CONTINENTAL HAIR BLOG

January 3, 2012

My name is Dawn Blainey. I was diagnosed with breast cancer in February 2011…. During my journey, I had the pleasure to deal with Michael Suba at Continental Hair in Toronto. I am happy to say I received a clean bill of health and on to a new chapter of my life.

Help me in raising $100,000 for the new CIBC Breast Cancer Assessment Centre at our gala that will take place on February 14, 2012 that will take place at the Burlington Convention Centre. Please visit our Gala website
www.shootingforthestarsgala.com to support and to learn more about the centre and the event.

Dawn Blainey

Posted in: Ask Michael, Guest Entry

December 17, 2011

Another Guest Post is here….

I want to send a huge THANKS to Michael and his team at Continental Hair.
As a result of cancer treatment I started significantly losing my hair in the summer of 2011. Over the course of three months I went from having a full head of hair to being almost bald. Alopecia was not a common side effect of the drug that I was on, so I was not even expecting that to happen. I was 28 years old at the time, single and living in the city, at the peak of a great corporate sales career, and accustomed to a happy and active social life… suddenly going bald was, simply put, the most difficult experience I ever had to endure. With my physical identity disappearing on me, and my self confidence vanishing as well, I finally faced the fact that I had to get a wig (and even the word itself was dreadful to me!)

After a horrific experience at another company I started searching on-line and found Continental Hair on YouTube. I called right away and got an appointment the same day. From my first consultation with Michael, to the quality wig I purchased, to the fantastic on-going service I receive from the team – my whole experience with Continental Hair has been absolutely superb. And given the sensitive and emotional disposition of hair loss what I am most thankful for is the sympathetic, patient, helpful, and kind nature of Michael and his team.

I am pleased to share that no one can tell I am wearing a wig. This was especially important to me since I had kept my cancer treatment a private matter from work, and even some friends. And even though I wish I didn’t have to wear a wig (a feeling that I don’t think will ever go away?) I must admit though – the wig looks great on me. (propbably even better that my natural hair!). I’ve come to terms with it now and it at least makes getting ready in the morning easier!

In closing, the experience of losing my hair and realizing that I have to wear a wig was extremely difficult and painful for me. I spent days hiding, and nights crying. But the high quality of Continental’s products, and even more important the experience and the superb customer service Of Michael and his team – Continental has definitely helped me get through a difficult challenge. I would recommend Continental Hair to anyone with hair loss, or to anyone who could use an “oomph” in their hair.

Again, a genuine thank you.

Posted in: Alopecia, Ask Michael, Chemotherapy, Guest Entry

December 13, 2011

And look at that. A guest post arrives even before I can get the Guest Post part of the blog set up. So I will set it up here.
First I will give you some background. Karen has alopecia, and so does her 9 year old daughter. She was kind enough to model for me on Marilyn Denis’ show on alopecia earlier this month. This is her blog post::

Michael,

Thanks so much to you, Jacquie, Seven, Richard and Ivana for all your support/expertise in making Ashlyn and me feel special and confident.
The friendly, warm service we have received from you and your staff has been outstanding. From the beginning with calls and arranging appointments through Ivana, to our consultations and conversations with yourself, make-up by Richard and hair trimming, styling and washing by Seven and Jacquie our experiences with Continental Hair have been most positive. Having alopecia is at times a challenge but through its challenges it has brought us in touch with so many positive people and positive experiences.
First of all, we are thankful for the “Wigs For Kids Program”. At age 5 when Ashlyn lost her hair we were very upset and so quickly wanted to make her “fit in” to society’s expectations. Thankfully your “Wigs For Kids Program” allowed for this to happen. As parents we wanted to protect our daughter and have her wear her wig but Ashlyn had other intentions. Young, child-like, and unaware of other’s perceptions she chose to be free of her wig, hats and scarves. Now, since the beginning of grade 4, she has become more self-aware and has chosen to wear her wig regularly. The longer brown wig that you provided has created a lot of delight, allowing her to create a new hairstyle and look everyday with headbands, braids, and clips. Watching Ashlyn having so much fun experimenting with her new wig and look has brought many smiles!
I too love my new wigs from Continental! They are comfortable, stylish and easy to care for on a day to day basis. I so appreciate the time Seven took to shape and trim up one wig and Jacquie who took the time to help me learn how to wash and style my second wig. Thanks so much for a fun morning!
Finally, I want to say thank-you Michael for the support you have given the Canadian Alopecia Areata Foundation (CANAAF). Living with alopecia can be a challenge for many and the work you and your staff do to create and style wigs as we as provide a positive and accepting atmosphere goes a long way to making one’s journey a much more positive experience!
Thanks so much!
Karen and Ashlyn.

Posted in: Alopecia, Ask Michael, Guest Entry, Wigs

October 2, 2011

Although I have known Michael for 5 years, I had never been to see his studio in Toronto. So when I received a phone call on a Wednesday afternoon asking me “what are you doing next Friday…we are having a photo shoot for our studio. Can you come up here and join us?” I immediately replied “YES!!!!!!!!”

Posted in: Guest Entry