Wig fitting - Update

Morning Sandrad, 

I hope you are doing well, can’t offer advice, just wanted to wish you well for Friday, hope you are pleased with SHEIN wigs as I was. 

xxx

Thank you

i had a wobbly at the weekend with my hair, or lack of it, got upset so decision had to be made. I have a lovely hairdresser who said to message when the time came, and she would make sure I am the only one in the saloon. Good job it’s only a small local salon.

I hope all is good with you at the moment, and are ticking off the treatment as you go.

xx

It helps to have wig shampoo - the chemo hair care website shows you how to wash a wig once a week. It helps to have wig shampoo and conditioner. You usually wash the inside of the cap first, then the outside. Soak in wig shampoo in a large bowl, then rinse thoroughly under tepid water. Then the same with conditioner. Curly wigs are best fingered through not brushed, straight ones can be brushed with a wig brush. I never needed wig tape as my wigs seems secure on their own, though I must admit I was worried it would not be secure on a windy day! Longer wigs might need wig tape as its easier to catch your wig hair and pull on it. Also cardigans rather than over the head tops when you are out and about so you don't dislodge your hair is helpful. The other thing to watch out for is heat blasts from the oven and barbecue as the heat can melt the wig hair! 

Hi Sandrad, I too have bought loads of wigs from Shein! They’re so cheap, I find buying them quite addictive. All I would say about wearing a wig is, put as little under it as you can, I just wear a bamboo wig cap underneath (I find the nylon one, you know, they’re like tights) way too tight they start to hurt my head after an hour or two. The bamboo ones are like a little scull cap and keep the rough-ish interior of the wig off your head. I find that they all stay in place without any bits and bobs. You soon get used to the wig routine, the only down side for me is that I tend to overheat a bit and they make me feel quite warm, but otherwise it’s not too bad. Also, remember you’re entitled to a free wig on the NHS, I was sent to a shop here in leeds with a letter and could choose any wig. The one I got was worth £200 and it’s the most comfortable and lightest weight one I have, you do get what you pay for. Best of luck with it all. xx

I never thought about the oven and bbq senario!  I will be very nervous the first time I wear one x

With our hospital free wigs are means tested, and I didn’t qualify. They did do a scheme where you could go onto a website and view. Then let the co ordinator know which 4 you liked. They would send them home for you to try. You could chose one, no matter of the cost, and the hospital invoiced you only for £75. All others if you wanted more, we’re at the price on the website. Thanks for your advice x

Blimey, that’s a bit tight of them isn’t it! I think the hair loss is one of the major issues throughout the whole journey and not everyone can afford to spend money on wigs! I often think of people who have financial difficulties on top of everything else and consider myself quite fortunate. Looking at quite a few of the posts on this site, there seems to be a lot of disparity between health authorities; I’m in Leeds and go to St. James which I believe is acclaimed to be the best cancer centre in the country, the facilities are very good and the service is so good! It really can be a postcode lottery….. Big hugs xxx

Just ordered a wig online, as had my NHS one using a voucher. Its so 'full' really not getting on with it. Was only £30 so though worth the risk. Hate wearing beanie chemo scarves and feeling like I now look 'ill'. Fingers crossed Jo x

Don't be too nervous, just open the oven door and stand back whilst the steam wafts out. Then you are ready to go! I was worried everyone would know I was wearing a wig when I first wore mine, but all I have received is compliments on my new trendy hairstyle. I just say that I decided to go for a different look last autumn and love my shorter hair style. All true, but doesn't tell anyone I have cancer or that I am wearing my wig!