How do I go about finding a wig or head covering?
Women tell us that losing their hair from chemotherapy can be the most stressful aspect of their treatment. They offer some suggestions to make this experience a little easier:
- Meet with the wig supplier/stylist while you still have a full head of hair so they can better understand your current hairstyle, color and approach to grooming.
- Once your hair has fallen out, any hair product you have purchased can be adjusted to fit tighter to your head.
- Bring a friend who can be honest about what looks good and natural on you.
- Some women find that shaving their head or getting a crewcut as the time approaches is more empowering and less traumatic than watching helplessly as clumps of hair fall out. Some women ask a girlfriend or partner to shave their head for them, to have the experience be more shared and intimate.
- Don’t let someone talk you into spending more than you are comfortable with or more than is necessary. You can buy a very attractive, easy to take care of, synthetic wig for around $200. There are some salons that will charge over $1,000 and insist you will ‘want’ a human hair wig that needs to be washed and styled frequently. This is not recommended.
- Your doctor can write you a 'prescription' for a 'cranial prosthesis' that you can submit to your insurance after purchasing a wig. Most insurance companies do not cover wigs, or only give you a small amount towards the purchase.
You may want to knit your own "chemo cap", or let friends know that they can knit hats for you. Click here for a website that has several patterns.
