Selling wigs is more than an money making venture for those at Antonietta May Cosmetology Salon and Wigs in Sharon.

"It's not just a business, but a ministry with us," Mrs. May said of her 902 E. State St. establishment's service.

"We pray with customers; we take them through the bad times. We want to help their needs," she said.

Mrs. May said she and salon cosmetologist Penny Jones are interested in more than just a customer's outward appearance. "We're looking at the overall look and personality. We're part of the 'Look good, Feel Good' program offered usually through American Cancer Society. We're dealing with more than with just the outside."

The salon began offering wigs 15 years ago when some patrons diagnosed with cancer began experiencing chemotherapy-induced hair loss.

"When our own customers approached us about where they could get a wig, we started to carry them," said Mrs. May. "At all times in the salon, I keep 100 to 200 wigs. We have a variety of wigs and ethnic wigs."

Many customers come in prior to losing their hair, according to Mrs. May. "The main thing is to get a good fit," she said.

Some order their wigs over the phone, but the majority of arrangements are done in person. "I have also gone on calls," said Mrs. May. "I have gone to their homes. I have gone to hospitals, nursing homes and -- unfortunately -- funeral homes."

In that situation, Mrs. May said she takes several wigs along. "A lot of times, they have a photo so we can see what the deceased's hair looked like."

Wig producers who supply wigs exclusively to salons keep up with the latest styles, Mrs. May said. "They pattern them after movie stars and famous people," she said.

While companies change their styles and colors according to trends and seasons, Mrs. May said there are some traditional offerings. "The companies always have some that will never change," she said.

Dermafix is among the wig lines available in the salon. "They are designed for chemotherapy patients," she said "The reason for that is, really, the hair loss is the worst trauma."

Upon reaching body temperature, strips around the wig's interior allow it to adhere to the scalp without use of tape or adhesives. "They are very light, and people don't have to worry about them coming off, which can be another trauma." said Mrs. May.

Not all wigs sold at the salon are used by chemotherapy patients or those who have experienced hair loss, said Mrs. May.

"A lot of people use them just simply for a bad hair day, for traveling or for a different look. The wigs are a fashion statement and not necessarily for those who need them," she said.

Mrs. May and Ms. Jones have trained in caring for wigs by taking courses in Youngstown, Cleveland, Akron and Pittsburgh.

"We learned to cut and fit them and not just to put them on," said Mrs. May. "Very few people go out (of the store) without having them cut. Being a cosmetologist makes a difference because we already know how to cut. The wigs just help them to have more confidence."

The salon offers wigs in sizes including very ultra petite, long, shoulder length and very long. "Those are just the full wigs," she said. "We do have three-quarter caps and additions. You can add hair in with your own hair. Short to medium and very petite are among our most popular wig styles."

Mrs. May said wigs can cost $100 or more and cautions against ordering a wig from a catalog.

"The size isn't right or the color looks different," she said. "We, as cosmetologists, fit them. We can make them look larger and smaller to fit their heads. With chemotherapy patients, we suggest light and bright and adding a little more makeup."

Seeing is believing when it comes to purchasing a wig, according to Mrs. May. "We always suggest that a customer brings someone in with them," she said. "We like the whole family involved."

For more information, contact Antonietta May Cosmetology Salon and Wigs can be reached by calling (724) 981-9733.

You can e-mail Herald Staff Writer Lisa Mehler at lmehler@sharonherald.com