Coming to terms with losing your hair can be a traumatic experience when coping with cancer.

But Highgate hairdresser Vaso Louca is hoping her salon can help patients battling the disease.

The stylist, who owns BBC3 Hair Studios, in Highgate High Street, is now specialising in wigs for hair loss sufferers.

The service has already helped many people including Diana Hackworth, a 68-year-old grandmother, of Wetherill Road, Muswell Hill, who was diagnosed with breast cancer in March.

“When I noticed that my hair was falling out, I cried,” said Mrs Hackworth, who lived in Highgate for more than 40 years before moving to Muswell Hill.

“It really hit me. I told myself not to be silly. Not at my age. But you are so used to having it all your life. It is a comfort thing.”

The grandmother-of-eight, who began chemotherapy in August, had been a BBC3 client for more than 15 years.

“Bits were beginning to fall out so I thought I better go and have it cut,” she said. “I thought it was going to be traumatic but the advice I got was excellent.

“They sat me down and helped me choose the right wig. I cried at home but when I left the hairdressers I felt confident again.

“I was just so grateful for help.

“The process of being diagnosed with cancer is very distressing. But I left here with a smile on my face.”

Wig specialist Vaso Louca, 40, from Southgate, has been the owner of BBC3 Hair Studios for 21 years.

She trained in supplying wigs for medical hair loss in 2011 after a friend began suffering with alopecia.

“I had worked with wigs before, in TV and for theatre, but why not help clients who were coming in and telling us they were sick?” She said.

“We have had a lot of clients recently asking for our help.

“For many, getting your hair done is about fashion. But we are getting more and more people coming in and opening up to us about their illness. We just wanted to help.”

The salon, which has a private room downstairs for clients suffering from hair loss, is now working with Whittington Hospital, in Highgate, as well as the Teenage Cancer Trust and Macmillan Cancer Support.

“When you have known people for years and you know their family you feel like they are part of your life,” said Mrs Louca.

“We just want people to be able to carry on with their lives so they don’t have to explain to everybody what is going on. It is about having a bit of dignity back.

“The intent is to help. It is a service. Consultations are free. We are here. Sometimes people need a little help in the community. We need to keep together.”

The salon also caters for children and hopes to stock a men’s range soon.

n To find out more call the salon on 020 8348 3545 or email Salon@bbc3hairstudios.com