Coping With Chemo-Related Hair Loss: 8 Tips for Choosing the Right Wig for You

If chemotherapy has been recommended for your cancer treatment, you may feel overwhelmed with questions. One of the most pressing concerns for many is, "Am I going to lose my hair?"

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The probability of this occurring is related to the recommended medication. However, many people who undergo chemotherapy eventually lose their hair. Some people seem to accept hair loss in stride, while for others, the prospect of baldness may cause significant sadness or anxiety.

The good news is that nowadays; more resources exist to assist patients in coping with hair loss caused by chemotherapy. Cold cap treatment treats chemotherapy-induced hair loss in which the patient wears a cap filled with a coolant.

Some people even choose to become bald without shame. The use of head coverings, including turbans, caps, and scarves, has increased in popularity. And Wigs, a classic accessory, are now available in a dizzying array of realistic variations.

Discover the perfect wig with these eight recommendations from the pros.

Pick a New Do or Stick with Your Old One

While it's always best to go with a wig that complements your natural hair, some ladies like the challenge of trying out a completely different style. This might include a drastic change, such as changing from dark hair to blond for the first time. You may purchase many wigs to switch between them based on your mood, your attire, or the event you're attending.

Do You Want to Maintain your Current Appearance? Get a Snapshot of Your Best Hair Day

Cartier suggests posting a photo of oneself on a good hair day to maintain your present look. According to the group's founder, "We tell women to send us a picture of when they loved their hair's color, texture, and length" so that they may replicate the desired look.

Choosing a Wig That is a Good Match for your Hair Type will Take Some Time

Wigs that accurately represent the color and texture of Black hair are exceptionally scarce for ladies of African descent. Some women are forced to pay hundreds of dollars to have a custom-made wig since most wigs on the market, especially those covered by insurance, have straight hair rather than curly or kinky hair. This is why a few groups are assisting Black women in locating an appropriate wig.

Think About Getting a Buzz Cut

Hair loss usually begins between two and four weeks following the first chemo injection. Not all forms of chemotherapy result in hair loss, so it's important to ask beforehand whether yours will.

Whitehurst warns that "it's horrific when hair starts coming out if it's long and tangled," so ladies should probably cut their hair short before that occurs.

Getting a pixie cut if you already have long hair and plan to acquire a long wig is a mistake since your hair will seem ridiculously short for a few weeks before magically growing out to its former length (thanks to the wig). You should hold off donning the wig until your natural hair begins to thin.

Before you put on that Wig, Shave your Head

If your hair is long, you'll need to give it a quick trim before putting on your wig. The proper technique involves using a men's clipper without the guard, resulting in a zero and a five o'clock shadow. Don't risk razor bumps and razor burn using a traditional (nonelectric) razor.

Standard razors are unacceptable: It never ceases to amaze me how many medical professionals remind women undergoing chemotherapy to avoid shaving their legs but fail to remind them to do the same with their heads. Shaving your head regularly may help keep your hair from coming out throughout the night and irritating or itching your scalp.

Determine Whether and how you will be able to Afford it

You may spend $30 or several hundred on a wig. Although you indeed get what you pay for, when it comes to synthetic wigs, the majority of good options cost less than $500.

If you're footing the money yourself, you go to a wig salon since it's challenging to get fit and color-perfect while purchasing online. Make sure the online business has a solid return policy if you must buy anything there.

Find out whether you qualify for a free or discounted wig before you shell out the cash yourself. A wig (also known as a cranial prosthesis) may be covered or partially covered by your health insurance plan if you are a cancer patient. If you don't know of any "wig banks" in your region, you may also inquire at your nearby hospital or infusion facility. Free wigs are available for cancer sufferers to try on and choose from at these pop-up events.

Consider the Benefits and Drawbacks of Using a Synthetic Wig vs. a Natural Wig

Synthetic wigs don't need to be cleaned as often as their real (human hair) counterparts and don't lose their shape as fast. During chemotherapy, the last thing a woman wants is to spend hours caring for her wig. Lighter and less prone to frizzing on humid days, synthetic wigs are another perk. A lace front, which will make your hairline seem more natural, and a monofilament cap, which is both sheer and elastic and includes individually knotted threads, are two more features to seek for.

Synthetic wigs are easier to care for but only last for a short time, become tangled easily, and limit your style options. Consider how long you'll wear a synthetic wig if that's your preference. Or you could acquire a bunch of wigs and switch them out periodically.

Wigs made from natural hair take more upkeep than synthetic ones, but they stay longer and behave exactly like your own hair when styled, trimmed, and colored. However, when exposed to high temperatures, they become unmanageable or frizzy. If you want to wear a natural hair wig, consider the weather where you reside.

Wig Wearing, Styling, and Maintenance Instructions

Wigs are easy to put on, but it's essential to position them correctly. First-time wig users sometimes position it too low on their heads. If you want it to seem natural, move it back to where your real hairline used to be.

Find specialized wig care products and wash a regularly used wig once every two weeks, regardless of whether it's made of synthetic or natural materials. Care for your wig following the manufacturer's recommendations. Free seminars on hair-covering techniques are available from Look Good Feel Better. You may enroll in a workshop online or look for one in your region.

With the appropriate wig and some practice, your fashion sense won't have to take a hit while battling cancer. Often, a lady may come into the salon trembling and sobbing out of dread for the future, but we can help her overcome her anxiety. The overwhelming majority (90%) agree that "it looks better than my hair.