Bringing confidence after hair loss

Losing their hair can be one of the most upsetting side-effects of cancer for many women.
Rhonda Jensen has spent almost 20 years trying to ease that transition, providing wigs and hairpieces for cancer patients in Tauranga.
It's not just women - she also sees men who have lost their hair through chemotherapy or radiotherapy.
Mrs Jensen also helps people suffering alOpecia or hair loss for other reasons, and those wanting wigs for fashion.
Her business, Tudor Wigs & Hairpieces, is based at Cameron Rd hair salon Mazzahn.
The right wig can have a huge impact on a cancer patient's self-esteem, she said.
"Hair is extremely important for women.
"When they come in it's often 'I'm having chemo, I'm going to lose my hair', and they are wondering what the wigs are going to be like.
"When they see them, they are straight away put at ease, because they can see how awesome they are.
"Once you get them into the right wig, most of them go out wearing it, with their head held high and feeling good about themselves.
"We want them to feel more relaxed about the fact they have got to lose their hair, and know when they put one of our wigs on that they are going to look a million dollars."
Clients can try on any wig and are given as much time as they need to choose. Wigs can be styled to suit each individual.
"The decision has got to be made by the person who has to wear the wig. It's not for their friend or sister to decide.
"We want to make them feel happy and feel comfortable."
Mrs Jensen also provides hats and turbans with a "wow factor".
"We want them to go out feeling they haven't just put a beanie on their head, they are feeling pretty glamorous."
Mrs Jensen also acts as a liaison for other cancer agencies in the Bay to make sure patients have access to the services they require.
"A lot of people have got nobody - they are trying to go through chemo and their family is overseas, they are on their own.
"I try to make sure they know about the services that are available to them. There are volunteer drivers, people who can provide a meal for them.
"If I find somebody that doesn't know about these things, I will always give them a pamphlet."
Mrs Jensen does home or hospital visits for patients who are unable to come into the salon, and sometimes visits the oncology ward. She also arranges government grants for patients with medical-related hair loss.
Mrs Jensen is the Tauranga co-ordinator for the Look Good Feel Better Programme, a free service offered to women undergoing treatment for cancer.
The aim is to help restore and enhance the appearance of cancer patients, both before and after treatment.
Workshops include a skin care and makeup application, advice on wigs and scarves, and a pampering session.
The cosmetics are donated by the Cosmetic Toiletry and Fragrance Association of New Zealand.
"We want to give patients a little light relief from doctors and nurses and needles, and that side of it," Mrs Jensen said.
The job requires patience and understanding, but is extremely rewarding. "It's amazing, absolutely transforms them.
"If they come in and are a bit upset about things, they usually go out feeling comfortable about the hair-loss side of things anyway."
The Cancer Society fundraiser Daffodil Day is this Friday.
FIVE THINGS ABOUT RHONDA
She has had two close family members go through cancer.
She is married to Barry and has two children and four grandchildren.
She and her husband spent many years farming in Omanawa.
Her previous jobs include working for an accounting firm and a radio station.
She loves helping people with hair loss boost their confidence and self-esteem.