Drag Queens have hair-raising experience at Sunderland salon

Sunderland hairdresser Neville Ramsay has been creating real hair wigs for cancer patients and alopecia sufferers for years, but now his skills are in demand for some more unusual creations.

Neville, who’s based at A List salon in Durham Road, has been getting commissions from drag queens across the North East and as far afield as Manchester.

The more fantastical follicle requests include a kaleidoscope of colours and a Lady Godiva wig, which trailed to the floor.

Anthony Swift, aka Beauty Killer, is a resident DJ and host at Eazy Street, in Vine Place, who regularly commissions wigs from Neville to go with his costumes.

“There are other wig makers in the UK, but you have to order them in,” he explained. “I come to Neville with ideas and he builds it around my head. I like it not to look like real hair, to look really alternative.”

Anthony says the wigs help to capture the attention of drinkers in Eazy Street, which opened a year ago in the city.

He said: “We’re the only LGBT pub in Sunderland and it’s getting more and more popular. It’s always a great atmosphere.”

Neville, who recently hit the headlines for styling the hair of American Vogue editor-in-chief Anna Wintour, said: “I’ve done wigs for years, for people with alopecia or who’ve lost their hair due to cancer treatment, but this side has really taken off in the past few months.

“It’s great because I can create something really unique. They are showmen, actors with frocks to die for, and really big, bold make up, so they like wigs that will match that.

“You can create a real visual with big, massive, crazy hair and colours that clash.”