Wigs and hairpieces

If you lose your hair, having a wig or hairpiece that matches the colour, texture, shape and style of your own hair can make you feel more like yourself. 

If you think you might like a wig, it’s better to organise it before your hair falls out. That way you will get a better match to your own hair colour and style.

Man-made fibre or real human hair?

• Man-made fibres. These come in a huge variety of styles and colours and are easier to care for in general. But they may not have a ‘natural’ look and need to be replaced more often.
• Real human hair. Human hair looks more natural and can last longer but is more expensive. These wigs need more care than fibre wigs and must be styled after every wash.

Finding a wig supplier

• Ask your nurse or a member of your healthcare team for advice about where to get a wig or hairpiece locally.  You can also call our Support Line on 1800 200 700 for your nearest supplier.
• Choose a wig supplier that has a special fitting service and a good selection of wigs. 
• It helps if you are given plenty of time to fit on the wigs in a private room with lots of natural light. 
• Some wig suppliers offer home and hospital fittings too, if you can’t get to the shop. Some can arrange to cut your hair before, during or after treatment and will advise you on aftercare.

The average price of a synthetic wig is between €350 and €500, but it depends on where you buy it. For human hair, it can vary between €600 and €1000 and even higher. When checking prices, it is always good to shop around.

Yes. The HSE website suggests that no medical card is needed for cancer patients, who can avail of €770 per year. See section “If you have alopecia (hair loss) from cancer treatment” on the HSE website here, and relevant text in the box below. If you have private health insurance, you may also be covered. 

There are many other types of headwear available. You can choose from scarves, bandanas, turbans and soft hats. You can also get headwear to wear in bed, to keep you warm and thin, quilted cotton headliners, which give height and shape when worn under hats and scarves.

You can usually get these at hairpiece suppliers or online. Cotton headwear tends to stay on a smooth scalp much better than polyester or nylon.

If you feel that your face looks bare, there are also hair fringes, plaited braids and face-framers that can be worn with headwear to give the effect of hair beneath. If you decide not to cover your head, make sure you apply a very high protection sunscreen at all times.

Treat your hair gently when it grows back. Use a soft brush and baby shampoo for the first six months or until there is good growth. After chemotherapy or radiotherapy, your hair may take a while to get back to its normal condition.

It is best to wait for at least six months after treatment before colouring or perming your hair. Once it is long enough and your hair and scalp are in good condition, you can tint or perm it. Do not colour your hair if your scalp is scaly, sore, irritated, or if your hair is dryer than usual or rough to the touch.

Speak to your hairdresser before you colour your hair for the first time after treatment. You could ask them about natural products such as henna and nonchemical colours. For example, vegetable-based products may be less harsh. Test the dye on a small, hidden area of hair first to make sure it will not damage your hair.

What if my hair doesn’t grow back?

A very small number of people have problems with hair regrowth after chemotherapy. Talk to your doctor if you are worried. You could seek the advice of a trichologist. A trichologist is qualified to diagnose and treat hair and scalp disorders and diseases.