Discover comfortable and stylish options for headwear after hair loss. Learn about wigs, turbans, scarves, hats, and more.
Learn more about:
- Overview
- Types of wigs and hairpieces
- Selecting a wig
- Paying for a wig or hairpiece
- Find styling tips
Overview
Some people choose to wear head coverings such as a wig, hat, scarf, turban or beanie after losing their hair. If wearing a scarf, choose one that is at least 50 cm long so it covers the scalp. Cotton, lightweight wools or blends are the best fabrics to use, as nylon or silk tend to slip off the head too easily. A broad-brimmed hat offers more sun protection for outdoors.
Types of wigs and hairpieces
Wigs and hairpieces can be made of different materials, including:
| Human hair | Usually more expensive. It can be styled like normal hair with hot rollers, curling wands and straighteners, trimmed and coloured darker but not lighter. It is heavier and will last longer. |
| Synthetic wigs | Is less expensive, lighter, dries quickly and needs less care. Synthetic hair can’t be restyled or recoloured. If you look after a synthetic wig, it can last for as long as a human hair wig. |
Selecting a wig
If you want to match a wig to your usual colour and style, it’s a good idea to start looking before treatment or hair loss begins. You can also use a photo from before hair loss began. Some people like to try a new look and choose a different style and colour.
Here are some tips for selecting a wig:
- Take a friend or family member along with you for support and to help you choose your wig.
- Ask your hairdresser or speak to a consultant at a wig salon about a style of wig that would suit you. There may be a cost involved for a wig consultation. Remember to ask about the cost when making an appointment or before making your decision.
- Look for a wig that adjusts to any head size to allow for variations as you lose your hair. Some people choose a wig after hair loss as this can often provide a better fit.
- Visit specialty wig suppliers who are experienced in fitting wigs for people having cancer treatment. Call Cancer Council 13 11 20 or search the internet for suppliers.
Paying for a wig or hairpiece
You may be able to get help with the cost of your wig or hairpiece.
| State and territory governments | You may be eligible for financial help towards the purchase of a wig. Ask your nurse or social worker for information or call Cancer Council 13 11 20. |
| Private health insurance | Some policies will cover part of the cost of a wig if you lose your hair due to disease or treatment. Before you buy your wig, check what your fund will pay and what information you may need to provide (e.g. letter from a health professional). |
| Department of Veterans’ Affairs | Veterans may be eligible to have the cost of a wig covered. |
Download our fact sheet on Insurance and cancer.
Find styling tips
Scarves and turbans can be styled in many different ways. Search online for tips and tutorial videos about choosing wigs and styling headwear. Your local Cancer Council website may also have information and videos about styling wigs and headwear.
Look Good Feel Better (LGFB) is a national cancer support program offering free in-person and online workshops to help people with cancer manage appearance-related side effects caused by treatment. The LGFB workshops cover a range of topics including styling headwear, skin care, make-up tutorials and mental wellbeing. The workshops are held regularly in metropolitan and some regional areas. The LGFB website also has videos and guides about scarf styling and applying make-up. Contact LGFB on 1800 650 960.
Cancer Council help
Some Cancer Councils offer a free wig service. These services carry a range of wigs, turbans, beanies and scarves that can be lent to people for as long as needed. To see if your local Cancer Council has a wig service, contact Cancer Council 13 11 20 or visit Cancer Council Australia’s Wig Service.
→ READ MORE: After your treatment
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More resources
A/Prof Rachel Dear, Senior Staff Specialist, Medical Oncologist, St Vincent’s Hospital, NSW; Gillian Blanchard, Oncology Nurse Practitioner, Calvary Mater Newcastle, NSW; Cindy Cunningham, Head of Programs, Look Good Feel Better; Sharon Dreise, Consumer; Amanda Maple, 13 11 20 Consultant, Cancer Council SA; Mariad O’Gorman, Clinical Psychologist, Liverpool Cancer Therapy Centre and Bankstown Cancer Centre, NSW; Tessa Saunders, Consumer; Maryanne Van Dal, Cancer Centre Volunteer and Wig Service Program Coordinator, Cancer Council WA; Gabrielle Vigar, Nurse Lead, Cancer Program, Royal Adelaide Hospital and The Queen Elizabeth Hospital, SA.
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