Hair loss/ wigs

I haven't got to the chemo stage yet, but my enquiries to the nurse yesterday confirmed that I will be more than likely losing my hair during chemo.  I think this, at the moment, is one of my main concerns. I am finding it hard to imagine myself bald.  So, does one get a wig before chemo ready in anticipation? Where do I start looking? Is there any help out there with the styling? Real hair versus acrylic? I think I am more bothered as my mum had an NHS wig some 15 years ago, and to be honest it was one of the most awful things I have ever see ! Any help or suggestions?

 

 

 

 

 

  • Hi whippetlove good luck with the treatment Christies is really good and all the staff are really helpful. The dept you want is"Headstart" I think it is closed at lunch but the opening hours are on the door. The wig dept is in the same section it is small and sometimes you needs an appointment. Their is also a McMillan information centre along the glass corridor worth checking out .

  • Hi everyone

    Just to let you know that we have some info on hair loss and wigs here.

    I hope it's helpful!

    Jane

  • I got my wig from the House of Fraser, my hospital gave me a wig voucher, I think it was upto £100.00. I actually loved my wig, much better than my own hair.  It is horrible loosing your hair, but there are some great wigs out there.  I used a wig liner as well to stop any irritation from the wig.  I had an artificial hair wig, which was fantastic.  No more bad hair days eh!!  I also bought some really nice scarves from online.  I bought my wig before I lost my hair.  My neighbour never realised it was a wig for some time, until I told her.  When my hair statred to fall out, I cut it off and my wig was ready to go.  I did not like seeing myself in the mirror with no hair, but it was all worth it now.

    I booked quite early in treatment the Look Good Feel better session, this was great they showed you how to apply your make up when you have no lashes or eyebrows, and gave you a goodie bag, which included up to £300 worth of cosmetics.  It was a lovely afternoon, everyone was in the same position, and we all had a good laugh.  Your local breast care centre usually have all the information.  I think you can look online for one?  During treatment I also had massages from my local cancer centre, we were allowed to have upto 6 sessions free!!!  We also had sessions on diet.  I hope your local hospital have these facilities, it helped grately.

    Oh! I must tell you this funny story, when I received my wig voucher, the nurse was laughing.  She said everyone is entitled to this voucher, but she had just given one to a man who had already lost most of his hair naturally - i think his hair was partially lost, and wanted a voucher.  What a suprise for his family, from hardly no hair to a full head of  hair!!!!   Bless him.

    Take care.

    Diane xxx

  • Thank you everyone for your really helpful replies, and for the funny ones as well.  I didn't think there would be much to laugh about with this illness, but was I wrong! I don't have brilliant hair now so am looking forward to a smart style and only good hair days!  Thank you all again, hugs xx