Hair loss can be one of the most devastating side effects of cancer treatment. Certain types of chemotherapy target rapid-growing cancer cells. Since hair cells are the fastest growing cells in the body, the chemotherapy drugs kill the hair cells as well, causing hair loss.
Wigs are the most popular choice medical wigs wholesale for covering hair loss. Many women, however, dread the idea of choosing a wig – picturing having to wear the hot, itchy, unnatural appearing wigs of yesteryear. The good news is, there wig-making technology has come a long way in recent years – resulting in lighter, more comfortable wigs that look completely natural. Most chemotherapy patients choose to wear a wig that matches their own hair style and color. Of course, there is nothing wrong with experimenting with a new style or color if you desire.
Where to Get a Wig
It is easier to shop for your wig before you lose your hair. Wigs are available from many different places. A store or salon that allows you to touch, feel, and try the wigs before you buy is always your best option. If you do not have a local wig boutique, you might look in catalogs or online. If you cannot afford a wig, many hospitals and the American Cancer Society often offer free boutiques where you can find donated wigs.
Before visiting a wig boutique, you might want to call ahead of time and get some information – how many wigs do they have in stock, are you allowed to try on the wigs, do they work with your insurance company, do they cut and style the wigs for you, so you need an appointment, etc.
Human Hair or Synthetic
It is always best to educate yourself on the types of wigs available. Wigs can be made with human hair or synthetic fibers. Human hair wigs have the advantage of versatility – they can be colored, permed, curled with a curling iron or straightened with a flat iron. They also offer a soft, more natural movement and texture. Buying human hair can be confusing. It is available in a wide variety of qualities and price ranges. Like many other things in life, with wigs – you usually get what you pay for. Chinese hair is thick, straight and somewhat coarse. Indian hair is the most popular type of hair, softer and wavy. European Hair has the finest, softest texture. Decuticled hair has had the cuticle removed, to prevent tangling. Remy hair still has the cuticle in place, but has been carefully collected so that the hair all runs the same direction. It is stronger than decuticled hair. Human hair is generally sold by the inch, so longer wigs will be considerably more expensive. Something else to keep in mind is that human hair will require some skill to style. Just like our own hair, it needs to be styled and set regularly to look its best.
Synthetic hair is by far the most popular option among chemotherapy patients. Less expensive and less maintenance then human hair, synthetic wigs offer a great alternative. The style is “baked in”, so it stays in place, even when you wash it. Synthetic can be washed, brushed and combed, but cannot be curled or flattened with heated tools or chemicals. Just like human hair, synthetic hair is available in different qualities. Cheaper synthetic fibers are thick and plastic like – with an unnatural shine. Better quality synthetics vary in denier (or thickness), so they look and feel just like the real thing