The Beauty of Support
Talking hair, culture and cancer in Black women's hairdressers
We want to encourage our community to talk about cancer and ask for the free resources available from Macmillan.
Research indicates that Black women are less like to go for breast cancer screening and more likely to be diagnosed with breast cancer at a later stage than many other women.
Let’s change that by talking about cancer.
This video introduces the Beauty of Support project: an initiative in South East London which aims to start conversations about cancer between Black women and their hairdressers to break down taboos and help people access support.
The project was developed by Macmillan using insights from focus groups with women from African and Caribbean backgrounds and Black hairdressers.
About the Beauty of Support project
From our focus groups we found cancer can be a taboo topic in some Black communities. Whether that is talking about a cancer diagnosis with family or sharing advice about where to get help.
The good news is that cancers that are diagnosed at an earlier stage have better survival rates due to different treatment options being available. By raising awareness and learning from each other we can make a difference through the power of sharing.
We decided to launch the Beauty of Support project in hairdressers as we know they can be a comfortable space at the heart of the community for a lot of Black women.
It is a place where people can talk about family, relationships and sex - so why not cancer?
"Sometimes when I go to my hairdressers it's very social and it's very relaxed and I'm going there like a lot of women to make myself look good and feel good when I come out." Janet
How can talking and sharing experiences make a difference?
Talking about cancer and having relatable information in familiar settings like salons can help to break down taboos and misinformation.
Sharing experiences can help reduce anxiety around things like attending breast cancer screening appointments. This can help people get diagnosed earlier.
We have created resources to help encourage conversations about breast cancer awareness, where to get support if you are affected by cancer, and information for hairdressers who want to be part of the change.
Resources for Black women about cancer
Information about the impacts of cancer
Other organisations who can help
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Black Women RisingBlack Women Rising is a UK charity which was set up by community champion Leanne Pero. It offers vital help, information and practical advice for people of colour who have been diagnosed with cancer. Projects include coffee mornings and peer support groups, a weekly podcast, blog and pamper events.
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Cancer Hair Care
The Cancer Hair Care website has videos and guidance about afro hair including hair loss during treatment, wigs and talking to children about hair loss.
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DChanger community meet-upsDChanger is a small organisation in London that is committed to supporting people who are battling cancer, especially BAME, through the provision of befriending, advice, signposting and counselling service. They run workshops on various types of cancer, delivered by professionals such as Oncologists, Cancer nurses, dietician etc. They also run a monthly meetup session, providing a safe environment where members can share their experience, forge friendships and build support networks. DChanger also organise outings and get-togethers (including a Christmas outing) for members.
As a Christian organisation, they organise monthly prayer meetings where members are encouraged through collective prayers. -
Look Better, Feel GoodLook Better, Feel Good offer online and in-person wellbeing workshops and classes about skin care, hair care, wigs and headwear, and make-up for people living with cancer.
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Wigs for Heroes
Wigs for Heroes is a London based charity with a mission to support people undergoing cancer treatment in the local communities in the UK. This could be in the form of a wig grant, pamper bags, cancer support workshops, events/meet ups, online support groups, coffee club socials or via helpful online resources and video tutorials.
Are you a hairdresser?
If you want to get involved in the Beauty of Support project or you have any questions, please get in touch with Janet Clarke, Engagement Lead for Southeast London.
