Avante Hair Studio Helps Cancer Patients Feel More Like Themselves
Published Tuesday, October 1, 2024
Silvana's Top Tip: Wig Costs May Be Covered through Benefits
by Graham Strong
"I just want to look good."
That's the most common thing Silvana Commisso, owner of Avante Hair Studio at Redwood Plaza, hears from cancer patients who come into her salon. For 37 years, Silvana has styled hair and sold wigs, toppers, and headwear for women with hair loss from natural thinning and alopecia as well as cancer treatments. Although she provides hair services for men as well, almost all cancer patients are women. Not only is hair loss a visual reminder of the sometimes-horrific cancer journey, it can also be a loss of identity.
"It can be really hard for a woman to look at herself without hair," Silvana said. "Sometimes when they come into my salon, they can start to cry. I tell them, ‘Don't worry. We'll find something that makes you look great.' When they see what we can do, they're happy again."
The most incredible part is, the wigs don't look like wigs. Silvana offers a range of options from high-end to budget-friendly. Many wigs are made from human hair so it feels real, too. Silvana has catalogues of examples to choose from with different colours and styles.
But that's just the beginning. As a trained hair stylist, Silvana can cut and style the wig to personalize it further. Some women like to get something that matches their natural hair. Others take the opportunity to experiment with something new. It's all part of giving women that confidence boost they need to feel better about themselves.
"They love it," Silvana said. "I can also add a topper to give them more volume or more style options."
Silvana said that what most women don't know is that some or all of the cost of the wig can be covered through work benefits or with private health insurance, just as dental, prescription glasses, and drug plans are.
Silvana makes it easy for women, too. It starts with a one-hour, confidential consult to decide what colour and style the client wants and taking measurements – one size does not fit all! Ordering only takes about 10 days. Then, the client comes back for fitting and styling. Since hair loss doesn't happen all at once, Silvana can professionally shave the head before fitting. They also leave the hair salon with special shampoos and conditioners. With Avante's all-inclusive pricing, every step is included with the price of the wig.
"If she decides she wants a bit of a trim or needs any other sort of help after she leaves the hair salon, there's no extra charge for that," Silvana said.
Women in the region can also get their hair consult via Facetime. Silvana will ship their new wig out to them when it's ready.
Silvana comes from a family of hairstylists. "There's over a hundred of us," she said. Her son owns hair salons in Burlington and Oakville, and one of her daughters works with him. Another of Silvana's daughters now works with her at Avante. Silvana first got into wigs when another family member had a brain tumour at just six-and-a-half-years old.
"I saw what they were doing at SickKids, and I realized that nobody did that here in Thunder Bay," Silvana said. "It's maybe the most rewarding part of the studio."
Silvana will be one of the vendors at the upcoming Luncheon of Hope on October 4, 2024 at the Superior Inn Hotel. She is also available by appointment at Avante Hair Studio by calling 807-475-4444.