Choosing and Wearing a Wig

Many women who have lost their hair due to chemotherapy or radiation treatment opt for at least one wig. Then they alternate between wearing hats and scarves. Your hair will grow back, but its texture, color, and thickness may change.

How can I prepare for hair loss?

• You should know whether your treatment causes hair loss. Hair loss is not always caused by chemotherapy.
• Consider cutting your hair if you have long hair. This will make it easier to switch to a wig or any other type of headcover.
• After your first chemotherapy treatment, hair usually falls out within 2 to 3 weeks.
• Consider shaving your head once it has started falling out. This will give you more control and prevent you from getting itchy hair all over your pillow.
• You may still want something to catch your hair, so you might consider a Mesh Cap.
• Some hairs may grow back after treatments but then fall out.

After chemotherapy, hair usually grows back within six months. You may notice a change in your hair’s texture, such as curlier hair, straighter hair, or thicker hair. This is usually temporary, and your hair will likely return to its original state after a few months.

Where can I buy a wig?

Look in your area and look through the phonebook for wig shops. Ask the store if they offer a one-on-one service for patients with cancer looking to purchase a wig. Some stores may have private areas where you can try on wigs.

You might be able to ask your cancer support group members about where to purchase a wig. Ask your nurses and social workers at your center for information about buying a wig.

You can also find wigs and other head covering options online at TLC.

You should review your insurance policy as well as the wig return policy.

• You must be able to return the wig in a reasonable amount of time and without any restocking fees.
• Examine your private insurance policy. It may be possible to get a prescription from your doctor for “cranial prosthesis” (or “hair prosthesis”), which could help you pay the cost of a hair wig.
• Although Medicare Parts A and B don’t cover the cost for wigs, they can be tax-deductible.

You don’t have the money to buy a wig.

Ask the nurses at your center or social workers if you know of any local churches or organizations that might have donated wigs.

How to choose a wig

Before you start treatment

• Take photos of your current hairstyle.
• If you wish to match your wig with your current color, save a hair from the top of your head.
• To determine if a wig matches the sample, you can use natural light (outdoors or near windows).
• Measure your head wet or slicked.
• Your wig should be adjustable. If your hair falls out, your head may look smaller.

Selecting a style

There are many options for replacing your hair. A full wig, hair topper, bang attachments, or a halo can all be used. You can add volume and coverage to thin hairs on your top by using a hair topper or toppiece. A hat or another headcover can be worn with halos. To keep your head cool, they have hair at the sides and are open at the top. Bangs can also be attached to scarves, hats, or turbans.

Natural vs synthetic

You can make wigs from natural hair or synthetic materials. The look and feel of a synthetic wig are very similar to a natural one. There are two main differences: cost and maintenance. Choose the one that suits your needs.

Synthetic wigs can be cheaper and last longer than natural hair. They don’t last as well as natural hair wigs and are less flexible in styling.

Although more expensive, natural human hair wigs can be styled and dyed exactly like your hair. They will require more maintenance and may react to the weather.

Consider how long the wig will last. Also, consider whether you prefer a single wig that lasts long or multiple wigs that can be changed frequently.

Choose a color

Your choice of color is up to you, but don’t be afraid to experiment! This is your chance to try new colors without spending a lot of money at the salon. Perhaps you decide to experiment with a new color, and are pleasantly surprised by the number of compliments you get.

Fitting your wig

Look for a wig that can be adjusted. Your head may become smaller if you lose hair.

• Follow the instructions that came with your wig.
• Take out the hairnet and shake the wig.
• Before you try on the wig, take off your glasses if you have them.
• Place the wig on your forehead, with the label in the back. Adjust the cap at the top, so it is about 1 inch above your natural hairline. If the wig is pulled too low in front, it won’t look natural.
• Your ears should be slightly behind your ears, so the ear tabs should be in line with your ears. To make the wig flat against your head, push the wires in your ears towards your face.
• You will need to buy a bigger size if the wig slides down.
• To adjust the back tabs if it is too large, roll them up on your head once it is placed on your head.

To make your wig more comfortable and secure, you might consider a cushioned grip band for the wig. A wig liner is a good option to protect your scalp from the effects of chemotherapy. It will also keep you cool and comfortable.

Style your wig

• Always tuck your hair behind your ears before styling.
• Only put on as much hair as you need to make the wig look natural.
• To make the wig look natural, a hairdresser can trim the bangs or thin them.
• For shorter wigs, you should use as little brush as possible. To create and maintain a style, you can use your fingers and a special hair styling cream if you prefer.
• You can touch a style by lifting the hair with a hair pick, but don’t pull too hard.
• Spray long straight wigs with a light wig conditioner before styling. Use a wig brush to start at the ends.
• You can achieve a natural look by not having every hair in its place.
• As with your hair, use scarf bands and other hair accessories.

Take care of your wig.

• Use only specialized wig care products to avoid damage to your wig.
• If you wear your wig daily, it should be washed once every 10-14 days.
• Follow the instructions on the packaging and shampoo the hair. Wig conditioner can be applied to the hair after you have dried it.
• Let the wig dry on a portable stand. This will allow air to circulate through the conditioner without the need for rinsing. Wig conditioner buildup is good news for wigs. It protects the fibers and prolongs the life of the hair.
• Remember that synthetic wigs can take between 8 and 12 hours to dry.
• Wig Lustre or another similar product should be used only after washing the wig several times to restore its original sheen.
• It is important to keep wigs on a stand and not in a bag or box.

Avoid heat and hair dyes.

Synthetic wigs can’t be dyed. Instead, they should be shampooed only with wig shampoo. Shampoo in cool water to prevent the glue from melting. Avoid opening doors to the oven or drying clothes. Also, avoid putting the wig in direct contact with the top burners of the stove.

There are no more “bad hair days.”

Although losing your hair can be scary, many women enjoy wearing a wig because they have the opportunity to experiment with styles and colors that are not possible with their hair. Women may buy multiple wigs and switch between them depending on their mood, outfit or occasion.

Wigs look great, and there are never any bad hair days. Many women still wear their wigs even after their hair is done, even if they are busy.

You can be bold and try new colors. You might bring a smile to your face and the faces of those you love. You might even get compliments!