Today we’d like to introduce you to Katherine Fagan.
Katherine, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
Every morning, long before my first appointment arrives at my State College shop, I wake up excited to meet the day’s clients. As owner of The Hair Lady Wig Shop, helping women with “alternative hair” is not just my business—it’s a calling.
I live for the moment when I help a woman find the perfect wig or topper. It genuinely gives me goosebumps. Every. Single. Time. Seeing a woman look in the mirror and completely regain her confidence is the most rewarding feeling in the world. This is the driving force behind my home-based studio, which welcomes women with hair loss from across Central Pennsylvania and beyond.
A Career Built on Helping Others
While I’ve had a lifelong desire to be a hair stylist, my journey to the beauty industry took a scenic route. I spent nearly 20 years working in healthcare and human services marketing before returning to school to become a special education teacher. As an educator, I loved advocating for students, nurturing their unique strengths, and guiding them toward independence.
Life shifted unexpectedly during my third year of teaching when my sons’ father was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. I resigned to support my boys through this difficult time. When I finally prepared to return to the classroom, fate intervened: I came across an article about the original owner of The Hair Lady Wig Shop, who was retiring and searching for the perfect successor.
We met and instantly clicked. I was so excited because I realized I’d finally almost be a hairstylist! But more importantly, I felt I’d found a meaningful way to give back. This community held my sons and me in its embrace through their father’s illness, and I wanted to do the same for others – especially those going through cancer treatment.
The former owner apprenticed me, teaching me the business from the ground up. Today, I continue to take master classes from top manufacturers to stay at the cutting edge of the industry. I am a certified wig specialist—yes, there really is such a thing! I absolutely love teaching my clients about this fascinating and complex world of “alternative hair”.
The Power of a Private Sanctuary
Though I have occasionally contemplated opening a traditional storefront or sharing a commercial salon space, my clients consistently steer me away from the idea. For women navigating hair loss due to chemotherapy, alopecia, or genetics, the privacy of my home studio is irreplaceable. Many clients don’t tell their co-workers, friends, or even family that they’ve had a cancer diagnosis or that they wear alternative hair. They don’t want to be seen walking into a wig shop.
By operating entirely by appointment from my home, I ensure confidentiality. Clients never have to worry about onlookers, public storefronts, or interruptions. Instead, they find a welcoming boutique experience backed by a massive inventory. I stock a selection of more than 350 wigs and hair toppers, and partner with every major North American manufacturer. This allows my clients to touch, try on, and customize various styles, lengths, and colors in real-time to find their exact match.
Overcoming the Hesitation: “Just Take that First Step”
For many women, booking that very first appointment can be the hardest part of the journey. Admitting to yourself that you are ready to look at alternative hair often comes with a wave of vulnerability, anxiety, and fear of the unknown. I understand this hesitation deeply, and my entire process is designed to completely remove the pressure.
I know how scary it can be to take that first step and pick up the phone. Many women tell me they sat staring at my website for weeks before finally messaging me. But I promise you, there is no judgment here, no rush, and absolutely no pressure to buy. You don’t have to navigate this alone, and you don’t have to look in the mirror and feel unhappy anymore. We can just sit, have a cup of coffee, look at the options together, and figure out what makes you feel like you again.
Compassion, Understanding, and a Side of Laughter
Navigating hair loss is often an intensely emotional journey, but my goal is to strip away the stress and replace it with confidence. My ultimate reward is helping a client find a flattering style that makes her feel like herself again when she looks in the mirror, offering a little emotional “lift” every time she puts it on.
My consultations are rooted in empathy, but they are also filled with lightheartedness, and a healthy dose of humor. The greatest compliment I’ve received recently was from a client who said, ‘Wow, I feel like I’ve just been visiting with a friend—and happened to buy a wig.”
In a region where specialized “alternative hair” shops are few and far between, I’m happy to be able to provide a lifeline. I strive to welcome everyone warmly, guide them gently, and send them back into the world with renewed confidence. (And yes, I am a self-proclaimed hugger—though I promise to always ask permission first!)
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Operating a specialized boutique in Central PA comes with its own unique hurdles. In a spread-out, rural region, getting the word out to women who are secretly struggling with hair loss can be difficult. Because “alternative hair” is so deeply personal, traditional marketing feels wrong. My biggest challenge is building broad regional awareness while strictly protecting the quiet, confidential sanctuary my clients rely on. Balancing growth with the absolute need to maintain a highly personalized, intimate, one-on-one experience takes careful intention. I never want to lose the magic of treating every visitor like a dear friend.
Do you have any memories from childhood that you can share with us?
My mom had a very fancy friend — the most glamorous woman I’d ever known. She was a strikingly beautiful with a colorful past and a jet set lifestyle. When my mom and I moved across the country, she would come visit us every year. During one visit, I snuck into her room to look at her jewelry. When I opened the door, I was stunned: on the dresser, on a styrofoam head, was a wig! It took every ounce of will power (for a week) not to try it on. Little did I know one day I’d by buying wigs by the hundreds!
Pricing:
- $200+
Contact Info:
- Website: https://thehairladyshop.com
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HairLadyStateCollege
