Let’s Talk About It
Hair, health, chemo, and the people who keep me going
I’m starting a new series called Let’s Talk About It where I answer some questions I get from you through Instagram – but feel free to ask here in the comments as well!
Personal & Background
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What inspired you to start writing on Substack, and what do you hope readers take away from it?
I wanted a place where I could share honestly—about my home renovation, recipes, inspiration, and now this unexpected cancer journey. My hope is that people find something useful, comforting, or even just a moment of connection in what I share.
How has your journey in hair, wellness, and home shaped who you are today?
Hair has probably shaped me the most. I come from a long lineage of hairstylists. My sister does hair. My dad used to do it. My aunt and uncle both did it, and my grandmother came from a family of eight kids—six of whom did hair. Her father went on a boat from Poland to England at the age of 13 and ended up working at an undertaker’s before becoming a barber. Hair is literally in my blood.
I’ve worked in the hair industry my whole life, and after opening my own salon in 2008, cooking and wellness became a real joy and a point of relaxation from the busyness of running a salon. During COVID, I went to culinary school and the Institute for Integrative Nutrition, and later launched a website with recipes I had developed. After taking a long break from hair to pursue other things, I felt a calling earlier this year to go back. It has brought me so much joy to be in a salon again. I love working at Flore Salon—the owners, the team, and especially the clients. I adore connecting with people, making them feel beautiful, and learning from them. All of these elements—hair, wellness, food, family—have shaped who I am today.
What’s one pivotal moment in your life that completely shifted your perspective?
Getting married and having children. My family has taught me patience, love, and the importance of community. They’ve taught me to be present, to love unconditionally, to accept when I’m wrong, and to stay open to other ideas.
Health & Healing
Yesterday was your first chemo—how are you feeling, and what has surprised you most so far?
I feel good. The day was very long—over 12 hours. Last night was hard. I had terrible stomach pains and struggled to sleep because of the steroids they give you during chemo (which stay in your system for a couple of days). I also did cold capping and used frozen eye masks to try and save my eyelashes and eyebrows, plus frozen gloves and socks to hopefully prevent neuropathy.
What is neuropathy, and how do freezing gloves and socks help during chemo?
Neuropathy is a side effect of chemo that can cause numbness or pain in your fingers and toes. It can be long-lasting and really debilitating. Because I rely on my hands for cutting hair and spend so much time on my feet, it’s important to me to do everything I can to prevent it. By wearing freezing gloves and socks during chemo, the cold narrows the blood vessels and slows circulation, which helps reduce how much chemo reaches the nerves in those areas. It’s uncomfortable, but worth it if it means protecting my ability to do the work I love.
What does cold capping do, and how does it actually work?
Chemo targets areas where cells divide rapidly, which is why it’s effective against cancer. But cells in the scalp also divide rapidly, which is why hair loss happens. Cold capping uses a device that freezes the scalp, slowing blood flow to that area and reducing the amount of chemo that reaches the hair follicles.
Results vary. If you get chemo weekly, you have a better chance of keeping your hair. I’m on an every-three-weeks cycle, which makes hair loss more likely. Nothing is guaranteed, but I’m hoping cold capping helps me keep as much as possible. I cut my hair before starting chemo so I’d feel less attached to the outcome. If I lose a lot, I’ll cut it shorter. If I keep it, I’ll stay at this length. No point in being attached to something that isn’t serving me.
What are the hardest parts of chemo that people might not expect?
The waiting. Having health issues has taught me patience. Everything takes a long time, and I’m learning to slow down and accept it. I also get tired of hearing myself complain. When friends ask how I’m doing, I don’t want to keep talking about the bad parts. That’s something I hope I can work on in the coming weeks.
Support & Relationships
How have friends and family shown up for you in ways that have been most helpful?
It’s been incredible to see how people have shown up in ways I never imagined. At the very beginning, a dear friend suggested starting a meal train so people could sign up to bring us food. That has taken such a weight off day-to-day life, and I’m so grateful. Every flower arrangement, meal, and thoughtful gift has been moving and has made this journey so much easier.
What advice would you give to someone who wants to support a loved one going through chemo?
There are so many ways to support: check in, offer to drive them to appointments, sit with them during infusions, send cozy socks or a warm blanket (which by the way, this electric blanket changed my life). Food is huge—it takes one big thing off the list. Just being a friend and showing you care is meaningful.
What does community mean to you right now?
So much. New friends, old friends, and even the community I’ve built on Instagram. I’ve been blown away by the messages I get from people all over the world. Some have even gone to the doctor because of my story and discovered their own health issues early. That means the world to me.
Lifestyle & Everyday
What little rituals or comforts are helping you get through this chapter?
Self-care has changed for me. Now it’s the small things: weekly acupuncture, IV fluids post-chemo to stay hydrated, salt water rinses for oral health, red light therapy, and lots of rest. Eating clean and staying hydrated is key.
Has your style changed at all since your new health journey?
Silver lining. I have lost 20lb (but started to gain a little back) so everything in my closet that did not fit me before, fits now. Here are some of my favorite clothes that I have been living in right now:
What foods, recipes, or drinks are you leaning on during treatment?
I’ve been making a mineral broth from my friend Chloe—it’s been a lifesaver after chemo. Lots of smoothies, water, tea, and my go-to green soup from my website.
What’s bringing you joy on the days when things feel heavy?
Talking with the people I love. And reminding myself that rest is a form of healing. Doing nothing is, in fact, self-care.
Reflections & Looking Ahead
What are you most hopeful for in the months ahead?
Getting back into the salon, doing hair again, and being open to whatever’s next for me. Also moving into the new house—and especially the new kitchen—so I can cook, create new recipes, and share the food I love to cook and eat.
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Essential I’ve Needed Lately
Comfort Clothing
Accessories
Clean Beauty
Nutrition
Cookbooks
Lovely & useful post Leanne. The thing I found most useful when going through chemo was the meal train my friends had organised, such a relief not to have to think about cooking & meal planning whilst feeling unwell. In fact, 8 months post chemo I really miss food being left on my doorstep 🤣🤣
Sending love xx
You're the strongest. xx