Revised 9/19/26

for cancer and chemo patients

Chemo Hair Loss: How to Prepare & Cope

When your hair is likely to go, what it feels like, and how to get ready. From a family that has fitted women through treatment since 1995, and from the women who have been there.

If losing your hair is the part of chemo you dread most, you are grieving something real, and you are allowed to.

I have fitted wigs and headwear for women going through treatment since 1995, and I started because of my mother. I have worked with thousands of women and held their hands as their hair was coming out. I can tell you what to expect, and what helps.

the short answer

whetherIt depends on your drugs and your dose. Your care team can tell you what to expect before your first treatment.

whenIf it happens, it usually starts two to four weeks after your first treatment.

how it feelsMany women feel tingling, itching or soreness on the scalp just before and while it sheds.

brows and lashesBrows, lashes and body hair can go too, sometimes later than the hair on your head.

regrowthFor most women it grows back, usually starting within a few weeks to a few months after treatment ends.

Every woman’s timing is different. Your oncologist or nurse knows your treatment best.

When my mother Carol lost her hair to chemotherapy, her beautiful red hair came out in clumps. She was someone who always seemed in control, and suddenly nothing was. She settled on a bob wig that did not match her color and an old-fashioned turban from the hospital gift shop. She hated them both, and they came off the minute she walked in the door. When she came out of breast cancer surgery, the surgical cap was still on her bald head, because there was nothing else. That is why this company exists.

My mother, Carol, in 1991 after losing her hair from chemo — My mom in 1991 after losing her hair from chemo

Knowing what is coming will not stop it. But it takes away the surprise, and in my experience that is half of it.

will I lose my hair?

Not every chemotherapy drug causes hair loss. Some cause complete loss, some cause thinning, and some cause almost none. It depends on the drug, the dose and the schedule. Doctors call chemo hair loss alopecia, and your oncologist or nurse will know how likely it is with your treatment.

questions to ask before your first infusion

Is hair loss likely with my treatment, and how much?
If it happens, when should I expect it to start?
Would scalp cooling (a cold cap) work with my treatment?
Am I likely to lose my brows and lashes too?
Will you write a prescription for a cranial prosthesis? Some insurance plans cover a wig with one. See are wigs covered by insurance.

when does hair fall out after chemo?

Chemotherapy works on cells that divide quickly. Hair follicles are some of the fastest-dividing cells in the body, so the hair weakens and falls out.

Most women notice it two to four weeks after their first treatment. For some it thins gradually. Others find it coming out in clumps in the brush, in the shower or on the pillow, over a few days or a couple of weeks.

Just before it starts, many women feel an itching, tingling or tender scalp. For some it is sore enough to be the worst part.

“Nobody told me my follicles would hurt so much when my hair fell out. I wasn’t expecting that part... It felt like a bruise.”

Dianne M.

Cutting it very short or shaving it relieves that for many women, and the soreness eases once the hair is gone.

Your brows, lashes and body hair may go too. They sometimes go later, and some women keep them.

Sources: American Cancer Society, Hair Loss (Alopecia); Mayo Clinic, Chemotherapy and hair loss: What to expect during treatment.

can you prevent hair loss from chemo?

Sometimes you can reduce it. Scalp cooling, often called cold caps, chills the scalp during each infusion so less of the drug reaches the hair follicles. It works better with some chemotherapy drugs than others, it is not suitable for every type of cancer, and it needs planning before your first treatment. It can be very uncomfortable, especially at the start of each session, it makes each infusion day longer, and insurance often does not pay for it.

If it interests you, raise it with your oncologist early. Our cold caps and scalp cooling guide walks through how it works, the good and the hard parts.

feelings first

before the wig, the hat or the clippers

No matter how strong you are, losing your hair can hit hard. Anger and sadness are normal. My mother went through the five stages of grief as she came to terms with her diagnosis: denial, anger, bargaining, depression and acceptance. It took her time to come through. Every woman grieves differently. Your feelings are normal and expected. Be gentle with yourself.

what fitting has taught me

Since 1995 I have watched the same thing happen with woman after woman. Until she has dealt with how she feels about losing her hair, she is unhappy with anything she picks. The wig is wrong, the hat is wrong, the color is wrong, and none of it is really about the wig or the hat or the color. Denial is powerful, and it is natural.

So deal with the emotional part before the physical part. Cry about it, talk about it, be angry about it. Once you have, the choosing gets easier, and what you pick starts to feel like yours. It is okay to take care of yourself.

woman wearing a turban, coping with the emotions of hair loss

It helps to talk with people who have been there. Cancer support groups bring many women real comfort.

My mother volunteered with Look Good Feel Better and taught its classes, and I strongly recommend it. The workshops are free, online or in person, and led by beauty professionals. They cover makeup, skin care and how to draw on eyebrows, they often send you home with free makeup, and you meet other women going through the same thing.

“Look Good Feel Better is an awesome organization who gives online sessions that deals with hair loss. Very inspiring and informative. Look them up.”

Carol G.

“It’s not your hair that makes you beautiful, it’s your heart.”

Vanessa C.

more words from women who have been there

“There are no words to say… to watch Your pretty hair come out by the handful is heartbreaking and while mine is finally starting to come back… I’d say sit there in those feelings and be present in your pain… cry as long and as often as you need, then dry your eyes and remember this chapter does not define You, Your best days are ahead of You girl… find some pretty scarves and tie a pretty bow, You’ve got this #YouCanDoHardThings” Christy Jane
“You will go thru days where you feel like you have had enough, but just push thru! Cry and scream if you need to just remember it will be over in no time!” Cathy S.
“I stocked up on head covers before I started chemo...I bought sleeping caps for in the house and to sleep in which was a life saver because my head was sore from losing my hair and laying on it without the cover felt sore...But when I started losing my hair in clumps I had to shave it.. but I already had head covers so I didn’t have to go without, I didn’t like the bald look, my face didn’t suit it.. it was very emotional losing my hair, and I missed it every day, but what grew back was soft and for the first time in my life curly. I still have chemo curls on the bottom of my hair, and I like it better than my old hair.. just remember it’s just a moment in time and this too shall pass.” Kristi M.
“I’ve lost my hair twice. And you would think the second time would be easier, but it’s not. Let’s face it. We are vain people and it breaks our hearts to lose a part of ourselves that affects our appearance so much. But once it starts falling out, shave it! Don’t wait for big clumps to be missing. It hurts your heart worse. Just shave it. You’ll cry. I did. Both times. But then you suck it up. Remember, it will grow back! And honestly when it does, it’s fresh and new again! Free from all the damage you have put it through over the years! Get some cute headcovers. I personally liked the ones that were long in the back. Almost looked like hair. Lol. But they do feel good. I like the silky feel ones. And they make such cute ones! With bows and some have sequins! I love my hair, don’t get me wrong, but it was a sad day when I had to store my head covers in a drawer. Lol. I still have them though. I’m still fighting cancer. 4th time. It’s just the current chemo I’m on doesn’t cause your hair to come out. But I believe it’s run its course. They will probably be switching me up to a different med soon. Then my hair may fall out again. And yes I’ll cry. But I know I have my head covered! Lol. It’s just hair after all.” Ann M.
“Cut it all off and SMILE! I have had to do that 5 times but I’m still here. First time I was 47 and the last 2023 I was 76! Love, PRAY and live your best life.” Linda R.
“Don’t try to do it on your own. Reach out to your friends and family. Scarves are amazing. Remember u r still beautiful.” Penny D.
“Get your hair cut. I did the Miley Cyrus look. Shaved it all except the top. Less devastating than having it fall out around third treatment. Pray a lot. Have real friends with real support.” Teresa P.
“Make your own decisions on all things from treatment to what to wear if you lose your hair. Everyone is different.” Theresa M.
“Cut your hair and be mentally prepared when the rest comes out. It’s ok...it will grow back. I loved the scarves from Headcovers. Keep the faith...you will survive this and you WILL live to enjoy life again! I am 5 years out so I know! Blessings to you.” Ernestine W.
“Have lots of fun with hats. Put on make up and show a beautiful face to the world. Let them know you’re a cancer fighter, not a cancer victim!” Suzanne M.

And if losing your hair turns out not to bother you much, that is a real answer too.

“The least bad thing that happened to me during treatment for invasive ductal carcinoma estrogen-receptor positive was losing my hair. It doesn’t hurt when it falls out, it grows back, and in between I wore cute hats given to me by my sisters-in-law. Don’t sweat it.”

Phyllis F.

Talk to your care team, your minister, or someone you trust, and lean on the people around you.

getting ready before it happens

Shop while you still have hair. As soon as you know hair loss is likely, start looking at wigs, head coverings and scarves. You will have more energy now than you will mid-treatment, and it is far easier to match a wig to hair you can still see. It is tempting to wait, because you do not want to believe it will happen. But you do not want to wake up to hair on your pillow with nothing in the drawer.

“Be prepared and get a wig that you’re happy with so it’s not hopefully as traumatizing.”

Tina M., cancer survivor

“Shop for some nice hats and head wraps that fit your style and then shave it off.”

Linda R., cancer survivor

Save a hair swatch. Cut a small lock close to the root before your hair falls out and keep it in an envelope. Our cosmetologist will match it to a wig color for free through our wig color consultation, and our wig color guide shows how to cut one. If your hair is already gone, a photo works too.

Think about going short first. A short cut makes the change less sudden, makes thinning hair look fuller, and means less hair to lose.

“I had long hair and the best advice I received was to cut it short before chemo so that when it started falling out, it would not be so much hair… it was still a hard day when I had to shave my head but much less traumatic.”

Julie N.

Get a sleep cap now. A bald head gets cold quickly, especially at night, and a sleep cap catches shedding hair on the pillow while it is still falling. Sleep caps are also a comfortable, practical choice for hospital stays. It was the thing my mother wished for most and could not find.

to shave or not to shave

It is a personal decision, and there is no wrong answer. Some women feel more in control by cutting it very short or shaving it off altogether. Others would rather let it go on its own.

If you shave, use electric clippers rather than a razor, to avoid nicks and infection on a sensitive scalp. Some women prefer to stop at a short buzz rather than a close shave, to keep the scalp from getting irritated. A lint roller picks up stubble as it sheds.

“Shave it the first time you see a clump come out. Hanging on at that point is more heartbreak. Get a wig early so you are ready. Better to have a wig and not need it than the alternative. Besides, shopping for something to make you feel more beautiful is a nice feeling. Remember it will grow back and a bald head is a sign of your strength.”

Gina B.

Think about who holds the clippers, too.

“My husband shaved mine. Neither of us realized the effect it would have… My advice is to have someone not close to you to shave it.”

Jebbie A.

more from women who shaved, and some who did not

“SHAVE IT OFF!!! Felt like I had control over something! Go shopping for head covers! Be bold and beautiful. My hair grew back and I STILL wear my head covers. I love them!” Monica E.
“It was my badge of honor that smooth, perfectly round head. I never want to go through that again but rocked it when there was no other choice.” Judy C.
“Take control and shave it yourself.” Jessica R.
“Shaved it off so I didn’t have to deal with the trauma of ‘shedding’. My daughter did the shaving and it was a shared sacred time that I treasure. I wore wigs and scarves and continue to wear a wig for some years. Most people don’t know I’m wearing a wig unless I tell them. No shame in it. I never really liked my real hair anyway.” Jo H.
“I started losing my hair right away & it was so painful. We watched a few videos on shaving hair and off we went. It felt so good once it was all gone. It didn’t hurt anymore. Everyone said I looked so good. I was so excited to find Headcovers.com website and order some beautiful items to keep my head warm especially during chemo & immunotherapy. I still wear some of the hats I purchased with gift cards. The website was invaluable with tips and helpful blogs.” Jennifer S.
“Shave it off. It was so stressful for it to come out in clumps. I felt so much better after shaving it. Super cold though so get some head coverings. I needed soft 100% cotton.” Becca L.
“Shave it all off now, save the mess. It will grow back.” Mary H.
“I decided to shave it because I wanted to have control over something! It was definitely very emotional but I felt like I needed that control to help keep me going!” Emily M.
“Have it taken right off three years ago I was diagnosed with stage three triple negative breast cancer. My hair was gone in two weeks, blonde and slightly long. My daughter owns a salon she came to my home and shaved my head, we all cried but it’s part of cancer. You have to be a strong fighter and bless you will through the journey.” Donna M.
“I’ve been there. I shaved it off and it was MUCH LESS STRESSFUL than ‘watching’ it fall out and having a reminder every single day. You’ve got a lot to deal with, so go ahead and get rid of one more thing to stress over.” Melissa L.
“Been there! Shave it off, enjoy the freedom! You are still beautiful!!” Rose S.
“During chemo, I shaved off the rest of my hair so I didn’t feel like a mangy dog. I wore a comfortable pair of earrings daily. I kept lipstick by my chair, in my purse etc. and always wore it. I experimented with going without any head covering. That look didn’t suit me. I found a good wig. I have alopecia now. I wear a chemo/sleeping cap whenever I’m not wearing a wig and at night when I sleep to keep my head warm. It’s been ten years and it’s just a part of me now. Good luck!” Sheila G.
“I was told I will start losing my hair 2-3 weeks after the first chemo (I did TC4), I shaved it 2 weeks after the first chemo and I am happy I did! I bought a cute wig, but honestly used it just a few times. I bought several head covers that looked really good on me and mostly used them. I decided that I am NOT going to worry about my hair as it will grow back. I put all my focus on the chemo itself, not getting neuropathy and trying to stay positive and optimistic. I made a point to have a mini vacation week 3 after each chemo when I felt almost normal, so I had something to look forward to each time. I asked my husband to plan a week long vacation after my 4th chemo, so I could recover there. We went to Oregon and I started really weak and by the end I was found 3 miles walks around lakes there. This was amazing. My hair grew back very fast. Eyebrows did not grow back, but I made ombré brows and they look amazing. Almost forgot. Put big statement earrings with your headband and just rock it!” Orit C.
“My husband and I both had our heads shaved, (God bless my sweet husband… he was healthy and had / has gorgeous hair..)” Karen W.
“By my 2nd round, my hair was starting to hurt...shaving it was the best thing for me...then shopping at Headcovers!” Mary F.
“I recommend you cut it very very short or even clipper cut it when it starts to fall out. I got tired of having to unplug the shower drain and I even tried all those different strainer/covers for the drain.” Louise J.
“When my hair started to fall out the follicles hurt. My hair dresser shaved my hair when it started to fall out. She shaves her cancer patients hair after hours as it is a personal event. I always either had a hat, wig, or beanie on my head. Nobody saw me without hair. I had two wigs, two hats from Headcovers Unlimited, & some stocking hats that I always wore. It is interesting how your hair will grow back.” Jill E.
“I planned a shave off day with my family and we all shaved our hair off together and I bought some nice caps and embraced the new me. It was a little liberating and loved not having to style my hair each day. You will be OK go for it!!!” Sug H.
“I had very long hair so I cut my hair in stages. First from below my back to a bob 2 weeks before chemo to prepare and get used to change. Then at day 12 after infusion one when I saw a bit of shedding I had it cut to a 2 inch boy cut. Then when it really started falling I would run my head under the sink spout to push it off to not see it fall on the floor. It seemed easier emotionally that way. I also wore a night cap...at night to catch hair...I didn’t have to see it fall… do whatever works for each of you we are all different...I...was advised not to shave it fully but get more of a 1-2 inch buzz cut to avoid scalp issues. Scalp care is important...I used emu oil.” Kizzy P.
“I found losing my hair was the most painful part of having cancer and I couldn’t wait to shave it off and be free of that pain. I still wear some of my head covers too.” Wanda J.
“Shaved it, bought some pretty headscarves and some nice earrings and rocked it! Keep positive, rest lots and heal like the warrior you are!!!” Cherie-Lyne P.
“Shave it off..cute wigs and scarfs are the way to go.” Ginny P.
“Shave it off and then find the most comfortable head covering if you don’t want to go out bald.” Kathy J.
“Shave. Keep it shaved. Wear wig with pride!!!” Ron R.

Our guide to shaving your head before chemo covers timing and technique, with more advice from women who have done it.

caring for your scalp

While you still have hair, be gentle with it and avoid any unnecessary stress on it. Your scalp may also become dry, itchy or flaky. Use a mild shampoo such as Alra with warm, not hot, water. Pat it dry instead of rubbing, and use a soft brush. A silk pillowcase lessens friction at night. Skip color, bleach, perms and hot styling tools until your care team says otherwise.

once it is gone

Keep washing your scalp with the same mild shampoo, and use a gentle lotion or baby oil if it feels dry.

mind sudden heat

A blast from an open oven can burn a bare, sensitive scalp. Step back for a moment or keep something on your head.

protect it from the sun

Your scalp has spent its whole life under hair. It burns easily once it is exposed, and some chemotherapy drugs make skin more sensitive to sunlight. Wear a sun hat or sunscreen outdoors, and ask your care team what they recommend. Some hats have SPF built right into the fabric, an extra layer of protection that also keeps the sun off your face.

“Best advice I received was, cut short, but do not shave to avoid developing folic ulcerations/rash. Then keep a lint roller handy and lint roll your head several times a day to remove the stubble as it dies off. Thirdly, invest in a jar of cream to keep your scalp moistened.”

Alicia T., cancer survivor

what to wear

There is no right answer here either. Some women wear a wig every day, some never do, and most mix it up depending on the day.

“Rock the bald! Unless your head gets cold, and then the slouchy hats are amazing. One neutral color, one fancy one. Oh, and if the skin on your head starts hurting, use non-menthol shaving cream with aloe, with your doctor’s permission, of course. Always only with your doctor’s permission.”

Angie G.

hats

My mother designed our first hats around her own hair loss. They give full head coverage for a secure fit on a bare scalp, with minimal seams and soft fabrics made to be gentle on a sensitive head. She wanted them to look like the hats in your favorite fashion magazine. Brimmed, structured, soft, textured, fancy, casual, or anything in between: your options are unlimited. Our cancer hats buying guide covers fabrics and fit.

scarves

Scarves give a softer, more feminine look. There is nothing quite as glamorous as a colorful, intricately tied head scarf. Some women do not want to tie a scarf, or cannot because their hands are not cooperating. Over the years I have designed our pre-tied scarves for exactly that: they slip on the head and look like you tied them perfectly yourself. The Padded Carol is named for my mother, and she wore it the second time she went through treatment. If you want to tie your own, large squares are the easiest place to start, and we have video tutorials on how to tie a head scarf.

turbans and beanies

The everyday choice for many women. Turbans and beanies are soft, they dress up or down with earrings, and many double as sleep caps. Turbans are constructed to look like fabric wrapped around the head.

“Learn to love hats/beanies. I did, and I kind of miss wearing them every day now that my hair has grown back.”

Vicky M.

hats with hair

Bangs or a halo of hair worn under a hat. Under a hat, the only hair anyone sees is at the edges, which makes this a comfortable answer for work and a lot cooler than a wig.

Baseball caps with hair come with the hair already attached, so there is nothing to put together: pull one on and go. They are the easy choice for errands, the ballpark and the weekend, and several are from our own Cardani line.

wigs

Most women are glad they have one, at least for the days they want to feel dressed up. Wigs come in almost any style and color you can imagine, so you can find one that looks very much like your own hair. In our experience, a synthetic wig is the best first wig: it is more affordable, holds its style, and takes little care. Human hair wigs are beautiful, but they need more effort on the days you do not feel well.

My mother, Carol, wearing her first wig, a bob — My mom wearing her first wig.

There are hundreds of wigs to choose from, and each comes in about 15 to 20 colors. I suggest starting with a wig close to your own hair, the best version of the cut you already have, so friends and family rave about your new haircut. Once you have that safe wig, explore. You are in control.

A stylist can cut and style it to frame your face in the most flattering way for your face shape, ideally while you are wearing it. A wig will feel different at first, so give yourself time to adjust. Wig caps, a gel headband or a wig gripper underneath make it more comfortable.

“It felt very liberating to me not to have to spend time on my hair.”

Tammie C.

Our wig buying guide takes you through it step by step, and we list free wig programs for cancer patients too.

more from women on hats, scarves and wigs

“It’s a big hurdle but know you are not alone and yes, the slouchy beanie hats are amazing! It’s quite liberating…” Candie C.
“Let it go. Cancer has control of so much of your life right now but you can be in charge of your hair. Cut it all off and get at least one flattering wig. A wig will give you a psychological pause in your cancer journey. It will empower you.” Loreen S.
“Shave it off, buy a cute wig or two. I’ve been through this twice. It really didn’t bother me that much because I loved my wigs. Ended up with about six!!”
“Be ready when the first bit falls!! I had my ‘Harriet’ ordered as well as a couple of cute caps (from Headcovers, of course!) ready and waiting. I had always hated my hair and couldn’t style at all so I saw it as a start of a new, fun, easier season! Now, I know that is not the story of most but wanted to throw it out there so those thinking that way could be encouraged and not feel weird. I am on my second ‘Harriet’ with a spare in the closet if something happens. My cancer was gone by 11/20 and still happily shave every 2 weeks. Love my Harriet and love my hats for the rest of my days.” Julie H.
“I was diagnosed with Triple Negative Breast Cancer. Less than 2 weeks after my 1st treatment my hair started falling out. Before I started treatment I had it cut short. The day it started falling out my niece, who is a hair dresser, shaved it for me, we both cried. I had 2 wigs fitted and styled but wigs weren’t for me. I only wore head covers. There are some beautiful styles and colors to get. It took me some time to be comfortable enough to go out in public, but once I did and realized my hair was the least of my worries, I was good. Do whatever you feel comfortable for you. Shaving was easier for me. God Bless.” Lorraine E.

eyebrows and eyelashes

If your brows and lashes thin or go, there are easy ways to bring them back: temporary eyebrow tattoos, eyebrow makeup, and human hair eyebrows that apply to the skin. My mother designed our eyebrow wigs, the first eyebrow prosthetic ever made, with each hair placed by hand on a gel backing. They look incredibly real, and she was so proud of them. I have spent years refining our false eyelashes to look natural on women going through chemo. They are easy to apply with a little practice.

woman filling in eyebrows after hair loss

See our eyebrow guide, eyelash guide and chemo makeup guide.

A Look Good Feel Better workshop will also show you how to draw on brows, with someone there to help.

when your hair grows back

For most people it does. Regrowth often begins within a few weeks to a few months after your last treatment, and it may come back a different color or texture for a while.

“My husband was shocked when I ran my hands over my head without any pain after he shaved it. We figured out it must have been the hair follicles. Nobody mentioned ‘head/hair pain’; it just sounded weird to begin with. My hair came back so curly almost like I had a perm. Grateful!”

Jennifer S.

New hair can be brittle and dry. Keep using a gentle shampoo, a soft massaging brush and low heat while it is new. Our guide to hair growth after chemo covers what to expect month by month.

“Positive outlook! What a great opportunity to try new hairstyles when it grows back in. I’ve always had shoulder length hair but this gave me the opportunity to try out a shorter style. Embrace it. People understand. Heck my DL [driver’s license] expired when I had no hair, now THAT is not a pretty DL pic, might get me a little break on a ticket though.”

Brinn C., cancer survivor

Many women keep wearing their headwear long after their hair returns. Others pass it on to a local treatment center or support group, which is a lovely way to help the next woman.

faq

open only the one you need

how long after chemo does your hair fall out?

Usually two to four weeks after the first treatment. It may thin gradually or come out over a few days.

does all chemo cause hair loss?

No. It depends on the drug and the dose. Some treatments cause complete loss, some thinning, and some none. Ask your care team what to expect with yours.

does it hurt when your hair falls out from chemo?

It does not hurt for everyone, but many women feel tingling, itching or soreness on the scalp. Cutting it short or shaving it often relieves this, and the soreness eases once the hair is gone.

should I shave my head before chemo?

It is your choice. Many women shave once shedding starts, to feel in control and to ease scalp soreness. Use electric clippers, not a razor. See our guide to shaving your head before chemo.

when should I buy a wig?

Before your hair falls out, if you can. It is easier to match your color and style, and you will be ready on the day you need it.

will my hair grow back the same?

It often comes back a different color or texture at first, sometimes curlier. For many women it gradually returns to its old character over the following months.

does insurance cover a wig for chemo hair loss?

Some plans do, with a prescription for a cranial prosthesis. See are wigs covered by insurance.

why we do this

specialists in hair loss since 1995

My mother came out of surgery in a surgical cap because nobody made anything better. She wanted the women after her to have the choices she did not. Wear a wig, a hat, a scarf, nothing at all, or all four in the same week. You get to decide.

Do you have advice to share, or a question we have not answered? Email us. We want to hear from you, and your advice could help the next woman going through this.

Give yourself plenty of time to shop. Being prepared will relieve much of the anxiety and stress that comes with losing your hair.

shop hats → shop wigs

keep learning

should I shave my head before chemo?When, how, and whether to shave. hair growth after chemoWhat to expect as it comes back. cold caps and scalp coolingHow it works, the good and the hard. how to select a cancer hatFabrics, fit and what to look for. wig buying guideStep by step to the right wig. free wigs for cancer patientsPrograms that can help with the cost. cancer survivors share their best adviceMore words from women who have been there. skin and nail care during chemoGentle care for skin and nails.

written by Danielle Galland-Yates President of Headcovers. Designing and fitting wigs and headwear for women with hair loss since 1995. page last updated September 2026

This guide is for informational purposes only. It does not replace advice from your surgeon, oncologist, or certified fitter. If you have questions about your specific situation, please consult your care team.

We encourage and welcome direct links to this page, but please do not redistribute, copy, alter or create derivative works from our content without express written permission.

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