Over the years, I've been asked often about recommendations for local wig stores as friends and/or their family members go through chemo. Who knew that I'd be a "resource" in this capacity? Today, I got that request again and it brings to the forefront how prevalent cancer is in today's society and sadly amongst many I know. I have gladly shared my whole experience and think it is worth sharing the high points with you.
1. Give thought to whom will see you bald. Your husband, your children, your family members, your friends... It is a VERY personal decision, but thought should be given. I debated whether my young son would see me bald or not thinking it would "affect" him or he'd be fearful of me without hair. My sister pointed out that our thoughts of our very own mother had not changed when we saw her bald from her chemo which was the truth. She was my mother and hair or not, she was STILL my mother and I STILL loved her. When my son saw me the first time without hair he didn't even react because I was still MOMMY.
2. Cut your hair before it starts to fall out. Having hair short will minimize the physical and emotional mess. Within two days of my cutting my hair short, I was completely bald. I remember being in the bathroom combing out clumps of my hair and my husband appeared out of nowhere wondering where I was. There I sat sobbing about my hair coming out. He said lovingly, "It's just hair. It'll grow back. You are still pretty." Your wedding day doesn't prepare one for this moment, but he said exactly what I needed to hear.
3. Buy your wig before hair starts to fall out. A seamless transition between your hair and a wig helps your psyche.
4. Buy a couple of wigs so you don't look out of place in the grocery store if your wig is too dolled up for your gym clothes or your hair is to casual for a night out on the town. I had 3 wigs -- everyday wig, casual going out wig and a fancy wig.
5. Buy a wig with the re-growth of hair in mind. You will have to transition from bald to new hair growth so a short wig helps with this transition were your appearance isn't a sharp contrast.
6. Do NOT shop for a wig alone. I did and I regretted it. It was so emotional as I watched other women buying wigs for "special" occasions like weddings or birthday parties and I was wondering if I was going to live.
7. Be bold with the wig. Use it as an opportunity to change your hair style from straight to curly or vice verse or go blonde or brunette as a complete change.
8. Enjoy wearing the wig knowing that one day (soon) you'll be washing, blow drying, curling, flat ironing, dying your own hair. Wigs make getting ready EASY.
9. Using insurance is not a must. Personally, I thought it was ridiculous to spend hundreds of dollars on a wig that I viewed to be temporary. Getting wigs via insurance leaves you with few choices. I bought 3 wigs out of pocket for the price of one insurance funded wig and I was happy with my choices.
10. Transitioning from the wig can be hard has you reveal new growth. I did it when I had "peach" fuzz and it was my personal badge of surviving chemo. Sure I got some stares, but I didn't care.
My hair doesn't define me, my LIFE does!
1. Give thought to whom will see you bald. Your husband, your children, your family members, your friends... It is a VERY personal decision, but thought should be given. I debated whether my young son would see me bald or not thinking it would "affect" him or he'd be fearful of me without hair. My sister pointed out that our thoughts of our very own mother had not changed when we saw her bald from her chemo which was the truth. She was my mother and hair or not, she was STILL my mother and I STILL loved her. When my son saw me the first time without hair he didn't even react because I was still MOMMY.
2. Cut your hair before it starts to fall out. Having hair short will minimize the physical and emotional mess. Within two days of my cutting my hair short, I was completely bald. I remember being in the bathroom combing out clumps of my hair and my husband appeared out of nowhere wondering where I was. There I sat sobbing about my hair coming out. He said lovingly, "It's just hair. It'll grow back. You are still pretty." Your wedding day doesn't prepare one for this moment, but he said exactly what I needed to hear.
3. Buy your wig before hair starts to fall out. A seamless transition between your hair and a wig helps your psyche.
4. Buy a couple of wigs so you don't look out of place in the grocery store if your wig is too dolled up for your gym clothes or your hair is to casual for a night out on the town. I had 3 wigs -- everyday wig, casual going out wig and a fancy wig.
5. Buy a wig with the re-growth of hair in mind. You will have to transition from bald to new hair growth so a short wig helps with this transition were your appearance isn't a sharp contrast.
6. Do NOT shop for a wig alone. I did and I regretted it. It was so emotional as I watched other women buying wigs for "special" occasions like weddings or birthday parties and I was wondering if I was going to live.
7. Be bold with the wig. Use it as an opportunity to change your hair style from straight to curly or vice verse or go blonde or brunette as a complete change.
8. Enjoy wearing the wig knowing that one day (soon) you'll be washing, blow drying, curling, flat ironing, dying your own hair. Wigs make getting ready EASY.
9. Using insurance is not a must. Personally, I thought it was ridiculous to spend hundreds of dollars on a wig that I viewed to be temporary. Getting wigs via insurance leaves you with few choices. I bought 3 wigs out of pocket for the price of one insurance funded wig and I was happy with my choices.
10. Transitioning from the wig can be hard has you reveal new growth. I did it when I had "peach" fuzz and it was my personal badge of surviving chemo. Sure I got some stares, but I didn't care.
My hair doesn't define me, my LIFE does!
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