A wig for hair loss

Breast cancer patients are often concerned about hair loss. It has a great emotional impact because hair loss is so visible and associated with the disease. It also leads to feelings of vulnerability, loss of self-esteem and reduced self-confidence.

Hair loss

How great the risk of hair loss is is difficult to predict exactly. It depends on the type of chemotherapy one receives. A cooling cap during chemo can reduce the risk somewhat, though. Hormone therapy very rarely causes hair loss, but some women do complain of thinning hair. Cancer therapies, such as chemo, destroy rapidly dividing cells. As a result, they affect not only cancer cells themselves, but also the cells in the hair follicles. When hair follicles are destroyed, hair loss follows. Methods to prevent this are being researched, but there is no real solution as yet. After chemotherapy is stopped, the hair follicles begin to recover. It usually takes three to four weeks for the first hairs to reappear. Fine and thin at first, but thicker and fuller after a few months. After six months to a year, the hair has recovered. The scalp also becomes drier and more sensitive due to chemo, so it is important to moisturize well and avoid the sun.

Solutions

During and after chemo, you can approach hair loss in various ways. You either let it go, wear headgear such as a scarf, hat or turban, or opt for a wig. Exact figures are not available, but it is estimated that more than half of women struggling with hair loss due to chemo prefer a wig. A wig creates a familiar look; you don't stand out as a cancer patient.

Wig

You have a choice between synthetic wigs and wigs made of real hair.

Synthetic wigs are cheaper, require less maintenance and retain their style better after washing. A disadvantage is that such a synthetic one looks less natural, is less comfortable in hot weather and you have few styling options. There are special shampoos for maintaining synthetic hair.

Real hair wigs are more expensive, but also more durable. They look more natural, you can even color and style the hair like real hair, but real hair requires more maintenance. You wash such a real wig with a gentle shampoo and conditioner or with a special product. A real hair wig usually lasts one to two years.

Wigs for cancer patients

Pink Ribbon works closely with Elfa, a well-known supplier of wigs specializing in products for people experiencing hair loss as a result of medical treatments such as chemotherapy. Pink Ribbon collects ponytails, through its Cut for Hair project, and Elfa is a major buyer of them.

Besides high-quality wigs made of real hair, custom wigs (custom-cut wigs) and synthetic wigs, Elfa has comfort of wigs in mind above all. This is necessary because the scalp is extra sensitive due to chemotherapy, so a classic wig can easily irritate. Elfa wigs have soft linings and breathable caps, which minimizes irritation.