The thought of ‘am I going to lose my hair?’ goes through every cancer patient’s mind after the diagnosis, which can cause a wave of stress and anxiety. Your hair is such a fundamental part of your identity the thought of losing it can, understandably, feel traumatic. Nonetheless, there is hope. Finding a wig when undergoing cancer therapy is part of the coping process, it’s one step closer to feeling more like ‘you’ again.
Finding the right wig is all about regaining a sense of control in the process even though you may feel like you’ve lost all hope.In this blog we want to show you that it’s possible to feel normal during this difficult transitional period. With such a variety of wigs styles, colours and designs on the market to choose from, depending on whether you want to keep your natural look or go for something completely new, the choice is yours. We will help you find the perfect wig so that you can feel comfortable within yourself and focus on fighting the disease.
Coming to Terms with Wearing a Wig
All cancer patients dread the moment they may have to wear a wig following chemotherapy. As emotionally hard as the change may feel, choosing a wig can actually prove to be a positive experience for many. It can help get your mind off other things and give you a chance to focus on yourself. With increasingly advanced wig technology wigs have become much a part of the ‘norm’. They are a popular choice when it comes to switching and changing looks, many people where wigs just for fun - you don’t have to feel alone!
Have you considered shaving your head?
During treatment your hair can begin to fall out in sections and your scalp may start to feel itchy, sensitive and irritated. Shaving your head can protect your scalp and help avoid the emotional pain of losing your hair.
Despite the hardship of shaving your head, it could be worth it in the long run and will help keep you mentally strong for the period ahead. Shaving your head might be the first step to feeling yourself and finding that perfect wig, you just don’t know it yet.
Choosing the Best Cancer Wig for You – What to Consider?
Choosing a wig can be scary yet exciting as it’s an opportunity to either experiment with a totally new look or update your natural hair colouring and style. Here are some pointers when it comes to choosing the best wig for you, to help you feel stylish, positive and most importantly feel comfortable within yourself.
Wig Type
There are two main types of wig options available: Fibre/Synthetic Wigs and Human Hair wigs, both of which can be natural looking and styled to preference. Totally dependent on the users’ preferences, there can be pros and cons to both types.
Human Hair Wigs
Human hair wigs tend to have more versatility as they can be easily styled with heat and colour just as you would expect natural hair to be. They can be easily adapted to suit any look; without a ‘memory’ to their shape and form they make you feel and look as though you have a totally natural set of hair. Due to the long lasting, high-quality nature of human hair wigs you can expect to pay a little more, however the value they offer may be totally worth it to you.
Synthetic Wigs
Built with advanced technology, synthetic wigs are still a great option and available at a lower cost. Different to human hair wigs, they can adopt more of a false shine to their look however synthetic wigs hold their shape better and require far less maintenance, which can be useful. Synthetic wigs also vary in styles and colours giving you more option for change however the individual wigs can be less versatile in nature and may not last as long as a human hair wig.
For more guidance on the type of wig you should choose, take a look at our blog which will help you decide between a synthetic or human hair wig.
Wig Styles
The wig market has an endless selection of different wig styles replicating natural looking hair. From longer wigs to bob wigs, a wig style can change your look entirely. Different wig styles will flatter different face shapes, for example, if you have an oval face shape, longer bobs will suit perfectly whereas a square face suits straighter hair with longer layers.
Wig Colours
Colours can also transform your look; some colours match different skin tones better than others. For example, a darker hazelnut brown wig would suit a tanned, olive skin tone adding extra warmth to the look whereas a lighter blonde wig would flatter individuals with a fairer skin tone.
If you’re wanting to go for a natural look and looking to accentuate your usual hair tones, you can, with the right help and guidance. When it comes to wig colours, there’s a seemingly never-ending choice , whether you’re looking for sandy blonde highlights or brighter red hues, you’re spoiled for choice.
Wig Comfort
The way your wig fits is everything, after all it’ll be worn more than anything else. Wig comfort depends on the type of wig cap and construction you choose. The best wig constructions for cancer patients are either the hand tied, monofilament or double monofilament wigs as they offer security and comfort as well as making the wig look as natural as possible.
When it comes to brands, Ellen Wille wigs are specially made for those with sensitive scalps and undergoing chemotherapy therefore they’re a great choice comfort wise. The Sentoo Collection is also a popular brand for cancer patients to explore as their wig caps aim to achieve total comfort with a preference to those with a delicate scalp.
If you’re still uncertain on what wig style will suit, what colour to go for or what wig cap would feel right on your scalp, why not give your favourite wigs a try? Joseph’s Wigs offer private wig consultations to help you choose the right wig and give you the opportunity to find out everything you need to know. We pride ourselves on providing a private, discreet service and have decades of experience of helping people find the right wig.
Wig Costs
Depending on whether you’re looking to purchase a fibre wig or human hair wig, the price will vary considerably. Fibre wigs can range from around £70 to £450 whereas human hair wigs can cost anywhere between £450 and £2500, depending on the brand and wig construction you choose. Of course, your wig choices will be important however there’s nothing wrong with opting for the more cost-effective wig choice. Most wigs nowadays are built with the latest technology and are all of made of high-quality materials, so you’re guaranteed to find a wig that’ll last.
If human hair wigs sound a little too over budget, there are plenty of high-quality designer fibre wigs that look and feel great. You could even opt for a wig that has a mixture of both fibre and human hair strands, giving you the best of both worlds.
1-to-1 Private Wig Fitting Appointments
If you’re needing a helping hand in finding your perfect wig, know that you’re not alone. Joseph’s Wigs are highly experienced in helping people like you find the best wig. We offer 1-to-1 wig consultations maintaining total privacy and trust. Whatever your requirements, we will meet your needs in finding the best wig for you, which also gives you the freedom to re-order whatever you may have tried on later down the line.
Get in Touch with Joseph’s Wigs
If you’d like to book an appointment with one of wig experts at Joseph’s Wigs, then feel free to call us on 020 8648 5541 or email sales@josephs-wigs.com when you feel ready. We’re here to help you through this time and want to make your experience the best it can be.
Alternatively, if you’d like any information on our selection of wigs, get in contact by filling in our contact form and we will get back to you.