topic Re: Wig advice in Beauty

Wig advice

hyacinth003 — Sun, 21 Aug 2022 02:16:39 GMT

I am going to be starting chemotherapy, and they have told me I will lose my hair. I am pretty bummed about that. I know it's common and wasn't shocked.

Any advice on what is a good quality, realistic looking, wig? My hair color is naturally auburn, I guess. It is dark brown with red highlights. I have been coloring it to TRY to match my natural color. I wear it short and don't care for bangs on me. Plus they annoy me on my forehead! I do sweep it over to the left in front. I blow dry the sides toward the back and like volume (use blow dryer and brush) on the top.

Should I look for the human hair? What do you need underneath them?

I will probably get some other head coverings also, but would like the wig for going out. All quite overwhelming!

Hyacinth

Re: Wig advice

Tinkrbl44 — Sun, 21 Aug 2022 02:23:13 GMT

@hyacinth003

I have no answer to your inquiry, but just wanted to send you good thoughts and a hug.

Re: Wig advice

Kachina624 — Sun, 21 Aug 2022 02:30:28 GMT

@hyacinth003 If you'll only wear the wig for a brief period, I wouldn't put the money into a human hair wig. My sister went through that and it seems her hair came back pretty quickly. She'd been coloring it since her 20s and it came in snow white. It was so striking she opted to keep it that way.

Re: Wig advice

RedTop — Sun, 21 Aug 2022 02:32:07 GMT

@hyacinth003

Before you spend a lot of money out of pocket, look into your local resources for cancer care.

The oncology center thru the hospital I retired from offers a human hair wig and other essential items to their patients for free. These are all quality products that are sent to the hospital thru the American Cancer Society.

I send prayers and very best wishes to you with your cancer journey.

Re: Wig advice

pdlinda — Sun, 21 Aug 2022 02:35:33 GMT

I always wear a wig (my own hair is impossible for me to manage on my own) and go to a wig store that's very near a major cancer treatment center.

There are always signs in the wig store connecting it to the major cancer treatment center.

Mention is made that the purchase is eligible for insurance reimbursement.

The hairstylists where I go are often working on women being treated for cancer and seem very knowledgeable.

I bet if you consult your treatment team at the hospital they can suggest a resource near the hospital that is expert in advising you regarding purchasing and caring for a wig.

Wishing you the best!!!!

Re: Wig advice

IMW — Sun, 21 Aug 2022 02:38:20 GMT

Synthetic is so much easier to care for and less expensive. Look at different types on line and try some on. If shine of hair bothers you use a powder puff to reduce shine.
Get lace /velvet cap- most come this way- so it won't bother your scalp.

'No preparation under wig is necessary.

'Synthetics are so very easy to wash at home, style stays in wig.

Imo the rooted colors look more natural.

'The web has tremendously info-YouTube videos teach you all you need to know.

Wishing you a full and speedy recovery

Re: Wig advice

DSD2 — Sun, 21 Aug 2022 02:39:41 GMT

Family and friends who have undergone chemo have opted for synthetic, not human hair and were happy with that choice.

I will keep you in my prayers - God bless.

Re: Wig advice

Love my grandkids — Sun, 21 Aug 2022 02:41:04 GMT

@hyacinth003 As a cancer survivor I wish you all the very best. The oncology department at my wonderful hospital had a section of lovely head wraps and wigs.

They also told me I would probably lose my hair! I didn't lose a thing but when I had chemo, radiation and chemo again, I didn't have to shave my legs for months.

Hope you find what you need and what will make you feel comfortable.

Re: Wig advice

Franklinbell — Sun, 21 Aug 2022 02:52:59 GMT

@hyacinth003 @Sending you well wishes and big hugs!

Re: Wig advice

Bird mama — Sun, 21 Aug 2022 03:15:45 GMT

@hyacinth003 I am clueless about the wig question. I wanted to pop in the thread and wish you well during your upcoming treatment. I pray the side effects are not severe and that you have a complete recovery.

Re: Wig advice

justashopper — Sun, 21 Aug 2022 03:31:22 GMT

Hi @hyacinth003

Have you contacted the American Cancer Society? They helped my mom find a wig shop that specializes in helping cancer patients. We went to a wig shop that offered wigs that had "scalp" details. Which is hard to explain, but basically the wig had a part with a scalp. So my mom was able to match what her actual hair texture was for a more natural look. She (like me) has fine hair and our scalps are visible at our parts.

It was a great comfort to her to have a natural looking wig. Most people did not know she was wearing a wig. But when they found out, because somehow the fact that she was actually living with cancer and going through treatment came up, they really were surprised.

She didn't wear anything under it. When her hair started to fall out, she shaved her head. I think many do this. When she was home she wore a scarf or a hat. Her head did get cold.

My mom has been cancer free for over 10 years. She was diagnosed with stage 4 and as they say, there is no stage 5. She had chemo, radiation and a lumpectomy.

I am sorry for your diagnosis and send you strength for a successful treatment (((hugs)))

Re: Wig advice

new nickname 4 — Sun, 21 Aug 2022 03:39:51 GMT

@hyacinth003 I'm sorry you are facing this problem. I too had chemo and lost my hair in 2016. Please look into all the beauty and wig offers for free from the American Cancer Society, they are truly a wonderful group. I went to a makeup session that was hosted by volunteers in my community, where we were given a hugh bag of cosmetics, and they helped each one of us to apply. We also had some fun with cutting t-shirts to make head coverings. I can't stress enough how special that made me feel.

I had 7 wigs, long, short, red, brown, blond. It was fun to wear something different. Except - I Hated Wigs, I was aware of them on my head, scratchy even with a soft skull cap underneath. I hardly ever wore them. I asked my company if they minded if I went all natural, they said no problem - so I hardly ever wore anything on my head. I tried scarves, hats, special chemo head coverings, but in the end - just me and my beautiful bald head. (My doctor said it was chemo beautiful).

I would suggest that you look on ebay for a wig first before investing in anything. Maybe you will like wearing one and then you can decide to get something more to your liking. And yes, American Cancer Society had a large selection of wigs I could choose from for free.

Wishing you only the best health in your cancer diagnosis, I have stage IIIC USPC, and am currently NED.

Re: Wig advice

Lilysmom1 — Sun, 21 Aug 2022 09:19:51 GMT

@hyacinth003 @Prayers for you! LM

Re: Wig advice

jubilant — Sun, 21 Aug 2022 16:38:06 GMT

Places to look online on youtube:

Wigs By Patti's Pearls

Taz's Wig Closet

Mimi's Wig Boutique

Jill Lynn Beauty

Many of these people say that Raquel Welch wigs and Jon Renau wigs are the most comfortable synthetic wigs. I have to say.... my Raquel wigs are my most comfortable. I would also watch some wig care videos. Proper care can add months to any wig. I have found the best prices at Name Brand Wigs. Many women also like Wigs.com and Wigstudio1.

I have worn wigs for many years and used to sell them. Watch some videos on youtube to see how these professionals make them look so natural. Please note, for most women, wigs are a bit uncomfortable. I wear mine out always but take them off at home. They are hot. There are hats, scarves, etc. you can wear around home or wherever. Even hats with partial wig with hair on sides and back but not on top might be an option. I wear the synthetics.

I pray things will go well for you and that God will give you all you need to get through this. God bless you.

Re: Wig advice

Roscoe the Rascal — Sun, 21 Aug 2022 13:02:04 GMT

Prayers for you and words of encouragement. I have a few loved ones in my life go thru chemo and my husband being one. Chemo is not easy but results can be so wonderful too. Be as positive as you can and surround yourself with positive people too.

My mother and sister chose wigs for out and about and my sister in law chose colorful scarves. My husband did not lose all his hair but he always wore a cap and continued to do so.

Two people had hair grow back in darker than before and one had curly hair and ended up straight. Does not take forever to come back in.

Cancer center can help lead you in the right direction for wigs.

Good luck and be kind to yourself. Let yourself be spoiled during this journey you are on.

Get yourself some Ensure to drink to keep your energy up. Mashed potatoes also are good too. Pudding as well.

🙏🙏

Re: Wig advice

meallen616 — Sun, 21 Aug 2022 13:20:37 GMT

@hyacinth003,

Re: Wig advice

wagirl — Sun, 21 Aug 2022 13:46:32 GMT

@hyacinth003 ---first off--I am so sorry that you are going thru this but very glad you are taking charge ----and I absolutely know what you are going thru--I am a 10 year survivor that was declared by my onc dr this past June, at my last appt with her, that she considered me cured!!!.

I had lobular breast cancer stage 3a in my left breast and had 5 months of chemo and 33 days of radiation. I DREADED the thought of losing my hair and really and truly--the thought of and the anxiety of that happening---was 100 x worse than actually losing it--in my case anyway---so now on to wigs---

I took my DD and SIL with me, ---we went out to lunch first and then went to a local wig shop where we had lots of fun trying on wigs of every color and style and length!!! The shop owner then sat me down and I found my dream style in my color of hair and it was beautiful and out we walked. Cost me about $125 and was not human hair and my insurance covered it. she could have styled and cut it for me too. It was very nice, felt snug as I still had my hair but it looked fabulous and very real. I also bought a head cap too. then after my hair fell out, I went to the cancer store at the hospital where I was getting treatments, and got 2 more in different styles and colors for free!! I wore them all the time and felt great in them. After chemo was done I donated them back to that cancer store but I WISH I would have kept that first one---it looked so good. Human hair wigs are very expensive and wigs these days that are not human, look like they are. Remember you can take them to your hair person and have them cut the way you like. My girl did mine for free!! I wore hats and some pretty fancy scarves too but when I went out I wore my wigs---this hair loss is temorary and it does grow back-- but the weight on my shoulders, of waiting for it to fall out, was huge and when it was gone, it was a HUGE relief. So chin up, get your awesome wigs and kick those cancer zombies in the tookus!!!! You can do this!! Much luck to you and go to the wellness board where there is a cancer section and talk to us about anything---the girls there are the best and helped me out immensly.

Re: Wig advice

cindyNC — Sun, 21 Aug 2022 14:25:36 GMT

Wishing you the best and a speedy recovery. I don't know a thing about wigs. I have purchased items from an online store that offers cosmetics for cancer patients....wigs, headcovers, lots of eyebrow stuff. It's called Headcovers dot com.

Re: Wig advice

zitawins — Sun, 21 Aug 2022 15:57:16 GMT

Several years ago, I went through chemo too. Of course I lost my hair, but i could not wear a wig. Just didn't like the feel of it nor the look.

I opted for turbans in many colors to match my outfits. They were silky and comfortable and became my signature.

Sorry you are going through this, but you will come out on the other side just fine. The hair WILL grow back, sooner than you think. Mine came in salt and pepper and curly! The curls unfortunately disappeared, but I like my gray/white hair and don't color it.

I should amend that statement to say I color it in tones of blue now and get loads of compliments. It's just fun!

Re: Wig advice

gertrudecloset — Sun, 21 Aug 2022 16:45:48 GMT

Best of luck to you @hyacinth003 . If you do buy there are so many human blend and synthetic wigs that look natural. If you have some places you can walk into to check them out that's great.

I think a nice human hair blend, lace front without a part might work for. I can pull up websites if you need more help. Just holler for me.