Hair loss from chemotherapy is a devastating ordeal, especially for women who may experience it as an attack on their image and femininity. To help them overcome this dreaded hair loss, Anne Retailleau, a former hairdresser and wig maker, created “Les Pas d’Chichi”: hairpieces made with the hair of cancer patients. Light on this precious and clever invention.
During the winter of 2020, as she prepares to celebrate her 40th birthday, Anne Retailleau learns that she is suffering from double breast cancer.“Of a positive and combative nature, my primary concern is how I will get through the treatment and how I can act to make it easier for me to live with”the fighter tells POSITIVR.
“Keep a good self-image”
After this spicy announcement, the first chemotherapy sessions come. And despite the difficult side effects to live with, Anne continues to smile and want to fight for maintain a good self-image. “Inevitable hair loss is becoming my obsession. Finding a solution to their disappearance will be my hobbyhorse.Concerned about seeing her radiant image reflected in the eyes of others, she studies all the solutions available to her, such as synthetic wigs and hairpieces. But it is unsuccessful. “None of these solutions guarantee the relief of recognizing myself and finding my identity quickly.”
To deal with her image, Anne Retailleau decides to cut her hair before it falls out. Objective ? make a natural hair prosthesis† Mission accomplished since she managed to bluff her entourage and even doubt her oncologist who is surprised her hair hasn’t fallen out yet. For the fighter, this hairpiece quickly became an essential attribute to more serenely endure the ordeal of treatment.
“The hair prosthesis, made with my own hair, gives me back my confidence, the confidence needed to continue my adventure. The prosthesis is an element of identity, an aesthetic landmark that also reassures the people around me and supports me on a daily basis.”
What is “Les Pas d’Chichi”?
Anne Retailleau then came up with the idea to market her invention to bring a smile back to women who, like her, lost their hair after chemotherapy or another illness (such as alopecia). A beautiful project that came about after weeks of working with different textile and hairdressing professionals, as well as an experimental phase with models. Thus “Les Pas d’Chichi” was born, a partial hair prosthesis made with the patient’s own hair and accompanied by a turban.
“Les Pas d’Chichi” be made in Vendee, in the municipality of Les Herbiers. Once the hair is received, Anne and her team attach it to a hair band made of Oeko-Text fabrics, a label that guarantees the absence of harmful substances. The hairpieces are then sent to customers wearing a turban in the color of their choice.
For Anne Retailleau and the whole team “Les Pas d’Chichi” the goal is to:helping women to be themselves during the chemotherapy treatment period. “Staying yourself and finding yourself beautiful with YOUR hair is important. That’s why we wanted to make this invention available to all the women who need it!”
Staying yourself despite illness
You learn that you are going to lose your hair and you want to receive your hairpiece? So just order it here. Once this step is completed, go to your hairdresser or cut your hair yourself by following these fun tutorials and/or this technical sheet that have been put at your disposal. Then send it to us with the delivery note supplied with the order. Anne Retailleau and her team will do the rest!
On the maintenance side “he doesn’t ask” no specific or additional care† Continue with the one you used to put on your hair” Anne explains it to us. Wash your hair, dry it and style it like you always have (you can find a tutorial here). Only recommendation to avoid unpleasant surprises: never put your hairpiece in the washing machine or dryer!
For more information about “Les Pas d’Chichi”, turn right here.