New Hair Salon Offers Confidence, Care and Community
Adam Downey • 1 September 2025

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A project designed to help community organisations test new ideas and expand their reach.

Cancer Aid Merthyr Tydfil has been able to open the doors to a brand-new hair salon thanks to support from the Breaking Barriers Fund – a project designed to help community organisations test new ideas and expand their reach.


The salon, based at Cancer Aid’s centre in Dowlais, provides a unique and much-needed service: free, one-to-one hair appointments for anyone affected by cancer. From wig fittings and restyling, to specialist advice on hair loss and scalp care, the salon offers a calm, private space where people can feel comfortable and supported.


During the summer holidays, the team even ran a series of back-to-school haircuts for children – with every appointment helping to fund the continuation of one-to-one salon sessions for patients.


“It’s not just about hair – it’s about confidence, dignity and wellbeing,” explains stylist Donna, who runs the service. “For many people, cancer treatment changes the way they feel about themselves. We want to help them feel more like ‘them’ again.”


A Service for Patients – and the Wider Community


All cancer-related salon services are completely free of charge for registered patients, but the team is also opening its doors through fundraising clinics. These work exactly like a regular salon appointment, with the same calm, quiet environment – but with the added benefit that proceeds go directly back into supporting Cancer Aid’s services.


Appointments are available every Thursday, offering:

 

  • Dry cuts
  • Wash & blow dry
  • Cut & blow dry
  • Hair up / styling
  • Men’s barbering services
  • Wig support (fitting, cutting, washing)
  • Hair, hair loss and scalp care advice

 


Importantly, the salon does not offer chemical treatments such as colours or perms – keeping the focus on wellbeing, confidence, and practical support.




Here's a video tour of the new salon! The video was taken by Cancer Aid Merthyr Tydfil and upload to their Facebook page. Please visit their page to keep updated on the salon and other services they offer within Merthyr Tydfil!

@CancerAidMerthyrTydfil

Simple to Book


Anyone affected by cancer can register with Cancer Aid Merthyr and access the salon completely free of charge. Members of the public can also book into fundraising clinics to help sustain the service.


📞 To book, call 01685 379633

📧 Or email info@canceraidmerthyr.co.uk


About the Breaking Barriers Fund


The new salon has been made possible through support from our Breaking Barriers Fund, a grant delivered by the Coalfields Regeneration Trust in partnership with Macmillan Cancer Support. The fund exists to help community groups and organisations across Cwm Taf Morgannwg & Aneurin Bevan UHB coalfield areas, test new ideas, create local services, and offer practical and emotional support to people impacted by cancer.


Do you have an idea for a project that could make a difference? Whether it’s a new service, an activity, or a way of reaching people in your community, we want to hear from you.


👉 Click here to share your project idea

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