Wigs, hats and scarves

Types of wigs

Before you decide on a wig, it might help to understand the differences between the types of wigs that are available.

Wigs can be man made (synthetic) or real (human hair). Or you can get wigs that are made of a mix of man made and human hair.

There are a variety of wigs available for different ages, hair colours and ethnic groups.

Talk to your specialist nurse or wig fitter if you can’t find what you want. They might be able to point you in the right direction.

Man made (synthetic) wigs

Synthetic wigs are a lot cheaper than real hair wigs. 

Most synthetic wigs come ready to wear in a wide variety of styles, lengths and colours. You don’t have to style them and they won’t get damaged in the rain.

Synthetic wigs can be washed in cold water and they usually last between 6 and 9 months. 

Check the manufacturer's information before you expose your synthetic wig to direct heat. Hair dryers and electric styling tools, such as hair straighteners or curling wands can melt the fibres and make the hair frizz. You might be able to find some man made wigs that you can use heat on. Or use your dryer or straighteners on a cooler setting.

Real hair wigs

Real hair wigs are much more expensive than synthetic ones. The exact cost depends on where you buy the wig, its style and its length. 

Real hair wigs usually last between 1 and 3 years. Some people prefer to have a real hair wig despite the cost. You can treat a real hair wig like your own hair, and change the style or colour.

You can also have a custom real hair wig made. It's worth bearing in mind that it can take about 2 to 3 months to make it. It might also take several fittings to get the wig right for you. 

Some real hair wigs need to be styled and set by a hairdresser. You might need to buy 2 wigs so that you always have one to wear if your wig needs to be professionally cleaned. Your wig fitter can tell you if your wig can be washed at home.

Getting a wig through your health service or the NHS

England

In England, wigs are available through the NHS, but you might have to pay. Some people are entitled to a free wig or help with the cost. Your clinical nurse specialist will be able to tell you more about this and refer you to a wig fitting service.

Find out more about who can get a free wig on the NHS website

Refunds

If you paid for an NHS wig and later find out that you can have help with the costs, you can claim a refund. You will need the receipt for proof of purchase and to submit an HC5 (W) form within 3 months of buying the NHS wig. 

Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland

You can get a wig for free through the NHS if you live in Scotland or through the Health and Social Care services if you live in Northern Ireland.

If you live in Wales you can get a wig for free within a set budget through the NHS. If you choose a wig that is more expensive, you will need to pay the additional cost.

Private healthcare

If you are having private care, the cost of a wig might be included in your treatment. Check with your healthcare team or health insurance provider if they offer a wig service.

Other financial help

Some charities might be able to give financial help towards the cost of a wig. Or you might be able to get a pre loved wig from a wig bank. Your healthcare team can give you information about the different options available.

Buying a wig privately

You might decide to buy your wig privately.

You can buy it:

• from a wig supplier such as a department store

• directly from a wig manufacturer

• from a specialist wig store

Some companies will come to your home to fit wigs. The fitting and styling cost is usually included in the price of the wig, but it is always best to check.

It may take longer if you have a wig made for you and you might need 2 or 3 fittings.

You don’t have to pay VAT (Value Added Tax) on wigs that are for hair loss caused by cancer treatment. But you must fill in a VAT form at the time you buy your wig. Be sure to ask the supplier for this form, because you can’t claim the VAT back later.

Where to get wigs, hats and scarves

Choosing and fitting your wig

Your wig fitter will help you decide on a style and colour that you are happy with.

Your nurse can organise a wig fitter to come and visit you on the ward if you are an inpatient and you're getting a wig on the NHS. Many hospitals will organise an appointment with a wig fitter if you're an outpatient, but it may not happen everywhere. Ask about wig services in your hospital.

Seeing the wig fitter can be upsetting for some people. It might be the first time you think about losing your hair. Wig specialists are sensitive to this and will try to make the fitting as easy as possible for you. It is important that you don’t rush things and you get a wig that you feel suits you.

You might want to choose your wig before your hair begins to fall out. This way it's easier for the wig specialist to match your real hair style and colour. It also gives you a bit of time to get used to the idea of wearing a wig. You can get a wig after you lose your hair. Your wig fitter will help choose the best style for you. You can take photos with you to show them how your hair looked before your treatment.

If you try wigs on when you still have hair, remember that you might need a smaller size so that it fits when you have lost your hair. Ask the wig fitter for advice about this. Or you can choose a wig that adjusts to head size.

Some people find that their complexion changes once they start treatment. Predicting what colour wig might suit you later on is hard to do. This might be something to bear in mind when choosing a wig. The wig fitter will be able to give you some advice about which colour to choose. 

Many people find it helps to bring along a relative or good friend to their wig fitting. They can support you and help you choose a wig that suits you best. Don’t be afraid to ask if there is a private room to try on the wigs if this makes you more comfortable.

Think about the following when choosing a wig.

• You can choose a wig that is most like your original hair colour and style. Or you could go for something completely different.

• Your hairdresser or wig specialist can cut or style a particular wig to suit you.

• Buying a more expensive wig doesn’t guarantee it will look more real. Some less expensive ones can look very real.

Tips for wearing a wig

For the first few days or weeks, it might feel very strange to wear a wig. Some people say that they forget they have their wig on. Others never get used to wearing a wig and feel more comfortable without it. You won’t know until you try it.

Always check that you have the wig on the right way around as it is easy to put them on backwards.

You can get sticky (adhesive) pads with your wig to stop it from slipping if all your hair has fallen out. Some people say wearing these pads makes the wig feel more secure and helps them feel more confident.

Your wig supplier should give you instructions about how to wear your wig and care for it. Follow these instructions carefully.

When can I stop wearing my wig?

This is up to you. Some people say it is a relief to stop wearing their wig. But others may need more time.

You might feel ready to stop wearing it before your hair gets back to your pre treatment length. A shorter look might suit you and give you a new image.

Be kind to yourself and don’t expect too much. You have been through a lot in the past few months and had to deal with many changes in your life. So go at your own pace.

Other ways to cover your head

Some people don’t want to wear a wig, or may not want to wear one all the time. Instead of wearing a wig, you could try:

• hats

• scarves

• beanies

• turbans

• stretchy tubes

• caps

Some people find that their scalp becomes sensitive during treatment. Choosing soft fabric products can help with this. Or you can buy soft liners to wear underneath your head covering. This video talks about the different alternatives to wigs. The video lasts 7 minutes.

Other body hair

Cancer treatments can cause other body hair to thin or to completely fall out. This includes your eyelashes and eyebrows.

You can use make up to help disguise these effects.

See our tips about skin care and make up

Organisations that can help with hair loss

Cancer Hair Care

Look Good Feel Better

This charity aims to help with the physical and emotional wellbeing of people going through cancer treatment. Their website has video tutorials for make up, hair loss, skin and nail care.

They provide confidence boosting workshops, which gives a chance for people to meet others going through a similar experience and to learn skills to manage some of the side effects of treatment, such as skincare and make up techniques. 

Workshops take place in hospitals and support centres across the UK. You can find your nearest workshop and read more about the work of the charity on their website.

Phone: 01372 747500 Email: info@lgfb.co.uk

Visit the Look Good Feel Better website