OFTEN it’s not until the worst happens; when you discover that you, a family member or a friend has cancer, that you can fully comprehend what the disease entails.

In November 2012 Amanda MacTaggart was diagnosed with breast cancer and found that the worst part of the chemotherapy process was losing her hair.

Passionate about improving the situation for other women who experience hair loss, Amanda, a former hairdresser, set up the WOW for Wigbank salon in Clydebank.

It has been a huge success and Amanda was named West Dunbartonshire’s citizen of the year in 2014 in recognition of her efforts supporting people with cancer.

“The idea for the WOW salon came about because I wanted to make wigs sexy,” Amanda told the Post.

“After experiencing hair loss first-hand I knew how impersonal and alien the process could feel.

“I want people coming in for a wig to feel like they’re in a normal hairdressers. We've created quite a glam salon here because I thought women deserved more.” When the first seeds were planted to open the Wigbank — now officially changed in name to WOW Glasgow — Amanda hand-picked the girls she wanted on her team.

Looking for women who showed empathy when dealing with vulnerable people, a background of the illness whether it was cancer, alopecia or other forms of hair loss was crucial.

Despite the strong team behind her, Amanda still faced some opposition when opening the shop.

“For a new business trying to set up shop in the area, it felt like quite a closed community and hard to get into,” explained Amanda.

“The NHS came out to vet me and they were absolutely blown away. I also invited the Good Salon Guide to come in April of this year and offer us some tips on how we could achieve five star status.

“They looked all over the salon and at the staff’s qualifications and awarded us five stars on the spot. We were delighted.” Amanda has also received support from Dalmuir Park Housing Association (DPHA) and director Pat Gilbride is delighted to get behind the inspirational project.

“Amanda has created something from nothing,” Pat said.

“In Dalmuir we now have a first-rate facility providing invaluable support and dignity for a large sector of our community, particularly women fighting cancer.

“DPHA is pleased to be associated with the Wigbank team and to provide any support we can.” It is the personal touches that also sets WOW Glasgow apart.

Their ‘box of strength’ offered to women through fundraising efforts comes packed with items they may need during chemotherapy but are often not told about, including toothpaste, vaseline and moisturiser.

Amanda’s mobile number is also placed in the box in case anyone should need an understanding ear.

The testimonials from Amanda’s clients sum up the positive effect the WOW salon has on people undergoing chemotherapy or other forms of hair loss.

Working closely with the Little Princess Trust, Amanda and her dedicated team fit and style children in need of wigs.

Small things like the feeling of strands of hair blowing across your face and what to do with your hair when you put your coat on are wonderful experiences for a child who has lost their hair.

Whether through chemotherapy or Trichotillomania — a compulsive disorder where a person feels compelled to pull their hair out — children are benefiting from the personal service on offer at WOW Glasgow.

“I’m not a business woman; I’m winging this. But you know what? It’s working,” beams Amanda.

“Every girl that works in the salon — they swing their legs out of bed to get here. We all love it and whilst it might sound cheesy, each of us know we’re making a difference every day.”