Why It's Important to Buy a Wig Before Chemotherapy

If you’re starting a chemotherapy regimen, especially if you’re on an aggressive treatment plan, you probably already know that hair loss is one of the most common side-effects of chemotherapy.

Most cancer patients, regardless of age, gender or ethnicity experience at least some hair loss during treatment, and a lot of those people choose to wear a wig.

That’s because wigs are a perfect solution for hair loss due to chemo. You can find a wig that looks exactly like your natural hair before chemo or pick one that will give you a fresh, new look.

However, some people find the process of choosing their first wig difficult. You have regular doctor’s appointments to schedule, infusion sessions to attend, family members to spend time with, and many times a job on top of all that.

Finding the time to go to a store and buy a wig? That’s just one more thing to add to your already overflowing calendar.

That’s why buying a wig online from the comfort of your own home, is an excellent option for most cancer patients. You can spend as much time as you need searching for the wig you want, without having to drive to the store or being pressured by a salesperson.

Before you buy your wig online, here are some things you should know...

Wigs Can Help You Cope

For most people who do go through chemotherapy hair loss is a gradual process. But for some, hair loss can start just two weeks after your first infusion.

While a lot of people are excited to go beautifully bald - wearing hats, big earrings, and beautiful makeup - not everyone is.

Purchasing a wig before you start chemo will take an item off your to-do list, and can help you feel “normal” when your body is experiencing so much change.

By overcoming hair loss, you can start making positive progress on your road to recovery now, instead of waiting for the results of your chemotherapy program.

Do Your Hair Homework

Take it from us - there are endless styles of wigs and hair pieces.

Short, medium, long, straight, curly, and everything in between.

Add multiple types of wig hair and different wig cap constructions, and it can be hard to know where to start.

If you can, talk to a friend who has gone through the process of buying a wig or call your hairstylist. They’ve probably helped people who have gone through what you’re going through and can help point you in the right direction.

Still not sure where to get started? Read our First Time Wig Buyer’s Guide.

Check if Your Insurance Covers the Cost of Your Wig

Some health insurance carriers cover the cost of wigs for cancer patients.

Call your health insurance company to check whether or not you have coverage. Make sure you have your prescription handy so you can send your insurance provider a copy (not the original prescription) if you need it.

Something to keep in mind: most insurance providers require the prescription to say “hair prosthesis” to offer coverage, so make sure to mention that to your doctor when they’re writing your prescription.

After you’ve received confirmation from your insurance carrier, ask them what type of wigs they’ll cover. Insurers typically won’t pay for wigs they consider to be “excessively expensive,” so you want to make sure you don’t choose a wig that’s more expensive than your provider will pay for.

We hope all this will help you through the wig buying process. Remember, no matter what you decide to do - be beautifully bald or purchase a wig - remember that you are beautiful, you are strong, and you will get through this.