A NEW clinic in a Chester salon is dedicating itself to restoring clients' self-confidence with their appearance, in particular those who are being faced with the gruelling effects of cancer treatments.

QPerfection, located in the Saks Hair salon on Upper Northgate Street, has recently launched with the aim of women finding their own version of perfection even when undergoing courses such as chemotherapy.

The new service is the brainchild of mum-of-one Claire Bedington, who has herself battled breast cancer.

Claire, who lives in Hawarden, explained how she thought chemotherapy treatment to deal with her cancer would result in losing her hair, eyebrows and lashes, and a loss in self-confidence as a result.

She said: "It was in November 2015 when I was diagnosed with breast cancer. I was 34 and had a small baby. I was petrified of the obvious effects of chemotherapy and the way I'd look; being a young woman in the public perception and doing the school run."

Claire then did some research and became aware of semi-permanent make-up, which allowed her to still have eyebrows each day without the need to draw them daily.

"It made a huge difference to my confidence and my treatment – anybody who did not know me would not have known I was going through chemotherapy," Claire added.

As a result, Claire – who previously worked for Lloyds Bank as a project manager for 18 years – looked into how she could use her experience to help others going through the same process.

She explained: "I spent a number of years dreaming about having my own clinic, somewhere that would allow me to help people gain confidence in their appearance.

"My new-found passion led me to embark on a journey that would reshape my entire future.

"I started my journey training with the UK's most esteemed permanent cosmetics academy K B Pro – 'Nouveau Beauty Group' – to become a level 4 trained permanent make-up technician."

As well as offering the make-up treatment, Claire is also willing to offer one-to-one support for women directly affected by cancer, particularly for those around her age.

"At the hospital appointments, you get advice all at once about what will happen and what you can do, but not nutrition and other things that help you get through a really gruelling part in your life," Claire said. "We can meet, say, once a month and offer services in the salon if they wish.

"Cancer is so common now and it affects so many people. They need a coping mechanism and there is so much more we can do."

Claire, mum to six-year-old son Oliver, has been able to set up the clinic at Saks Hair thanks to the salon's owner Nicola (Nikki) Hughes.

"Nikki was someone I met by chance. She has been based there for 12 years, she does hair extensions for cancer patients and helped me with my hair even though my hair was thin from chemotherapy.

"She can help people with body confidence issues, helping people find their own version of perfection.

"The cosmetics helped me through treatment and the support I got changed everything."

For more information on Claire's new QPerfection Chester clinic, visit www.qperfection.co.uk.