The truth about wigs

i bought a long "real" hair wig just like my own hair but i ended up at the end getting a shorter layered one in synthetic hair much much less expensive and easier to take care of
the longer wig to me was very hot in the summer
i also had a hat wig- its a half of wig that attached by velcro to all these hats i wore that was more comfy

I bought a long wig and regretted it - I wore it exactly 3 times. It was very hot and itchy. I wish I had not spent the money and had just gotten a free one from the American Cancer Society.

Alicia

I too had long hair before I shaved it off during chemo. Bought a long "real hair" wig and got it cut to about shoulder length. I wore mine almost every day since I was still working during chemo and it was during winter and spring, so, I didn't find it hot. I do find it to be a bit hot now that it's summer.

My wig doesn't have any metal clips, so, can't help you there.

Jo

I agree. Losing short hair seems like it would be less traumatic than long hair. Although I had short hair to begin with and it was very upsetting to me. Maybe if your hair is long enough you could donate it to Locks of Love. Also, you might want to have your onc write you a note about the metal clips in your wig. I have a friend who is going through recon and she had to travel by plane. SHe was afraid the expander would set the metal detector off and she had her PS write her a note. It turs out she didn't need it after all so maybe you won't either. Good luck! Bonny
I can't help you about the wig because I didn't wear one. Just wore my baseball caps. Gave them up a couple of weeks ago even though my hair is still REALLLLLY short and I still have "the look". But that is o0k. At least I am cool.

Hi Lisa-

I just have to go on record as saying, "I LOVED my long wigs!" I had three of them, and maybe I liked them because I have had short hair for so long. I took advantage of the fact that I COULD wear a wig and not look silly, and I got a bunch of cool long shags. Just look for the ones with less hair. That is the secret. Most wigs have way too much hair, which is why they are hot. Granted, they are all hot, but it depends when and where and how long you plan on wearing them. If I would go out at night and wearing it only for three or four hours, it was bearable and fun. I tried it in the daytime for eight hours, and it got pretty uncomfortable. If you live in a big city, find a good store that lets you try a bunch on. That's the only way to know for sure. Plus, depending on your job, or your lifestyle, you can experiment with color, too. Try being a fiery redhead, a cool blonde or go for a rich brunette! You might just stumble on something you will want to stay with later!

Good luck! And just to let you know, my hair came back fast, and it's REALLY curly! Not overly curly, but I keep thinking about all of the money I spent on perms years ago!!!

Happy Wig shopping!

mitzi

I've always had long hair and never wanted it short. So I bought a very nice long wig (just below my shoulders) about the same length as my hair was. Even though I lost my hair in January and head was not an issue I never liked the wig. I've never worn it. I ended up wearing scarves and hats instead as they are so much more comfortable. I recently bought a short wig and I like it so much more than the long one.

If I had to do it over I would have waited until the hair was gone before I bought the wig. I think I would have made a better choice that way. The American Cancer Society in most cities has a wig closet where you can get a free wig. Maybe go there and pick one out and see if you like it before spending money on one.

Also - whatever you end up with take it to someone who knows how to cut wigs and get it cut for your face. It will make a HUGE difference.

Hi Lisa -
I think you have made a good choice. However, there is one "truth about wigs" that I don't think has been mentioned yet. You will want to take you new wig to a stylist to have the bangs trimmed and the wig thinned and shaped. It will make a world of difference to have it customized for you. You'll be much happier with it.
All the best
Lisa
also in SD

Here's another approach, which worked for me. I kept my hair long and matched it to my new wig, which I purchased before my hair started falling out. I met with the wig stylist a couple of times to pick the color and trim. Before the major fall-out I got buzzed, left the wig shop with the wig on, and wore long hair (wig) for another year. I know, it's a long time, but I waited til summer (a month or so ago) to take the long wig off, and have had my own hair (2-3 inches long) styled. So, it just looks like I just NOW got a haircut. Nobody identified the wig stage except my friends, who knew what was going on. I bought an expensive wig, but it was worth it cause I kept in on until I could work with my hair.
I LOVED my hates with hair. I wore the regular one that you wear with a bandana or hat (I used bandanas) ALL the time last summer. So Keith Richards/Rhoda. Loved it. I also bought the swimming one and the baseball hat one for the gym.
The one thing I didn't use was an acrylic wig I bought, which was so super shiny that it didn't look like my hair.
Good luck everyone.

Quote:

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Thanks, Jan. I tried the ACS, but all the wigs looked too old for me.
I think I've made up my mind:
http://www.mywigstore.com/shop/shop_sear...rchWord=scorpio
It is a compromise between long and short.

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Lisa, what color is that called? I love it.

Lisa, I am one of the few that DID purchase a wig with long hair a touch longer then my shoulders. I have always had long hair and I was so afraid of what people would say seeing me with a completely different look if I went with some short haired style. (Dumb thing to worry about isn't it.)

The cancer center I go to has a nice little shop in there that caters to women going through cancer trt. They have long and short wigs...any thing you need. Including scraves, hats, bras, prothesis, & you name it. The women that runs it is really awesome. She will find you the perfect wig, bra, prothesis, you name it. She makes you feel so comfortable and NOT embarrassed.

I ended up with a long wig that looked pretty much like my regular hair and I DID purchase the wig when I still have hair on my head and it was not a problem for them. She has some nice wigs and on the one I have it has two little velcor adjustment straps up in the cap. That way it can be adjusted if need be when your hair starts growing back in. I had NO problems with mine at all and I wore it for a YEAR. LOL (I know...longer then most...but I felt so stupid with short hair.) Its just recently I've been going out without a wig...and it does feel GOOD. It was getting to hot here in sunny CA for a wig. But my wig NEVER got tangled and was easy to care for. I had several people in the cancer center ask me IF I had a wig on? They really did not know. (I felt like everyone could tell..but they couldn't.)

Anyway...just wanted to let you know I am the one strange person that had no problems with long haired wig. I see your in San Diego...if you want I can PM you the phone # to this shop and you can see IF they can point you to another store like this one. This women in here Kathy is really good at what she does. She even fitted me in the best bra I've ever had in my ENTIRE life. And what's great...no one is every in this shop EXCEPT us women going through cancer treatment...so your always comfortable in there. The biggest thing I will say about a LONG wig is I did get tired of brushing it when getting in and out of my car or after sitting in my infusion chair...but thats about it. The back of it would get a little messy, but other then that it was great. Good luck to you.

Chelee

I hated my wig...called it the "rat". It made my head sweat and I much preferred just using a bandana or a hat. After a while, I just went around bald. I live in a small town and everyone here knew I had cancer anyhow. So, why should I wear something hot on my head so that people don't feel uncomfortable.

Good luck with whatever decision you make.

Wendy