Headcoverings: What did you use?

ElleBee

Hello everyone! I am a 36-year-old with IDC and DCIS, facing chemo in the next week or so. And I LOVE MY HAIR. I am resigned to losing it, and to be honest, I am not sure I want to wear a wig. So, I have been researching different types of head coverings, and have found some really cute ones (although some are expensive).

What do/did you use to cover your head? Do you have any specific products that you recommend? Any tips for tying scarves, etc? Any great patterns (knitting, sewing, crocheting) that you would like to share? Please feel free to post links.

Here are websites for some of the cute online shops I have found! Happy shopping! 

ElleBee 

cjhats.com

topsyturban.com

chemobeanies.com

suburbanturban.co.uk

www.etsy.com/shop/NinisNiche

http://www.etsy.com/shop/GypsyLoveHeadbands?ref=seller_info 

mary625

While I was quite comfortable with my wig (and it was winter when I had chemo), I also used the Beau Beau from 4women.com.  Loved them!  Beautiful choices in fabrics.  There was one I got in the section for exercising, and I wore it almost constantly at home because it was very silky/polyester.  I also got some sleep caps from TLC, but even in winter I decided to stop wearing them.  You may not want them in summer.  I was very happy with my Beau Beau's.  They were well worth the price. 

SelenaWolf

I opted for a wig... mainly because I didn't feel like I was a scarf- or turban kinda girl.  And, I had treatment during the autumn/winter and found that a wig was just warmer!!  I had a few cotton hats to wear to bed because I would get too chilled during the night.  And, when I went out, I would wear a hat over my wig because the hat alone was just too cold!!!  My hair has grown in now and I haven't worn a wig in a few months, so I have no idea how uncomfortable- or hot they may be during the warm months...

A friend of mine - who's in the beauty business -  found me a water-proof eyebrow pencil which was invaluable after my eyebrows fell out.  I, also, used it as an eyeliner when my eyelashes fell out.  I'll have to ask her where she got it.

NancyHB

I bought a wig, and got a free one through the ACS, but never wore either.  They never felt right, and I never felt like I looked good in them.  So I bought Beau Beaus, too - *loved* them and the convenience!  One day I pulled out one of my favorite decorative neck scarves with shiny threads and pretty colors, and decided to wrap it around my head like a turban, and it worked wonderfully and looked fantastic!  I had enough to color-coordinate with most of my outfits, then bought a few more at JCP and Target for about $15 each.  As the weather warms up now, I need something that "breathes" and gives my head some air, and the scarves have been perfect.  And later, when my hair comes back (and it will!) I can still wear them with outfits.  Otherwise - I go topless at home, and once in a while when I go out in public.  I find I love being bald, but I tend to wear head coverings because I don't want other people to stop me and ask about it (I just get tired of being Cancer Girl sometimes). 

lostinmo

EllaBee- I got a wig from ACS but I've only wore it about 10 minutes.  Just not me.  I have several turbins that I wear along with some bandanas.  I also wear what the motorcyleist call Dew rags, you can find these online or I've found my at motorcycle stores and in some gas stations.  They are fairly inexpesive and I didn't want to spend a lot of money on head coverings for something temporary. LOL  Besides when I get to ride the motorcycle with my husband again they may come in handy.

mebmarj

I was a do-rag wearer. You have to fold it at about 1/3 of the corner in, so you have 2/3 left to get good overall coverage. Fold goes in front above your brows closer to hair line, smooth around sides and tie knot at nape of neck. You can find them at craft stores, walmart and such. But softer and bigger ones? I got some through headcovers.com, very soft. Lots of other options there for you too, little hats all different styles.

Was in nursing school and was more afraid of a wig falling off and freaking someone out than just putting it out there that I was bald underneath the do-rag.

Best wishes to you. -m

lostinmo

mebmarj-the do-rags I have don't have to be folded, just slip on and tie in the back.  I have some that I have to fold and tie, but the premade are so much easier.  I even found some at wal-mart for about $2.50 over by mens socks.  

ElleBee

How were you girls able to score a free wig? Is ACS the American Cancer Society?

itsjustme10

I bought a couple of wigs, but what I ended up wearing the most was from hatswithhair.com...the ponymode style - baseball cap with bangs and a pony tail.  My hairdresser cut it, and curled the sides, and not only was it more comfortable than the wigs, but it was very natural looking, and even kind of cute - I got tons of compliments on it.

Anonymous

ElleBee,

 I am about 2 weeks ahead of you with very similar circumstances and I would say take your time.  I just cut my hair to just shy of midlength because so many advise that its too hard to deal with the loss.  I think I want to take a chance and see if my hair just thins out.  I would have gone for a midlength cut anyway this summer (that's 12 inches off for me) so no big deal.  I have tons of really thick hair so I am waiting and watching and so far no hair loss. 

Re: headcoverings I have recieved several free and purchased several wigs.  Although the anonymity that they *may* offer sounds great; I don't think they are me.  I have purchased pre-tied eyelet kerchiefs for a retro tongue in cheek chic look and have ordered a free Its a Wrap scarf which I hope will arrive before too long.  I am not sure what I will do when the time comes but the idea of a wig seemed more attractive before I got so close to losing my hair.  Now it seems like something that isn't in keeping with my very direct personality.  I appreciate that many people do choose them and I may yet but for me they feel a little at odds with who I am.

Do google "But doctoor I don't liek pink" for several suggestions about headcoverings for free for breast cancer patients.  I like the Its a Wrap so well I would certainly purchase more. 

 Best, 

 VVH 

fairweather9

I just cant see my self in a wig so I ordered a few different covers and I'm liking the surgical scrubs best, check out smartscrubs.com.  They are light, cool and about $10.  I also got a few buffs that are ok and can be worn several different ways. 

Marlene

NancyHB

ElleBee - yes, ACS is the American Cancer Society.  If you go to their website you should be able to find a local salon (or something reasonably local) that offers free wigs to cancer patients.  Check them out here:

http://www.cancer.org/treatment/supportprogramsservices/app/resource-search

I purchased a very cheap ($20) wig when I was first diagnosed.  At the time I thought it was adorable and loved the style.  As my hair fell out and I shaved, I put the wig on and realized it was just not for me.  I couldn't afford an expensive wig, and my insurance wouldn't cover it, so I called ACS and was set up with a local salon.  They had several "gently used" wigs in stock and I found one that, again, looked rather nice - until I got it home and tried it on again, and realized it was just not for me.  As I said earlier, I quickly learned to love being bald - well, "love" might be a strong word, but I don't mind it.  I lost my eyelashes and eyebrows and have done nothing to "replace" them even temporarily - I just choose not to wear makeup right now.  It's an odd change of pace but one I have embraced.  

Good luck!

ohio4me

I didn't use a wig or head cover. It was winter when I lost my hair and I used knit hats (made by friends) both inside/outside as needed for warmth. I took one look at wigs and knew they weren't for me. I have never been a hat person or one that likes things on my head. So I went for the natural look. I never went completely bald but only the gray stayed so I looked bald unless you looked close - I cut me hair really close. It just didn't bother me.

I saw women wearing some very nice wigs, including my oncologist! They just weren't for me.

There may also be some local centers that offer free (used) wigs. We have one locally that has many shelves of wigs so I'd check with your cancer center and see if there are local services for cancer patients.

msmouse

I saw this the other day online & am going to think about it for my upcoming 2nd round of being hairless.

http://todayhealth.today.msnbc.msn.com/_news/2012/05/24/11747097-after-chemo-hair-loss-henna-crowns-help-heal?lite

Tazzy

Hi Ladies, hope you dont mind me jumping in.  I wasn't a wig person either - got my hair cut short soon as I knew I was going to have chemo...soon as it really started thinning... I actually went and got it shaved - less traumatic for me than it coming out in clumps.   But its a very personal decision.   

I have grown to love my scarves/turbans/hats... found this one on U-tube... very creative.   I really have fun with mine now.. and get the most colourful ones I can find. 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4IM6sdAv9OI&feature=related

allurbaddayswillend

Hi ElleBee, I'm not there yet. I got my hair cut into a mohawk just to have some fun before it falls out. I was scheduled for chemo tomorrow but it had to be postponed. I am thinking I'll try a little of everything to see what works. Like you, I'm not sure if I care to try to have a realistic looking wig. I'm thinking of going for a bright color for fun http://www.voguewigs.com/gina-lacey-costume-wig.html#!prettyPhoto

and maybe a scarf, tied do-rag style, and I might try the beaubeau that so many recommend just for convenience. I figure that won't be too big a cash outlay.

kltb04

I know I am late on this and forgive me if I duplicate information.  I am halfway through chemo.  I started losing my hair right on track on day 14 or 15 and I gave myself a lovely hatchet job of a haircut and had dh buzz it down to a #3 and then a #1.  I then razor shaved it but still had some stubble (and a little growth)...a lot of people say not to razor shave because of your scalp being sore and the risk of nicks but I was careful and the stubble was bugging me.  I am different than most in that, while I didn't really relish the thought of losing my hair, my hair was definitely not my best feature, thin, graying, frizzy but straight.  That said, I still want it back!  Even though people tell me the style of my wig makes me look younger (I am 38).

I got a free wig through a local hospital's program which I am sure was sponsored by the ACS.  However, I hated it.  I thought at first it looked good but it was a traditional/machine sewn/inexpensive wig and there was too much hair on top and it was itchy...even with a liner.  I had it thinned but still didn't care for it much. So I then went to a local wig shop and paid out of pocket for a monofilament style wig (insurance reimbursed half of the $240).  Much more natural/looks like you can see your scalp at the part, can be parted different ways.  Have received numerous compliments and "I couldn't tell it was a wig" from people.  

But it is summertime in the south and I cannot see wearing it much outdoors.  I have found I can go out comfortably in a scarf just tied at the nape of my neck and a cap or hat.  Got a couple of cute "blinged out" caps at the local Wal-Mart and Dollar General believe it or not.  Not going for quality here, just cute!  

I had a lot of hopes for the halo type hairpieces that are open at the top (tlcdirect.org, sponsored by ACS) but the first one I ordered was curly and it just looked very clownish to me.  The second, which I haven't decided if I will keep, is so little hair, it doesn't seem worth the effort....it was advertised to be a "face framing, chin length" halo but it is very thin and wispy.  But they are inexpensie - around $28 - and you can return if it doesn't work.

hatandhair.com has halos that velcro into caps but I didn't like that one either - I would have had to have a seperate bang piece and I would worry about it falling out.  It was more, closer to $50.

At home, I wear care caps that I got for free when I got the wig - look like scrub caps.  I go "topless" only when I sleep at night.

On another note, check out the Look Good Feel Better program, they offer workshops with free makeup and skincare products and I believe some offer free wigs too.  Usually through the women's health depts at your local hospital.   lookgoodfeelbetter.org

Melrosemelrose

I got a wig from ACS through its Look Good Feel Good program.  If you go to the ACS website and find your local chapter, you can find out info about the Look Good Feel Good programs that are held either at the local chapter or at various hospitals in your area.  I'm being treated at a major private hospital with a cancer center that has a ACS office on the same floor as the infusion center.  I actually had a one on one session during my first infusion with a volunteer.  I received a makeup kit and a free wig at that time.  I had wanted to attend one of those Look Good Feel Good sessions but the ones scheduled for the spring and summer occur right after my scheduled chemo rounds.  I also got instructions for making t-shirt turbans which are also available on line.

Although I have the wig, I probably won't wear it since it is just too hot and humid here.  I also purchased some Buffs which have great UVA protection for $22.00 at REI.  A buff is a tube of fabric that can be manipulated in different ways.  If you have seen the reality TV show, Survivor-- those bandana looking head coverings some of the participants are wearing, are Buffs.  You can check out the Buffs on line by going to the Buff website.

Bandanas that you can get at any craft store (Michaels, Hobby Lobby, Jo Ann's Fabrics) will also work .  Easy to wash, made of cotton and cheap.

I've gone through several hair transitions since I was diagnosed in Feb. 22012.  In March 2012, right before my UMX, I cut my waist length hair to a short bob.  I did keep the hair in case I wanted to make a hair halo or hair extensions out of it later.  About two weeks after my first chemo on April 24th, my hair started to come out.  I got tired and annoyed with dealing the hair, so a few days before my second round on May 15th, I made five little pony tails which I cut off those little pony tails and had my DH use his electric clippers with a 1 inch guard to clean up the back and sides.  At that point, I had a cute short short boy haircut.  Since then, a majority of my hair has gone bye bye and yet I still have a fringe of hair around my hairline.  Go figure. I probably won't buzz it any shorter since I am curious to see if I will lose all of my head hair and if so, when.  My little hair science experiment is not for everyone.  Whatever you decide to do, you need to be comfortable with your decision.  There is no right way or wrong way here.  However, whatever you do decide to do, take control over the hair before it takes control over you.

NevadaPaula

I wore scarves from TLC. They have a lot to chose from, very colorfull and easy to use. Very long also.

kayfh

All of the beautiful soft scarves I wore on my bald head have slipped down. I am wearing them around my neck in varying configurations to camouflage my unibreast.
Loved Buffs. Warm in winter and not too too hot in summer.

NevadaPaula

kayfh, what a great idea!

mebmarj

Oh, I forgot.  I'm not sure where I read it, but I tried it and it worked.

When the hair starts to go and you've cut or buzzed it... The little stubbles can me managed using a sticky lint roller.

Sounds odd, but wow!  Catches those little buggers and cleans ya up in just a few swipes a day

Buddhahead

Wig didn't work for me. I've bought several buffs like the ones on survivor. They have hundreds of patterns, colors, etc. do a search for

Buffs USA .

Anonymous

Hi Faith,  My first treatment was from 10 am to 3:#0 pm due to trouble findign a vein and teaching about the basics.  I am hoping that this next one will be shorter.  I started losing my hair three days ago and just got back from the barber.  He used a #3 clipper and that was a good length.  I have several bald patches and washed away hair when I got back form the barber and shampooed.  Oh well.  I have several wigs though I also have advice:I cut my shoulder length hair and wore it short (chin length) to work for 4 days before gettign it buzzed.  This was a poor choice for me. I wish that I had begun wearing my wigs which are the length of my shoulder length hair without going to work with short hair.  Now i will wear my shoulder length wig and feel a bit like a fraud because a large handful of coworkers and my students have seen me with short hair. So my advice is start wearing the wig when you cut your hair if you are goign with a wig.

PamCA

Hi,

I bought 2 wigs, but only wear 1.  I wear it to church and when I go to work (work parttime).  Otherwise I boughts some hats from www.headcoverings.com and 3 scarves from www.hatsscarvesandmore.com that are already gathered in the back so you don't have to tie them.  I also bought a few turbans from the American Cancer Society's website for hair loss.  I wear mostly the hats, scarves and turbans.  When you don't feel well or don't feel like bothering with wigs, the other things are comfortable and easy to put on. 

rn4babies

fairweather9......Which scrub hat style did you buy? Was it adjustable in the back? I'm a nurse that works in the OR as well and was thinking of scrub hats being my work attire (can't possibly do a wig).

Nikki5

Hi All!

 I agree on being sick of scarves! However, I have to say I'm slowly getting used to them.

It took me a while to a find a good place to shop but American Apparel has a great variety of silk scarves that are the perfect size for your head.

Hope that helps!

LuvRVing

I bought a good wig that I could wear swimming.  Scarves, buffs, etc. made me look like a cancer victim.  The wig made me look normal because I bought it before I lost my hair and it was similar to my natural hairstyle.  When it was very hot, I wore a ballcap.

Anonymous

Hi Nikki,

I have been told that silk scarves will slip off.  I haven't tried it but wanted you to consider this.

VVH 

Anonymous

Friends,  I hope that you are all feeling better than you expected and are confrontign the challenges well.  Today was 2 of 4 of TC for me.  I wore wigs this week at work and i looked great/got compliemnts on my hair.  I was fidgety though and not sure.  My wigs have combs and so i definitely wear a wig cap to ensure that my now sensitive scalp is ok.  

 I bundled up and it worked: I did not want a port for just 4 chemo treatments and my doctor agreed the nurse pused it however.  I undersstand from their perspective but i scar very easily and seem to experience complications with everything so I need to be limit possible complicaitons.  I drank liquids til I nearly burst and msot improtnantly I wore very warm clothing in June in NYC.  I wore a tan, short sleeved wool turtleneck, synthetic material thin but warm cardigan and a fleece jacket, also a buff, cotton cap and scarf on my head, and thick socks and crocs on my feet.  All of these raised my normally low-normal body temperature and prevented my veins form shrinking in from the coolness of the infusion room.  I feel this was a huge win.  I begin senokot 1 day before treatment and will continue know that  i know this is an issue for me.

I wish you all no  SE - ever!

 V 

kebab

I went to the local fabric store and bought a full square of whatever fabrics I liked (ie, whatever the width of the fabric was, I got the same in length -- usually about 3 feet square or so).  I just walked around the shop and whatever color or style or texture made me smile, that's what I bought.  Took them fabric home and hemmed the edges, and then I had a whole raft of gorgeous pieces I could use that made me happy and suited my tastes.