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If you are experiencing hair loss or thinning hair as a result of your breast cancer treatment, which may include chemotherapy, whole brain radiation, or tamoxifen, you may be interested in trying on a wig to see if it is right for you. Wigs can help you hide hair loss and, depending on the style, length, and color you choose, they can help you look more like you did before treatment or give you a completely different appearance altogether. They can also provide protection for your scalp from the sun and from cold air conditioning. Many women find that wearing a full lace 613 wig [honesthairfactory.com] during cancer treatment helps them maintain a sense of normalcy and consistency. A wig can also provide some privacy in that it may prevent people from interrogating you about your appearance or diagnosis as a result of your wearing it. A number of people enjoy experimenting with and having fun with different wig styles and colors, as well as alternating between wearing their wig and other head coverings, such as hats, turbans, or scarves.
Trying to figure out whether or not a wig is right for you or where to begin your search? Find out where you can buy a wig or how to get one for free, how to choose a wig that is right for you, how to take care of a wig, and other useful information on this page!
What is the best place to get a wig?
What is the best way to locate a wig? There are a variety of options available:
In a wig shop, to be precise. Breast cancer organizations, your hospital's cancer center, or your hairdresser may be able to provide you with recommendations for local wig shops or specialists. Some wig specialists will come to your home to provide you with more privacy if you so desire.
You can do it online. You can buy wholesale 613 wigs [honesthairfactory.com] online, just like you can buy almost anything else these days. An extensive selection of wigs in every color, length, and style can be found on the internet from various retailers. For example, some companies provide consultations over the phone or via email to assist you in finding the right style for you. Additionally, if you prefer more privacy when selecting your wig, this may be an excellent option for you.
Through the use of a charitable program. It may be preferable to obtain a wig for free through programs of the American Cancer Society or other nonprofit organizations, rather than shopping for one (and possibly receiving reimbursement for some or all of the cost through your health insurance company). For more information, see the section below titled "Covering the cost of a wig."
Wherever you decide to shop for a wig, be sure to inquire about the store's return and exchange policies ahead of time before purchasing. There are several reasons why you might want to try on several wigs at home before deciding on one. You might also decide after trying on a few that you do not want to wear a wig at all. As a result, knowing whether or not there will be restocking fees or other restrictions on returns is beneficial.
What is the best way to choose a wig?
Here's how to choose a wig that is comfortable, of high quality, and that complements your appearance:
1. To determine your “cap size,” first take a cloth measuring tape and measure the circumference of your head.
2. Make a decision on whether you want a wig that is similar in color and style to your own hair or if you want something completely different. Getting two wigs may be a good idea: one that is more similar to your current hair and another that is a fun new length, color, and/or style to try.
3. Consider going with a color that is a shade or two lighter than your natural hair color. During chemotherapy, your skin color may be off, appearing grayish, greenish, or yellowish in tone. Less contrast is generally more flattering, and it will not draw attention to the imperfections in your skin.
4. Determine whether you prefer a wig made of synthetic fibers, human hair, or a combination of the two. 5. The majority of women opt for synthetic wigs. They look and feel good, require little maintenance and care, and are reasonably priced ($30 to $500) compared to other options. A wig made of real human hair can cost anywhere from $800 to $3,000 or more, and it requires more maintenance than your natural hair.
6. Choose the highest-quality, most natural-looking wig that you can afford at this time. The use of a lace front and a monofilament top or part are two important characteristics of a realistic-looking wig. An individual hair in the front of the wig is tied to a sheer material in order to give the appearance of a natural hairline, which is achieved by using lace front wigs. Using monofilament tops or parts, you can create a realistic-looking top for your wig. These are created by tying or sewing strands of hair together in sections and tying or sewing them into the top portion of the cap, which is made of a fine, sheer material.
If your doctor writes a prescription for the wig, many health insurance companies will cover a portion or the entire cost of the wig. After all, a wig is a treatment for a treatment side effect, and it is just as important as the medication you take to treat nausea in this case. If you want to try to get your insurance to cover the cost of your wig, here are the steps you should take:
Make a call to your health insurance company to see if they will cover a "cranial prosthesis" for hair loss caused by chemotherapy or radiation therapy before purchasing a wig. For those who do, find out what the maximum amount of money they will cover is, what paperwork will be required to submit your claim (including specifics on what the prescription from your doctor needs to say), and how long it will take for you to receive reimbursement.



When purchasing a wig, you will most likely be required to pay for it up front and then receive reimbursement after filing a claim with your insurance company. To file an insurance claim, you will typically need to send your insurance company a prescription from your doctor for a “cranial prosthesis” or a “hair prosthesis” (with a cancer diagnosis code), a receipt for the wig (along with the wig company's tax ID number), and a completed insurance claim form. The insurance company will handle the claim for you, and you will not have to pay anything up front with some wig providers and hospital centers.
If you end up paying for all or part of your wig out of pocket, keep a copy of your receipt as proof of purchase. Maybe it's a medical expense that you can write off as a tax deduction on your return.



If you don't have insurance coverage or don't want to go through the hassle of filing a claim, keep in mind that the American Cancer Society and a number of other organizations provide free or reduced-cost wigs to cancer patients in need of wigs during treatment. It is possible to learn about free wig opportunities by searching online, contacting your local chapter, or speaking with the social workers at your local cancer center.