How Do You Pick a Wig?
You will most likely pick a wig the same way you pick a new outfit. The wig will be part of you for a period of time and you will want to feel comfortable in it, as with a pair of new eyeglasses, a new bra, or new shoes. However, nothing you purchase will have the same emotional impact as buying a wig because of hair loss from chemotherapy treatments. It will be a new accessory in many ways.
In Her Own Words
I decided to cut my hair off before it fell out. It was a small way to take back some control in this crazy, chaotic experience. Once I made the decision to cut my hair, I knew I wanted to donate it to Locks of Love. My hairdresser was very supportive and helped me on this leg of the journey. She locked the door of her salon after the last customer left. She, my husband, son, and I gave each other a hug, opened a bottle of wine, made a toast to life, and started cutting. I walked in with long hair and walked out with a buzzcut underneath a gorgeous wig.
— Chelsey, age 41, 2-year survivor
A good time to buy a wig is before you lose your hair. This way you can match your current style and hair color to the wig. It is recommended that you cut your hair short prior to your chemotherapy treatments to help ease the loss of hair in addition to the nuisance of finding hair on your pillow and throughout your home, and in your car and workplace. This too is an individual choice; it may be important to you to keep your hair and its length as long as possible. Your oncologist will be able to give you the percentage of women who lose their hair with your treatment option and the timing of it from past medical experience. Individuals react differently to chemotherapy and you may not fit into the norm. Some chemotherapy regimens lend themselves to a slower hair loss, while others such as doxorubicin (Adriamycin) will cause hair loss after your first or second chemotherapy treatment.
Alert
When cooking over a stove or oven, you need to be careful with your wig, because it is flammable. Especially the human hair wigs. It is always prudent to keep away from open flames. This is another good reason to purchase two wigs, though this is not necessary when caution is taken. You can even get out of cooking if you choose, saying that, after all, you wouldn't want to cause a fire!
Wigs usually cost anywhere from $75 to $300, depending on whether you buy a synthetic fiber or human hair wig. Wigs are usually made of synthetic fibers; however there are human hair wigs, and combination hair/synthetic wigs. Washing a hair/synthetic wig is the same as washing your own hair. You can even use the same shampoo, which may be a comforting smell to you while wearing it. Synthetic wigs will often have recommended solutions to use for washing them, or using Woolite may be suggested. You can dry your wig on a shower head or a Styrofoam head wig holder then style and shape it to suite your individual preference. Your regular hairdresser can also cut and shape it to appear more like your natural hair style.
Wigs, turbans, or hair accessories can help you have a natural look while going through chemotherapy. But all would agree there is nothing natural about breast cancer treatments. Don't be surprised if you find yourself annoyed with society's focus on appearances. Hair product commercials seem to proliferate. It will become clear to you how the focus on outward appearances is promoted by the industry and the media. This often influences our own attitudes about hair, beauty products, and defying the natural progression of aging. When going through breast cancer treatments and living with it, you will learn to put aside the societal undercurrents and get back to the real basics of living and aging as gracefully as you choose.
In Her Own Words
Being bald gave me strength. Every morning I would stand in the shower and picture myself as an Olympic swimmer, all shaved and slippery and strong, ready to dive in and win that gold medal. And I did win … I survived.
— Deirdre, age 47, 3-year survivor
Before buying a wig, you first can ask your oncologist or nurse for recommendations of where to look for a wig. They will refer you to area suppliers of wigs and turbans who know how to work with cancer patients. Most hair dressers are often willing to meet you before or after hours to style your wig. Many of the wig suppliers are also very knowledgeable about other products such as turbans, scarves, and creative ways to use them during chemotherapy treatments. It is advisable to bring someone with you to buy a wig, either a close friend or family member.
Emotionally this is often a difficult process and makes the reality hit home that hair loss is inevitable during chemotherapy. It will be difficult to adjust to wearing your wig and you can expect to feel slightly awkward for the first few days, but this soon goes away. If you continue to feel awkward, you can always go to an alternative by wearing a turban, scarf, or going hairless. The choice is yours.
In Her Own Words
To say the least, losing your hair is difficult. Look at the bright side: no more curling iron, no more blow dryer; you save on the expense of shampoo, conditioner and haircuts, not to mention you do not have to shave your legs or underarms. I decided to remain bald, and did not think twice of what anyone else thought. Each day after work, I would put on my sun hat, put down my convertible top and drive home with a great big smile.
— Suzanne, age 52, 1-year survivor
Consider the process of losing your hair as shedding the old and growing the new during and after treatments — a genesis of new life. Before, your body made cancer cells. Now you are undergoing a process to interfere with their growth and keeping your good cells healthy. It's a new way to look at your hair loss; it is a new chance to start over as if reborn. This requires courage and commitment to change lifestyle patterns, to look again at your old ways and start with a fresh outlook.
