SCOTTSBLUFF, Neb., – “Emma’s Closet.” The name rings of something special, and indeed it is.

Emma’s Closet is a salon dedicated to helping women who experience hair loss. The little shop located at Regional West’s Cancer Treatment Center offers new and gently used wigs, scarves, hats, and turbans to help women look good and feel better. It’s special because it’s run on a free or donation only basis. Contributions are donated to the Festival of Hope.

Hair loss is one of the most distressing things a woman may experience. According to one study, cancer patients ranked hair loss as the second most severe side effect from chemotherapy. As sociologist Rose Weitz, author of Rapunzel’s Daughters: What Women’s Hair Tells Us about Women’s Lives explains: “We use our hair to project our identity and others see our hair as a reflection of our identity.” But cancer treatment isn’t the only cause of hair loss in women. Lupus, alopecia, medications, thyroid conditions, and other conditions may cause hair loss. Emma’s Closet helps women of all income levels cope with their hair loss.

Emma’s Closet was established through a generous donation from a retired store owner who wished to remain anonymous. Approximately 40 to 50 wigs in different colors, styles, and lengths are displayed at any one time, with more awaiting their turn at styling. Volunteer cosmetologists wash, dry, and style each donated wig before putting it on display.

Any woman experiencing hair loss for medical reasons can shop at Emma’s Closet; there are no income limitations and referrals are not required.

Emma’s Closet is open Monday-Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. For more information, call the Cancer Treatment Center at 308-630-1348.

Regional West Health Services is the parent company for Regional West Medical Center and Regional West Physicians Clinic. These organizations, with over 1,800 employees, provide comprehensive and innovative health care services for the people and communities of western Nebraska and the neighboring states of Colorado, South Dakota and Wyoming. With over 110 active physicians, 95 percent of whom are board certified or board eligible, plus an additional 25 consulting specialists, the Regional West family of health care organizations offers care that spans more than 30 medical specialties.