Medical wigs are those wigs primarily meant for cancer patients and others experiencing hair loss as a result of a medical condition. Note that the most notable feature of medical wigs is that they barely irritate the patient’s scalp.
Owing to that, the cap materials tend to be soft and comfortable but still secure. Glue or tapes are not used for medical wigs for two primary reasons. First, they are not convenient for cancer patients especially if they need to use a good amount of tape or glue to secure the wigs.
Secondly, tape or glue can also irritate the scalp. Have it in mind that cancer patients tend to have more sensitive scalps therefore they require more protection from materials or substances that may irritate the scalp. This makes double layer or 100% hand-tied caps perfectly suitable.
Anti-slip silicon is also a very necessary feature of medical wigs. A non-slip silicone is meant to keep the wig securely fixed on the head, the same way a glue or tape does. Ordinary wigs most often do not have anti-slip silicone, and since silicone barely irritates the scalp or makes the scalp itchy, they are perfectly suited for individuals whose scalps are sensitive.
Steps to Make a Wig for Cancer Patients
Whether you are making the wig for yourself or another person, note that you will need the right tools. These include a mannequin head, a wig cap (adjustable is better), needles and thread, pins or anti-slip silicon, scissors for cutting and trimming as you string along, tweezers, comb, and hair conditioner, lace closure, and most importantly hair bundles. Once you have all these available, here are simple steps to guide you through.
- First start by taking the measurements of your head, then make a pattern and secure your pattern on a wig block.
- Next, you have to cut the lace and adequately secure the lace on a wig block. Be very attentive as this is a very crucial action that will make sure your medical wig looks like natural hair.
- Secure your wig head on the table with tape or on a wig stand. This is very necessary to make sure it stays stable and to make the process easier for you.
- Carefully place the wig cap on the mannequin’s head. Ensure to note where the front and back of your future medical wig are going to be.
- Ready your hair weaves right before you sew them onto the cap. Endeavor to measure them and pin them down to see how many tracks you are going to require in making your medical wig. If you have one long track, you are advised not to cut it up especially if you want to avoid hair shedding.
- Carefully sew the lace closure into the front of the cap. Start by securing it with pearl-headed pins at the front of the wig cap, then use the needle and thread to sew it all the way around along the edge. Also remember to make tight knots, especially at the beginning and the end of your stitching to guarantee that the lace closure is properly secured.
- Pick up your first track and start sewing it to the wig cap from one edge of your lace closure to the other along the bottom edge of the cap (where the nape of your neck will be). Once you get to the edge and still have very little track left, secure it with a knot and cut off the excess track. However, if it is long enough to go another way around, fold it carefully, press on the fold to avoid bumps, and start sewing in the opposite direction.
- After you must have sewn all of your tracks to the lace closure, do not forget to sew the last track to the lace closure. Remember to secure it with a knot and cut off the excess track.
- At this point, pluck the lace closure and tweeze the hairs in the lace closure to make it look like your real hair.
- Once you are done with the sewing and your wig is starting to look like a wig, take it off the wig head and do away with the excess wig cap that is sticking out from under the lace. You should ensure you do not cut into the stitching. You can also cut off the excess lace if you want to. Also, remember not to cut too close to the hair, or you might spoil the whole thing.
- Carefully turn your wig inside out and gently sew in your wig band and combs. Use the needle and thread to sew the anti-slip silicon to the rim of the dome cap, so that it can help you keep your hair on. Owing to the number of combs you have, place them on the inside of the cap to infuse a little extra security into your wig. Note that there should be at least one comb on each side of the head and preferably one at the back.
- Once you get to this point, the wig is almost done. Note that you can use some moist hair care products on your medical wig. If you are okay with the way the hair looks, you can leave it at that. If you are not, you can still decide to style it when you get the hairstyle you want.
Conclusion
Note that when a cancer patient needs a medical wig, all they want is a wig that is not only comfortable to wear but aligns with their head and has an inside soft lining.
When looking to make your medical wig, ensure you include top-quality hair that offers good air permeability and adequate stability when moving your head around. It is also recommended you consult a professional to get the right size of your head before spending money on a medical wig.