Sourcing beanies and wigs

I got beanies from Etsy, I also bought a wig through a fitter recommended by the hospital but I only wore it 3 times, absolutely hated it! My hair is growing back now, so a waste of £250.

Ooh. That sounds like a lot! Thanks. That’s helpful. 

A lot of my beanies and hats were bought by family and friends but I did get a few through Amazon.  I got a wig at the start via NHS Prescription but there wasn't much choice but it definitely gave me much more confidence getting out and about.  It was synthetic and went a bit frizzy so I ordered a real hair one online (bright red - very different for me).  I find both wigs very hot and can't wait to get them off when I get home but I wouldn't feel confident enough going certain places without one.

I had 8 cycles of chemo (every 2 weeks) and my hair was gone by the start of the third cycle.  It happened quickly for me and my first wig wasn't ready by the time my hair had gone.  My advice would be, if you are thinking on a wig, to order one sooner rather than later.  My last chemo was at the end of July and my hair has started growing back but it will take a long time before I would think of going out without a wig.  

All the very best for your treatment and your recovery x  

I would recommend looking for bamboo caps. I had three different colours to match my main wardrobe colours and bought inexpensive headbands from the Accessories shop in assorted patterns that matched my clothes.I got lots of compliments from people who would never have mentioned my hair. I bought the caps both online and from a local hairdresser who stocked everything for cancer sufferers.....shampoo, turbans, wigs, hats. Bamboo isn't cheap but worth every penny as it's cool in heat and warming in cold. The hairdresser also recommended putting the cap under a wig to regulate temperature. I didn't use a wig, so I can't comment but I do know a previous poster said she wore the cap in bed in winter time to keep her shaved head warm.

I hope all goes well for those of you starting chemo and also those continuing with radiotherapy. It seems to go on forever but treatment will finish and these days is very successful. I have been clear of cancer for ten years.

Take care. Love Karen

Thanks Karen, will look out for those.

Hi Arty. I have recently supported my daughter through two years of treatment. She lost all her hair, including eyelashes and brows.

One small piece of advice she was given ... if your hair does get so thin and scrappy (her's did) don't shave it yourself. Too many people then get sore, irritated and itchy scalp. Ask your hairdresser to take off the remaining bits. Daughter did this - kind hairdresser refused to take any money - and she didn't have any scalp issues.

She had a lovely wig but hated wearing it. I think she only wore it once. She bought a whole wardrobe of chemo headgear, mainly from Etsy, and developed a style, often with statement earrings.

I'm sure you'll do the same if you need to. Very best of luck with your treatment. It was a long two years but daughter is back at work, getting stronger all the time ... and has a recently highlighted chin length bob.

Thanks for sharing. I seem to change my mind daily about hair. Went to a previously booked hair appointment yesterday knowing I had possibly 2 weeks before treatment started and asked stylist to do something completely different to my hair - something a bit fun! I could see she really didn’t want to, so came away with a fairly conservative cut! 

All is good though and thanks again for sharing.