That privacy includes a dedicated consultation room, advanced diagnostic scalp camera and Oxygen Therapy, and a tailored range of hair loss solutions to suit every stage - from early thinning to full loss. The salon specialises in medical wigs, wigs, enhancers, mesh integration, RenewU systems, and T-PARN permanent pieces - all customised for the client’s comfort, lifestyle, and budget. “There’s no one-size-fits-all here,” says Andrea. “Every woman’s journey is different, and we make sure we meet her exactly where she’s at.” Clients are travelling from far and wide - some from Dublin, Belfast and beyond - to visit Romaya. It’s not just because of the affordable alternatives to big-city prices. It’s the atmosphere that makes all the difference. “We’ve had women say they were dreading having to go into a large clinic when they felt their worst,” Andrea explains. “But here, it’s welcoming and private. You’re not rushed. You’re understood.” And while hair loss might be the initial concern, the impact goes much deeper. One young mum, battling cancer, travelled from Belfast to Romaya with a photo of her old hairstyle. “She didn’t tell her family she was coming, not even her mum, because she knew she’d get emotional,” Andrea shares. “We recreated her exact look. That night, she went to her husband’s 50th birthday party looking and feeling like herself again.” Another client, after losing her husband and her confidence, now attends a weekly social club, something she hadn’t done in years. “It’s those small differences that mean everything to us,” Andrea says. And it’s not only cancer or alopecia. The salon is seeing a rise in women affected by post-COVID hair loss, hormonal changes, stress, menopause, and rapid weight loss from medical treatments or diet injections. “Hair loss can happen for so many reasons,” says Andrea. “But what’s changed is that women are talking about it more, and there are solutions.” That’s where Romaya truly shines. They offer options for every level of hair loss. “We’re not a one-trick pony,” Andrea adds. “It’s not just wigs. Some women require long-term systems, while others prefer flexibility. We’ve got it all here.” Romaya’s support goes beyond the salon chair. Each year, they choose two individuals to receive a fully
sponsored hair loss solution, with the entire cost covered by the salon. “This isn’t PR, it’s something we feel really strongly about,” says Andrea. “There are people, especially children and young adults, who simply wouldn’t be able to access this otherwise.” This year’s first recipient is Joel, a brave young boy who was diagnosed with a brain tumour. “When Joel first came in, he was quiet and reserved,” Andrea remembers. “But when he saw his new hair system, he lit up. His confidence transformed right in front of us.” Towards the end of the year, Romaya will choose a second recipient, possibly a young girl currently undergoing treatment or a child affected by alopecia. “Helping kids is the hardest but most rewarding part of what we do,” Andrea adds. “We’ve had some heartbreaking cases, but if we can change that story for even one child, it’s worth everything.” Romaya also offers flexible appointments, including evenings, for those juggling hospital visits or full- time work. “We’ll always try to work around the person,” says Andrea. “This isn’t a standard beauty treatment; this is about restoring a sense of normality.” That normality, for many, means more than just looking in the mirror. It’s about regaining identity, confidence, and strength. “I honestly feel privileged to do this work,” Andrea says quietly. “To be trusted by someone at their most vulnerable, whether they’ve lost their hair, their health, or just their confidence, that’s not something we ever take for granted. It’s not just about hair… It’s about helping someone feel like themselves again. And that means everything.” Romaya Hair Specialists, 25c Railway Road, Coleraine. Tel: 028 7032 9925 Find them on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok.
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