Wigs or not

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OhioNana1605
OhioNana1605 Member Posts: 60

I am going to be starting chemo soon for mbc to liver. Did you lose your hair? Dr. said I probably will. Did you get a wig? What do I look for when selecting one? Or mostly scarves or hats? Thanks.

Comments

  • Redkitty815
    Redkitty815 Member Posts: 44
    edited April 2021

    Hi-The first thing I want to say is that losing my hair was the thing that terrified me most, but it was okay. I liked myself bald much more than I ever thought I would since my hair (long, thick and red) was always my trademark. I invested in a really good wig right before covid hit and I think I wore it 4-5 times. I liked having it when we went out and for meetings for work; it made being sick less obvious and I was more comfortable in a public setting. The important thing in choosing a wig is how comfortably it fits your head. If it’s not comfortable, you won’t wear it. Ultimately, I didn’t wear mine due to covid. I wore chemo caps around the house when my head was cold and I also have used an inexpensive halo wig under a hat for outdoor walks, but most of the time I was bald and proud. I tried silk scarves between when I started losing my hair and when I got my wig, but it wasn’t my look.

    Good luck with your treatment!

  • moth
    moth Member Posts: 4,800
    edited April 2021

    OhioNana, i just want to acknowledge it is a bit different when you're metastatic and potentially facing losing hair indefinitely.

    Whether you lose your hair depends on the chemo chosen. Can you update your profile with dx and treatments so they show in your signature line?

    I think it's a deeply personal choice. I have wigs from stage 1 but have worn one exactly once since my metastatic dx. But I'm thinking of wearing them more just for fun. I personally find them kind of itchy but also I do know that when I see pics of wig & no wig, I look better/younger/healthier with the wig. I usually wear knit hats all the time because my temperature fluctuates so I'm always pulling them off & putting them back on again.

  • Krose53
    Krose53 Member Posts: 148
    edited April 2021

    Hi, I bought a wig before I started chemo and I literally never wore it. Not even one time. I found that I was much more comfortable bald. I only wore a hat, if it was cold outside and my head was cold. I decided that I didn't really care if people stared and most didn't. If they did I just smiled and kept on going. After your initial outing, you'll feel much more comfortable and confident. I know a lot of women wear hats and scarves on their head but I never have worn either and it just wasn't for me. Good luck with chemo.

  • Spookiesmom
    Spookiesmom Member Posts: 9,568
    edited April 2021

    I found my wig to be itchey and HOT here in Florida in the summer. I wore it maybe 3 times. If you can stand it, it would help prevent sunburn. Otherwise I went top less.

  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
    edited April 2021

    I really like my wigs and I still wear them even though I have hair again.

    If you are in the USA, many insurance plans will pay for a medical wig. You can go to a wig salon and get fitted and find one that’s comfortable.

    Before I had cancer, I used to wear falls (half wigs) and fake ponytails, so I was already on the fake hair train . It was less of an adjustment to go to a full wig.

    In fact, when I first started chemo, I used a half wig and when my hair started falling out, I covered the front with a wide hand band or a scarf. It was more comfortable than a full wig and I got a lot of compliments on the look

  • Nel138281
    Nel138281 Member Posts: 2,124
    edited April 2021

    I have one wig and wore a few ( 3-4 ) times during my initial dx. Just found it not to my liking - itchy, hot, not me.. Generally wore baseball hats Stage 4 dx has brought treatment that has thinned hair a bit, but nothing really noticeable to the putside world. Still have my baseball hats if/when needed

    We all go our own road on this one - you will find what works for you

  • MountainMia
    MountainMia Member Posts: 1,307
    edited April 2021

    Most of the time I was completely bald, it was hot weather. I knew I wouldn't wear a wig. For about the first half of my complete baldness I wore ball caps or bandana-style scarves when out, but just bald at home.

    Then one day I was teaching (volunteer teach an English class for foreign-born adults. I was way too warm and asked the students if they minded if I took my hat off. They shook their heads and I took it off and went on. My husband said the students all applauded.

    After that I didn't wear hats anymore except just as needed for sun protection, or later in the year to be warmer.


  • Spookiesmom
    Spookiesmom Member Posts: 9,568
    edited April 2021

    image

    Or you can wear this.

  • NatureYogi
    NatureYogi Member Posts: 141
    edited April 2021

    Spookiesmom, Love the hat!


    So far I have only worn beanies at home or at chemo or scarves. It gets hot and humid in Savannah, so I'm sure I'll be going bald a lot. Same as redkitty, I have very thick red hair, was afraid of losing it, but it is ok.

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