Extend financial support for hair loss to those affected by eating disorders – Higgins

Financial support for people affected by hair loss should be extended to those who lose hair through eating disorders, a Fine Gael TD has said.

A grant of up to €500 towards the cost of a wig or a hairpiece is available to people suffering from hair loss as a direct result of illness such as alopecia or treatment for an illness such as chemotherapy.

Deputy Emer Higgins said, “Hair is so important to many people in terms of their identity and confidence.

“Hair loss can be a traumatic side effect of illness or treatment for illness and people often feel they’ve lost part of themselves and their identity. I raised this issue in the Dáil recently, asking for consideration of a grant towards wigs that would improve people’s quality of life.

“I commend my colleague, Minister Heather Humphreys, for introducing a new financial support for people affected by hair loss due to illness or treatment of illness, to purchase wigs. I believe this grant should now also be made available to those who suffer hair loss as a result of mental health issues like eating disorders such as anorexia.

“Conditions like alopecia result in long-term hair loss. Given that the wigs range in price from €1,000- €1,500 and have to be replaced every 12 months, it has been confirmed to me that this grant will not be limited to a one-off payment which is very welcome. It’s important that people who need to use a wig, can access good quality and comfortable options regularly,” Deputy Higgins concluded.