A HAIRDRESSING salon in the East End is offering cancer patients help in coping with hair loss. TONI&GUY in Canary Wharf is the first salon in Tower Hamlets to offer specialist advice and support on haircare to men, women and children battling with the

A HAIRDRESSING salon in the East End is offering cancer patients help in coping with hair loss.

TONI&GUY in Canary Wharf is the first salon in Tower Hamlets to offer specialist advice and support on haircare to men, women and children battling with the disease.

Luke Coster, style director at the salon in Canada Square has been trained as part of the scheme Strength in Style to help him deal with the emotional and practical issues surrounding hair loss and hair thinning.

The 34-year-old also learnt how to do wig fittings and styling, and how to give his clients - who are going through chemotherapy treatment - more confidence.

Luke who has worked in hairdressing for more than 11 years said: "The relationship between a hairdresser and client is very personal and losing your hair is very emotional.

"So it is nice for the patient if their stylist is more aware of their journey and knows the situation, so they can help them out.

"I already have a couple of clients who are receiving treatment and because it's only me who is their point of contact they know that they can maintain that confidentiality."

The special service launched with Macmillan Cancer Support, is being rolled out at 51 of the salon chains across the UK.

Sally Hill, partnership manager at Macmillan, said: "Hair loss can have a huge impact on a person undergoing cancer treatment and their relationship with a hairdresser is extremely personal.

"Strength in Style will help us in our ambition to reach and improve the lives of people affected by cancer by giving them the strength and confidence to have more good days.