Guide to buying wigs for cancer patients

For many people, their hair is their identity. It is a symbol of their personality, lifestyle, and confidence. But whenever cancer strikes, it can be especially devastating. They are fighting for their life with treatments that are causing their hair to fall out, taking their confidence with it.

Wigs for cancer patients

Hair wigs After talking with your doctor about what you can expect from treatment and eventual loss of hair, you can think about whether to buy a wig or use alternative head covers. Some choose to buy hair turbans, chemo hats, scarves, or even go natural. If you decide on a wig, plan before heading out to purchase one.

Wig buying tips

Check your insurance
You should talk with your health insurance first to see if they cover wigs for cancer patients. Most cover all or at least partial costs, helping you to relax in knowing that you do not have to pay a fortune out of pocket. If they do not cover the cost, the wig can be used as a tax-deductible medical expense at tax time. When to shop The best time to look for a wig is when you still have your natural hair. This allows you to compare the colour, texture, and look of the wig with your own. Begin your search before treatment starts if possible or in the early stages and remember that the wig will fit a bit differently after all your hair falls out. Expert advice
When shopping for a wig, choose a wig shop that caters to cancer patients or has much experience with cancer patients. They will understand what you are going through physically and emotionally to make the process easier. An expert salesperson can teach you how to maintain, style, and wear your wig so it looks natural all the time.
Buy two
Buying two wigs will make sense once you start treatment. It allows you to always have one on the head and one clean and waiting for you. You can interchange the wigs by choosing two of the same hair colour, but with different styles, like an extra fun wig. They do not have to both be expensive, most choose one expensive wig and one cheap wig.

Types of Wigs

Types
Wigs for cancer patients come in two forms today, synthetic wigs and human hair wigs. Synthetic wigs are generally pre-styled and machine made. The higher priced ones are very natural looking, but they are limiting in styling them yourself. Human hair wigs, on the other hand, are made from donated hair to create the wig. These look and feel more natural than synthetic and are easier to style.