Angelline Smalls has long been a champion of cancer patients. The stylist, who owns An’Tyrice Salon and Spa in Poughkeepsie and Wappingers Falls, creates custom wigs for those who have lost their hair due to cancer treatments. But her brand, dubbed Wigs by Angelline, are not just any old wigs — they’re made from the patients’ own hair. And now she’s expanded the line to include children — right on the heels of September’s childhood cancer awareness month.
Patients of any age can participate — there is no minimum; the only requirement is that they have at least 10 inches of hair. If their manes aren’t that long, Smalls taps into her other line of hair extensions and wigs, Get Jealous, for more locks. Kids’ wigs cost between $400 and $900 — about 10 percent less than the adult sizes.
When clients approach Smalls, she first helps them determine how they should style the wig. Then she measures the client’s head and gives her a cute pixie cut. They often lose their hair to chemotherapy or other treatments while the wig is being manufactured, but the wigs usually arrive just in time. The specially designed coifs feature a breathable lace so the client’s scalp doesn’t overheat and adjustable straps to keep it from slipping off or becoming too tight.
Thanks to the wigs, those suffering from the disease can feel a little bit like themselves again.
