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Wigs – A Wonderful Way to Cope With Hair Loss

Have Fun and Look Good During Cancer Treatment

By , About.com Guide

Updated July 27, 2009

About.com Health's Disease and Condition content is reviewed by the Medical Review Board

Many women choose to wear a wig during breast cancer treatment. Chemo can help fight your cancer, but it can also cause hair loss, starting with your hairstyle -– often an important part of your self-image and identity. Having a wig or two ready to use before chemo claims your hair can really help with your attitude. You can even learn how to have fun with wigs.

Try a Short Cut For Your Hair

Before starting chemotherapy, visit your hairdresser and get your hair cut short. Then if your treatment does cause hair loss, it will be easier to clean up the fallen hairs. Short hair weighs less and requires less brushing, which can speed up hair loss once chemo begins. It’s easier to try on wigs over short hair, and easier to envision how you will look when your hair starts growing back in after treatment.

How and When To Choose a Wig

Don’t wait until you’ve had your first chemo infusion and your hair starts to thin – go pick out a wig now! This way, you can try to match your current style, color, and texture more easily. Visit a good wig salon that specializes in wigs for cancer patients.

Wigs 101 – The Basics of Wigs

Wigs are made in a variety of ways, and some are better than others for hair loss due to cancer treatment. You should learn about the different types of wig bases, hair types, possible styles, and price ranges before you start wig shopping.

How Your Health Insurance Can Help Pay for a Wig

Hair loss is a side effect of chemotherapy, and because of that wigs are covered by many kinds of health insurance. Find out what you need to know, and what you need to do, to file a claim with your health insurance to cover all or part of the cost of a wig during chemotherapy.

Free Wigs For Cancer Patients

Even if you don’t have health insurance, you can still get a wig to use during cancer treatment. Here are five places that can provide a wig for you at no cost. These are also places you can donate your wig, when you’re ready to pass it on.

Keeping Cool In Your Wig

Hot weather and hot flashes can make wearing a wig uncomfortable. But you can use these tips to keep your cool and still look good, even while wearing a wig during cancer treatment.

Packing a Wig for Travel

Take your wig along on your next weekend getaway -– just remember to pack the right accessories to keep your wig looking good. You may even want to invest in a special bag, just for your wig and its accessories.

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