A Wig Guide for Comfort, Cost, and Natural Style
Written by Kaelie Piscitello
Wigs can feel like a major blessing and a stressful, unknown territory for people with alopecia. They have a duality that allows people to feel comfortable in their own skin while also providing a stressful trip to the salon where people don’t know what to look for.
What wigs caps feel the least itchy? How can I afford one-they can have high costs! What should I do to avoid looking “wiggy?” All wig wearers share these common sentiments, especially in the beginning.
Hair loss is stressful enough, so I’m providing my top wig shopping skills for an easier, more fun approach!
Funding a Wig
Nice hair can cost several thousand dollars per piece, and those made with real human hair can cost more. However, many Americans don’t realize they can get partial to full health insurance coverage when they have alopecia because health care considers wigs a medical treatment.
The trick? Ask your doctor for a prescription and make sure it specifies the need for a “medical hair prosthesis due to an autoimmune condition.” My dermatologist has written many of these for me over the years, and primary care providers can write them too. All insurance companies have different benefits regarding hair pieces, but many cover more than you would think! Mine, for example, covers 80% of a new piece once per year. Call your company and ask, it can’t hurt!
Furthermore, several charities exist to help fund hair for all hair loss patients. When I was under 18, I loved Wigs for Kids. They provide free wigs for children aged 18 and under. They make high-quality human hair pieces that last for years when taken care of the correct way.
Other foundations providing wigs for young people include Locks of Love, which provides hair for youths up to age 21. Hair We Share gifts free hair for all children and those over the age of 18 struggling with finances. Please know, those over the age of 18 must provide their tax statements to prove need first.
What Kind Should I Get?
Many wig shops recommend lace front pieces because they’re easy to take care of and style. However, I find them too itchy, and I am not alone. Many Alopecia patients find these uncomfortable and hot when worn all day and the material can irritate our already sensitive scalps.
I’ve come to like silk top tops the best. The silk material feels much more comfortable on my head and they appear like the wearer has a natural scalp. Some complain their parts are more difficult to change than a lace front. This is true when the hair is dry. Use a spray bottle and brush, and the part will fall into place.
Styling
When styling a new wig, find a knowledgeable stylist familiar with wigs and ask them to trim wispies or fringe into the wig. This “fringe” is not bangs. They are little strands of hair along the cap-line resembling realistic side burns or short fly aways like real hair would have. These make hair look more natural when you pull your hair into a ponytail or an updo.
I would also recommend asking a salon to demonstrate how to wash the specific piece you’re wearing. Cleaning wigs the correct way is crucial to lengthening their lifespan of up to three years. In general, with human hair, I recommend avoiding getting the cap wet during shampoos to prevent breakage and pulling. To cleanse the cap, use alcohol rubbing wipes.
Furthermore, stay away from heat, including curling and straightening irons and blow dryers. Do this even if the packaging or seller says it’s ok to use them. Why? Heat damages all hair. However, unlike hair on a scalp, wig hair does not repair itself or grow back. Always air dry your hair after washing it, it will still look great!
If you do want to curl and straighten your hair, buy a straight piece to begin with and invest in traditional curling solutions, such as heatless curlers or the trending sock curl trick. Some hairspray will keep everything in place.
Other Tips
To keep your hair soft, buy a hair mask from the drugstore. I use mine as a final step after shampooing or conditioning to keep mine shiny. It makes my wig look fantastic!
Finally, some people prefer to sleep in wigs, but I recommend against this because it will tangle your hair and create more breakage throughout the night. To keep your head warm, buy a cozy sleep hat instead. If you’re uncomfortable going without in front of your partner, you should find a new one because this person should love you with or without hair!
