NORTH-EAST start-up The Wonderful Wig Company is picking up awards for its work. Founded by hairdresser Nicola Wood, it offers both wigs and hairstyling to help people regain their confidence and self-esteem during hair-loss.

After just two years of trading, the work done by Nicola and her team in supporting those affected by hair-loss has seen them recognised in the Great British Entrepreneur Awards and the North-East Business Woman of the Year Awards, amongst others.

"I’m incredibly proud of what we have been able to achieve in such a short space of time," says Nicola. “I founded The Wonderful Wig Company because I wanted to help people access good quality wigs and up-to-date hairdressing. Eight million women in the UK have hair-loss, and often you don’t just lose your hair, but your identity and sense of self. We help people to feel fantastic again, by giving them an experience – not just a wig.”

The string of awards ends what has been a successful year for the Sunderland-based company, who recently opened a second premises in Jesmond, Newcastle. An online store is following soon.

“We also operate a Wig Bank where unwanted wigs can be sent to us," says Nicola. "We refurbish them and make them available free to those who need them. Waiting for wig prescription can take a while, for example, so a free wig can be a lifesaver to many. I’d like to expand this offer in 2020.”

  • Be the Face of The Wonderful Wig Company: the team are looking for someone to be “The Face of…” for 2020. The winner will receive four wigs worth up to £8,000 as well as the opportunity to work with the business. Visit http://wonderfulwigs.co.uk/competition/ to find out more.