If only for a second

A group of 20 cancer patients were invited to a photography studio by Belgian charity group the Mimi Foundation, in collaboration with advertising agency Leo Burnett France. Each participant helped choose their hair and makeup.

This is Monique.

They were asked to close their eyes while being made up.

Sitting in front of a one-way mirror, they could not see photographer Vincent Dixon.

The moment of truth came when they opened their eyes.

According to the Mimi Foundation, Dixon’s role was to “immortalize a second of carefreeness to forget the cancer…if only for a second.”

Some, like Ariane, chose fantastical wigs.

This was the grandest beehive hairdo in the bunch.

Patrick found his mullett quite amusing.

Ariette couldn't resist a red pouf added to her 'do.

Katy is featured on the cover of the book. She died a month after this photo was taken.

The fabulous Fabienne was shocked by her hair.

Nicolas gets a nifty nest of hair.

Photographer Vincent Dixon describes each particpant's expression as magical.

Jeanine and her pink coiffe.

Wigs, such as Martine's dreadlocks, were fitted by Gregory Kaoua.

A crew of 15 people worked on the photo shoot.

Photographer Vincent Dixon: "A lot of work went into preparing for the photos which finally took just a few minutes."

Photographer Vincent Dixon: "These photos would transform a negative, losing your hair to chemotherapy, into a fantastical, magical achievement. "

Jean-Christophe cracks up at his reflection.

Regina's wig was a mix of a mohawk, a mullet and dreadlocks.

Photographer Vincent Dixon: "Despite their illness, each one of these men and women brought a sense of laughter and joy that touched me deeply."