Wigs for Hair Loss

Where can I find a wig?

If you need a wig for hair loss related to cancer treatment, there are a lot of resources no matter your budget. Here are some things to consider when you look for a wig.

Buying a wig

• Your cancer center: Some cancer centers offer discounted wigs and other styling services.
• Online and in-person retail stores: Even if you don’t end up buying from one of these stores, browsing can give you a better idea of what you’re looking for in a wig.
• Your personal network: If you have a support group, ask them for wig tips or suggestions, including the best places to buy a wig in your area. 
• The American Cancer Society EverYou™ program: EverYou offers a curated selection of wigs and other head coverings. Order online or call 1-800-850-9445.

Before you buy a wig, check the return policy to make sure you can return or exchange the wig within a certain amount of time. Some wig retailers charge a restocking fee or may not accept returns.

Paying for a wig

• Insurance: Ask your insurance company if they cover cranial prostheses for medical hair loss (alopecia). Many insurance companies require a letter or prescription from your doctor. Some insurance companies will cover part or all of the cost, or they might reimburse you after you buy the wig.
• Free or low-cost wigs: If you need help paying for a wig, there are a lot of groups that support people who have lost their hair due to cancer treatment. Ask your cancer care team about resources in your area.

Planning ahead before you start treatment

If you are able to plan ahead, there are a few steps you can take to fit and match your wig before you lose your hair. This is especially helpful if you want to match your wig to your current hairstyle and color.

If you want to match your current hairstyle and/or hair color:

• Take photos of your current hairstyle.
• Save a lock of hair from the top front of your head, where the hair is lightest.
• To decide whether a wig matches the hair swatch, use natural light (outdoors or near a window).

If you want to fit your wig before you lose your hair:

• Measure your head with your hair wet or slicked down.
• Make sure your wig is adjustable; your head may be up to a size smaller when you lose your hair.

Choosing a wig type and style

There are a lot of different wig options to choose from. First, you’ll need to decide on the style (full wig, hair topper, bangs attachment, or halo).

Wig styles

• Halo: Halos are designed to be worn with a hat or other head cover. They have hair on the sides but are open on top to help keep your head cooler.
• Bangs attachment: You can also buy bangs that can be attached to hats, scarves, or turbans.
• Hair topper or top piece: These add coverage and volume to thinning hair on the top of your head.
• Full wig: This is a wig that covers your entire head.

Common types of full wigs and hair toppers  

If you decide to wear a hair topper or full wig, you’ll also have a few different types to choose from (lace front, full lace, monofilament, or hand-tied).

Lace front                                                                                    

Lace front wigs have a sheer lace panel along the front hairline. This creates the illusion of a natural hairline and allows the wig to blend seamlessly with your skin. These usually also have clips in the back to keep the wig in place.

Full lace                                                                                                                            

Unlike lace front wigs, full lace wigs feature a lace cap that covers your entire head, offering maximum versatility in styling. With a full lace construction, you can part the hair in any direction and style it in various updos and ponytails without revealing the wig's base. This is an ideal choice if you want the most natural appearance and styling options.

Monofilament                                                                                      

Monofilament wigs have a fine, breathable mesh material at the crown or throughout the entire cap. This mesh mimics the appearance of natural scalp. It allows you to part the wig in multiple directions and gives the illusion of hair growing directly from your scalp, providing a realistic look. Monofilament wigs are often partially or fully hand tied.

Hand tied                                                                         

Hand-tied wigs are handmade rather than made by machine. The individual hair strands or fibers are hand tied to the cap, making it look extremely natural. They also tend to be more lightweight and breathable, making them ideal if you have a sensitive scalp or are undergoing chemotherapy.

Choosing synthetic or human hair

Wigs are made from human hair or synthetic (artificial) fibers.

Synthetic wigs

Synthetic wigs are made from artificial fibers like polyester or acrylic. Synthetic wigs are less expensive and less maintenance than human hair wigs. They can be cut and colored, but they don’t usually have as much flexibility in styling as wigs made from human hair.

Human hair wigs

Made from real human hair, these wigs are more expensive than synthetic wigs. They also require more maintenance, but they can be styled, colored, and treated like natural hair. When a human hair wig is well cared for, it often lasts longer than synthetic hair.

One wig type or style isn’t better than another. The most important thing is to find a wig that makes you feel your best. Some people get more than one type of wig so they can try different looks.

Measuring your head

Use this guide to measure your head for wig sizing:

Size chart

The following size chart works for the majority of wig brands.  But this might vary slightly from brand to brand. Always double check the size chart for your brand before you buy a wig.

Important notes: To measure accurately, wet your hair to flatten it as much as possible. If your measurements don't exactly match the size chart, choose the size closest to the largest measurement.

Many wigs have adjustable Velcro® tabs inside, to help you get a snug and secure fit. With these tabs, you can adjust the wig circumference smaller or larger (often by as much as 5").

Choosing a color

Here are some tips for choosing a wig color:

• If possible, cut a large lock from the front of your head before you lose your hair. Use this as a color reference.
• In outdoor light, compare your hair to the wig swatches.
• As we age, a lighter color is often more flattering and gives a softer, more natural look.
• Chemo can make your face look pale. If you have black hair, consider choosing dark brown for a more flattering look.
• If you are a brunette and going gray, consider choosing a wig in a lighter shade of brown, with or without highlights. White wigs can be very flattering, too.

Fitting your wig

When you choose a wig, look for one that's adjustable. Your head could be up to a size smaller after you lose your hair.

To fit your wig:

• Carefully follow the directions that come with it.
• If it comes in a hair net, remove the net and shake out the wig.
• If you wear glasses, remove them before trying on the wig.
• Holding the wig at the sides, with the woven label in the back, place it at the middle of your forehead and slide it on from front to back. Then adjust the top front of the wig's cap so that it's about 1" past your natural hairline. The wig won't look natural if it's pulled too far down in front, and it should never be placed over your ears.
• The ear tabs should be even and slightly in front of your ears. Push the wire in the tabs towards your face to make the wig lie flat against your head.
• If the wig slides up, you need a larger size.
• If it's too big, roll it up once it's on your head to adjust the back tabs.

Consider getting a cushioned wig grip band to hold the wig securely and comfortably in place. Also consider a wig liner for comfort. Chemo can make your scalp sensitive. A wig liner offers protection and keeps you cooler and more comfortable.

Tips for styling your wig

• Many wig styles only need to be shaken before they are ready to wear. This is especially true for shorter styles.
• Don't use a color rinse on your synthetic wig; it will damage the fibers.
• Don't use a hair dryer or curling iron on your wig unless the wig is heat resistant.
• Before styling, tuck all of the hair behind your ears.
• Bring forward only as much hair as is needed to make the wig look natural.
• If needed, have a hair stylist trim the bangs and thin the wig to make it look more natural.
• On shorter wigs, use a brush as little as possible. Instead, use your fingers and a special wig styling cream, if you like, to create and hold a style.
• Lift the hair with a hair pick to touch up a style. So the wig doesn’t become too full, slip the pick out instead of pulling it all the way through to the end.
• Before styling long straight wigs, always spray lightly with a wig conditioner and use a wig brush, starting with the ends first.
• For a more natural look, don’t try to have every hair in place.
• Use scarves, headbands, and other hair accessories as you would with your own hair.

Caring for your wig

• When not wearing your wig, store it for short periods of time (overnight or for a few days) on a wig stand.
• Only use hair care products (shampoo, conditioner, etc.) specially formulated for wigs.
• Do not use a hairdryer, blow dryer, or curling iron unless the wig is resistant to heat.
• Avoid heat from stove burners or from opening an oven door.
• Sudden bursts of heat can damage your wig, so be careful about getting close to an open flame or gas burner.

Washing your wig

• Before washing, gently brush your wig or hairpiece to remove teasing or tangles.
• Use one ounce of synthetic wig shampoo in two quarts of cold water (never hot).
• Soak three to five minutes, then gently dip up and down. Do not rub.
• Rinse thoroughly in cold water.
• Pat out excess water in a towel. Do not brush or comb until thoroughly dry.
• Allow your wig to dry at room temperature. No setting is necessary; curls will snap back into position when the hair is completely dry.

More resources

Where to find wigs, scarves, and hats

The American Cancer Society EverYou™ program features a collection of quality wigs, headwear, and scarves.

Shop EverYou

Hair loss during cancer treatment

Certain cancer treatments, like chemo, make people lose some or all of their hair. Learn what to expect and how to cope with treatment-related hair loss. 

Read about hair loss (alopecia) 

Styling your scarf, handkerchief, or bandana

Learn how to wear and tie a scarf if you have lost or expect to lose your hair due to chemo or other cancer treatment.

Read about styling scarves and bandanas