1. < Breast Cancer

Wigs! Hair loss with TC chemo

Posted by brighterdays @brighterdays, Apr 30, 2023

Two weeks after first round of chemo, my hair is starting to shed. Needing all your input on wigs. Is it worth getting one with real human hair? What are the must haves to keep your scalp comfortable? What materials are the softest? Any other pointers?

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lisakinpa | @lisakinpa | May 5, 2023

I would consider getting a synthetic wig which I preferred over human hair. They looked and felt just as great for half the cost.

You can contact the American Cancer Society at 1-800-227-2345 to ask if there’s any financial support or if they can help with a wig.

In the meantime, try to embrace wigs and have some fun with style and color, even though it’s a difficult time. ♥️

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sandybainy1 | @sandybainy1 | May 5, 2023

We also have a local salon to go for wigs. My oncologists office gave me a list of where to go for a wig. The salon fitted me with the perfect wig. I didn’t have to pay anything since the hospital and through breast cancer affiliates, the first wig was free. Don’t be afraid to ask if there is any help through the social workers at the oncologist office , there are allot of agencies who have programs, you just have to ask.

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kjays | @kjays | May 5, 2023
In reply to @cmdw2600 "I went to a wig shop and tried many on and was measured. I think it..." + (show)
@cmdw2600

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

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Beautiful

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drummergirl | @drummergirl | May 5, 2023
In reply to @cmdw2600 "I went to a wig shop and tried many on and was measured. I think it..." + (show)
@cmdw2600

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

Jump to this post

Looks great! I have 5 in a highlighted medium blonde. Shoulder length and shorter. From what I see of the color growing back, it is close to what it was before, but different texture. I think mine have been in the $200-400 range. Nobody knows the wig is not my real hair. I will utilize whatever makes me feel attractive. No idea when my real hair will be presentable.

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dlmdinia | @dlmdinia | May 5, 2023
In reply to @bmasters01 "Thanks for giving a price - I am new to all of this and wondered about..." + (show)
@bmasters01

Thanks for giving a price - I am new to all of this and wondered about wigs and the cost. I will be going to a specialist too - to fit and purchase at least one wig.
Thanks for the info.

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Price will depend on where you go. In 2020 I bought 2 lace front wigs (blend in better hairline to forehead) and paid between $200 - $300 each.

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1 reply
dlmdinia | @dlmdinia | May 5, 2023
In reply to @bmasters01 "Does insurance usually cover part of the cost of a wig? Does your oncologist office write..." + (show)
@bmasters01

Does insurance usually cover part of the cost of a wig? Does your oncologist office write the prescription?

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That's a really good point. My doctor wrote a prescription for a cranial prosthesis. I was supposed to turn it into insurance along with my receipt, but I never did.

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1 reply
bmasters01 | @bmasters01 | May 5, 2023
In reply to @dlmdinia "That's a really good point. My doctor wrote a prescription for a cranial prosthesis. I was..." + (show)
@dlmdinia

That's a really good point. My doctor wrote a prescription for a cranial prosthesis. I was supposed to turn it into insurance along with my receipt, but I never did.

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Thanks for the information. It was very helpful.

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bmasters01 | @bmasters01 | May 5, 2023
In reply to @dlmdinia "Price will depend on where you go. In 2020 I bought 2 lace front wigs (blend..." + (show)
@dlmdinia

Price will depend on where you go. In 2020 I bought 2 lace front wigs (blend in better hairline to forehead) and paid between $200 - $300 each.

Jump to this post

Like I have said, I am new to all of this and your information as well as others comments have been a great introduction as to what I will be dealing with. Thank you and thank you all!

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raebaby | @raebaby | May 5, 2023
In reply to @brighterdays "I have curly/frizzy hair too! I wonder if I’ll have looser and softer curls when it..." + (show)
@brighterdays

I have curly/frizzy hair too! I wonder if I’ll have looser and softer curls when it grows back. That would be nice!

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My hair grew back prettier and curlier than I had ever had in mmy life. (I'm 81.) It eventually lost the curl, but its still good hair.

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brighterdays | @brighterdays | May 5, 2023

My hair is shedding like crazy. What are your tips for keeping your scalp healthy during chemo while it is bald? And how do you promote growth?

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