Hi Charlotte

I had a synthetic wig and honestly people could not tell.  In fact I had some very nice comments.

Mine was free on the NHS and I had plenty to choose from, I could have paid extra for a better quality one but it wasnt worth it as I was not going to be wearing the wig all day every day.  As my treatment was in the winter I usually went out during the day in a hat unless going for lunch or meeting friends.

It might be better to save your money and buy your mum a wig stand and the care kit (shampoo,etc) or even a nice hat for those cold winter days or some scarfs etc.

Hi Charlotte ..... welcome to you and your Mum and I am sorry to hear what your family are going through.  I have lost my hair three times now and have several wigs.  I have found that it is a good idea to find a good wig shop - even if it means a day trip away. You really need to be able to try on lots of different styles and colours and have a specialist advise you. They can also trim the wigs if needed.

I have found synthetic wigs much easier to use and care for.  Real hair will need styling every time it's worn (just like your normal hair would) and blow drying after washing etc whereas a synthetic wig keeps its style and you literally pop it on - ideal when you are feeling poorly.  Also they are easy to wash and you just lightly towel dry, pop them on your foam 'head' overnight and they are ready to wear in the morning - no styling cos they magically do that themselves lol !

It's a lovely thought for you to use your hair for mum and I am sure there are many ways you will find to show her how much you love her and want to support her over the months ahead.  My daughter and son bring me a huge sense of normality in the unreal world which has now become my 'new normal'.

I wish your Mum all the very best and send you a big hug x

Thank you river56 for your reply, I didnt know you can get a free one from the NHS that is good news as some places I have been looking on the prices are quite steep, I like the idea of getting her a wig stand, she says she doesnt suit hats! but that may have to change pretty soon with winter coming! Thanks again, x x

Hi Max56, Thank you for your response :) How did you go about finding a good wig shop? I am on google and websites are coming up but I would much prefer to go into a shop/salon and feel the qualityy and be there with mum to try them on.  I found one in Notting Hill London but the prices are sky high :/

Synthetic wigs sound low maintenance compared to real hair so I guess thats what mum will want she wont want to be styling hair when not feeling well,  Thank you for your advice on a topic Im completly clueless about!

Charlotte x x

Charlotte you could ask at the hospital especially if they have a McMillan's office as they will have a list of shops that provide nhs wigs .l had to get a voucher from them, my hospital had a wig shop in the building, only a small one but with plenty of styles to choose from. The one I have is supplied by Dimples so you could google them. I bought a simple plastic stand from them which you can put the wig on to dry. I even got a free dvd on how to look after the wig etc. They may offer your Mum "cold cap" in which case she may not lose her hair - but I believe it can be very uncomfortable and in some cases painful at first. Again depends on her treatment. Good luck.

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Hello Charlotte,

What a lovely thought to make a wig for your mum with your own hair. I would be so touched if my daughters offered to do something like this for me. I noticed you already received some great tips from our users. We also have a page on our website which lists the main organisations that can help.
 
There is also a company who make wigs for cancer patients using the patient’s own hair:  http://www.bloomsburywigs.com/can-i-make-a-wig-out-of-my-own-hair.html
 

I hope this helps!

Best wishes,

Lucie, Cancer Chat Moderator