Hair Loss:
Wigs and Headwears
Hair loss will usually begin gradually within two or three weeks of starting chemotherapy. For some people, it may be sooner and more sudden. Your scalp might feel tender as the hair thins and falls out.
The first signs that you are losing your hair may be finding hair on the pillow in the morning or extra hair in your hairbrush.
This can still be a shock and very distressing even when you’re prepared for it to happen. Wearing a soft hat or turban in bed to collect loose hairs might help.
SCALP CARE
What to wear
Many people wear wigs, headscarves, hats or other headwear until their hair grows back. There are many different reasons such as keeping warm, for cultural or religious reasons, personal preference or concern about what other people might say.
Different people prefer to wear different things so choose what you feel comfortable with at the time. You may want to wear
a wig when going out or on special occasions, but feel more comfortable wearing a hat or headscarf around the house. Or you might prefer not to wear anything on your head.

Wigs
Modern wigs are natural looking and comfortable. They can be made from real or synthetic hair or a mixture of both, and are available in many different colors and styles for both men and women.

Where Can Cancer Patients Get Wigs?
The first option for someone looking for a wig is to purchase one from a wig shop that offers the widest variety and choices. Synthetic wigs are affordable and have come a long way in quality and style choices. In fact, high-quality synthetic wigs are incredibly realistic; It is often difficult to tell the difference between a synthetic wig and real natural hair. Because synthetic wigs are low maintenance and so easy to care for, we recommend them over human hair wigs for those going through chemo treatments. Finding an online retailer can often save you up to 50% off of the prices of a brick-and-mortar wig shop. Many insurance companies will assist with part or all of the expense of your wig purchase. Check with your insurance company and see if they offer this benefit.
While some patients are able to purchase a women's wig with help from insurance, or through their own financial means, other cancer patients need more support and look for free wigs.
Free Wigs for Cancer Patients
How to Get a Free American Cancer Society Wig

Choosing a wig style
Some people want to match their wig to their hair type, colour and style. It can be easier to do this by choosing one before your hair falls out. Some people decide to have a complete change.
If you haven’t yet lost your hair the wig should be quite tight when fitted so that it gives a good fit later on. This can be adjusted later if needed.
Wigs for black and ethnic minority groups
If your hospital wig fitting service or local wig supplier is unable to offer you a wig that matches your hair type and texture, you may need to find a specialist wig fitter. Your breast care nurse or treatment team may be able to offer information on what is in your area.
Synthetic and real hair wigs
Synthetic wigs are light and easy to care for. They’re often pre-styled and can be washed and left to drip dry. They’re also cheaper than real hair wigs. The cost of a real hair wig will depend on the length and style you choose.
Wigs made from real hair can last longer but they need to be handled more carefully. They may need professional cleaning and restyling. If you’re not feeling well during treatment, you may find this more difficult.
The average costs:
• Synthetic wigs cost between £50 and £200
• Wigs made from real hair cost between £200 and £2,000
Getting your wig professionally styled
Wigs can be cut and styled to make them look more natural and feel more personal. The hair in some wigs is packed very densely, which can give them a slightly unnatural look. This can be thinned out by trained hair professionals to make the wig look like your own hair. It’s a good idea to check that your hairdresser or wig specialist has experience of cutting wigs. You can find a directory of wig-cutting salons in your area at wigs.com

Tips on wearing a wig
- Your wig should fit snugly and shouldn’t move around your head
- If you’re worried about it falling off, secure it with hypoallergenic double-sided tape (available from wig suppliers)
- If it feels hot and itchy, you can wear a thin cotton lining or skullcap under your wig
- Avoid excessive heat or steam if you have a synthetic wig as it can damage the wig
- Don’t get too close to flames as this can melt synthetic hair or damage real hair
If you have an ‘off-the-shelf’ wig and wear it every day it will last about three to four months. After that, the elastic gets looser and this affects the fit, although it may be possible to replace the elastic.
Donating your wig
Once you no longer need your wig you may consider donating it.
Donations of new wigs with tags attached are accepted by many American Cancer Society offices in order to help provide free wigs to women who are experiencing hair loss and may not be able to afford a wig. These donations help keep their free wig program up and running. If you are looking to donate a new wig, you can call 1-800-ACS-2345 to find a local office that will accept your donation.
Headwear

Headscarves and Bandanas
Headscarves and bandanas (a triangular or square piece of cloth) can be worn in many different ways to create a variety of looks. Choose different colors, patterns and textures to suit your mood and coordinate your headwear with your outfit.
The most comfortable headscarves are made from a natural fabric that is gentle on the scalp and allows it to breathe. Soft cotton is probably best, as satin and silk materials can slide off the head more easily.


Tips
For a basic headwrap, you will need a scarf at least 75cm x 75cm. For more elaborate styles it needs to be 100cm x 100cm.
To give more height and a better head shape you can:
• Scrunch or pleat the long edge of the headscarf
• Roll the edge of the headscarf around a 25cm long
foam tube (such as a finger bandage) before putting it
on your head
• Place a foam shoulder pad on the crown of your head
under the headscarf. You can attach it with double-sided tape available from wig shops
Tips
You may find it helps to twist one end at a time and secure it with a hairgrip, paperclip or elastic band while you twist the other one. You can vary this by twisting in the colored cord, beads or a contrasting headscarf to match what you’re wearing.
You can also buy hairpieces that you can fix under the back of a hat. They give the appearance of hair and, like the fringes, can be styled to suit you.

Changing the emphasis
Some people feel more confident if attention is directed away from their hair and their head. There are a number of ways of doing this, such as with jewelry, makeup or clothing.
tlc (Tender Loving Care) is an American Cancer Society publication which offer products for women coping with breast cancer or any cancer treatment that causes hair loss as well as advice on how to use these products. Products include wigs, hairpieces, headwear, and mastectomy products.
The tlc mission is to help women facing cancer treatment cope with the appearance-related side effects of cancer by making these hard-to-find products affordable and readily available for purchase from the privacy of their own homes. To order products or catalogs call 1-800-850-9445, or visit tlc online at www.tlcdirect.org.