Need some wig advice *sensitive post*

[Midnight]

Hi guys, i haven't been around much lately. I unfortunately have had some bad news, i was diagnosed with small cell cervical cancer, which has spread to the lmyph nodes in my pelvis and behind my stomach. I'v been told i am going to be having chemotherapy, and its going to have to be an aggressive course as the type of cancer i have is a rare type of cervical cancer and is aggressive and spreads quickly. So i have been told i am more than likely going to lose my hair. Which i am finding the hardest part to stomach! I have always had long hair, it has never been shorter than shoulder length and is currently about 22 inches long (from crown to tip) , i love my hair so am completely gutted

Anyway my point is i have no idea where to start with wigs, i want to be prepared and have a wig ready before my hair comes out so it won't be so drastic.

I don't know what is the best type of wig to get? where is best to get them from? What accessories i would need? I want to get something that is close to my own hair, but i do also quite fancy being a bit adventerous and get one in a different colour and style aswell! But i would obviuosly need to try them on to be sure i like them! I live in Manchester UK and if anyone knows any good shops in this area i'd be grateful! I would also be willing to travel as i do drive, just don't want to go too far!

Thanks, Ally xx

[rivetlicker_]

I am so sorry to hear that! I do hope all goes well with treatment.
I do suggest that you get your hair cut short before you undergo chemo, as it will lessen the effect of the loss. If you wanna save your hair, by all means go for it. If you can find a good custom wigmaker, maybe you can have some of your own hair used? It's just a suggestion, but it may be a bit over the top on sensitivity issues.
I do hope you find the right kind of wig for yourself and all the best.

[Midnight]

Hi thanks for you reply, i am going to get my hair cut short as soon as i get a start date for treatment. I found a charity where you can donate your hair and they make wigs for children with cancer, so i thought that would be the best bet, as then at least i am helping someone else too!

[MrsEss]

Hi Ally

((((((((hugs))))))))) I'm on your facebook & try to keep up with your status updates. My aunty (had acute lymphoblastic leukemia) had 2 wigs - which were exactly the same style as her own hair. unfortunately I don't know if she got them through the NHS or otherwise.

I've foundthis on the net:

Tips on Getting Ready for a Wig
Cut your hair short before you start chemotherapy. It's less traumatic to lose short clumps of hair than long ones —and it's easier to fit a wig over less hair.
If you get used to short hair, you won't have to wait as long for your hair to grow back to feel like yourself. Shorter is also cooler —an important consideration, because wigs can feel hot in the summer.
Since a short-haired wig is easier to wear and care for, if your hair is already short, you'll have an easier time living with temporary hair of a similar length.
Look through salon books and hairstyle magazines to find the becoming cut that's right for you.
Interview a few hairdressers. You may want to book an appointment just to talk to an expert before the actual cut.

How do you find a wig? You can take several routes:

Your hospital's cancer center or your local breast cancer organizations may have a list of wig specialists in the area.
Your hairdresser may be able to suggest a wig shop. Some wig specialists come to your home to provide additional privacy.
Ask friends for leads.
Some beauty salons offer special services for women going through cancer therapy so that after you select your wig, you can have it styled in a variety of ways.
Try to pick out your wig BEFORE your chemotherapy begins. You'll have more energy. Plus, the stylist will be able to see your natural hair color and style. You can get used to wearing the wig in trial sessions, alternating with your own hair.

I dunno if a dread wig appeals to you? There are some AWESOME wig makers & dread wig makers on here.

i can't suggest anywhere local to you for a wig (i'm no where near Manchester) Iwould say a HH wig would be better for day to day wear, but they do cost more.

Good Luck with everything Hun.

xxx

[guest123]

*deleted*

[ScarletLady]

aw honey I'm so sorry - I hope everything goes ok. My mum shaved her head the day before she was due to start chemotherapy as she didn't want to "lose" her hair - she wanted to make the choice herself.

I don't know much about wigs I'm afraid but I just wanted to pass on my best wishes and let you know that there can be light at the end of the tunnel - my mum has been a survivor for 20 years this summer and is still going strong after many courses of chemo - stay as positive as you can, it really does help. Treatments have moved on so much these days so I really hope everything goes well for you.

Big hugs XX

[Midnight]

Thank you all for you positive words.

The charity i was going to donate my hair too is
http://www.littleprincesses.org.uk/default.aspx

I had seen those on ebay that come from china, and they look nice on the picture, just wasn't sure what the quality would actually be like? They are very cheap to buy, and could get many different ones at that price!

ally xx

[rivetlicker_]

It's unfortunate that a custom wig would cost a mint
Sorry that my suggestion had been a bit shallow on the money side of things. It would've been nice.
The Professional Only wigs are quite good. They have a good reputation, but bare in mind they will probably get ratty at some stage or another. (Then you can make it into a dread wig!)
Good luck.

[MrsEss]

Professional Only & Cog_Marc both have feedback on here - it may help to make your choice. i know a few people (me included) that bought a wig to dread it & loved it that much couldn't.

linkies: viewtopic.php?f=35&t=300&p=41303&hilit=cog#p41303
&: viewtopic.php?f=35&t=299

[NaturalistDesigns]

Professional Only and Cog Marc wigs are both wonderful suppliers and have alot of long wigs.

I hope your treatment goes smoothly, and you're up to strength soon x

[MissAnthropik]

I am so sorry to read this post, and wish you all the best with your treatment.

I know pretty much nothing about wigs except as accessories, but i do once remember reading that wigs for people who have lost their hair are different from wigs that people put over their hair, and only wear for short periods.

I can't remember exactly what it was I read, but maybe speak to your consultant and see whether they know what I am talking about. I think maybe it was just that some cheap wigs can be very irritating if you have no hair and want to wear them full time. Maybe this can be rectified by wearing a high quality wig cap underneath though?

I hope you find something you like, and that your treatment goes well

[ScarletLady]

viewtopic.php?f=19&t=3762

I knew there was a thread somewhere on here - A girl made a dread wig for a friend of hers who was having chemo - maybe this can help?

[extendextend]

If you look on ebay at lace wigs but search worldwide you usually get a good choice of human hair lace wigs from the u.s Prices vary with £300 for a good one but i have seen many that look brilliant for about £100 which for human hair is pretty amazing. I suffer with thinning hair due to a medical problem and have bought the cheaper wigs of ebay, they are ok but do look shiny when you are in doors and in photos, i have always resold them as i feel self concious of the shiny look. Even the best quality synthetic looks shiny unless you have black which can look very shiny anyway. Also with the cheap synthetic ones - the partings are rubbish i always put alice bands or sunglasses on my head to disguise it and stop it looking so wiggy and heavy.

Definatly go for a full lace or lace front wig as it looks like your own hair is growing out of your scalp and can be kept on over night, and for much longer if you prefer.

Human hair does take extra care but the wig will last longer than a synthetic one. I did buy one blonde wig that people thought was my own hair and i had lots of compliments on my new style, people didnt relise it was fake but it looked shiny indoors and in photos but maybe worth a try. its good because of the roots and ends mixed colours much better than the solid or streaked ones. cant get a pic on here but if wou want a pic of me wearing it just let me know and i can email it to you i also sold it on for more than i bought it so dont worry if you buy a cheap one and dont like it.

I wish you all the best and hope everything goes well for you.

[dolly666]

Hi really sorry to hear about your illness.If your interested in getting a wig go to bhm forum they know all about wigs there and in the newbie wig section there is a uk thread with some good suggestions on wig sellers in the uk and they are always super helpful.Hope your treatment goes ok hun.