To Wig or Not to Wig
One of the greatest challenges for women going through cancer treatment is the reality of hair loss. Caused by both chemotherapy and radiation, hair loss is a common side effect of treatments for a variety of cancers. For women especially, hair loss can be as troubling and difficult to cope with as the cancer itself, as a woman’s hair can be part of her perceived beauty and identity.
Hair loss begins to set in usually two to three weeks after the first treatment. While not all treatments result in hair loss, many do, and patients should be sure and discuss what they can expect with their oncologist. Hair growth can be expected to begin roughly six months after the last cancer treatment has been completed. For some patients who have undergone radiation, hair growth in the area of radiation may no longer be possible.
It is common for women undergoing cancer treatment to rely on wigs, hats, or scarves to best manage the hair loss they are experiencing. Different women will choose different options and for many, wigs are an important tool to help a woman going through cancer treatment look and feel her best. Here are a few tips if you are making that choice for yourself.
When Hair Begins to Fall Out
Consider a short cut or a complete shave when hair loss starts. Look through photos of yourself and find one that shows a great hair day. That may be something to be duplicated when choosing a wig style. Measure around your head for the most accurate measurement to get the best wig fit. If hair is still present, measure while hair is wet or slicked back, to prevent hair volume from changing the accuracy of measurements. Save a lock of hair from the crown of your head, if trying to match color with a new wig.
Do Your Research
Network with other cancer patients to identify local or online sources for the best wig selection. Community wellness centers, social workers, or nurses may also be a great resource. If you get a wig before hair loss occurs, you can eliminate the gap between hair loss and wig usage. If purchasing a wig before hair loss, make certain that the wig is adjustable, so that it accounts for the size of your head itself and not a head already covered with hair.
Natural or Synthetic?
There are pros and cons to choosing a wig made from either natural human hair or one made of synthetic fibers. Both may look similar, but their cost and maintenance can be very different. Natural hair wigs can be cut, dyed, and styled to match your own natural hair, which are all bonuses, but they are also more expensive, require greater maintenance, and, like all human hair, can change with the weather, becoming frizzy or “growing” on hot and humid days.
Synthetic wigs are more affordable, and their color will not fade like human hair, but they are not as long lasting as wigs made with human hair and are not as flexible with styling as natural wigs can be. Synthetic wigs should never be introduced to heated hair tools like hot hair dryers or curling irons, as the synthetic fibers would melt.
Consider the Cost
Prices for wigs run the spectrum from $50 into the thousands, all depending on what type, quality, and where it was purchased. Before buying any wig, be certain to understand its return policy. Unfortunately, Medicare does not cover wigs, but you can determine if a wig is covered by private insurance under “cranial prosthesis” or “hair prosthesis” to offset costs. And be sure to seek out wig banks or non-profits in your local area that may provide free wigs to cancer patients.
Dr. Srilata Gundala, MD and owner and founder of Hope & Healing Care Services in Hinsdale, Illinois knows what a challenge hair loss presents for her patients, “Choosing to wear a wig is a very personal decision for my patients. For those who do decide to wear one, there is a lot of local support available for them and people who understand the pain of hair loss.”
Wig Resources
Cancer Support Center’s Wig Boutique
Mokena, Illinois
708-478-3529
Cancer Support Center’s Wig Boutique
Homewood, Illinois
708-798-9171
TLC Wigs and More (non-profit associated with the American Cancer Society)
800-850-9445
Written By: Sheila Quirke, MSW
Reviewed By: Sriltata Gundala, MD
