Head Coverings for Hair Loss

Hair loss is often one of the most difficult chemotherapy side effects women face. Different drugs cause varying levels of hair loss. Most often, hair loss begins about two-to-three weeks after starting chemotherapy. You can lose the hair on your head, eyelashes and eyebrows, as well as other body hair. You may want to cover your head with a wig, scarf, hat or turban, or you may not want to cover your head at all. Do what makes you feel most comfortable. Discuss the possibility of an available clinical trial to reduce hair loss with your physician or nurse.

Many women choose different head coverings for different situations. We have many resources to assist you during this time, including the Friend to Friend Shop on the first floor of 1600 Divisadero Street where you can sign up for the Look Good, Feel Better program which is presented in collaboration with the American Cancer Society free of charge.

Head Coverings

If you decide to buy a wig, it is helpful to buy one while you still have your own hair, because you can better match color and style. Your physician can write a prescription for a "cranial prosthesis." Some insurance companies will only pay for a "cranial prosthesis."

Your hair will begin to grow back after you stop chemotherapy. It usually takes from two-to-three months to see the change from no hair to some hair. Your new hair may be slightly different in color and texture than your old hair. Often the new hair will be baby soft and curly.

Practical Hints for Hair Loss

  • It is not always necessary to buy a real wig. Synthetic wigs can look as good and are less expensive, easier to care for, lighter in weight and may be more comfortable to wear.
  • Before you start to lose your hair, cut it short. The hair loss won't be quite so shocking if there is less hair to lose. Put a towel over your pillow so that clean up in the morning will be easier while you are shedding your hair. Buy a drain catch for your shower. Some people choose to shave their head hair when hair loss begins.
  • Refer to the Where to Shop list below for a head covering shop near you.
  • Refer to the Friend to Friend Cancer Boutique, the Cancer Resource Center, or your local American Cancer Society for more information.
  • When buying a wig, take a friend for emotional support and maybe even a laugh!

Where to Shop

Listed below is a variety of information for those needing head coverings for hair loss. You may want to also check with the yellow pages of the telephone directory or with the American Cancer Society (415-384-7100) for resources outside of the Bay Area.

SAN FRANCISCO

Friend to Friend Shop
UCSF Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center
1600 Divisadero Street , 1st floor
(415) 353-7776
Monday through Friday, 9 am to 5 pm
No appointment necessary
State tax waived with copy of cranial hair prosthesis prescription
Fund for low income patients who qualify
Monthly session with San Francisco Opera wigmaster
Monthly American Cancer Society Look Good, Feel Better program
Chris Wilhite, Manager
www.friend2friend.org
Come be pampered by our nurturing staff, many of them cancer survivors themselves. They're here to listen, answer questions and assist you in selecting the products that you need in a friendly and supportive environment.

A Lady's Touch
3698 California Street (inside Women's Health Resource Center)
(415) 454-6058
Call for a consultation appointment
State tax waived with copy of cranial hair prosthesis prescription

Face to Face
157 West Portal (at Vicente)
(415) 566-2806
Call for a consultation appointment
State tax waived with copy of cranial hair prosthesis prescription
Open Tue, Wed, Fri by appointment only

Back to Top