Wig or scarves???

MyTurnNow
MyTurnNow Member Posts: 2,686 Member
edited March 2014 in Breast Cancer #1
I feel kind of bad posting this type of question when there are so many other important aspects of this disease but here goes. I probably have a week or so before I lost my hair and was just wondering what some of you out there have used...a wig or scarves? I've read some comments that wigs are hot, itchy, etc and that scarves are much easier. I figured I'd go to the women that know and get advice from you. I have been to a store and had 2 wigs ordered but they haven't come in yet. I did purchase a couple of scarves and they seem like they'd be so much more comfortable. Thanks for taking the time to respond.
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Comments

  • mberg
    mberg Member Posts: 62
    I have both wigs and
    I have both wigs and scarves, but I still have a tiny bit of fluff that I have been spiking up. I have practiced with the scarves, I think I will wear the wigs to work maybe, cause I work in a hospital and don't want to deal with the patients asking me lots of questions, and scarves everywhere else. Wear whatever you are comfortable in!
  • tgf
    tgf Member Posts: 950 Member
    mberg said:

    I have both wigs and
    I have both wigs and scarves, but I still have a tiny bit of fluff that I have been spiking up. I have practiced with the scarves, I think I will wear the wigs to work maybe, cause I work in a hospital and don't want to deal with the patients asking me lots of questions, and scarves everywhere else. Wear whatever you are comfortable in!

    For me
    For me ... I tried on a few wigs and they always felt like I had a swimming cap on ... so I ordered some hats and scarves. I work full time ... and when I tried to wear the scarves to work they were w-a-y toooo much trouble for me. I like low-maintenance things. I'd always get tangled up when I'd put the phone to my ear. And ... I never quite had the gift to tie the scarves in all those pretty ways they show in the catalogs. I ended up wearing just one hat ... I think I got it at tlc ... and it's just a simple denim "bucket" hat. I have a couple so when I wash one I've got a spare. It's very comfortable ... and very easy to throw on and off. No fuss.

    hugs.
    teena
  • meena1
    meena1 Member Posts: 1,003
    I liked scarfs for around
    I liked scarfs for around the house, but i looked like a little old lady! My son gave me a Philles breast cancer cap which i really loved and wore alot. But, for going out, I preferred a wig, I got my wig through the American Cancer book, and it was really cute. I slept in a turban, which was really comfortable. My head was so cold in the winter, you need a head cover. The name of the wig and hat book is TLC, my wig was called the Nicole, sunkissed. take care
  • TraciInLA
    TraciInLA Member Posts: 1,994 Member
    meena1 said:

    I liked scarfs for around
    I liked scarfs for around the house, but i looked like a little old lady! My son gave me a Philles breast cancer cap which i really loved and wore alot. But, for going out, I preferred a wig, I got my wig through the American Cancer book, and it was really cute. I slept in a turban, which was really comfortable. My head was so cold in the winter, you need a head cover. The name of the wig and hat book is TLC, my wig was called the Nicole, sunkissed. take care

    Don't apologize!
    MyTurn, please DON'T apologize for asking about this -- yes, we all know logically that we have more important things to worry about than our hair, but losing your hair is still difficult emotionally for most women, and we're to help each other through this!

    I'm a very low-maintenance girl, so I wasn't interested in getting a wig. And I'm all thumbs, so I know I'd never be able to tie a scarf. I have several hats, and I'm finding I really like what are called "headwraps" or "kerchiefs," which are like scarves, but are shaped with ties, so even a klutz like me can tie them!

    I've bought most of my hats and kerchiefs from ACS' tlc site (tlcdirect.org) -- they have much better prices than I've seen anywhere else, and great customer service, and I like to support the ACS any way I can.

    Also, be sure to read the thread called "Beautiful silk scarves and head wraps for FREE" that Mimi posted on this board, and get your free head wrap from FranceLuxe. They have really beautiful silk designs to choose from.

    Traci
  • Reikigemgirl
    Reikigemgirl Member Posts: 278
    I have a wig......
    and a few scarves, headwraps, sleep caps and some hats. Most of these I have gotten for free from heavenlyhats.com, hats off to chemo (don't know the website but sure it you put it in the search engine it will come up)and my wig is a very cute style that I got for free from the American Cancer Society. My daughter gave me some cute scarves she had and a couple of hats too. I did order a couple of headwraps, that already have ties like someone else said for ease)from headcovers.com and I like them real well. I also have a scarf coming from Laurie like in the earlier mentioned post. I live in Florida so I feel a wig might just be to hot.

    As far as actually wearing any of this stuff goes, I still have my hair. From what they say it should be gone in about 3 weeks tops so I wanted to be ready, as you do.

    I think it just boils down to what you are comfortable in!! All the ideas sound cute to me. As cute as you can be when you are bald :>)

    Love and Light,
    Vicki
  • tatifl
    tatifl Member Posts: 1
    hair loss options
    Don't feel bad - like your user name says, it's your turn now - sometimes it does have to be all about you :-)! I purchased a wig but hated wearing it because it was itchy and hot and I have always hated hair touching my face, which, of course, you must have with wigs to cover the edges. I tried several headcovers, but my favorite for the comfort, ease of use and selection of colors/patterns was the "Beau-Beau". Visit this article for several links to options for headcovers: http://hubpages.com/hub/ChemotherapyHairLoss
    Best of luck!
  • dyaneb123
    dyaneb123 Member Posts: 950
    tatifl said:

    hair loss options
    Don't feel bad - like your user name says, it's your turn now - sometimes it does have to be all about you :-)! I purchased a wig but hated wearing it because it was itchy and hot and I have always hated hair touching my face, which, of course, you must have with wigs to cover the edges. I tried several headcovers, but my favorite for the comfort, ease of use and selection of colors/patterns was the "Beau-Beau". Visit this article for several links to options for headcovers: http://hubpages.com/hub/ChemotherapyHairLoss
    Best of luck!

    Hey there
    I wear my wig to

    Hey there
    I wear my wig to work, shop, out in public generally....I'm just more comfortable that way. I use my baseball caps or scarves around the house, and I always keep a cap in the car so if the wig is annoying me on the way home, I jerk it off and don a cap.
  • redbobb
    redbobb Member Posts: 8
    Hi everyone...this is my
    Hi everyone...this is my first time to post on any site. I figure it was about time. I have been bald since May...I decided to shave it once it started coming out. I bought 2 cute wigs and have a ton of scarfs...but I have never worn the wigs or the scarfs. To me...I felt more uncomfortable in the wigs and scarfs than I did just wearing hats. I go bald at home and I wear a few different hats to work and out and about. I did purchase a couple of the cotton beanies that I would wear in the beginning when I slept. I also bought some satin pillowcases that really felt wonderful to sleep on. On a side note...I've been using Burts Bees Baby shampoo to wash my head and that seems to really work. Your head will probably be itchy and sore and may have a few bumps on it...but that will soon pass. You will find what is comfortable to you as you go!!! Good Luck to you!!!

    This picture was after my head shaving party...you know you have to try a mohawk!!! When would I ever have a chance again!!!
  • lanie940
    lanie940 Member Posts: 490
    dyaneb123 said:

    Hey there
    I wear my wig to

    Hey there
    I wear my wig to work, shop, out in public generally....I'm just more comfortable that way. I use my baseball caps or scarves around the house, and I always keep a cap in the car so if the wig is annoying me on the way home, I jerk it off and don a cap.

    Last week when my husband
    Last week when my husband and I were at the Farmer's Market a woman who looked around my age was standing next to me waiting her turn to order meats. I knew she had had Chemo, and breast cancer. She must of had a double mast and had not yet got any reconstruction. I just had to give her a hug and tell her I had joined her ranks of having BC. She asked about mine and I told her my case. She was telling me how she had been jerked around either by her Dr. or ins company, I'm not sure, it was kinda noisy when I was trying to talk to her. Geez, I wish people would try to walk in our shoes just once. I was glad to connect with her, and I will with any other "pink sister"
  • tjhay
    tjhay Member Posts: 655
    Hat and neked
    I did hats and nekid, I found a bunch of really neat hats that were reasonable at Kmart of all places, and if I did not have a hat on well I showed the world just how beautiful bald was. I can't tell you how many different women walked up to me and gave me a hug and told me they had had the same hair cut (at some point in the past). That in its self did so much for my spirit.
    tjhay

    P.S Welcome Redbobb, glad you decided to join us though sorry for the reason why
  • BonnieAnn
    BonnieAnn Member Posts: 7
    Cool cotton scarves that snap-and you get 4 looks from one scarf
    The coolest invention by breast cancer survivor is the ABonita Scarf, check them out online at abonitascarf.com. I wore mine swimming and it stayed on! They are also being sold at high end fashion boutiques not just cancer boutiques. They come with instructions on how to snap it on and get 4 looks from one scarf without having to tie it. The built in headband is adjustable with snaps to fit different size heads, you can tighten it for swimmng or riding in a convertible or bike and loosen it for just hanging out. They are made of cool comfortable cotton and come in many different fun prints. Great prices too!
  • elm3544
    elm3544 Member Posts: 748
    redbobb said:

    Hi everyone...this is my
    Hi everyone...this is my first time to post on any site. I figure it was about time. I have been bald since May...I decided to shave it once it started coming out. I bought 2 cute wigs and have a ton of scarfs...but I have never worn the wigs or the scarfs. To me...I felt more uncomfortable in the wigs and scarfs than I did just wearing hats. I go bald at home and I wear a few different hats to work and out and about. I did purchase a couple of the cotton beanies that I would wear in the beginning when I slept. I also bought some satin pillowcases that really felt wonderful to sleep on. On a side note...I've been using Burts Bees Baby shampoo to wash my head and that seems to really work. Your head will probably be itchy and sore and may have a few bumps on it...but that will soon pass. You will find what is comfortable to you as you go!!! Good Luck to you!!!

    This picture was after my head shaving party...you know you have to try a mohawk!!! When would I ever have a chance again!!!

    Cute picture, redbobb!
    I go

    Cute picture, redbobb!
    I go without anything at home unless I get cold and I always have my favorite sleep cap handy. Its like a security blanket to me! I have hot flashes (every 30 minutes at times) so I put it on and take it off alot when trying to sleep!
    I shopped for wigs but never got one. There are some really cute ones but for some reason I can't stand the idea of wearing a wig. I wear sleep caps and scarves out of the house. I have a few other types of hats but since they don't completely cover I haven't worn them yet. I am not brave enough to show it off to the public yet!
    Everyone is different and has a different comfort level. You just figure it out as you go!
  • lolad
    lolad Member Posts: 670
    BonnieAnn said:

    Cool cotton scarves that snap-and you get 4 looks from one scarf
    The coolest invention by breast cancer survivor is the ABonita Scarf, check them out online at abonitascarf.com. I wore mine swimming and it stayed on! They are also being sold at high end fashion boutiques not just cancer boutiques. They come with instructions on how to snap it on and get 4 looks from one scarf without having to tie it. The built in headband is adjustable with snaps to fit different size heads, you can tighten it for swimmng or riding in a convertible or bike and loosen it for just hanging out. They are made of cool comfortable cotton and come in many different fun prints. Great prices too!

    I use both
    actually. Depending on my mood. I have hats, wraps, nite caps, and a wig. One day i even walked out of the house bald not realizing it. But, oh well. If my head isnt cold i dont wear anything in the house and am just called fuzzy head and beautiful by my kids! It gets easier as time goes on. The cool part that i like about loosing the hair, is not having to shave underarms. Thats awesome. My eyebrows are starting to thin out tho, so thats not so cool with me. Depending on where you live, that will probably help with making your decision easier too. I live in Ohio and its going to get chilly here soon. I just got like six wonderful winter caps that i love and are so nice from heavenly hats. I did order a wrap from Laurie a while back and didnt get that one yet, i dont know what happened to that order. As time goes on, you will start to get over the embarrassment. I have anyways.
    take care
    laura
  • elm3544
    elm3544 Member Posts: 748
    BonnieAnn said:

    Cool cotton scarves that snap-and you get 4 looks from one scarf
    The coolest invention by breast cancer survivor is the ABonita Scarf, check them out online at abonitascarf.com. I wore mine swimming and it stayed on! They are also being sold at high end fashion boutiques not just cancer boutiques. They come with instructions on how to snap it on and get 4 looks from one scarf without having to tie it. The built in headband is adjustable with snaps to fit different size heads, you can tighten it for swimmng or riding in a convertible or bike and loosen it for just hanging out. They are made of cool comfortable cotton and come in many different fun prints. Great prices too!

    a bonita scarf
    Thanks for the link. Those scarves are really pretty. I don't need any more but I just might treat myself...
  • TxLady
    TxLady Member Posts: 37
    I have
    scarves, hats, and a wig. At home, I usually go bald, unless my head gets cold. I've worn mostly scarves and hats to work because it was so hot here this summer. My wig doesn't bother me, but it was hot this summer when the temps were triple digits. I suspect I will wear my wig more this fall as the weather cools off. I do wear my wig if I have a business meeting out of the office.
  • KorynH
    KorynH Member Posts: 13
    Both wigs and scarves
    I wore wigs when I went out and scarves around the house and then as I got braver i wore the scarves in the neighborhood and out to the store. I guess I just didn't want to look cancer-ish especially after I finished chemo and was feeling better too. So I still wear wigs occasionally but am getting more and more hair now (about an inch and a half 3 1/2 months post chemo). I made my own t-shirt scarf which you can see how to make at my little video HERE:
    http://www.onetruemedia.com/otm_site/auth_preview?work_id=9670851
    The wigs that look most natural on me are the Toni Brattin wigs from HSN.com. You can also get a free wig through http://CrickettsAnswerForCancer.com. Scroll down on that page to read about Crickett and why her family began this service for other breast cancer patients. They gave me a wonderful Revlon wig that I picked out at wigs.com. It looked most like me n the beginning but I will say that long wigs tangle beneath the collar and you may just prefer short ones since they look more realistic as you don't have to worry about flipping the hair around your shoulders etc. That was just my take on it. That plus the fact that now that it is growing back I can see I am going to have short hair for a very long long time anyways. Oh yes, and you can get a free scarf too from a wonderful organization that provides a free silk scarf to you at no charge and they are called www.franceluxe.com, and you can e-mail [email protected] to get one.

    Best to you!
  • sophy
    sophy Member Posts: 22
    scarfs
    I too had ordered 2 wigs, they were really nice, but the scarfs were so much easier, in fact for everday use I went to Michaels, a local craft store, they had every color bandana possible for a dollar each. I had one for every holiday and every outfit, easy to put on , washed and dryed great. Everybody loved them. Funny story, I was in a local rest having dinner with my sister and my two nieces, A young family with a 4 year old son was next to us, the 4year old said " hey dad, look a lady pirate" well the father was so embarassed, before he could say anything my family and I started laughing and I said to him , don't feel bad, I would rather be sitting here laughing with my scarf on than what could be the alternative. I said its little things like that , that make me laugh, that get me through all this. When they left, he leaned over to me and said I`ll be praying for you. My day was complete.
  • e_hope
    e_hope Member Posts: 370
    scarf....
    I use scarfs 95% of the time... I find it much easier and more comfortable. I have a wig which I do wear on rare occasion esp. when I don't feel like looking like the cancer patient. I find the wig very itchy and HOT... i sweat like anything under that thing.. now grant it.. I have been bald all summer and I'm sure that didn't help the situation with the wig... and when I am at home I just go BALD.. All that crap on your head all the time gives me a head ache.. and now that its chilly at home I usually wear a hoody with the hood up to keep my head warm...

    Good luck to you... just experiment and find what works for you....
  • cats_toy
    cats_toy Member Posts: 1,462 Member
    bald and beautiful
    I usually went bald, very rarely would I wear anything on my head. But if it got cold, or the AC was blowing, I had little knit caps and scarves to wear. But, mainly, bald. Do what feels best for you.
    Cat
  • mimivac
    mimivac Member Posts: 2,143
    Do what feels right
    I had a wig and while it was not the most comfortable thing in the world, I'm glad I had it. I felt "normal" at work and no one could tell on the outside. Sometimes I needed that. Scarves can be great, too. Just try out a few things and see what you like. This is about you and how you want to look and feel. Many different experiences and perspectives on this, so you might be surprised at what you ultimately end up doing. You'll do fine no matter what you choose.

    Mimi