For many losing their hair is heartbreaking, as it can weigh heavy on self-image. Chase Sweers has started fundraising to buy wigs for those going through chemotherapy. C3 for Change is kindly asking you to consider donating $3 to help chemotherapy patients get back something that can help boost their confidence. Chase wants to help people feel comfortable with themselves, and a wig can do just that. Click here to make a 100% safe tax-deductible donation!
Losing your hair due to chemotherapy can take a toll on your self-image and outlook during treatment. Wearing a wig can help you feel more like yourself until your hair grows in. But if you’ve never bought one before, you may be wondering how to choose from among the many wig types, what they cost, and more.
Consider this your guide to the why and how when it comes to getting a wig during cancer treatment. While you may decide it’s not the right decision for you, such a small thing can bring significant rewards.
Why a Wig?
Chemotherapy drugs are designed to attack cancer cells, which rapidly divide. The problem is that these drugs also affect other rapidly dividing cells, such as hair follicles. The result, of course, is hair loss.
Some chemotherapy drugs are more likely than others to cause hair loss, but complete hair loss is usually the norm rather than the exception for people receiving adjuvant chemotherapy for early-stage breast cancer. The chemotherapy drugs used for metastatic breast cancer also commonly cause hair loss.
Though not serious in a medical sense, hair loss one of the more dreaded side effects of chemotherapy. Some undergoing treatment say that losing their hair makes them feel less like themselves. Others may feel self-conscious or unsettled by such a visible reminder of their disease. Still, others may not feel a personal need for a wig, but get one because they feel it will help their loved ones in some regard.
Getting a wig can be a helpful solution for those with these and other feelings about their hair loss. Conquering the many effects of cancer is helped by confidence, and something as simple as a wig can go a long way in fostering that.
Types of Wigs
Depending on the amount of hair loss you have, you might not necessarily need a full wig. Different types of wigs and hairpieces are made for different types of hair loss, and they all hit different price points:
- A full wig covers the entire hairline just as natural hair does. If you’ve lost all of your hair during chemotherapy, then a full wig is probably what you want.
- A partial wig is woven into hair. If chemotherapy makes your hair thin and you just want to add a little more fullness, this is a great option.
- A wiglet can be added to your hair with clips or combs to easily conceal bald spots and add length to short hair.
- A hairpiece is a perfect solution if you don’t want a full or partial wig. If you want a little fringe to tuck under a scarf or a summer hat, try this option. There are bangs, halo wigs, headband hair, ponytails, and braids.
Complete and original article published on verywellhealth.com
