Some people will need to have chemotherapy as part of their cancer treatment. Although chemotherapy destroys cancer cells, it also targets the fast-splitting cells that form hair follicles, leading toalopecia(hair loss). Some chemotherapies result in more hair loss than others.Whether chemotherapy causes hair thinning or complete baldness, wearing headgear may improve self-confidence and prevent scalp irritation.Unfortunately, purchasing wigs, caps, hats, and scarves can come at a high expense. Your oncology nurse can work with your health insurance company to cover some of the cost, but there is another option. Many organizations provide headgear at little to no cost for people undergoing chemotherapy.This article will review how to obtain low-cost or free headgear during cancer treatment.
Some people will need to have chemotherapy as part of their cancer treatment. Although chemotherapy destroys cancer cells, it also targets the fast-splitting cells that form hair follicles, leading toalopecia(hair loss). Some chemotherapies result in more hair loss than others.
Whether chemotherapy causes hair thinning or complete baldness, wearing headgear may improve self-confidence and prevent scalp irritation.
Unfortunately, purchasing wigs, caps, hats, and scarves can come at a high expense. Your oncology nurse can work with your health insurance company to cover some of the cost, but there is another option. Many organizations provide headgear at little to no cost for people undergoing chemotherapy.
This article will review how to obtain low-cost or free headgear during cancer treatment.
WigsChris Clor/Blend Images/Getty ImagesWearing awigduring cancer treatment can provide camouflage and insulation for bare heads. Depending on the weather, you may be surprised how well a wig can keep you warm in the winter. Plus, there is fun in trying new hairstyles and colors.The American Cancer Society (ACS) understands that wigs are not affordable for many people. The ACS can connect you with organizations that provide free or low-cost wigs to those experiencing hair loss from chemotherapy. Some of the organizations on the ACS website includeAngelHair,Hair We Share, andWigs for Kids. You can also contact 800-ACS-2345 to be connected to resources in your area.Many insurance companies will cover the cost of one “hair prosthesis” during cancer treatment. Ask your oncology nurse or social worker how to get started..
Wigs
Chris Clor/Blend Images/Getty Images
Wearing awigduring cancer treatment can provide camouflage and insulation for bare heads. Depending on the weather, you may be surprised how well a wig can keep you warm in the winter. Plus, there is fun in trying new hairstyles and colors.
The American Cancer Society (ACS) understands that wigs are not affordable for many people. The ACS can connect you with organizations that provide free or low-cost wigs to those experiencing hair loss from chemotherapy. Some of the organizations on the ACS website includeAngelHair,Hair We Share, andWigs for Kids. You can also contact 800-ACS-2345 to be connected to resources in your area.
Many insurance companies will cover the cost of one “hair prosthesis” during cancer treatment. Ask your oncology nurse or social worker how to get started.
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Hats
Nela Petria / EyeEm / Getty Images
A hat is an excellent alternative for warmer days when a wig is too hot or time-consuming. Since some chemotherapies cause photosensitivity (sunlight sensitivity), hats provide shade and easily slip on and off.
Caps
Christine Lauritzen / EyeEm / Getty Images
Unlike a brimmed hat, caps stay in place on a windy day. Also called beanies, these soft headpieces can be sized for a perfect fit. Beanies can keep your head cool in the summer or warm in the winter, depending on how tightly woven the stitches are.
Scarves
FatCamera/Getty Images
Additional Freebies
The cost of cancer treatment leaves most patients feeling overwhelmed and fearful. Many organizations offer free services to help improve the quality of life for those people living with cancer. Here are some additional cost-free programs that may be useful.
Retreats
Casting for Recovery: Offers free fly fishing retreats in several U.S. regions for people facing breast cancer.
Housecleaning
Cleaning with a Reason: An organization that provides up to two free housecleaning visits for people living with cancer - where services are available.
Legal Assistance
Cancer Legal Resource Center
National Cancer Legal Services Network
Airline Flights
There are options forfree flightswhen traveling to receive cancer treatment.
Accepting Help and Giving BackAccepting HelpAccepting help is often easier said than done. However, not wanting to take advantage of people or services is common. Many caregivers report feeling included and relieved when allowed to assist their loved one. Practicing the art of letting go and writing “honey do” lists is crucial to healing.Giving BackWhether it’s donating your headgear, volunteering at a local oncology clinic, or teaching someone how to paint on eyebrows - your chance to give back will come around. You, too, will be someone’s helping hand one day.Donating Hair for People With CancerSummaryMany types of chemotherapy cause hair thinning or complete hair loss. Wearing headgear such as wigs, hats, caps, and/or scarves is a creative way to camouflage and protect a bare scalp. Several organizations provide free headgear for those undergoing active cancer treatment. In addition, numerous companies offer free services that help improve the quality of life for cancer patients.A Word From VerywellChemotherapy does not just affect the hair on your head. Hair loss can be widespread, affecting body hair (arm, leg, and pubic), eyebrows, and eyelashes. Hair often falls out sporadically or in clumps. Many people allow their hair to fall out naturally while others shave their heads immediately. Doing what feels best to you is essential.Frequently Asked QuestionsChemotherapy destroys healthy and unhealthy fast-splitting cells. Cancer and hair follicles are each made of fast-splitting cells, which is why chemotherapy affects them both.Keep your scalp covered when spending time outdoors. If you are unable to wear a head covering (swimming, for example) then use a high SPF sunblock. Keep your scalp moisturized to prevent flaking or itching. Only use an electric razor to shave your scalp—this prevents possible cuts, which may lead to infection.Hair thinning or loss depends on the type of chemotherapy you are getting. For example, hair loss while receiving anthracyclines can occur within a couple of weeks after the first treatment, while other types of chemotherapies may take months to see hair loss. Also, some people with weakened hair follicles may have quicker hair loss than those with solid hair follicles.Choosing a comfortable wig that fits correctly and gives you confidence is most important.
Accepting Help and Giving Back
Accepting Help
Accepting help is often easier said than done. However, not wanting to take advantage of people or services is common. Many caregivers report feeling included and relieved when allowed to assist their loved one. Practicing the art of letting go and writing “honey do” lists is crucial to healing.
Giving Back
Whether it’s donating your headgear, volunteering at a local oncology clinic, or teaching someone how to paint on eyebrows - your chance to give back will come around. You, too, will be someone’s helping hand one day.
Donating Hair for People With Cancer
Summary
Many types of chemotherapy cause hair thinning or complete hair loss. Wearing headgear such as wigs, hats, caps, and/or scarves is a creative way to camouflage and protect a bare scalp. Several organizations provide free headgear for those undergoing active cancer treatment. In addition, numerous companies offer free services that help improve the quality of life for cancer patients.
A Word From Verywell
Chemotherapy does not just affect the hair on your head. Hair loss can be widespread, affecting body hair (arm, leg, and pubic), eyebrows, and eyelashes. Hair often falls out sporadically or in clumps. Many people allow their hair to fall out naturally while others shave their heads immediately. Doing what feels best to you is essential.
Frequently Asked QuestionsChemotherapy destroys healthy and unhealthy fast-splitting cells. Cancer and hair follicles are each made of fast-splitting cells, which is why chemotherapy affects them both.Keep your scalp covered when spending time outdoors. If you are unable to wear a head covering (swimming, for example) then use a high SPF sunblock. Keep your scalp moisturized to prevent flaking or itching. Only use an electric razor to shave your scalp—this prevents possible cuts, which may lead to infection.Hair thinning or loss depends on the type of chemotherapy you are getting. For example, hair loss while receiving anthracyclines can occur within a couple of weeks after the first treatment, while other types of chemotherapies may take months to see hair loss. Also, some people with weakened hair follicles may have quicker hair loss than those with solid hair follicles.Choosing a comfortable wig that fits correctly and gives you confidence is most important.
Frequently Asked Questions
Chemotherapy destroys healthy and unhealthy fast-splitting cells. Cancer and hair follicles are each made of fast-splitting cells, which is why chemotherapy affects them both.
Keep your scalp covered when spending time outdoors. If you are unable to wear a head covering (swimming, for example) then use a high SPF sunblock. Keep your scalp moisturized to prevent flaking or itching. Only use an electric razor to shave your scalp—this prevents possible cuts, which may lead to infection.
Hair thinning or loss depends on the type of chemotherapy you are getting. For example, hair loss while receiving anthracyclines can occur within a couple of weeks after the first treatment, while other types of chemotherapies may take months to see hair loss. Also, some people with weakened hair follicles may have quicker hair loss than those with solid hair follicles.
Choosing a comfortable wig that fits correctly and gives you confidence is most important.
2 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.American Cancer Society.ACS patient programs and services.The American Cancer Society.Styling your scarf, handkerchief, or bandana.
2 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.American Cancer Society.ACS patient programs and services.The American Cancer Society.Styling your scarf, handkerchief, or bandana.
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
American Cancer Society.ACS patient programs and services.The American Cancer Society.Styling your scarf, handkerchief, or bandana.
American Cancer Society.ACS patient programs and services.
The American Cancer Society.Styling your scarf, handkerchief, or bandana.
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