Halstead mum opening new hair loss studio in garage

Leah Richardson, in Beridge Road, Halstead, is set to open her new business – Personalise by Design.

Leah converted her garage into a hair loss studio after suffering hair loss herself from breast cancer.

She said: “I was diagnosed in March last year and underwent a lot of treatment.

“It was eight rounds of chemo, a masectomy and reconstruction and 15 rounds of radiotherapy, which finished in January. Fingers crossed it has all gone now.

“I used to be qualified hairdresser before doing accounts for a few years, and when I went through treatment, one of the hardest things for me was losing my hair.

“I am not a confident person so it affected me, and I decided I would like to open my own hair loss studio to help others.

NEW BUSINESS: Leah is opening a new hair salon after converting her garage (Image: N/A)

The planning application was submitted to Braintree Council in January and later approved.

Leah has been working on the new salon in her garage since February saying she is “just putting the finishing touches on it”.

She added: “I want to help people who may feel like their confidence needs to be boosted, whilst some will be fine, others may need the help.

“I did it in my garage to create a safe environment, so it is not in a main studio surrounded by other people.

“I know from experience me personally I didn’t want to get my bald head out in a public salon.”

Leah continued: “I will be stocking wigs coming in from America and be making some myself.

“I will also be doing mesh integration and hair extensions for thinner hair.

“It is not just for people who are going through cancer but any type of hair loss too, whether that be something like alopecia or from medication.”

Leah’s new business will open in Halstead on June 19.

For more information, visit the Personalise by Design Facebook or Instagram page.