Caring for Your Wig During Cancer Treatment: Dos and Don'ts

Facing a cancer diagnosis and undergoing treatment is an incredibly challenging experience, affecting not only your health but also your self-image. For many cancer patients, hair loss is an inevitable side effect of treatments like chemotherapy, which can lead to a loss of confidence and identity. Wigs serve as a powerful tool to help maintain a sense of normalcy and dignity during this difficult time. However, caring for your wig requires specific knowledge and attention to ensure it remains a source of comfort and style. This blog is here to provide you with essential dos and don'ts that will guide you in taking care of your different types of wigs during cancer treatment. Let's empower you to feel beautiful, strong, and resilient as you navigate this journey with grace and confidence

Human Hair Wigs

During the challenging time of cancer treatment, human hair wigs can be a lifeline, offering a sense of normalcy and empowerment to cancer patients, allowing them to feel confident and beautiful as they navigate through their treatment journey. However, to maintain the natural beauty and longevity of a human hair wig, proper care is essential.

Let’s look at the dos and don'ts of caring for your human hair wig during cancer treatment, providing valuable insights to ensure that your wig remains a source of comfort and style throughout your journey.

Invest on Right Cleaning Products

Human hair wigs are expensive consequently, they are high maintenance too. These wigs can be an investment for lifetime and last for years if taken care of properly. If you want to maintain your human hair wig looking nice for a long time, apply the recommended product. Ordinary shampoos and conditioners may include harsh chemicals that destroy your human hair wig permanently. It is usually advisable to use materials formulated exclusively for human hair wigs. For cancer patients, wearing a clean wig is extremely important as they undergo a lot of physical change and a little dirt or dust can cause scalp irritations and allergies.

Create a Cleaning Routine

Avoid washing your human hair too regularly to protect it from drying out and losing its luster. Avoid washing more than once a week for maximum benefits. However, you may go up to a month between washes depending on the frequency of wear. Maintaining the natural sheen of your wig demands you to follow a regular care routine. You might also want to consider purchasing extra wigs to extend the life and quality of your current wigs. You may even wear a wig while the other is washed and restyled. This method is helpful especially for the cancer patients as they might not be able to wash their wigs frequently.

Moisturize Regularly

Human hair wigs, like real hair, require frequent moisturizing to remain healthy and lustrous. Regular moisturization prevents human hair wigs from losing their natural appearance and shine. Moisturize at least three times each week or whenever you want to wear your wig. Make one leave-in conditioner your closest buddy if you have curly/wavy hair. Use serum on your wig for straight, bouncy hair. Gently, evenly, and fully massage a proper amount of moisturizer into the strands of your wig. It keeps your hair appearing untangled and lustrous while also locking in the curls or waves.

Styling Methods

The best selling point of Human Hair Wig is the freedom of styling and coloring the wig as you want. However, one must follow a few restrictions to extend the longevity of the wigs. For instance, be gentle when styling your wig, avoid high heat, and use recommended products such as thermal protectants and serums for human hair wigs.

Storage Properly

How you store your human hair wig determines its longevity. To maintain your wig in good condition, place it on a wig stand or Styrofoam head. To avoid drying out and getting dry, keep your wig away from a heat source. To preserve your hair in good condition for the next time you wear it, remove knots before storing it.

Do not Overuse Hairspray

As human hair wigs are more sustainable for hair styling, people often get carried away and overuse hair styling materials like hair spray which is harmful for human hair wigs. It makes hair greasy and unmanageable and also tears apart while combing.

Do Not sleep Wearing Wig

Sleeping with wigs on can seem harmless though one might want to avoid it as hair gets tangled together. It is not very easy to restore them to normal. However, it is not all hostile between wigs and beds. Of Course, you can be in bed with your loved ones and spend quality time with them wearing wigs.

Synthetic Wigs

Synthetic wigs are cheaper, hold their style regardless of the weather, and don't fade over time. That is why it has become popular among cancer patients. But they don't last as long as wigs made of natural hair. That is why, for keeping this wig wearable for an extended period, it is a must to take proper care of synthetic wigs.
Here are some synthetic wig care tips for cancer patients that will make their life easier.

Gently Brush Your Wig

Brush your wig regularly with a wide-tooth comb or a wig-specific brush to remove tangles and prevent matting. Start from the ends and work your way up, being gentle to avoid damaging the synthetic fibers. Regular brushing helps maintain the wig's natural look and prevents it from becoming frizzy.

Wash with Care

Follow the manufacturer's instructions for washing your synthetic wig. Use a mild shampoo designed for synthetic hair and cold water. Avoid hot water, as it can damage the fibers. Gently lather the shampoo, rinse thoroughly, and avoid wringing or twisting the wig. Let it air dry on a wig stand or a clean towel to maintain its shape.

Use a Wig Stand

When you're not wearing your synthetic wig, store it on a wig stand to maintain its shape and prevent tangling. Avoid storing it in direct sunlight or near heat sources, as excessive heat can cause damage to the synthetic fibers.

Style with Caution

Avoid using heated styling tools like curling irons, straighteners, or blow dryers on your synthetic wig. The high temperatures can melt the synthetic fibers, permanently damaging the wig. If you want to change the style, consider using heat-free methods like foam rollers or wig-friendly styling products.

Do Not Expose to Heat

Synthetic wigs are not heat-resistant, so avoid exposing them to high temperatures. Never use hot water for washing, and never attempt to style the wig with hot tools. Heat can cause irreparable damage to the synthetic fibers, ruining the wig's appearance

Do not Use Chemicals and Dyes

Do not attempt to dye or color your synthetic wig. The chemicals in hair dyes can damage the fibers and alter the wig's texture and appearance. If you want a different color, consider purchasing a new wig in the desired shade.

Final Thoughts

Maintaining confidence and self-assurance while undergoing cancer treatment can be difficult, so taking good care of your wig becomes crucial. You can keep your wig in top shape by following the dos and don'ts listed in this article. To increase its longevity, keep in mind to treat it gently, stay away from heat, and use good quality products. During your cancer journey, your wig may be more than simply a passing fashion piece; it can be a source of empowerment, bringing solace and normalcy. Your wig will work as a reminder of your strength and attractiveness if you take good care of it.