Wigged Out

There’s only a ‘wafer thin’ layer of hair remaining on my head. My scalp is strangely tender … the feeling that you have when you’ve had something pulling on your hair for a long time and then it is released. I believe that it’s the tell tale sign for impending baldness. So this week I decided that I need to get serious about wigs. 

I’m taking the most positive approach I can muster towards my “chemotherapy induced alopecia”. First of all, it’s the only side effect that doesn’t cause me a great deal of physical discomfort so I’m thankful for that! And while in the spirit of glass half full, I’ve decided that baldness provides an opportunity for me to explore different looks, have some fun! Freak people out! 

I have learned that in the wig world there are essentially 3 choices: synthetic wig, human hair wigs and wigs that are a combo of the two. 

Synthetic Wig 

The synthetic wig is reminiscent of Barbie hair. This is generally not a great feature in my opinion, as I found Barbie hair to be infuriating to deal with as a child. Think static, tangles, difficult to brush. However, synthetic wigs are permanently styled so you don’t have to fuss with straightening / curling etc – you just give the wig a generous shake, pop it on your head and you’re good to go. (Just remember not to stick your head near the woodstove or oven. It will melt.) The decent ones start at about $250.00

Human Hair Wig

The human hair wig is better made and looks (obviously) more natural. You can get them made to match your exact style and colour. However, human hair wigs need to be styled and washed just like human hair – regularly. Looks better, but involves WAY more maintenance. What sealed the deal for me is that they start at over $1000.00 each. Since I need to feed my children, it’s really not an option. Plus I’m lazy in the hair styling department. Let’s be honest. 

The Results of my Shopping Expedition

I headed to see Bridget at “My Left Breast” and began trying on wigs. (I had learned quite a few important guidelines to follow for putting on and taking off wigs at a seminar, so I felt prepared. Believe me, it’s more complicated than it seems… where to hold it, how to adjust it, how to take it off with minimal damage.)

It didn’t take me very long at all to narrow down the choices. Here’s one of the winners. I love the colour – matches my glasses. 

Sophia wig
Chestnut?

This second one is just so close to my (most recent) hair colour that I couldn’t resist. It won’t freak people out when they see me. They may not even know I have a wig on. (If my eyebrows last…). 

Wig like me
Pretty sweet!

As you likely know, wigs can be pretty hot and itchy – so the thought of adding a hat or scarf OVER a wig is not very appealing to wig wearers. And I LOVE hats! Well there IS a solution! There are wigs that are specially designed to be worn under hats – they don’t have anything on the top (other than straps)?? Oh yes!

This long haired wig fit the bill for me … I think it’s hilarious! I can braid it or put it in a ponytail. It’s my undercover hair. No one will know it’s me out on the paddle board…

Long hair
I’m channeling my inner Joni Mitchell.

My Homemade Wig

Finally, I made up my own “real hair wig”! I retrieved the braids that I chopped off 6 weeks ago and grabbed some supplies: pins, thread, glue gun, beanie and a 5 cm strip off of the bottom of one of Liam’s T-shirts (shhhh). I did some sewing to create a band that would fit exactly into the beanie, pinned it, revved up the hot glue, and went for it!

Here’s the process! 

My hair!! So pretty.
Process
Made a band from a T-shirt, pinned it in to the hat, stuck that hair in the right spots. Glued the sucker.
Finished product
Beanies are not flattering – but they fit nicely under hats!

I think I’m all set! 

Choices

Next up, wraps, turbans and do-rags … 

 

11 thoughts on “Wigged Out

  1. All of them work, it doesn’t really matter , you look terrific in all of them! The mood of the day will channel your choice I’m sure

  2. I LOVE them all…you can wear anything on top of that cute little face! You are so innovative and seem to be having some fun in the midst of everything else!! Love you!!!💕

  3. Janice- you are such a beautiful woman- I have always thought that. Short hair, red hair, long hair, hat or bald – they will all look great- but as you can guess I am partial to the long hair look.

  4. Jan, you are such an inspiration for all of us….making the best out of everything that comes your way!! All of these “looks” are so frickin’ CUTE!! And….who else makes their own hair wig…and pulls it off! I love you to the moon sister❤️😘

  5. I figure you should get all of them. You look fabulous in anything! What the hell. If they are way too expensive then start a Go Fund Me! Those of us who aren’t able to be by your side will contribute….. well I should only speak for myself. F#%*k Cancer and get some wigs!! I love you, you awesome woman!!

  6. Hi. I got your link from my friend, Jen. Thanks so much for the information for me, newly into chemotherapy. This will be my next step as today is my first day of hair loss. 😟

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