Scarves, hats, or wigs?
December 19th, 2009
A friend of mine has alopecia and gave me her very expensive wig. I tried it on and thought two things: (1) ouch, (2) I look like the drag queen version of my former self.
I am thus going the scarf and hat route. Scarves actually regulate body heat better than hats, which can get too hot or too cold. Hats look more like part of an outfit I would actually wear. I have to do less accessorizing with them to make them part of some alternative look, since I don’t actually own any caftans or dashikis. Hoop earrings and ethnic necklaces seem to make it work, even with my usual t-shirt and jeans wardrobe.
This entry was posted on Saturday, December 19th, 2009 at 10:16 pm and is filed under Fashion. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.
I wrote a blog post to help my friend through the same thing – she loved her wig but sometimes it was just too hot and uncomfortable. So she, like you, ended up going the scarf and hat route – here is a gallery full of ideas for other women in the same situation. Hope it helps someone! http://aphroditesapple.wordpress.com/2010/02/15/chemo-chic-style-guide/
I have to disagree a bit. There are some things you can wear UNDER the wig to prevent the itchiness, and you have to try on a few to make sure you get the right comfort going. I wouldn’t give up on the wigs!
1) Look for synthetic hair. Real hair actually itches.
2) Look for quality lining.
3) GET IT STYLED! A lot of wig shops that work with chemo patients will include a free styling. Local salons usually offer free or discounted services for chemo patients who need wig stylings. That avoids the drag-queeniness.
4) Be sure to PLAY with styling your wig. I have one wig that is a bit “fussy” and doesn’t like to be styled. So, I use barrettes, a hat, headbands and other hair accessories that I’d use in my natural hair. And never underestimate tucking wig hair behind your ears with a couple of extra strands dangling to cover the edge of the wig!