Cinco Vidas

You bought that wig to help you get through chemotherapy, but now you’re done and your hair is growing back. What should you do with your second set of locks?

“If your wig is just being stored,” says StarWish 624, “send it on to continue its good work. It feels good to help other BC [breast cancer] sisters.”

“Today, I shampooed, conditioned, and combed my old wig,” says survivor Jacki. “It sits drying on my bathroom counter. When it’s all done and pretty, I’ll mail it off to my friend Carmen, who just the other day had her first chemotherapy for breast cancer.” (more…)

If you’ve lost your hair due to chemotherapy treatments, you may have gotten a wig to get you through until your treatments are over and your hair grows back again. Wigs help us feel confident, beautiful and “normal” as we fight cancer, but they can also be difficult to wear.

“I kept lifting the forehead to scratch,” says survivor cebula.

“I can’t advise on wigs,” says survivor lo_mcg, “because I found wearing a wig hot, itchy, and uncomfortable.”

Caregiver saurus3118 agrees. “My mom did not like her wig…said it was hot and itchy. Her scalp was somewhat tender anyway.” (more…)

You’re losing your hair and you need a wig. One problem—they can be expensive, from $200–$1,200. Can you get any help from your insurance company?

The short answer—usually. Insurance companies are beginning the realize the necessity of a wig in cases of chemotherapy or alopecia, and many will now cover most or all of the cost. But before you ask, here are a couple things you can do to increase your odds of minimal out-of-pocket expense.

First, get your doctor to write a letter or a prescription that includes information as to why you need it, and that it’s for emotional well being, not for cosmetic reasons. (more…)

If you’re avoiding cosmetic or personal-care products that contain toxic chemicals while dealing with cancer…did you ever think about what you put on your wig? Even though synthetic hair and wigs are not actually part of your body, the products used to cleanse and style them will come in contact with your skin, where toxic ingredients may be absorbed. While you’re going through treatment, your scalp and skin are extremely sensitive and compromised, so wearing anything toxic against your scalp for a long period of time (like a wig) isn’t a good idea.

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Choosing a wig can be a daunting enough process when facing cancer-related hair loss, but finding the perfect wig salon seems to be even more overwhelming. Although visiting a wig salon in person may not seem important at first, “Mimi’s Wig Boutique” believes that purchasing hair pieces online or through a catalog will do more harm than good, as well as potentially waste your money. Take the time and effort to research wig specialists in your area, and find a place that will work with you to ensure that you find the right color, length, and cut for your face. A blogger from the Women’s Hair Loss Project explains the importance of buying your first wig in person: “What you think will look good and what actually works for you are completely different things. If possible, take a trip to a larger city and plan to spend a few hours trying on as many wigs as you need to.” (more…)

Losing your hair to cancer can be a devastating process, but learning to wear (and love) fashionable scarves and head covers can be a positive experience. Scarves are generally ideal for patients who are uncomfortable in wigs, who can’t afford expensive head covers, or who want their scalp to remain cool and free from irritation. But let’s face it… scarves can also be incredibly chic! As a blogger and cancer fighter from Blog Her explains, “It’s no wonder that celebrities and fashion icons continue to promote head scarves as a timeless, must-have accessory. While head scarves are not just for women with medical hair loss, it’s nice to know that there are stylish and comfortable head wear options for those of us who refuse to surrender our style and dignity along with our hair.” (more…)

So, you’re already dealing with the negative side effects of cancer treatments and you’ve recently lost your hair. What more could you possibly have to worry about? Hopefully the search is over and you’ve finally found the perfect wig. (Read our post on choosing a wig.) But learning how to style that new hair may take more time than you thought. Although the majority of patient wigs arrive with a predisposed style, don’t worry if it doesn’t match your personality. You can fix it with the following simple tips. (more…)

Bring a friend along for moral support.

Does stepping inside a wig salon make you feel weak in the knees? We don’t blame you! Making your first trip to the wig salon after dealing with hair loss can be a terrifying venture, but feeling prepared is easier than you think. Start your first visit armed with support. Ask a close friend, relative, or spouse (whose opinion you trust) to tag along, and allow them to be your “appearance advocate.” (more…)

So, you’ve finally chosen a brand new wig, but you’re having a hard time coping with it in your morning routine. Remember, you’re not alone! The writer of My Breast Cancer Blog explains, “I feel naked without my shoulder-length, blond hair,” adding, “I wish I could see this time in my life as a new beginning, with a new look. But instead I feel self-conscious and hesitant to unveil [my wig].” (more…)

Dealing with the negative side effects of cancer treatments (like hair loss) can be difficult enough, but having to choose the right wig for your lifestyle can seem even harder. Although many cancer fighters go for hats or scarves instead, wigs have helped a wide variety of patients feel attractive and confident while undergoing cancer treatments. It’s important to research all of your options before deciding if a wig is right for you. (more…)