Wigs for Cancer Patients

Cancer patients go through so much.  They are sickened by a disease for which there has been no cure found.  Simple things mean so much to them, things that most people take for granted.  Simple things such as hair would bring a smile to the face of a cancer patient.  When it comes to cancer, chemotherapy comes to mind.  For most cancer patient’s chemotherapy is not an option.  They have no choice.  Chemotherapy causes most if not all of its patient’s hair loss.  Wouldn’t it be great to be able to donate a wig or human hair to a cancer patient?  Or at least, provide them with information on where they can get a wig or human hair.  Well, that is what this article is all about.  Helping them to find a place where they can purchase or in some cases, have a wig or human hair donated to them.  The disease does not take away from their beauty.  They are beautiful no matter what.  The hair just accentuates the beauty they already possess. 

What is the difference between a wig and human hair?

Most wigs are made of synthetic material and synthetic material does not allow you to do a lot to it.  Basically, you just put the wig on and go.  Wigs made of this material do not allow you to apply hot appliances to it.  Because the wig is made of synthetic material it will melt, scorch or burn.   Human hair is just that, human hair.  You can apply hot appliances to human hair to include hot combs, flat irons and curling irons without having to worry about burning the hair.  Human hair also has less opportunity to lose its sheen or luster.  This is because of the natural oils that are found in human hair.  Though the hair has been cut from the head of a person, it still maintains a certain amount of natural oils that can’t be found in synthetic wigs or hair.  Synthetic hair does not only come in the form of a wig, you can also purchase it loose, to add to existing hair.  When purchasing wigs or hair in general, be sure to read the package or ask the sales associate if the hair is human or synthetic.  If possible and if costs allow, opt for human hair. 

Where can you find hair for cancer patients?

Any place that sells wigs or hair is a great place to start.  But, if you want to know more about companies that cater to cancer patients specifically, please see below:

1.       TLC: offers cancer patients an affordable selection of wigs and they come in various sizes.  Not only does the size vary but they have different hair colors to select from.  The wigs that they carry are synthetic.  What is nice about TLC is that they also make bangs.  That’s right, bangs that you can wear underneath a hat or scarf to give the appearance of hair underneath it.  Wigs are not the only products that they sell.  The also sell human hair sideburns or as they call them, hair accents.  These hide the bald spots from the chemotherapy by the front of the ears.  Though this company does not offer free wigs or human hair, they offer low prices to make them affordable for those in need.  Prices for wigs and hair from TLC range from $24.99 up to $155.00, depending on the style you prefer.  They also sell accessories to include wig caps, hair spray for the wigs and hats.  To see more of the products this company offers, please visit their website at http://www.tlcdirect.org.  You will be able to view the products and pricings.

2.       The American Cancer Society:  If you are having financial difficulty and are a cancer patient, The American Cancer Society has made it possible for you to receive free wigs.  You can also call Cancer Care at (800) 813-HOPE.  

3.       Crickett’s Answer for Cancer: Crickettr’s Answer for Cancer is a nonprofit organization.  They also provide free wigs and a host of other products for those who suffer from terminal illnesses or who have been victims of illnesses.  They offer a wide variety of services to women to include facials, and other things to help them to know and remember that they are and will always be beautiful and special.  One of the great things about this company is that it was founded in honor of someone who passed away from cancer in 2006.  They provide services to women all across the U.S.  They will mail you an enrollment packet and you will have the opportunity to read more about the organization and the great services they provide.  Another great thing about Crickett’s Answer for Cancer is that the opportunity to donate is available.  They would love to receive donations so if you or anyone you know is looking to donate, to give a gift to someone who needs it please contact them today.  Their website is http://www.crickettsanswerforcancer.org. They cater to breast cancer patients only.

4.       Canadian Cancer Society:  The Canadian Cancer Society is another great organization.  They have collaborated efforts Pantene Beautiful Lengths to help encourage women to donate their hats and wigs that will be made and distributed for women who have lost their hair due to cancer. 

There is Hope:

There are a great number of resources available for people who suffer with cancer or are cancer survivors.  There are organizations and people who are willing to help ease some of the frustration and hardship that they encounter as a result of the disease.  Wigs and human hair products are just a fraction of then need that cancer patient’s experience.  Researching and finding out more about the disease and what can be done to help alleviate some of what a cancer patients is feeling is worth more than words can express.  Hopefully this article has provided a way or some information for cancer patients to get the wig or human hair that they need or want.