To Wig or Not to Wig?

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I know this is a personal choice, but this is something that I have been thinking about. 
I'm due to start chemo in a couple of weeks, and whilst I'm planning on cold capping, I'm aware that I may still lose the majority / all of my hair. If that happens I have decided that I will shave my head, but I'm not sure as to whether to wig or to simply rock the bald look with pride! I know that when the reality of this hits, I might change my mind, but I was just wondering what other people's experience of this has been?
I'm also not very girly and have no make-up experience, so I'm not looking forward to losing my eye-brows as drawing them on would not be an option if I want to look vaguely human! I think the only positive is that I will finally lose the chin hairs! ;)
Any comments / advice greatly appreciated.

  • trying dermaworks eyebrow enhancing serum, it was a bday pressie, i currently have about 5 hairs. fingers crossedFingers crossed

  • Oooh - that looks fancy - Wishing you luscious brows very soon in your future! Slight smile

  • Hi Loobylue, I've had 6 months of EC and Paclitaxel chemotherapy and just had my mastectomy. My hairdresser cut my hair really short the day before my first chemo and I'd thoroughly recommend it. When it came out on the third week it was everywhere and although so short there was so much it was quite depressing, I'd bought a wig from My New Hair and it was so comfortable and realistic had to buy another. I'm not brave enough to rock the bald look with pride. 
    The thing that really got me after 4 months of chemo was the sudden loss of my eyebrows and eyelashes. One day they were there and then suddenly nothing. A face without eyebrows looks strange in my opinion so I tried the Look Fabulous Forever 'Bring Back Brow' it's a waterproof liquid with a really fine brush and you paint your individual brows hairs on. Works if you still have brow hair too in fact easier to practise application that way. Took about a week to perfect the art of applying it but wow! So worth it and my first bottle has lasted 3 months used every day and still going strong. Highly recommend! The alternatives are not waterproof, smudge proof or anywhere near as realistic. Good luck with your treatment! 

  • Hi Loobylue, I totally agree and feel that we all need to remember- there is no right or wrong. However we feel in that day, at that time, that will be the right thing for us. I’m earlier in my journey than you and have had 1 pre surgery immunotherapy/chemotherapy session so far. I have never been a great one for hair and make up, and I already have a load of hats and scarves, plus it’s winter so you can wear headgear all the time. I am trying a cold cap, because why not if it might help? There’s a little bit of me that’s frowning at myself that the cap is a vanity project. I don’t feel I’ve ever been that precious about my hair, and if it’s going to go anyway then why bother? Just rock the hats and scarves. But I’ve also read that capping can help with re growth? I had totally convinced myself that I would lose the cap after the first session, partly because people said about the pain from it. I didn’t feel pain, so I prob will continue with it next week. I do keep reminding myself that I don’t need to worry about what anyone else thinks, I only need to do what’s right for me. Best of luck with everything x 

  • I had 3 cycles of chemo then surgery and another 3 cycles of  chemo. Started beginning of June and finished on 17 November. My chemo was Carboplatin and Paclitaxel every 3 weeks and I was offered and used a cold cap. After the first session I did lose some hair but after that I didn't lose more than you would normally find on your hairbrush. My hair on the top and temples has thinned but it is growing back. I was offered a wig if I couldn’t tolerate the cooolcap. I actually liked the cold of the cap but I have always had a hot head. The medical staff were amazed that I liked it! I have short hair anyway but I got my hairdresser to cut it shorter before my treatment started. Do as advised about shampoo and conditioner - I used Johnson's baby shampoo and Simple conditioner. I am now going to use Simple shampoo and when that bottle is finished go back to my normal shampoo. I didn't lose eyebrows or lashes. As you say everyone is different and we all have different views on Hearthat we should/might do. Whatever you do I wish you good luck and know you will make the decision that feels best foryou. Heart️

  • Wearing wigs perfectly involves proper preparation, application, and maintenance. Here are some tips at wigs store to help you achieve a natural and comfortable look when wearing wigs:

    1. **Prepare Your Natural Hair:**
    - Make sure your hair is clean and neatly tucked away. If you have longer hair, consider braiding or pinning it close to your head to minimize bulk.

    2. **Choose the Right Wig:**
    - Select a wig that complements your face shape, style preferences, and fits well. Consider the wig cap construction and choose a color that matches your natural hair or desired look.

    3. **Wear a Wig Cap:**
    - Use a wig cap to keep your natural hair in place and provide a smooth surface for the wig. Nude or flesh-toned wig caps are often preferred for a more natural look.

    4. **Adjust the Wig Size:**
    - Most wigs come with adjustable straps or hooks to ensure a secure fit. Adjust these straps to fit snugly on your head without being too tight.

    5. **Trim the Lace Front:**
    - If your wig has a lace front, trim the excess lace to match your natural hairline. Be cautious and cut small sections at a time for a precise fit.

    6. **Secure the Wig:**
    - Use wig clips, combs, or bobby pins to secure the wig in place. Make sure it feels comfortable and stable.

    7. **Style the Wig:**
    - Style the wig to your liking using a wig comb or brush. You can use heat styling tools on synthetic wigs with heat-resistant fibers or human hair wigs.

    8. **Blend with Natural Hair:**
    - If applicable, blend the wig with your natural hair by adjusting the hairline and parting. You can use concealer or foundation to match the wig's parting to your skin tone.

    9. **Use Hair Accessories:**
    - Experiment with headbands, scarves, or other hair accessories to enhance the overall look and secure the wig in place.

    10. **Practice Regular Maintenance:**
    - Follow the care instructions provided by the wig manufacturer. Regularly clean and condition the wig to keep it looking fresh and natural.

    Remember that wearing wigs is a skill that improves with practice. Experiment with different techniques to find what works best for you, and don't hesitate to seek advice from wig specialists or tutorials for additional guidance.

  • Hi

    well I have finished my chemotherapy now and my hair is growing back. I used uk lash serum also uklash  eyebrows serum and the hair serum I don’t know whether it works but after eight weeks my eyelashes are back and I got a good covering of hair as for my eyebrows well they have been very sparse for years so I have been having my eyebrows micro bladed for years so glad,  at least I had eyebrows while having treatment. Because I wear glasses I did not notice my eyelashes. Lost my hair completely after my second treatment I did not do cold cap. I did get a wig but hardly ever wore it, just wore beanies and bandanas I soon got used to being with no hair l just took all of the hair loss has part of the treatment.