Wigs For Cancer Patients: How to Find a Killer One
I’m just going to say it—my wig was f*cking amazing. And if you don’t believe me, ask anyone who saw it. It was nothing like what most people think of when they hear the word wig.
But getting there? That was a whole different story. The journey to finding the right wig was anything but easy. Honestly, if it weren’t for social media, my ability to style hair, and my unreasonably high expectations, I don’t know what I would have done. Without those, I probably would’ve ended up $5,000 in the hole with some plastic, itchy hairpiece shoved in a drawer, never to be worn again.
To Wig or Not to Wig?
When I was first diagnosed with cancer, I was still running two companies. I took intermittent FMLA, usually only taking a week off every three weeks for treatment, but the rest of the time, I had work to do. I thought I was strong enough to face it head-on. In fact, before I even got my wig, I went into the office the day after shaving my head.
It was horrible.
I felt exposed, like all eyes were on me—not with support, but with an uneasy distance, as if I carried something contagious. Then, during our weekly meeting, another executive went after me—hard—slipping in a few inappropriate digs. Normally, I would have fired back without hesitation, but in that moment, I felt defenseless. It wasn’t just my hair that was gone—I felt like I was gone. And while I wish I could say I was that unshakable, fearless boss woman they write about in books, I wasn’t. I was staring death in the face, and it had stripped me of my identity. After that meeting, I walked out, cried in my office, and then left. I’ve never felt more powerless.
So, I bought a wig.
And it was one of the best decisions I made during my first round of cancer.
That wig gave me back a sense of control. When I looked in the mirror, I didn’t see a sick girl—I saw me. The strong, confident woman I was before cancer. The person I knew was still there. It allowed me to choose how I showed up in the world, giving me ownership over my story when everything else felt uncertain.
For some people, embracing baldness is empowering. For me, wearing the wig gave me the strength to face the world on my terms. And that, in itself, was power.
Traditional Wig Shops: What You Need to Know
My journey to finding the perfect wig had a rocky start. Naturally, I began with local wig shops—I mean, that seemed like the logical choice, right? Ordering a wig online felt crazy at first. I assumed I’d need to try it on in person to find the right fit.
In Kansas City, there were two main wig shops. The first carried mostly synthetic wigs. While synthetic options are much more affordable, they tend to have an unnatural shine that makes them look like wigs. And if I was going to wear one, the last thing I wanted was something that screamed wig!—I figured at that point, I might as well go bald. On top of that, the synthetic wigs felt wildly uncomfortable, with tight, suffocating caps that didn’t seem breathable at all.
Hoping for better luck, I drove south to another shop specializing in human hair wigs. These wigs were built for durability and started at around $3,000. The problem? They were designed to last for years, meaning they didn’t have bleached knots—so the hairline and roots looked far less natural. Again, they weren’t cheap, and they still had that wig-likeappearance I was trying to avoid.
It didn’t take long to realize that if I wanted a truly natural-looking wig, my local options weren’t going to cut it. So, like any good millennial, I turned to Instagram.
Follow the Women with Alopecia
Have you seen these women? They’re magicians when it comes to hair pieces. I wanted to look like them—not like the 80-year-old woman at the wig shop I had just visited (no shade, I just had a different vision)
It didn’t take long to realize that the wigs they wore had a name—lace-front wigs. Unlike traditional wigs, these are constructed with a lace cap, where the knots are bleached for complete transparency, creating the illusion of hair growing naturally from the scalp. Furthermore, the caps are made from breathable mesh, free from itchy silicone, making them far more comfortable for everyday wear.
Here are a few accounts that helped me learn how to cut, wear and style wigs:
There are plenty more accounts out there, but this is a great place to start. The Art of Alopecia is a fantastic resource, offering posts on wig construction, application techniques, and trusted sources.
Where to Buy Your Wig
I ultimately had to purchase my wig online, which I know can feel really intimidating. But trust me—the sellers are incredibly kind and understanding, and they’ll work closely with you to make sure you get exactly what you need.
What I didn’t realize until after I lost my hair is that finding and ordering the right wig takes time. It took a couple of weeks for mine to arrive, and looking back, I really wish I had known all of this right when I was diagnosed. If you’re considering a wig, I highly recommend starting the process early, as shipping times can vary depending on where you purchase from.
I personally bought my wigs from MissMamaWigs, and the experience was seamless. If you’re not as daring as I was (I simply found one I liked, double-checked the measurements, and went for it), you can email them a photo of yourself before hair loss, and they’ll help match it for you. Their website also has measuring guides, making it easy to get the right fit.
Still unsure? Just reach out! They’re happy to answer questions, and the peace of mind is so worth it.
MissMamaWigs
My go-to vendor! The quality is consistently top-notch, but the pricing is a bit more reasonable compared to many other lace front wig sites. Just keep in mind that a lot of lace front options are designed for long-term wear, often catering to people who plan to use them for years—so the higher price tags can reflect that. Here are a few of my favorite styles:
Bambi Bob - Smokey Rose Bob
Aries- Blond Wig
Katy - Blonde Bob Wig
Bonnie - Brunette Wig
Other amazing wig suppliers….
Tips & Tricks I Learned Along the Way
1. Blonde Wigs Require More Care
Lighter hair is more processed, meaning blonde wigs tend to wear down faster than brown ones. My first wig was much blonder than I expected, and I quickly realized it required extra gentle care. If I had needed a wig for 1–2 years, I definitely would have gone darker since darker hair is typically less damaged and lasts longer. If you’re planning to wear a wig while your hair grows back, I’d recommend avoiding platinum blonde for longevity.
2. Use Scalp Hold Sparingly
I only applied scalp hold at the very front of my hairline—it felt excessive to spray it all over my head. On weekends, I skipped the hold altogether and just threw on a hat or beanie for an effortless, casual look.
3. High Ponytails Require Special Wigs
If you want to wear high ponytails, you’ll need a 360 lace wig—but keep in mind, they’re pricey. I found that I could still achieve a natural-looking low ponytail with a standard lace front wig, and it worked perfectly.
4. You Can Curl Your Wig
I curled my wig occasionally, mostly to add some soft waves and volume to the front. However, if you’re going for platinum blonde, keep the heat low and avoid curling it daily to prevent damage.
5. Wigs Tangle—Brush Often
I never had tangly hair before cancer—I could go five days without brushing and be fine. Wigs? A whole different story.They tangle easily, and I quickly realized why so many people carry brushes with them. Brushing frequently is key to keeping your wig smooth and manageable.
6. Sunglasses & Wigs Are… Complicated
I never thought much about throwing sunglasses on top of my head—until I wore a wig. It was awkward, to say the least. I had to unlearn that habit and start placing my sunglasses in my purse instead.
7. Let Your Scalp Breathe
Even though lace front wigs are super comfortable, that didn’t mean I wore mine around the house for no reason. Behind closed doors, I often just rocked my bald head—and honestly, it felt freeing. Letting your scalp breathe is a must!
8. If You Want to Wear It While Your Hair Grows Back
If you plan on wearing your wig during the short hair phase, just know you’ll need a wig cap—essentially a thin, nude pantyhose-like material you place over your head. This neutralizes your scalp tone so your wig still looks natural. Personally, I couldn’t wear a wig once my hair started growing back because my hair was so thick and dark. I just ended up sucking it up and dealing
Final Thoughts: Own Your Wig Journey
At the end of the day, wigs are personal. Some people embrace them, some go without, and others (like me) find power in simply having the choice. My wig wasn’t just about covering hair loss—it was about reclaiming a part of myself when everything else felt completely out of my control.
If you’re starting this journey, take a deep breath. You will figure it out. And who knows? You might even end up with a wig so good that no one believes it’s not your real hair. In fact, my family now jokes that the only time in my life it’s looked like I wasn’t wearing a wig… was when I actually was wearing one. The joys of thick, unruly hair! Oh, how I miss my wig. 😊
