Most women who are faced with hair loss due to radiation or chemo usually get at least one wig and alternate wearing the wig with hats, bandannas, and scarves. Here are a few tips to get ready for wearing a wig and tips on choosing a wig.If your hair is long, consider having it cut shorter so that switching to a wig or other head attire will be less noticeable. Once your hair begins falling out, many former patients advise shaving your head. This puts you in control of the situation and eliminates finding your hair all over the pillow or in the shower.
Some women rush out and buy an expensive natural hair wig and then regret it later because not only is it expensive but it requires a lot of upkeep. Synthetic wigs are less expensive and are easier to maintain and they look and feel natural. So keep in mind that six months after your last treatment you should have your hair back again. It may not be the same color and texture as before your treatments but it is natural.
Before starting treatments take a current photo of your hair and even save a swatch from the top front of your head in case you want to find a wig close to your present color. Use lighting near a window or outside to match the wig to your hair swatch or photo. if You want to purchase your wig before your hair falls out, measure your head with your hair slicked down. Always measure around the back of your head with a tape measure above your eyebrows and ears. If your head measures between size ranges, choose the larger size. You can also consider buying or using a hat sizer.
The wig will not look natural if it's pulled too far down in front and it should never be placed over your ears. Treat your wig like your own hair when styling and remember your beauty shop or hair salon personnel can always help you with styling your wig just like your own natural hair.
1. Actually, I hope you don't mind my interjecting here, but as a survivor, the best way (I have found) to go about preparing for hair loss, is to seek out a reputable wig fitter and cutter before you loose your hair. There are many now that do only wigs and most wigs will need to be shaped and styled.
It isn't necessary to buy a short wig. The wigs today have come a long way. Young women with cancer, still want to look the age that they are. Synthetic is definitely better than real haired wigs and much more economical. You can buy a couple of those, as opposed to one of the real haired ones. They are much easier to keep nice.
It helps the wig stylist to see your own natural hair while you still have it. They go by this to help you select what you think you'd like. Do go a shade lighter, not much, but a slight bit lighter, as treatments will change your skin coloring a bit. When I did these things, no one knew I had lost my own hair. Even people that knew me well thought I miraculously escaped the treatment induced alopecia.
There are also fake eyebrows you can buy online and through catalogs to replace the ones you may lose temporarily. They are expertly shaped and realistic, or some women prefer to lightly draw them in, eyelashes too, or use a little eyeliner if you want to. Do what ever at this time,that makes you feel better as you get through treatments. Sorry so long a comment. Best to all.
Posted at 6:09AM on Jun 21st 2007 by chrysalis angel