Quick Easy Guide to Finding the Best Wig for Cancer Hair Loss
Helpful Tips to Ease Your Way
Recovering from cancer treatment and other life-threatening medical events is challenging enough. Choosing a wig to cover the resulting hair loss should not add more stress to your life.
In this article, I will list clear guidelines for you to follow to ensure that you receive the best service and wig to suit your needs.
The idea that this advice was needed came to me because of a conversation I had with my dear friend, Lily, who is struggling to recover after a cancer diagnosis, chemotherapy, radiation, and a brutal nine-hour surgery left her with minimal hair. Feeling miserable while trying to recover, she thought her mental and emotional state would improve if she could enhance her appearance with a beautiful new head of hair — courtesy of a wig.
She went to a wig store recommended by the hospital where she was receiving treatment. The owner assured Lily that she specialized in providing the best quality wigs and services for medical needs.
Lily ordered a $500 wig, and last week she started wearing it.
Due to traumatic illnesses and surgery, I lost my hair four years ago and wore a wig for almost two years until my hair grew back. When Lily’s wig experience went wrong, she called me for advice.
What she ordered:
A dark brown, neck length, slightly wavy, synthetic wig that closely matched her lost dyed brown hair in color and style.
What went wrong:
She wore it once with no apparent issues.
The second time she wore it, strands were sticking out near the top and sides. She was unable to get a comb through it to flatten the strands.
The pictures she sent me (which I will not share to protect her privacy) confirmed her concerns. It was messy, but I did not think it came close to being as bad as what my wig looked like after I inadvertently ruined it.
I don’t mind sharing pictures of my mishap as an illustration of what can happen to a wig if it is not properly cared for.
Below is a picture of me in my brand-new wig on December 31, 2019. I never looked so good. No one could tell that I was lying near death four months before.
I was too vain to go without my wig on my early morning Florida summer walks in 100% humidity and 90-degree weather. Below is a picture of what happened to my wig because I ignored the care directions that warned against heat and humidity.
Back to the conversation with my friend:
I asked:
“Did you get all of what’s left of your hair into the cap?” She had no idea what I was talking about. The wig expert had never mentioned or given her a cap.
“Did you shake out the wig before you wore it a second time?” Again, she had no idea what I was talking about. She had never been told about shaking out the wig.
To be fair to my friend’s wig expert, Lily’s wig was different in texture and style than mine. When she later questioned the woman about caps, she said that Lily’s wig worked better without one.
As this conversation continued, it occurred to me that many women could benefit from a basic primer on wig information and what questions to ask when purchasing one.
When you’re in the position to need a wig due to catastrophic medical conditions, you’re too stressed to be thinking clearly. I was exhausted, confused, and miserably unhappy with my balding appearance when I chose a wig store at random.
I knew nothing about wigs or wig stores, but the one I chose had been in business for a reasonable length of time and the women who owned it seemed to know what they were talking about. The truth is it was plain luck that I chose well.
The SIX Main Facts to Know and Ask About When Buying a Wig:
- Type — Synthetic or human hair? Human hair wigs are considerably more expensive than synthetic ones and require a different type of care. 100% of the women I know who have purchased wigs have chosen synthetic, so this primer will focus on synthetic. If you opt for a human hair wig, the questions you ask will be similar, but the answers will be different than those provided here.
- How to get the best fit. Wigs come in sizes. While it seems obvious that you would know when you try it on if it fits properly, it’s best to allow the store expert to determine which size fits you best. Many also have a built-in adjustable feature.
- Caps — These are usually made of hosiery-like material. They fit tightly over your head and are designed to:
*Keep the hair you still have covered and smoothed over
*Keep errant strands of hair from escaping and sticking out
*Hold the wig in place
*Provide sanitary protection as they can be washed daily
*Reduce irritation
Some wig styles may not require the use of caps, but it is generally recommended.
4. How to maintain the style — This includes questions about shaking out the wig before wearing it again. The shaking allows it to return to its original curls and waves. Combing and brushing are not recommended but ask about putting a comb through small sections.
5. Cleaning and conditioning — The wig expert at the store should recommend specific wig shampoos and conditioners, along with instructions on how to use them.
6. Weather conditions to avoid. Rain, excessive heat, and humidity will ruin a wig quickly, as I found out the hard way. Ask specific questions about weather, swimming pools, and salt water.
My friend returned to the wig store, where care and maintenance of the wigs are part of the price. The owner trimmed and restyled the wig, but Lily decided she didn’t care for the color and style. She was allowed to pick out another wig at no extra charge that better suited her preferences.
I hope you never need to buy a wig for other than the purpose of adding a little pizazz and excitement to your appearance.
However, whatever the reason for your purchase, keep this handy guide in mind. It will save you time, money, and aggravation.
©Joan Gershman 2023
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