Gettin' Wiggy With It
Wigs on wigs on wigs!
When I got diagnosed, one of my first questions was, "am I gonna lose my hair?" After I came to terms with the fact that yes, I would be bald, I started doing a ton of research on wigs - where to get them, how much they cost, real hair vs. synthetic - and found so many great resources along the way. I get asked questions about my wigs all the time, so I hope this post is helpful! I've detailed each of my wigs below, from most expensive to least, and linking affiliated organizations, brands, etc. I also gave IGTV a try with a video on this topic, here. As always, shout with questions!
Price Point: ~$1300
Real or Synthetic: Real
Fave Feature: Natural hair line
I love this wig - and I better because of the price, right?? I got this wig from my hospital's spa with the intention of using some insurance money to cover the cost. However, when we found out the out of pocket costs would actually be higher if we went through insurance, we decided to just pay the entire thing out of pocket. I like that this wig is very similar to my natural hair, in terms of color and tone, and even looks good with my current, weird, pale, chemo skin tone. Since it is a real human hair wig, I am able to use heat on it, and usually wear this wig with some amount of wand styling. I also like the natural hair line of the wig for aesthetic reasons and also because it allows me to have more styling options, like pulling it back or wearing a top knot. When I first started chemo and got this wig, my skin matched the hair line perfectly, and didn't require any cover-up. Now, it's a bit darker and more obvious, so I've been wearing head wraps or headbands to cover the hair line (I'm too lazy to use makeup for everyday use).
Price Point: ~$130
Real or Synthetic: Synthetic
Fave Feature: Throw on and go!
This is the wig I wear the most because it's so easy to throw on and be out the door. Summers in Florida are brutal and I love that this wig is lightweight enough to wear in the intense heat and also keeps my sensitive skin safe from the sun. I ordered this from Ritzy Rags, an absolutely amazing store for my Central Florida readers to check out! The owner, Leigh Shannon, is an incredibly kind and supportive resource for cancer patients. If you aren't in the Orlando area, I found this wig, and other variations of it (different lengths and hair colors), on Amazon.
Price Point: FREE
Real or Synthetic: Real
Fave Feature: The leeeennngth
I cannot say enough kind words about the Wigs & Wishes organization. With salon affiliates nationwide, they provide incredible, and TOTALLY FREE, wigs to cancer patients. My salon that I've been going to for over 10 years, The Look, is actually a member of this organization and totally hooked me up. I went in for the consultation right before we cut my hair. The specialist helped me look through a ton of books with a million different wig options and matched my hair color to one of the many swatches they had. After we chose and ordered the wig, I scheduled another appointment to pick it up. During your second appointment, they show you how to wear and style your wig and even do your full makeup! It made me feel so special and cared for during a really tough time. Like the first wig I mentioned, I love that this wig is really natural looking and made of human hair (so I can use heat on it!). Unlike the first wig, this wig is lace front, so it doesn't have that natural hair line piece, but the lace lays close to your scalp and hair line, and doesn't look fake or "wig-like" at all.
If you're interested in finding a participating Wigs & Wishes salon close to you, click here.
Price Point: FREE
Real or Synthetic: Real
Fave Feature: Thick and shiny
Another incredible resource that I could rave about for days is the American Cancer Society. They have branches nationwide, so it's likely that you can find one close to you! They have some really great programs for cancer patients and survivors, including beauty classes and support groups, but the one I am going to highlight here is the Pantene Beautiful Lengths program. Patients are eligible for up to 2 free wigs every year you are undergoing treatment. I got two of the same style and color wigs, and I love that they are nice and thick! The only thing about these wigs is that they do not come pre-cut/styled, so you will have to do that yourself. With everything going on, I haven't yet gotten mine styled, but I will be soon because these short options are sooo perfect to have for the hot summer months! My ACS branch even provided a list of area salons that will cut and style the wigs free of charge, which is a great perk. If you don't have a salon near to you that will do this, be sure to call ahead and explain your situation. The cost should be the same as a normal haircut.