Hats, scarves & wigs

Some people choose to wear wigs when their hair thins or falls out. Other people choose to wear attractive hats, scarves or other head coverings. Many men keep their heads shaven and uncovered and it is becoming increasingly common for women to do the same. If you choose to keep your head uncovered, remember to protect your skin with sunscreen. People who have had radiotherapy to their head and certain types of chemotherapy should not expose sensitive, unprotected skin to the sun.

• Scarves usually need to be at least 50 centimetres long to cover the scalp. Cotton, lightweight wools or blends are the best fabrics to use as nylon or silk tends to slip off. Towelling turbans are very comfortable, especially in the hot weather.
• Draw attention away from your hair by highlighting other features. Bright shirts or sweaters and clothes that blend with your wig colour can give you extra confidence.
• For women, a little extra make up around the eyes, cheekbones or lips will direct attention to your face as well as boost morale. Experiment with jewellery. Chains can emphasise the neckline while striking earrings can enhance a short hairstyle or look good with a hat or scarf.

The important thing is to do whatever feels comfortable and gives you the most confidence whether that means using hats, scarves and wigs, or wearing nothing at all on your head.

Wigs

Wigs can be made from real hair or synthetic materials. Human hair wigs tend to be expensive and need to be dry cleaned and set about once a month. Synthetic wigs are cheaper, easier to style, wash easily, dry quickly and need less care. Both can look natural. Synthetic wigs will only last about nine months, but this may be all you need.

Prosthetic (artificial) hair is a recent advance. It is made and fitted to meet your needs and can be styled as if it were your own hair. Prosthetic hair washes easily, dries quickly and needs minimal care. However, the initial cost can be quite high and there are ongoing maintenance costs.

If you wish, before beginning treatment, you can have your long hair cut off and made into a wig to wear while your own hair isn't growing.

Before selecting a wig

You might like to ask your hairdresser's opinion about a style of wig that would suit you and whether it is possible to get it cut and styled for you.

Visit a number of wig retailers (listed under Wigs &/or Hairpieces in the Yellow Pages) and investigate the range of wigs available.

You may prefer to order your wig before you lose any hair so you have time to match it with your own style and colour. This also means that you are prepared if you lose your hair more quickly than you expected.

When buying your wig

It can be helpful to take a friend or a member of the family along with you. Have your hair cut and styled so it will fit better under wigs that you try on. Try and get a wig that adjusts to any head size to take into account variations as you lose your hair.

Paying for a wig or hairpiece

If you are being treated at a public hospital you may be entitled to financial assistance towards the purchase of a wig. Ask your nurse or social worker for information.

The Department of Veterans Affairs will cover the total cost of a wig if you have full entitlements as a veteran.

Some health insurance funds will cover part of the cost of a wig if you are losing your hair due to disease or treatment. You will also need to have a letter from your doctor to accompany a claim. Check your entitlement with your own fund.

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