How much do wigs run?

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tangandchris
tangandchris Member Posts: 1,855

Looks like I'm gonna have to pay out of pocket and then get reimbursed if I want to go the wig route. I'm thinking they are pretty pricey, what have ya'll experienced?

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  • SpecialK
    SpecialK Member Posts: 16,486
    edited January 2014

    They can range anywhere from $35 to $1,000.  Depends on what you want, but you can get a really nice one for less than $300.  Mine was a Racquel Welch versa-fiber synthetic (heat tolerant that can be blow dried or curled) lace front in that price range.  It is excellent quality and when I wore it people asked me if I had just been to the salon because they thought it was my hair.  I also paid up front and was reimbursed by my insurance company.  I would advise trying wigs on at the store and then checking online because you can often find the same product for less.

  • Kicks
    Kicks Member Posts: 4,131
    edited January 2014

    I agree on price amount basically.  It could run a lot more than $1,000 though if you want a custom hand tied 'European' hair wig.  Length also effects the price.

    In my somewhat mis-spent youth I had MANY wigs - all sorts of colors/lengths/'hair'  -just so I could have lots of different 'looks' easil.  (Had a green one for St. Paddy's Day)

    Unless you have experience in 'human hair' wig care I definitely would suggest you don't get a human hair one.  They can require a fair bit of knowledge, experience and talent to keep looking good. (Are also effected by weather just as your natural hair is - some go straight/some curl in humid/damp situations.  Basically synthetics are the same no matter.  I got 2 synthetic wigs during chemo because with my experiences (personal and professional - I was a Master Cosmetologist) with human hair wigs in the past I did not want to put that much time into keeping one looking decent.   Plop a syn on a quick brush and you're ready to go.

    Have you talked with the BC Navigator at your center, local ACS or Looking Good Feeling Better?  They are often a great source for wigs.

  • Pattysmiles
    Pattysmiles Member Posts: 954
    edited January 2014

    I recommend you try the Look good feelBetter program run by the American Cancer Society (ACS).

    Here is the link. http://lookgoodfeelbetter.org/  scroll down, on the left says find programs, enter your zip.

    Some of these programs have free wigs on site, others will give you a voucher to take to a wig bank.  (Again, free wig)...they also give you a makeup lesson on how to apply eyebrows and dramatize eyes (to look better when you have no brows or lashes!)

    Wishing you the best.

    Pat

  • tangandchris
    tangandchris Member Posts: 1,855
    edited January 2014

    Thank you, I called the phone number with that link and I'm going to get set up with some more info on getting a wig. Initially I didn't want to do the wig thing, but after talking to someone who has been thru this last night, I realized its better to be prepared with a wig and not use it...then wish I'd had one once my hair is gone. Maybe a little denial too that it is actually going to happen. :(

  • angelanature
    angelanature Member Posts: 179
    edited February 2014

    Hi,after over 6 months of wig wearing I've become somewhat of an expert. I had really long natural curly red hair prior to chemo and tried to find wigs to look like my own hair. Human hair wigs are expensive and require alot of work,not worth it.I have gone through 6 wigs since losing my hair,1 human and 5 synthetic.Lace front are the most natural looking and the shorter the better because the longer ones frizz after a few weeks of daily wear. The average cost is 100 to 300,but treated right can last months.I found this out the hard way.Wash your wig in cold water with wig shampoo,let dry naturally,don't brush(use a pick),static guard works the best,don't use products at all ,even wig sprays.Go to a wig store to see the actual colors,I ordered one that on line looked auburn but was cranberry.Wear a mesh,breathable cap under the wig when your hair starts growing in,without it the wig rubs off your hair and causes bald spots. This whole wig deal has been such a challenge but after alot of trial and error I've finally figured it out. Best Wishes Warrior! Angela

  • Moderators
    Moderators Member Posts: 25,912
    edited February 2014

    tangandchris, as well as the great info you've received from other members, the main Breastcancer.org site has a useful Wigs section with more details about finding and caring for a wig, as well as advice about covering the cost. 

  • jarris77
    jarris77 Member Posts: 100
    edited February 2014

    Tangandchris,I have been wearing wigs since July. I had white hair to begin with, so it wasn't hard to match. I got one wig free at the American Cancer Society and while talking to a representative at Anthem BCBS, found out that my insurance also allowed $165 for a wig. I also purchased 3 wigs from Paula Young on line. The wigs that I purchased on line were from $35 to $50 each. I have gotten a lot of compliments on the inexpensive wigs that I purchased on line. My own husband couldn't even tell it was a wig (I tested it out before I actually lost my hair). People at work tell me all the time that they forget that I am wearing a wig because it looks so much like my real hair. It is possible to get a decent looking wig without spending a lot of money. (Either that or my real hair looks like a cheap wig... lol)

    Hope you find something that you are happy with.

    Also, by the way, I was told at the Oncologist office that I wouldn't lose my hair. WRONG!!  Thank goodness I was prepared.

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