comfortable wigs

Diseases & Conditions Breast Cancer
1
Hello everyone,
 
My sister-in-law has just begun chemo.  She has asked me to help her find a wig.  My concern is that she won't be able to wear it once summer hits.  We live in southern Ohio and it is already in the 80's.  Temps generally range in the upper 80's to low 90's throughout summer.  I've noticed wig makers claiming that "capless construction" makes them cooler and more comfortable.  My question for you is will that make them comfortable enough? 
2
Hi there-
I was lucky enough to shed my wig by early July (in Michigan), so the heat was not an issue. By June, I had enough hair to wear caps for outside and yard work, so I never had to wear the wig outside. I would recommend going to a wig shop, preferably one that specializes in treating people going through chemo. In my opinion, it is better to be able to see them, feel them, examine the stitching, etc and especially try it on. However, a lot of people have gone on line and ordered them with great success too.

She may find that she prefers caps or scarves or bandanas for summer time, some people do both.

Good luck-
Lori

3
I have seen the caps and bandanas without the hair at the top and just hair sticking out the sides. That definitely looks cooler, if your SIL can tolerate a hat. Sometimes even a hat can be hot. I wish you and your SIL the best!

Laure'

The finger of God touches your life when you make a friend.
----Mary Dawson Hughes---

4

I was unfortunate enough to go thru the summer in South Georgia with a wig.  I chose a lightweight wig from www.beautytrends.com.  My son plays baseball all summer long so I bought a couple of hats and wore them with a wide headband at times.  Unfortunately, it's going to be hot no matter which way you go.  Just tell her to experiment with different things until she finds what suits her best.

Good Luck!

Teresa King

Jeremiah 29:11 - "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."

(NIV)

5

Hi! I'm sorry that you sil is having to go thru this. I had several different wigs that I would wear only when I would go somewhere that I felt it was necessary to look "normal". Heck, not only didn't I wear my wig much I also didn't wear my prothesis. Hated both of them.

The hats and scarves that have the hair attached at the bottom are great. You might want to suggest that she go to her beautician before she loses her hair and see what she/he suggests. There are wigs that are very lightweight. Tell her to make sure that she does have something on her head in the sun as the scalp can burn very quickly. Also, her insurance will probably pay for the wig if she uses the phrase "hair prothesis".

Deb

 

6
Does anyone know about wigs for men? I'd like to go to a specialised clinic where I can sit and explain what I want and how I feel, as I'm abit worried about going into a shop.
7
Your oncologist can usually suggest someone who does private appointments. The run-of-the-mill wig stores sell wigs that typically don't offer the coverage needed by someone with alopecia. Personally, I like the bald look! And hats when going out where hair might not be considered "optional."

Good luck!
BEV
8
Thanks for the advice. I have noticed somewhere in Bloomsbury, I will let you know how it goes.
9
BTW, insurance will usually cover a wig for alopecia... they don't call it a wig, but a "cranial prosthesis." Nothing like a little medicalese to make a wig sound like something very technical. LOL

BEV
10
Haha, thanks again! I have looked into claiming it on insurance, and I am going to the doctors for a full assessment to see if I will be completely covered.
11
The really good wigs are expensive. So get a prescription from your doctor.

BEV
12
Thanks. Will definitely look into this and let you know
13
Has anyone heard of Bloomsbury of London?