Hi everyone,
I just wanted to share an experience my mum and I had recently, in case it helps anyone else.
My mum is currently undergoing chemo for stage 4 cancer and was referred to the hospital unit for a wig consultation. Unfortunately, the experience was very upsetting.
From the start, we felt a real lack of warmth and compassion. When we walked into the consultation room, I commented how much it looked like a hair salon to try and lighten the mood, and replied, “Unfortunately it’s not a salon, it’s where I shave people’s heads off.” It really shocked us.
My mum was very clear she wanted a wig close to her natural hair colour. She was shown a colour chart (just photos) and ended up with a wig that was completely the wrong colour — very orange instead of blonde. When she said she didn’t like it, Heather told her “That’s the one you chose,” which felt really dismissive, especially as my mum was relying on her guidance.
There were other insensitive remarks — one about her hair loss and another questioning why she couldn’t walk properly (when my mum is clearly unwell). She ended up in tears after the second appointment.
I’ve submitted a formal complaint because I truly feel this wasn’t just a bad day — it was a complete lack of sensitivity for someone going through one of the hardest times in her life.
Has anyone else experienced anything similar? Or had a better experience with wig support services elsewhere?
Sending love to anyone going through this.
Hi Dee77
I'm sorry to read what a bad experience your mum had when she went for a wig consultation. No one should be made to feel like your mum did, especially at a time when she must have been feeling very vulnerable.
You've asked for stories of the completely opposite experience so I thought I'd share mine so that you know that not everywhere will be like where your mum went.
When I was recommended to have chemotherapy I was given a voucher by my hospital trust which I could use towards the purchase of a wig at any of the suppliers on the list they provided me with.
As I had long hair and wanted to have it cut into a shorter style before chemo started, I choose a local hairdresser that was on the list. I phoned them to make the appointment and, when I arrived, they asked if I'd prefer to go into a private room rather than sit in the general salon.
The person I saw was both an experienced hairdresser and also wig fitter so I spent lots of time trying on different wigs until I found a style and colour I liked. Originally, like your mum, I was going to go for one as close to my own hair colour as possible but, in the end, chose one that looked like I'd had highlights added.
The hairdresser then cut my own hair to a very similar style to the wig and I went away with a new hairstyle and a new wig.
I must admit that I didn't wear the wig a lot and mostly wore bandanas from an online company called www.annabandana.co.uk .This wasn't because I didn't like the wig but because I was mostly at home and it was easier to pop on a head cover. I did wear the wig if I wanted to go out somewhere and look 'normal'.
If your mum isn't happy with her wig then I'd certainly recommend a good hairdresser who also specialises in a wig service. Also, I would definitely recommend the head cover company as they have lots of styles and colours to chose from, are reasonably priced and come really quickly.
Sending virtual ((hugs)) to both you and your mum.
"Never regret a day in your life, good days give you happiness, bad days give you experience"
