For Umhlanga-based hairstylist Drew Christie, hairdressing has always been about more than scissors and colour. It’s about transformation, confidence and connection – but one experience shifted his focus to a very special part of his craft: supporting people facing cancer.
Over two decades behind the chair, Drew has learned that hair can be far more than a cosmetic concern, it can be a lifeline. His salon has become a sanctuary for clients navigating life’s big transitions: weddings, funerals, graduations, heartbreaks and increasingly, the challenges of hair loss during illness.
“A salon becomes a sanctuary where people can clear out the clutter of their minds and souls,” he says. “It is often in those pivotal moments that the stylist becomes a crucial part of the journey. We are the transitional coaches, helping people step confidently into the next chapter of their lives.”
But it was a single encounter that changed the course of Drew’s career.
Years ago, a 16-year-old girl came to him ahead of chemotherapy, sitting nervously with her mother.
“What can we do?” they asked.
Drew did not have an immediate answer, but he promised to find a solution. The first wig he sourced became the start of a new chapter in his work. “When her wig arrived, we shared a deep bond as we cut and styled it together. She was brave and beautiful, and she changed my life.”
Since then, Drew has dedicated himself to customised wigs and hair solutions, recognising that hair loss – whether from cancer treatment, alopecia or other conditions – affects people regardless of age, race or gender. He has studied under mentors, attended courses locally and internationally, and honed his craft to ensure each client feels seen, supported and empowered.
“As cancer rates continue to rise, the prospect of hair loss during treatment can be one of the most daunting parts of the journey.”
Drew approaches the emotional side of hair loss with honesty and compassion.
“Every hair loss story carries a unique solution waiting to be uncovered,” he says. “Hair loss can be an empowering catalyst, enabling you to create the luxurious locks you have always dreamed of, unconstrained by genetics, age or health challenges. In this journey, no possibility is off the table. You hold the reins.”
Recently, he cut off a client’s ponytail to create a wig for her best friend undergoing cancer treatment, a moment he calls “deeply moving” and one he felt honoured to be part of.
Beyond hair-loss support, Drew also offers expert hairdressing services for all hair types and is proud to own a fully inclusive salon. This has been especially meaningful for multi-racial families, as well as parents learning to care for hair textures different from their own.
Book a free consultation
Mention this article when booking, and Drew will offer a complimentary 45-minute consultation to explore your personal aesthetic goals and hair options in a welcoming, empathetic environment.
Details: Evolve Hair & Salon; Shop 23A, The Lighthouse Mall, 14 Chartwell Drive, Umhlanga Rocks; 065 674 7240; IG: @evolvehairandsalon
