A Queensbury-based business launched this week aims to provide a pioneering wig- making service to clients nationwide.

Supply teacher Nicola Tait, 30, has put together a dynamic collection of more than 300 wigs from across the globe.

Self-styled business, The Nikki Collection, features male and female hair-pieces for all ages but - like all the best start-up ideas - boasts its own unique selling point.

For since the age of 11, Nicola has lived with alopecia.

The unpredictable skin condition can result in significant hair loss from the scalp of sufferers.

And Nicola, like many people with the condition, has bought and worn many wigs over the years - a process she describes as "horrible".

She said: "The inspiration behind the collection came from my experiences of suffering from hair loss - which I found traumatic. The first time I went into a wig shop, I found there to be a limited selection and very little support offered by the sales people.

"I was saddened by the experience and found myself wondering how other people in my shoes coped with it - especially women who also had to deal with the trauma of chemotherapy.

"What I want to do with the business is take it into the home, and provide a private, one-to-one, compassionate service for anyone suffering from hair loss - which I have first-hand experience of.

"Many people don't feel strong enough at times of high-stress to visit a wig shop.

"Even the vehicle I use will be unmarked to ensure confidentiality."

Nicola offers a bespoke wig-making service alongside advice on after-care.

She has teamed-up with suppliers from as far afield as America, China and Japan and offers styles ranging in price from £50 to £3,000.

Each wig looks stunningly realistic - whether made from synthetic hair or the real thing.

Wigs made especially for sport or even designed solely for wearing in the shower are also available.

"I wear wigs daily and feel confident about that," added Nicola.

"I want to share my knowledge with others and will travel anywhere."

After launching the business, with support and funding from The Prince's Trust, The Nikki Collection is already garnering interest from medical authorities.

Nicola is negotiating with the NHS and aims to see her products available nationwide.

The Nikki Collection also features a range of highly-colourful party wigs for special nights-out.

"When I needed a wig and a bit of reassurance I felt that people were not that bothered," added Nicola.