After chemotherapy, many cancer patients struggle with hair loss. While some may opt for cutting their hair short and rocking new hairstyles, others may choose to wear a wig. Wearing a wig after cancer treatment can be challenging and overwhelming. It’s important to research your wig options and the different things you need to take into consideration before making a purchase. Evaluating the pros and cons of various wigs will help you make an informed decision that’ll benefit you in the long run. In this blog post, we’ll offer some helpful tips for choosing, caring for, and maintaining your wig after cancer treatment—so keep reading!
Decide on a budget
Before you begin shopping for wigs, you’ll first need to decide on a budget. Wigs can be quite pricey, and many different factors affect the price of a wig. For example, synthetic wigs are generally less expensive than human hair wigs and can cost anywhere from $40 to $200. Human hair wigs are more expensive and can cost anywhere from $500 to $3,000. Chemotherapy patients who have had extensive hair loss may have to opt for a more expensive wig. If you’re experiencing extreme hair loss, you may want to consider purchasing a full-cover wig—these wigs are usually more expensive and can cost anywhere from $250 to $3,000. You may also want to explore options such as synthetic hair extensions to help cover any bald or thinning areas. They’re generally less expensive than full-cover wigs and can cost anywhere from $50 to $500.
Know your options
Before you begin shopping for wigs, you’ll want to understand the different types of wigs. Wigs come in a variety of different styles and materials, and there are many different types of wigs for cancer patients.
Full-Cover Wigs: Full-cover wigs are ideal for patients who are experiencing extreme hair loss. They are designed to cover the entire head and are generally thicker than other types of wigs. Full-cover wigs are also designed to blend seamlessly with your natural hair color. You can purchase a full-cover wig from a wig shop, wig manufacturer, or wig retailer. You can also purchase full-cover wigs online, but you may want to consider exploring other options as well.
Semi-Custom Wigs: Semi-custom wigs are designed to fit your head shape and size. They are pre-formed and come with adjustable straps that allow you to place the wig on your head easily. While semi-custom wigs can be ideal for patients who have hair loss but aren’t at the end stages of chemotherapy, they may not be the best option for patients who have experienced extreme hair loss.
What to look for in a wig
Choosing the right wig is important—not only will it help you feel confident during the recovery process, but it’ll also ensure that your wig looks natural and is comfortable to wear.
Wig Construction: Wig Construction refers to the materials used in the construction of the wig. Wigs are made from synthetic or human hair or even a combination of the two. Wigs made from synthetic hair are usually less expensive than human hair wigs and are usually easy to wash and style. Human hair wigs are often more expensive than synthetic wigs and can be difficult to style and often require frequent washing. Look for wigs that are made from a high-quality material that’s easy to care for. You’ll want to look for a wig that’s easy to maintain, clean, and style—especially if you’re undergoing chemotherapy and may be experiencing extreme hair loss.
Breathability: You may want to look for a breathable wig if you’re experiencing extensive hair loss. This can help keep your head cool and comfortable. Wigs that are not breathable can lead to increased sweating and discomfort.
Chemicals and adhesives used in wig manufacturing
You’ll want to be mindful of the adhesives and chemicals used in wig manufacturing. Wigs are attached to your head using adhesives and synthetic hair extensions can be applied using adhesives. Wig adhesives and synthetic hair adhesives and adhesives used for synthetic hair extensions are usually safe to use on all skin types. They are usually hypoallergenic and shouldn’t cause any skin irritation. However, you may want to consider doing a patch test to be safe. Wigs made from human hair may contain toxic chemicals that can cause skin irritation. Human hair wigs are usually more expensive than synthetic wigs, but they can also be more comfortable to wear.
How to take care of your wig
Caring for your wig is essential to prolonging its life and maintaining its quality. Wearing wigs after cancer treatment puts a lot of stress on them, and they can easily become tangled and matted if not properly maintained. Here are a few tips for taking care of your wig: Wash your wig with shampoo and conditioner: You can wash your wig with shampoo and conditioner to keep it clean and fresh. Use a comb to gently comb the wig and remove any tangles. Air dry your wig: You can air dry your wig after washing it with shampoo and conditioner. Make sure to place it on a wig stand while it’s drying to prevent it from becoming tangled or matted. You can also try drying your wig in the sun on a warm day.
Use wig supplements: You can use wig supplements to condition your wig and maintain its quality. Be sure to carefully read the instructions before applying any wig supplements.
Final Words
Choosing the right wig after chemotherapy can be challenging and overwhelming. It’s important to research your wig options and consider several things before making a purchase. Decide on a budget, know your options, and look for wigs that are breathable and made from high-quality materials. You’ll want to be mindful of the adhesives used in the production of your wig, and make sure to properly care for and maintain your wig to prolong its life.
