Wigs for cancer patients

Ria Ronkon had been receiving chemo treatment for 2 months for her breast cancer. As soon as she heard the cancer diagnosis, she was prepared for the almost inevitable hair loss and started looking for a top-quality solution. She came to see us at Wigs of London straight away. Ria had read our reviews online and knew that among other things, we specialise in cancer patient wigs and hair loss solutions. We were also conveniently based for Ria in Central London. 

Due to Ria’s diagnosis, I knew we were going to have to opt for a full wig, rather than a half wig or a partial wig, as she would temporarily lose all of her hair during the treatment.

During her initial consultation, Ria decided on a silk top full lace wig, as she was drawn to the idea of a realistic parting. Chemotherapy wigs do differ from normal wigs, as the scalp can naturally become sensitive and tender during the chemo treatments, and when the hair starts to fall.

Bamboo wig caps are a great option, because we knew comfort was going to be a priority. These sit under the wig, giving the wearer comfort. They are also hypoallergenic. This is particularly important if you are living with cancer. There is an elastic strip which goes from ear to ear, and rests under the nape of the head, to keep it in place.

At the second consultation we did the fitting and a colour check. It was really important to Ria, that the wig was a natural match for her bio hair, so we spent lots of time choosing the right density to match her natural hair.

We eventually decided to go for a 130 density wig. 

After this I was able to begin work, creating a stock, full lace, silk top, cuticle-aligned human hair wig. Silk top wigs - also known as skin top wigs- give the illusion of a natural scalp so they are very popular for cancer wig wearers.

They can be parted in any direction and the full lace is light and breathable. This is especially great for first-time wig wearers, and especially in warmer weather, as wearing a wig can sometimes get a bit hot. I customised the wig with a dragged root and low lights to match her own colour perfectly and finished off with a lovely blow dry to keep it looking smooth & sleek.

"There are studies that show that for many women, losing their hair is worse than losing a breast. That's because you can conceal the loss of a breast, but hair loss is so obvious and apparent."

-- Marisa Weiss, M.D., chief medical officer, Breastcancer.org 

Chemotherapy uses a specific mix of cancer drugs. The mix you receive depends on the type of cancer you have. Some drugs cause hair loss, others cause little to no hair loss whatsoever. Some chemo treatments do not make people’s hair fall out but it does become thinner or duller. Your doctor is the best person to inform you about how much hair loss you can expect.