Hair loss can be traumatic for cancer patients. I didn’t lose all my hair after immunotherapy, but it was getting so thin that I debated whether to go bald, wear a scarf, or invest in a wig.
A wig can cost from forty to thousands of dollars. A number of organizations offer free wigs and scarves for cancer patients who have lost their hair due to chemotherapy or radiation. Here are a few:
Friends Are By Your Side provides free wigs for women and children facing cancer all over the world. Check for the salon nearest you. They also provide styling services to help women feel in control of their appearance.
The American Cancer Society accepts wig donations, which are collected for wig banks at their local chapters. Some wigs are distributed through ACS and some through local Look Good Feel Better meetings.
CancerCare is another source as part of their Women’s Cancer Program.
Some local affiliates of Susan G. Komen provide free wigs.
Also, many cancer centers take donated wigs and make them available free of cost to those beginning breast cancer treatment.
If you decide to wear a wig, go for it. Take advantage of these organizations and boost your self-confidence.