Our hair is so tightly connected with our self-image that up to 14% of women with cancer refuse chemotherapy for hair loss for fear of baldness alone [1]. That is why wigs for cancer patients who want them are not a luxury, but a necessity. 84% of people undergoing chemotherapy use them during the first year of treatment [2].
The good news is that today’s high-quality wigs are difficult to tell apart from one’s natural hair. Many dedicated hair specialists can help cancer patients choose a wig that is perfect for your face shape, preferences and style. And don’t worry about the cost; many cancer patients can get wigs for free in the UK.
Having the right kind of hair replacement can give you the confidence boost you need to stay strong and feel empowered during your cancer treatment. This article will tell you all you need to know on this topic, such as:
While cancer itself isn’t a major cause of your hair falling out, some of the chemotherapy medications used to treat it often have this effect. That is because these treatments target and destroy rapidly dividing cells, such as cancerous ones.
However, your body also has healthy cells that multiply rapidly, some of which make up your hair follicles. The medication can’t distinguish the healthy cells from the diseased ones, so it attacks them indiscriminately. This causes a type of temporary hair shedding called anagen effluvium [3]. It occurs in about 65% of patients undergoing chemotherapy (this rate can vary with the type of medication used) [4].
Moreover, some of the drugs used for chemotherapy can also reduce the blood flow to your scalp, depriving your hair follicles of oxygen and nutrients and disrupting your hair growth cycle. This can lead to telogen effluvium, a temporary condition that causes diffuse hair thinning [4]. Other drugs, such as Doxorubicin, can damage your sebaceous glands (the ones that produce sebum, your natural scalp oil). This can make your hair dry up and disrupt the balance of your hair follicles, leading to your hair falling out [7].
The good news is that the vast majority of cancer patients experience hair regrowth within a few months after the end of their chemotherapy course. And studies show that this time frame may be reduced by using treatments such as Minoxidil or scalp hypothermia (cooling) [3].
However, until their hair finally starts to grow back, most patients feel more comfortable and confident wearing a wig. If you would like to do the same, it helps to know what to look for when picking out the most suitable model for your needs and budget.
Nowadays, there are a variety of wigs available to cancer patients, with different hair types, textures, application systems, density, and durability. Depending on your budget, needs and priorities, you can get the type that suits you best. Here is what to look at when choosing a wig:
The best and most realistic-looking kind of wig is made of natural, donated hair, especially for this purpose. The strands have an authentic texture, appearance, feel and movement. However, natural hair wigs can be significantly more expensive than those made of synthetic fibres, which may not appear as life-like, but are lighter and easier to maintain and style.
In fact, many hair stylists recommend artificial wigs over real hair for convenience. A compromise might be a product made of both natural and artificial hair, which is more affordable than a 100% human hair wig and looks better than a fully synthetic one.
Handmade wigs are more valuable and allow for far greater customisation than factory-produced ones. If you want to opt for a perfect fit, a wig that closely resembles your hair colour, style or texture or a specific kind of design, it is best to seek out a company that produces hand-tied wigs.
However, machine-made wigs are less expensive and can give you a chance to be creative by trying out fresh new looks (perhaps even purchase two or more wigs to rotate as you please).
Ideally, your wig should fit snugly and securely on your head without needing an additional attachment system. However, some users seek extra security and/or comfort to protect a sensitive scalp. Look for products that come with wig caps (not wig clips, as they need hair to attach to), silicone solution sheets, or front lace. You can also use additional wig tape or glue if it makes you feel safer.
Some patients seek out a wig that best resembles their natural hair in terms of hue, texture and style. Others prefer to experiment with bolder colours, straighter or tighter curls or new, exciting lengths and cuts.
Whatever you choose, it is important to think carefully about these aspects and choose a wig that best fulfils your vision. That is because dyeing and heat-styling are not recommended for wigs, as they can damage the hair and reduce their durability. Moreover, it can be tricky to obtain the same results on a wig as you would by altering your own hair.
Unlike real hair, which grows back after breaking or being pulled out, the strands on your wig do not get replaced. So depending on the type you opt for and how well you maintain it, you can expect a wig to last between a few months and a few years.
Wigs made of natural hair normally last longer (3-4 years), but they also require more maintenance. Synthetic wigs usually only last 6-9 months [6], but they are easier to maintain and style, and are cheaper to replace.
Since there are many different types of wigs for cancer patients with various attachment systems, it is a good idea to ask the vendor to demonstrate the best way to put on your chosen model and secure it in place. However, here are some basic guidelines of steps you may need to take to ensure that your wig is applied securely on your scalp.
If you feel any looseness or discomfort during your fitting, do not hesitate to speak up. Some people think that maybe the wig will feel more secure and comfortable after the first wash or wear, but that isn’t always the case. It is always best to leave with a product that fits perfectly from the very beginning.
A wig grip band is an adjustable velvet (or, more rarely, silicone) band that is worn on your head to prevent your wig from slipping off. The velvety texture provides adherence and friction, keeping the wig in place even on a completely bald scalp.
A wig liner (cap) is made of a very thin, sheer cotton fabric which absorbs sweat and prevents your scalp from getting irritated by prolonged wig-wearing. It is optional, but it can make you more comfortable. If you choose to use one, put it on your head over the wig grip band.
Gently turn the bottom of the wig inside out and look for the fabric tabs that normally go above your ears. Pick up the wig by its sides by placing your thumbs on them. Then place its front side over your hairline and gently push down and back until it sits snugly on your head. Use your fingers to help this process if it gets stuck at some point.
If your wig has an adjustment system, tweak it until it fits snugly but comfortably on your scalp. Try bending your head forward, shaking it and gently tugging at the hair from the sides to ensure that a good grip is achieved. Once you are satisfied that it is secure, you can proceed to additional brushing or styling as needed.
Just like your real hair, there are good practice guidelines to follow when styling and caring for your wig. Here is what to do and what not to do for a healthy-looking wig that will last.
Normally, a wig is washed significantly less often than you would wash your hair, as there is no natural hair oil to build up on its strands. It is recommended that you wash synthetic products every 14-18 wears and natural hair wigs every 7-10 wears.
Simply place it in a basin of room-temperature water, massage it gently with shampoo and conditioner and rinse it out. Leave it to air dry on a stand.
DO: Use a gentle shampoo and conditioner to wash the wig, without harsh chemicals such as sodium lauryl/laureth sulphate, parabens or silicones. This will keep its hair from weathering for longer.
DON’T: Avoid scrubbing your wig vigorously and wringing it after washing, as this may lead to hair breakage that can reduce its lifespan.
Keeping your wig well-brushed and detangling it gently every day will not only make it look good, it will also help it preserve its hair for longer. It can be tedious to work out the knots, especially if you have a long wig, but at least it’s painless.
DO: It is a good idea to use a specifically designed wig brush or a wide-tooth comb to brush and untangle your wig, especially if it is made from synthetic fibres. That is because regular hair brushes can pull out the more sensitive artificial hairs.
DON’T: Never brush a wet or damp wig, as wet hair breaks off more easily than dry strands. Also, even if untangling knots can be frustrating, resist the temptation to pull on them vigorously, as the strands could break off.
Since wigs don’t have the same properties as your natural hair, not all styling practices and hair products can be used on them. For example, it can be difficult to fix heat-damaged hair even when it is attached to your scalp, but a synthetic wig can be permanently destroyed by any form of heat styling (and natural ones can be damaged as well).
Similarly, it is not a good idea to dye your wig or use any harsh styling chemicals on it, as the results may not be as expected and the strands can be harmed.
DO: Use lightweight leave-in conditioners, hair serums and light hair oils (e.g. argan oil, jojoba oil, grapeseed oil, etc.) to keep your wig hair shiny and moisturised. These can be helpful for models made of synthetic hair as well, as they keep the fibres soft and reduce frizziness. Also, using a spray bottle to spritz water occasionally on your wig can refresh its curls naturally.
DON’T: Never use any kind of high heat on or near a synthetic wig (and be careful when out under scorching sun), as it can melt the fibres. It’s not even safe to blow-dry a synthetic wig unless the dryer is on a cool setting.
There are several ways you can get a wig free of charge or at a reduced cost as a cancer patient in the UK. Here are some of the most reliable ways to do so:
The NHS will assist you with a free wig if you are part of the following categories of patients [5][6]:
If you don’t qualify for any of the categories above, you can still get wigs from the NHS, but you will be charged between £80.15 and £310.55, depending on the quality and material of the wig you are interested in buying.
There are several charities in the UK that can offer free wigs to cancer patients. While each has their own selection criteria, some can help you get wigs that are out of the NHS prescription bracket or can assist you if you don’t qualify to get a free wig on the NHS. Here are some examples of such organisations:
Your medical team should be able to help you apply for a free or subsidised wig with these organisations and to advise you regarding other similar resources that may be available to you.
In the fashion industry, the best is often a matter of taste and opinion. So it is difficult to say where you can get the best wigs. However, the following companies appear to have some of the most satisfied customers and some of the best user reviews. So if you’re not entitled to help with wig costs, take a look at the wigs and hairpieces offered by these companies:
Disclaimer: The companies mentioned on this page are for reference purposes only and have been selected based on online reviews and user-reported results. Wimpole Clinic does not endorse or guarantee the effectiveness of the products sold by these companies.
If you are still undecided about where to get your wig or headgear, feel free to ask your healthcare provider or cancer support group leader for advice. They should be able to provide some good resources that match your needs and preferences.
Some cancer patients choose not to wear a wig. In these cases, there are several other great options out there to help you look great. Here are some of the most common:
The exact amount of time it takes to regrow your hair after chemotherapy differs from one patient to another. However, most people see regrowth in under 6 months [3]. One study conducted in 2019 on 1478 breast cancer patients revealed that, on average, their hair started growing back 3.3 months after the completion of chemotherapy [2].
If you would like personalised advice on how to make your hair grow back faster or if it has been more than 6 months and you are still to see regrowth, it is best to see a hair specialist. Book a consultation with one of our dedicated trichologists and they will check whether your hair follicles are healing normally.
They can also recommend the best hair growth treatments for women (or, respectively, the most suitable hair growth treatments for men) that can allow you to regain a full head of hair as fast as possible.
If you would like to know more about wigs for cancer patients, here are the answers to some of the most common questions:
The cost of a wig in the UK depends on a number of factors, such as its material and production process, the reputation of the brand that sells it and its overall style and quality. You can get a good quality synthetic wig from the NHS for as little as £80, but there are also luxury, natural hair, hand-made products that cost thousands of pounds.
On average, you can expect to pay about £50-300 for a synthetic wig and £200-500 for a wig made from natural hair. If you want a custom-made product, you may have to spend over £500.
While some wigs that fit you really well may stay on during the night if you decide to keep them, it is generally not advisable to do so. That is because during your sleep, you toss and turn, your hair rubs against your pillow and gets tangled and strands can get broken or pulled out.
If you do decide to sleep with a wig on, it is best to opt for a specifically designed hair system or at least to tie up longer hair loosely and use a silk pillowcase to minimise friction.
Yes. Even though it is not attached to your scalp, wig hair can also get split ends from friction and weathering. So it is important to get rid of all split ends every 6-8 weeks so your wig maintains a well-groomed appearance, with no frizziness or further hair breakage.
Normally, your wig should not cause you any significant discomfort, but if you have a sensitive scalp or the cap is made of a rougher material that doesn’t allow your skin to breathe well, you may experience some itching and sweating. If this happens, you may want to try a comfortable wig cap to get between your scalp and the fabric.
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