Wigs! Hair loss with TC chemo

Short answer, No! Not only is real hair more expensive, it is harder to maintain and doesn't wear as long. Synthetic wigs these days can be just as real looking as real hair as long as you don't go too cheap. Go to a wig store with a licensed stylist who can fit you with the proper size. When I wore a wig pretty much no one who knew me could tell. There are three types to consider and I wore all three. I lived in my ball cap with hair. Easy on, easy off and the style and color matched so well that even those around who knew it wasn't my hair were amazed. They run $80-$90. A halo is synthetic hair on elastic that's just bangs and fringe. Imagine the stereotypical monk with hair all around with a big bald spot up top. These are also easy on, easy off, cool to wear with any kind of hat you might have from casual to Sunday best. The wig shop I frequented catered to cancer patients and had sales which allowed me to play with colors. Think purple, hot pink, teal. Losing hair is not fun (I was so traumatized that I covered my mirrors until it grew back), but I had fun wearing the colors. I even wore a tiara on my last day of chemo and radiation. I admire those who go bald proudly, but I was very, very private about my cancer so would not advertise it. I'm happy it's over, but I still have my wigs and intend to keep wearing them on occasion. Great for a bad hair day. Good luck.

I had long curly/frizzy hair before TC; about 2 weeks after starting treatment it became very matted at the back of my head and was coming out while showering. I called my niece and had her shave my head. I never actually went bald - so my hair was probably thinning ALOT. Fortunately I was working from home and it was winter so I just wore warm polar fleece caps day and night to keep my head warm. I looked at my hair situation as a "Do Over" and was interested in how it would return.

After TC was completed my hair started coming in, it is slightly different - the curl is looser and my hair actually feels softer. Its still growing slowly and it will be a year come this July when all chemo treatments were completed. Its not long enough to anything with but to wash and let air dry - it was slow growing before chemo so I'm not surprised that it is still slow growing.

Best of luck in your journey with treatment.

Some people can pull off bald-not me. I purchased a synthetic wig after I learned that human hair reacts to the weather, which makes sense. I went to a shop that specializes in assisting women who will be suddenly losing their hair. I’m glad I did as my wig had to be ordered since I have a small head.

I found the wig to be comfortable even in hot weather because it had holes about the size of a dime in the mesh. I could do a half up and even a ponytail. It was not cheap and my insurance did not cover, but it was worth it to me.

Do what works for you!

Best wishes, Cindy

It’s beautiful and looks great on you. Where did you order it?

I went to a wig shop and tried many on and was measured. I think it would have been difficult for me to get one online. One, I have a small head so my wig is sized “petite”. Two, I have thin, fine hair and I didn’t want a wig that was too thick or dense. Some, like mine, have what looks like scalp where it parts-so more natural.

My synthetic wig had curve permanently-I could not change that which was fine with me. Since I figured my hair would come in gray, I also purchased a second wig that I thought might be my new color. It is also synthetic and more sleek.

The woman at the first wig shop actually was the one who shaved my head. She turned me away from the mirror and buzzed my shoulder length brunette hair.

First wig was $800, second $500. I know this is not as inexpensive as what you may find online but I was also paying for the service. I no longer spend much on clothing so could justify this expense. I have loaned them to friends in need and will eventually donate if I ever feel I may not need again.

Photos below.

Good luck! Cindy

I went to a wig shop and tried many on and was measured. I think it would have been difficult for me to get one online. One, I have a small head so my wig is sized “petite”. Two, I have thin, fine hair and I didn’t want a wig that was too thick or dense. Some, like mine, have what looks like scalp where it parts-so more natural.

My synthetic wig had curve permanently-I could not change that which was fine with me. Since I figured my hair would come in gray, I also purchased a second wig that I thought might be my new color. It is also synthetic and more sleek.

The woman at the first wig shop actually was the one who shaved my head. She turned me away from the mirror and buzzed my shoulder length brunette hair.

First wig was $800, second $500. I know this is not as inexpensive as what you may find online but I was also paying for the service. I no longer spend much on clothing so could justify this expense. I have loaned them to friends in need and will eventually donate if I ever feel I may not need again.

Photos below.

Good luck! Cindy

I went to a wig shop and tried many on and was measured. I think it would have been difficult for me to get one online. One, I have a small head so my wig is sized “petite”. Two, I have thin, fine hair and I didn’t want a wig that was too thick or dense. Some, like mine, have what looks like scalp where it parts-so more natural.

My synthetic wig had curve permanently-I could not change that which was fine with me. Since I figured my hair would come in gray, I also purchased a second wig that I thought might be my new color. It is also synthetic and more sleek.

The woman at the first wig shop actually was the one who shaved my head. She turned me away from the mirror and buzzed my shoulder length brunette hair.

First wig was $800, second $500. I know this is not as inexpensive as what you may find online but I was also paying for the service. I no longer spend much on clothing so could justify this expense. I have loaned them to friends in need and will eventually donate if I ever feel I may not need again.

Photos below.

Good luck! Cindy