Any advice on wigs, eyebrows/lashes for daughter’s wedding?

@kao60

Welcome to Mayo Connect. When I lost my hair during chemo for Breast Cancer, my insurance paid for a wig. I think I wore once. I found it uncomfortable. Instead I used scarfs. Sometimes I just went bald.
I understand you wanting to look nice for daughter wedding and the pictures.

For eyebrows and lashes, have you though about having your make-up professionally done that day? Many salons offer that service. If decide to do, might wat to do a practice appointment to make sure your happy with look.

I am including a few links to previous discussions on wigs.
Hair loss during cancer treatment: a guide to wigs:
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/blog/cancer-education-center/newsfeed-post/hair-loss-during-cancer-treatment-a-guide-to-wigs/
Wigs: https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/wigs/

Hair Loss and Wigs: https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/wigs-1/

Is there a wig shop in your area that can help you pick one out?

Some cancer centers have a wig shop. I bought mine over the internet. I don't love it, and think it's obvious that it's a wig when I look at myself. But it's a pretty good replica of my original hair, and other people, even those I know well, can't seem to tell the difference. At first I thought they were just being nice, but I've realized they really can't tell.

I wear mine whenever I go out of the house, particularly if it's cool out. But after my most recent episode of hairlessness I switched to a very lightweight cap or just going out with my scalp still showing because it was too hot. It's miserable to wear the wig in the heat.

I love the idea of a makeup professional, as I never quite mastered the art of makeup. It would be worth the splurge on this special day.

As an aside, be prepared on how to respond to questions about your health. I didn’t want to talk about my diagnosis and treatment at a happy event and learned to say so: “Thank you for asking, but I am here to celebrate a happy occasion and do not want to discuss…..” This may not be you, but it is something to be prepared for.

Congratulations on the upcoming wedding and best wishes with your treatment.

After being together for 20 years, my cancer diagnosis has prompted us to finally tie the knot. I have the same questions. I have lost my hair, my eyebrows have lost most of their fullness, and I hardly have any eye lashes left. I'm 76 and don't want to suddenly sprout very fake, very long and full looking eyelashes. I would, however, like look to look more like my old self, or a bit better. I was wondering about the eyelashes they install on you at the beauty parlor. I don't even know what they are called. Investigation called for. Then I here there are fake eyelashes that attach with teeny magnets. I've only worn fake eyelashes a few times, when performing in a play. I never really got the knack of it. Mine would fall off, or I'd get irritated and take them off after awhile. Help?!

Opps my boo boo: I hear about , not I here about.

Thank you so much!

Thank you so much for the links and your advice!

I had your same situation last summer when my daughter got married. I got a fairly expensive ($850) synthetic wig from a reputable wig store and my insurance covered $500 towards it. I used it for work until recently so got my money’s worth. It helped to use a little liner under it to minimize any itching. The ones made from bamboo are the most comfortable and are inexpensive if you order online.
I wore fake eyelashes for the day which the makeup person applied. I asked for a natural look so they didn’t look fake.
It’s not easy being mother of the bride when you’re going through chemo but it beats not being there at all. I wish you the best!!

Thank you so much! I am trying to focus on the fact that I will be at the wedding! I appreciate your advice!❤️

This is Dr. Ken Welty , Retired Plastic Surgeon Dayton, Ohio, and I saw your question ,and during my 27 years of practice I ran into this situation many times obviously and I was fortunate enough to have a very talented tattoo artist in Dayton, Ohio who would tattoo eyebrows for multiple reasons on my patience did a beautiful job obviously it’s permanent but they loved it, but the key is finding a talented one and I would not recommend letting a dermatologist do it. A professional tattoo artist, understands skin tone and color as far as wigs go, we did have special shops at that time in Dayton. They were excellent again. I’ve been retired 15 years. I may have changed but I think what you’re doing is correct reaching out to support groups. Word-of-mouth is key to finding the best.