About Oncology Aesthetics & Wellness (OAW), and the Hair With A Cause Non-Profit Foundation
Oncology Aesthetics & Wellness (OAW) was created for a moment no woman is ever fully prepared for, the moment of diagnosis, when everything changes and the question becomes, “What now?”
OAW is a luxury, medically-adjacent destination for restorative hair, aesthetics, and wellness, designed exclusively for women navigating cancer and medical hair loss. We exist to bridge the gap between clinical care and personal identity, supporting not only the physical side effects of treatment, but the emotional and aesthetic impact that often goes unaddressed.
Our work began in 2016 as Hair With A Cause, where we specialized in hair extensions for women experiencing chemotherapy-related hair loss. Through this work, we developed a close understanding of the complexities women face during treatment, with hair loss being just one part of a much larger experience that impacts confidence, self-image, and overall well-being.
In 2022, Hair With A Cause evolved into Oncology Aesthetics & Wellness, expanding into a comprehensive, all-inclusive model of care that aligns with the medical journey while addressing the aesthetic and wellness needs that arise before, during, and after treatment.
Today, Hair With A Cause continues as our philanthropic arm, helping expand access to restorative hair services for women who may need additional support, and enabling deeper partnerships with hospitals and care providers.
We take a structured, stage-based approach, supporting women through Pre, During, and Post Chemotherapy, with services designed to integrate seamlessly alongside oncology care.
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OAW | Wigs
Custom-designed, precisely fitted human hair wigs created prior to treatment, tailored to each client’s identity, lifestyle, and preferences.
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OAW | CPR Program™
Our signature Cut, Preserve, Reattach program prepares clients for natural hair preservation and restoration once treatment is complete.
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OAW | Hair With A Cause
Our philanthropic arm, expanding access to restorative hair services for women navigating cancer and medical hair loss. Through hospital partnerships, funding, and direct support, we help ensure more women receive the care, confidence, and continuity they deserve.
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OAW | Boutique
A curated selection of clinically-conscious, restorative products, including surgical garments and scalp and skin care, designed to support a more personalized, elevated, and medically-aligned experience.
As OAW grows, we plan to expand into aesthetics and wellness services in the coming years, further supporting the whole person, body, mind, and spirit, throughout the cancer journey.
What defines OAW is not only what we provide, but how we provide it. Our environment is intentionally designed to feel calm, private, and elevated, offering a sense of control and dignity during a time when so much can feel uncertain. Our team works with precision, discretion, and compassion, ensuring each client receives personalized care that honors both their medical journey and personal identity.
What began as Hair With A Cause has grown into a new standard of care, one that recognizes beauty, wellness, and emotional well-being as essential components of healing.
At OAW, you are supported. It’s not vanity, it’s your identity.
Deborah McDowell Founder & CEO, Oncology Aesthetics & Wellness
Oncology Aesthetics & Wellness was founded by Deborah McDowell, whose vision was shaped by firsthand experience working closely with women undergoing chemotherapy and facing the profound effects of medical hair loss.
Through her early work with Hair With A Cause, Deborah recognized that hair loss was not simply a cosmetic concern - it was deeply tied to identity, confidence, and emotional well-being. She saw a clear gap in care: while medical teams focused on treating the disease, there was little structured support addressing how women felt in their own skin throughout the process.
Driven to change this, Deborah built what would become OAW - a space where clinical awareness and aesthetic expertise come together to support the whole person. Her approach is rooted in precision, empathy, and intention, ensuring that every service not only meets the highest standard of quality, but also honors the emotional experience of each client.
Under her leadership as Founder & CEO, OAW has evolved into a focused, medically-adjacent model centered on restorative hair solutions. As part of this evolution, the boutique has been intentionally refined to a curated selection - allowing for greater personalization, clinical alignment, and a more elevated client experience.
As OAW continues to grow, Deborah is leading the strategic expansion into aesthetics and wellness services in the coming years - further advancing the organization’s mission to provide fully integrated, whole-person support throughout the cancer journey.
Deborah remains deeply involved in the client experience, continuing to work closely with women one-on-one - guiding them through each stage with compassion, expertise, and an unwavering commitment to helping them feel like themselves again.
Oncology Aesthetics & Wellness provides revolutionary and targeted all-inclusive services and products pre and post chemotherapy. Our mission is to offer integrated cancer aesthetic care by simplifying products and services needed as our clients navigate the journey and face the aftermaths of how chemotherapy disturbs one’s beauty and self-esteem.