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How to Find the Right Wig after Chemotherapy

How to Find the Right Wig after Chemotherapy

*Disclaimer: This blog discusses chemotherapy*

Finding the right wig after chemotherapy is no easy task. Finding a comfortable, breathable wig can prove tedious, and there's also the concern of actually finding the wig too. Keep reading, we’ve got you covered.

Monofilament Wigs

Often described as the most comfortable type of wig, monofilament wigs feature a breathable fabric, reducing irritation to users. This type of wig is also lightweight, allowing for a softer feel on your head. If in search of a breathable, lightweight wig, microfilament wigs are probably the way to go. This type of wig can feature both synthetic and human hair tresses - the choice is yours! Synthetic wigs tend to be more low-maintenance in the sense that they will remain in the style you bought it in, however, it's poor quality may cause issues later down the line. Check out our previous blog on how to revive your synthetic wig if you ever find yourself in a syntehtic-wig-pickle. Human hair wigs are of much greater quality and are completely heat resistant, allowing wearers to switch up styles whenever they desire. 

 

NHS Applications

Now that you’ve found a comfortable wig, the next step is finding a reliable place to purchase. The NHS offer free and discounted wigs for chemotherapy patients and there are no limits on the number of wigs one can receive from the NHS. In order to claim or purchase your wig, you will need to complete an HC1 form, available through contacting your local job centre, hospital staff or the following NHS help number: 0300 123 0849.


Charities and Wig Banks

As well as claiming free wigs from the NHS, chemotherapy patients can also contact charities, or wig banks that offer the similar free/discounted services. For example, Wig Bank collect second-hand wigs from wearers and sell them at a massively discounted rate of £10 to chemotherapy patients. All proceeds are then donated to cancer charities. Similarly, The Little Princess Trust offer free human-hair wigs to chemotherapy patients under the age of 25.


When taking that step toward wig-wearing, whilst undergoing chemotherapy, there are several factors to consider. From deciding the curl pattern, length and colour, to finding the right retailer/charity. We’d suggest using the steps provided above to aid your decision. To find out more about the different wig types out there, head over to our previous blog where we break them all down for you. Whichever wig you pick, just remember - you look amazing and you’re doing amazing too!

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Find Your Cap Size
Setup
01 Circumference
02 Front to Nape
03 Ear to Ear
Your Size
Setup

Before you start

What you need

Get this right
from the start

Most fit problems trace back to how the measurement was taken, not the number itself.

A soft fabric measuring tape — metal tapes give inaccurate readings.
With or without wig cap? If you plan to wear one, measure with it on.
Snug, not tight. The tape should sit firmly but not indent your skin.
A mirror or a friend. A second set of hands improves accuracy.
Circumference

Step 01 · Primary measurement

The anchor

Circumference

Place the tape around your head at the hairline — approximately ¼ inch above your eyebrows and ears. Bring it around the back at the base of your skull. Keep the tape parallel to the floor the entire way around.

Why it mattersThis is the primary anchor. When you're between sizes, circumference is always the tiebreaker.
Common mistakeTipping the tape up at the back. Keep it level all the way around.
Enter your circumference
inches

This number takes precedence

Front to Nape

Step 02 · Secondary measurement

Nape comfort

Front to Nape

Start at your natural hairline at the center of your forehead. Run the tape back over the crown to the nape of your neck where your hairline ends. Let the tape follow the curve of your head.

Why it mattersDetermines nape comfort over a full day. If slightly short, you'll feel it by afternoon.
Common mistakeStarting from the scalp instead of the hairline. Always begin at the hairline.
Enter your front to nape
inches

Affects nape comfort over long wear

Ear to Ear

Step 03 · Secondary measurement

Front stability

Ear to Ear

Begin at the top of one ear where it starts to curve. Bring the tape up and over the crown to the same point on the opposite ear. The tape runs across the top of your head, not around it.

Why it mattersControls whether the front stays in place. If too small, the wig will gradually ride back over the course of the day.
Common mistakeStarting at the earlobe instead of the top curve. This adds length unnecessarily.
Enter your ear to ear
inches

Determines front stability and placement

Your recommended cap

Retake measurements

Understanding your size

Your cap has a range

The adjustable back strap gives you roughly half an inch of flexibility in each direction.
If you're between sizes, sizing up always works — a slightly larger cap adjusted with the strap fits better than a slightly small one.
A full day of wear tells you more than 10 minutes. Nape comfort reveals itself over hours.

On comfort and security

A well-fitting wig should feel comfortable — not tight, not grippy.

"Comfortable is correct.
Tight is not security."

The Renatural
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