Tips for picking out a wig...

[girlygirl28]

I am on the hunt for wigs, but there are soo many options...synthetic vs real,...looking for tips, tricks and helpful hints from you all..thank you!

[girlygirl28]

Thank You ALL for responding to my message...Its a whole NEW world I didnt know exsisted until now. There are so many options its all so confusing....

I started looking at hats & cute caps as it is going to be winter soon and its going to be cold.
Thank You!!

[LizT06]

I wore my synthetic wig out of the house too.  I did buy a monofiloment wig.  It is hand tied and allowed you to have a part.  The wig sales lady said that real hair wigs were much more difficult to care for.  I like the ease of my wig.  It wasn't always the most comfortable but I was far more comfortable in public than just a head covering.  

[momofsandj]

I wore wigs through chemo everyday -- I work in the financial field and headcoverings weren't going to cut it ---- I had the expensive synthetic "chemo wigs" which don't need a headcovering underneath and were really quite comfortable -- my insurance paid part of it but it was very expensive anyway although worth it in my opinion-- with the synthetic you just have to remember not to put your head near anything really hot (like taking food out of the overn) or the bangs melt and turn to brillo (my first chemo I did that and had to trim the bangs......second time I was smarter) -- My sister had a real hair wig and never wore it because it was hot, heavy, and itchy....

[alanpvegas]

Susie brings up a good point!  They also sell, in addition to skull caps (which help even when sleeping due to sensitive scalp), headbands.  They have a great one that whicks away moisture keeping you cool...that's an important thing in very hot climates and under the wigs! :)

[survivor_susie]

My two cents worth...I wore wigs throughout chemo.  They'll give you a think skull cap to wear underneath so they won't irritate your head.  The ones made of reall hair are very expensive.  The synthetic ones are cheap, and even free from your local ACS.  You can also buy false eyebrows--called brow wigs--online.  They're cheap, too.

I'm a professor, so I wore wigs to school every day.  The minute I'd come home, however, off came the wig! I wore hats and scarves, too.

Btw, I had my hair cut/shaved to about 1/2 inch long before I started chemo.  I kept most of it throughout chemo!

Best wishes!

[gah_70]

Alan is right.  The Look Good Feel Better sessions are great.  They even teach you how to draw on eyebrows so they don't look painted on, as well as put on eye makeup that can help mask the fact you may not have eyelashes.  If you don't have direct access to an ACS office, you may also be able to schedule a private showing at a local wig shop.  Many will either provide a private area for you to try on wigs during business hours, or allow you after hours access.  I wasn't able to wear wigs because I found them to be itchy and hot, but I was surprised at the ones that are available.  I have heard synthetic wigs are easier to keep clean than real hair ones.  You'll probably want to make sure it is a monofilament wig because it will allow a little air in to circulate around your head.

Whichever wig you choose, check with your insurance company.  Many of them consider wigs for hair loss due to chemotherapy a medical necessity, so they may pay for a certain percentage of it.  Good luck with your search!

Gail  

[alanpvegas]

The ACS (American Cancer Society) actually sells MANY types of wigs and accessories...this is a perfect place to start:

http://www.tlcdirect.org/default.aspx

Here is an article they have on picking a wig:

http://www.tlcdirect.org/articles.aspx?art=55


My mother never really went for the wig (we bought the expensive synthetic one, but sent it back) instead opting for head coverings.  It's a highly personal decision on what to get, and a good option might be to check out the "Look Good, Feel Better" program from ACS which is held at ACS offices nationwide.  They can typically help you find what is the best option for you (in addition to makeup and other things to help you look your best!  I believe you even get a free makeup kit).

Good Luck!