Wigs

The following are resources that provide free wigs as well as other items you may find of benefit:

Breast Cancer Network of Strength , formally known as Y-ME helps breast cancer patients and survivors regain their sense of well-being and self-confidence by providing bras, wigs, and/or prostheses at no cost to those with limited financial resources. www.y-me.org or 1-800-221-2141

CancerCare under their Women's Cancer Program, offers financial assistance and counseling, support groups, and patient education. They also provide free wigs and breast prostheses to women who have lost their hair or a breast as a result of their cancer treatment. 1-800-813-HOPE (4673)

Crickett's Answer for Cancer 1-301-935-4411 provides free wigs, mastectomy products, mastectomy and lymphedema massage, facials, and other pampering services, as a way to keep a woman feeling feminine and beautiful despite losing her hair and/or breasts. The Luminous Breast Cancer Foundation offers custom-made wigs for underserved women at no charge. Contact http://LuminousFoundation.org

There are caps, scarves, turbans, and hats of many types, some designed specifically for medical hair loss, but most them serving the general head wear market. Even if you wear a wig, you will likely want other head wear options on hand as wigs can be tight, hot and abrasive on sensitive scalps that lack hair due to a scalp condition or chemotherapy. Unless you choose to sleep in a wig, a soft sleep cap is also important as you might not realize the degree to which scalp hair insulates us against heat loss until you don't have hair.

If you lose your hair during chemotherapy, consider those head wear options designed specifically for chemo hair loss as your needs can differ from those of the general head wear market. Hats and pre-tied scarves are great options if you are unable to lift your arms over your head to tie or adjust more complicated head wear items. Soft fabrics/materials are helpful if you experience the scalp sensitivity that often accompanies chemo hair loss.

Among the most important issues in choosing head wear items for medical hair loss is fit. If you're going to be wearing something on your head all day, you want it to fit comfortably and securely. While wigs are a popular option for hair loss, there are many other alternatives to wearing a wig. One such option is a scarf.

Scarfs are used everyday and are a fashion accessory. Whether or not someone is experiencing hair loss, a scarf can often be used around the head for decorative purposes and to complete and outfit. Tying a head scarf can be a complicated and frustrating task the first time you try it on your own unless you know how to in advance.

http://www.4women.com/ offers videos on how to tie a head scarf. The site also offers a huge selection of fashionable head scarves in all different types of materials and colors that are pre-tied, pre-fitted, sized, lined and secure.

Head scarves can offer a lot of creativity as they can be worn in so many different ways. Feel free to experiment and check out YouTube for videos.