Ask your doctor what to anticipate and find out if there is anything you can do to help retain your hair. Then, speak with a hairstylist you trust to find out what to do if your hair thins and what you can expect when it grows back.
Whether your hair thins or you lose all of it, please know that you can anticipate it growing back once your treatment is over. In the meantime, Look Good Feel Better is here to offer courage, strength, support and peace of mind.
Hair Care
It is a good idea to speak with your hairstylist about how to take care of your hair during treatment. There are many ways to approach it – and the choices you make are strictly individual.
• Use gentle shampoos and conditioners during your treatment.
• Steer clear of medicated or drying shampoos.
• Avoid ingredients such as salicylic acid, menthol, camphor, eucalyptus, and henna, which may be irritating.
• Postpone colour, perms or straightening treatments until your doctor gives you the OK – generally six months after your treatment.
• Avoid blow dryers, curling irons and rollers.
• Speak with your stylist if you know that you are going to lose your hair – he or she may encourage you to shave your head, rather than have your hair fall out in clumps.
• If you are getting radiation therapy on your head, you may want to let your hair grow long to help cover thinning spots.
• Save a lock of your hair to match the colour in case it falls out and you need a wig.
• Ask your hairdresser for styling advice when your hair starts growing back – it may be a different texture or colour. This could be temporary as well.
Hair Loss
Coping with hair loss is jarring and difficult. Many women find it helpful to face this challenge with the strength and support of family, friends and Look Good Feel Better. At our workshops, women at different stages of treatments talk about their options, experiences and emotions – and often find it reassuring to see other women’s hair growing back. In a matter of time, yours will too.
Our volunteers are happy to help you find the best solution for your needs – whether it is a wig, hat, scarf, head covering or combination of several. If you are comfortable without hair, we can help you identify the right makeup and earrings to set off your natural look.
Wig Selection
For most women, selecting a wig is something of a mystery – but allow an expert to guide you to the right fit, colour, and style. You may find yourself surprised at how sophisticated and healthy a wig can look.
Synthetic Wigs
Synthetic wigs cost less than human-hair wigs and are easier to maintain because they keep their style – even after washing.
Machine-made Synthetic Wigs
A well-crafted, machine-made synthetic wig is reasonably priced and should come in a style that resembles your hair. Mass-produced, synthetic wigs often perform better than low-quality human-hair wigs, so it’s important to know what you are getting.
Hand-made Synthetic Wigs
High-quality, hand-made wigs look even more natural, since strands of hair are individually tied, allowing the wig to be parted and styled with hair accessories.
Custom-made Synthetic Wigs
High-end, custom-made wigs are created to your exact specifications. They will look the most like your own hair, but cost more and take several months to produce.
Human-Hair Wigs
Human-hair wigs can be styled, touched up, and cared for in the same way you care for your own hair. This makes them feel more natural to some women. The downside is that they are expensive, require quite a bit of care, and often need to be styled by a professional.
Wig Shopping Tips
- Research your possibilities online and then have a friend or family member accompany you.
- Consider that buying a wig online or through a catalogue may be private and convenient, but comes without the benefit of trying it on.
- Look for synthetic wigs at hair salons, wig shops, special hair-loss replacement centres, wig catalogues, online or Look Good Feel Better.
- Investigate to see if you may be eligible for a wig through your Medical Aid.
- Take your time and ask questions before you make a decision. You may even want to sleep on it.
- Look for a wig with a loose mesh cap if you will be wearing it in warm weather.
- Try wigs in a shade a bit lighter than your natural colour. Some women find that it brightens their appearance and offsets changes in their skin.
- Remember that shorter styles are less likely to tangle and easier to maintain.
- If it is affordable, consider buying two reasonably priced synthetic wigs with different hairstyles for variety.
- Look for falls, bangs, and hairpieces for versatility. They will also come in handy when your wig is being washed.
- Consider purchasing some of the following accessories: a wig cap, stand, shampoo, spray, conditioner, gel strips, hair net, hair pins, rollers, and a wire wig brush.
Wig styling
A cotton or nylon wig-cap is a great way to start. Wear the cap under your wig to stay comfortable and to keep your wig in place.
Getting Started with Your Wig
• Hold the wig by the front at your forehead and slip it over your head.
• Make sure the two wig tabs are placed in front of your ears and set on your temples.
• Keep your ears pulled out from under the wig.
• Pull the wig down in the back to secure it and make sure that the front of the wig begins at your natural hairline.
• Use the hooks or Velcro in the back of your wig to adjust the fit.
• Test the fit and comfort of your wig by wearing it at home for a few hours.
• If this is your first time wearing a wig, allow yourself some time to let the awkwardness pass.
• A good wig shop, stylist or a trained volunteer at a Look Good Feel Better workshop can help you get accustomed to putting on your wig.
Styling Your Wig
• Many wigs are made with extra hair that may be trimmed and set to create a flattering hairstyle. Ask your hairstylist or a wig stylist to trim away excess hair.
• Consider using bangs or wisps to obscure the hairline.
• Use light wig spray or low-alcohol hairspray to keep the wig styled.
• If you normally wear a nylon wig cap, try switching to cotton when the weather gets warm or humid.
• Have your wig resized if you lose your hair after the wig has been fitted.
Wig Care
Humidity and poor air quality can affect your wig the same way it affects your hair. A good rule of thumb is to wash your wig after six to eight uses in the summer and after 15 to 18 uses in cooler months. Your wig will also require more washing if you are athletic.
Wig Care Tips
• Gently brush straight styles with a wire brush before washing. Opt for a vent brush or pick to keep curlier styles intact.
• Add a capful of mild conditioning shampoo to a basin of cool water. Soak your wig for 2 minutes, swish to rinse out the shampoo and remove.
• Swish your wig once again in clean, cool water. Gently squeeze out excess water and blot with a towel.
• Try wig conditioner if you want to soften and add lustre to your wig. Leave it on for just a few minutes, then rinse and blot as above.
• Tightly “finger-squeeze” any curls while the wig is wet.
• Do not comb or brush a wet wig – it may interfere with the style.
• To dry, place the wig on a clean towel, wire wig form or tall hairspray bottle. Let the wig air-dry, keeping it away from direct sunlight.
• Shake out the dry wig and style. Synthetic wigs or synthetic/human-hair blends will hold their original style. Human-hair wigs will need to be styled after each washing.
• Do not use hot blow dryers, curling irons, or other forms of heat on synthetic wigs.
• Store your wig on a wig stand away from radiators, vents or humidity to maintain its shape. Covering it with a hair net will also help it stay styled.