parents, according to a new report.
New Canadian study could be a lifesaver for thousands suffering from CTE
A first-of-its-kind Canadian research study is working towards a major medical breakthrough for a brain disorder, believed to be caused by repeated head injuries, that can only be detected after death.
Rape, terror and death at sea: How a boat carrying Rohingya children, women and men capsized
In March, Indonesian officials and local fishermen rescued 75 people from the overturned hull of a boat off the coast of Indonesia. Until now, little was known about why the boat capsized.
Stormy Daniels describes meeting Trump during occasionally graphic testimony in hush money trial
With Donald Trump sitting just feet away, Stormy Daniels testified Tuesday at the former president's hush money trial about a sexual encounter the porn actor says they had in 2006 that resulted in her being paid to keep silent during the presidential race 10 years later.