10 Best Types of Wig for Cancer Patients

The best type of wig for cancer patients will vary depending on numerous factors, especially personal preference. Truth be told, a wig can help conceal hair loss and — depending on the style, length, and color of choice — help cancer patients look more like they did before treatment or create a whole new look, while also breeding self-confidence.

They can also protect the scalp of cancer patients from the sun and cold air. A good number of women find that rocking a wig offers them some sense of normalcy and consistency during cancer treatment. It can also offer some sort of privacy as it prevents people from asking too many questions concerning your appearance.

Some even love to try, experiment and have fun with varying wig styles and colors, or alternate wearing a wig and other head coverings, such as hats, turbans, or scarves.

Wigs are constructed in two primary ways: machine-made and hand-tied (pre-custom and full-custom). Machine-made wigs are often believed to be for people with hair, but this is not always the case as a good number of women find these wigs to be more comfortable and also quite economical.

These ready-made wigs are selected based on the hairstyle, hair color, and head size (ranging from petite to large). Since heads rarely come in uniform sizes, machine-made wigs can be easily altered for a near-custom fit. Note that when hair falls out as a result of cancer-related treatments, the scalp would start to feel tender or sensitive.

Some wigs can be irritating to the scalp, so it is often recommended that you place a small cotton scarf or cotton skullcap between the scalp and the wig. Aside from the fact that the scarf or cap offers a protective barrier, it also absorbs some of the perspiration that develops on the scalp.

Factors to Consider When Choosing the Best Cancer Wig

A good percentage of cancer patients dread the moment they have to wear a wig. However, as emotionally hard as the change can be, picking the best wig can prove to be a positive experience for many. Here are factors to consider when choosing the best cancer wig for you;

1. Materials

Have it in mind that wigs may come as natural human hair or synthetic hair. According to experts, wigs that use human hair tend to be quite easier to style, cut, and dye. However, you have to understand that these wigs require more maintenance than synthetic hair. Synthetic hairs are known to be more durable, but may not feel or act as natural hair.

2. Wig Type

There are numerous wig types, including:

• Full wig: These wigs tend to cover the entire hairline and may be perfectly ideal for people with more severe hair loss.
• Partial wig: A partial or half wig tends to covers just part of the head. A good number of people prefer to use this type of wig if they are experiencing hair thinning and want a product that blends in with their natural hair and brings about more fullness.
• Hair toppers: These sorts of wigs — which people may also call wiglets, top pieces, and hair enhancers — only cover one area of the head. This sort of wig may be perfectly suited for individuals who are dealing with hair thinning or loss in one area.

3. Color and Style

In recent times wig makers and providers strive to match a wig to a person’s hair color. Note that people can keep a swatch of their hair and show it to the company to grow their chances of getting a wig that closely aligns with their hair color. Sometimes, people can select wigs of almost any color and style.

4. Sizing and Fit

The best wig for anyone will have to be the correct size and also well secured. Experts or most wig makers recommend measuring the head with wet or slicked-down hair to get a more accurate head size. However, if a person chooses to acquire a wig before experiencing hair loss, they may have to go for an adjustable wig. Most people tend to go down a wig size once they experience hair thinning or hair loss.

5. Cost

Have it in mind that full wigs that use human hair are quite expensive than other types of wigs and materials. In addition, high-quality synthetic wigs may also be more costly.

Anyone looking to acquire a wig will have to consider their budgets and which type of wig they require before looking at wigs to buy. Note that some wig makers or providers may offer free or low-cost wigs to people who are currently undergoing cancer treatment.

6. Cap Construction

You need to understand that a wig base or wig cap serves as a barrier between the scalp and the wig. Note that it helps to guarantee that the wig stays in place. Full wigs use wig caps. However, there are numerous types of caps available, including:

• Lace front wigs: These caps come with hair fibers that makers sew into the lace to emulate a natural-looking hairline.
• Monofilament wigs: These caps carry hair fibers that makers tie to a soft mesh monofilament fabric.
• Hand-tied wigs: For this wig type, makers hand-tie all the hair strands onto a soft, flexible cap.
• Basic wig caps: This can also be referred to as caps open weft or standard caps. Makers more or less sew wefts or curtains of hair into strips of soft material. These caps are usually the most affordable available.

Main Types of Wig for Cancer Patients

There are two types of wigs available: human hair and synthetic hair, and each of them comes with its advantages and disadvantages.

1. Synthetic Wigs

This type of wig is made with advanced technology and remains a great option and available at a lower cost. Unlike human hair wigs, these wigs can adopt more of a false shine to their look, but according to experts they hold their shape better and require far less maintenance, which can be beneficial.

Synthetic wigs also tend to vary in styles and colors, and will always offer individuals more options for change. However, individual wigs can be less versatile and may not last as long as a human hair wig.

Pros

• They tend to be less expensive than human hair.
• Very easy to maintain than human hair.
• They hold a hairstyle for longer than human hair.

Cons

• Rarely feel or act like human hair.
• The glue in the wig may melt when near heat sources.
• Can be more difficult to style than human hair.

2. Human Hair Wigs

Human hair wigs are known to have more versatility since they can be easily styled with heat and color just as you would expect natural hair to be. Also, note that they can be easily adapted to align with any look. Owing to the long-lasting, high-quality nature of human hair wigs, you can expect to pay a little more, but the value they offer is worth it.

Pros

• You can easily cut, style, and dye the hair.
• You can choose a hair texture similar to your natural hair.
• The wigs can last for up to 1 year of daily use.

Cons

• They tend to require more maintenance than synthetic wigs.
• Can react to weather, and become frizzier or flatter.
• They may need restyling and dying over time.

Conclusion

A good percentage of cancer patients face hair loss as a result of their treatment, and many choose to rock a wig until their hair starts to grow back. Choosing the right wig can be a difficult decision, however, individuals are advised to consider the pros and cons of each type of wig before making a purchase.

It is also recommended you visit a store that offers privacy and individual attention, like a shop specializing in wigs with a sales staff that has experience dealing with women with cancer or hair loss.