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WHAT'S NEW
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Choose the right wig for you
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Look good and feel better while undergoing cancer treatments.
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By Joanne Shaw from Look Good, Feel Better
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Hair replacements, today, are as authentic as your own hair and often easier to maintain. The rapid loss of hair (alopecia) whether partial or complete, is one of the most common side effects of chemotherapy and radiation.
As improbable as it may seem, many women feel that alopecia is as difficult to deal with as the diagnosis of cancer. However, hair loss can be easily disguised. Some patients like to have a combination of looks with wigs, head wraps and hats. The following information will help you select a stylist, hair replacement and head accessories to support you during this difficult period.
Finding the correct stylist
Selecting the proper stylist provides the groundwork for dealing with your hair loss needs. Not all hairdressers are properly trained to work with cancer patients.
To avoid embarrassment, the shop you visit should have a designated private area for selection and servicing of hair replacements. The staff should be experienced and well trained in dealing with cancer patients and other hair loss problems. A competent stylist using the proper techniques in the cut, style, cleaning and fitting will fashion the hair replacement to fit your overall appearance for your maximum comfort.
The primary source for experts in this field is the Canadian Cancer Society. A secondary source is the Yellow Pages.
Things to do before you go to the stylist
• List any questions you may have prior to your visit.
• Provide a personal photograph highlighting your favourite style for the technician.
• Snip samples of hair from the top, sides and back of your head, keeping these samples separate from each other so the stylist has an overall idea of the different shades of your hair.
• Ask a family member or friend to go with you to help you choose your new hair replacement. They provide support and a valuable second opinion.
Choosing a hair replacement center — Telephone questions to ask
• How many cancer and hair loss clients have you worked with?
• What facilities do you have to service a client?
• What is the background and training of the stylist who will be working on my hair replacement?
• How will you fit my hair replacement if and when I experience further hair loss?
• What supplies are in stock if I wish to service my own wig?
• What is the range of prices for your hair replacements, and what does the full cost include?
• What follow-up service is available with or without charge?
Partial hair replacement
There are two types of partial hair replacements, custom hair pieces for permanent hair loss, and stock hair pieces for temporary hair loss.
Custom hair pieces — These can be made for a client with permanent hair loss covering small to large scalp areas. The hair colour is matched perfectly with the remaining hair, making the hair piece totally non-detectable. Custom hair pieces take about six to eight weeks to make.
The hair is attached to the head by permanent attachments (lasting four to eight weeks), or by semi-permanent attachments (lasting one to three days). Both will ensure that the hair piece will remain securely in place.
Stock hair pieces — These are available for a client with temporary hair loss problems who does not wish to wear a wig full time. These hair pieces are sometimes attached as bangs or nape hair to a head wrap giving a very natural look.
Head wraps
Often hair replacements are not what a person may feel comfortable with. Head wraps, turbans and hats offer another stylish alternative. Colourful scarves, big jewellery and classic hats can be fun so be daring. These looks are also low in cost and high on comfort.
Helpful hints:
Choose cotton or cotton-blend scarves as silk and polyester slip off the head.
• For basic wraps choose 26-inch or 28-inch square scarves. You can use larger squares, up to 36 inches, fancier wraps or oblong scarves for headwrap trim.
• Dress up a head wrap with a braid, ribbon, hat or jewellery, or combination of these.
• A soft, small shoulder pad placed on top of the head under the scarf will give height and a more natural look.
• Large button earrings will add colour to the face.
Joanne Shaw is a cosmetologist, a hair replacement technician and a volunteer for Look Good Feel Better, a national program dedicated to helping women living with cancer to feel better about their appearance.
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