Which is best - real hair or synthetic hair? Many women just want hair that looks like their own natural hair - and therefore often assume that real hair will always be a better choice.
If your treatment is via the NHS, then patients will be prescribed synthetic, ready-to-wear wigs.
Real hair wigs for cancer patients are often outwith NHS patient entitlement for short term hair loss.
However, if you do want the choice of either - which is best? The short answer is: it depends.
Thanks to advances in technology, synthetic hair is softer than ever, very natural-looking and available in a plethora of styles and of colours including 'rooted' - with darker roots to emulate natural dyed hair; highlights or lowlights.
Synthetic wigs tend to be supplied in 'set' styles i.
e.
they hold a particular style even after washing.
This makes it easier for you to be confident with your wig, especially if you lead a busy lifestyle.
It is recommended that you avoid using heated appliances on ready-to-wear wigs and most manufacturers recommend towel-dry only.
Real hair wigs are not usually supplied styled so that they can be cut according to your desire.
Like natural hair, real hair wigs can be washed and blow-dried.
Heated appliances can be used but only according to manufacturer guidelines.
Real hair wigs are ideal for women and teenagers who are looking for a simpler, unfussy hairstyle.
Real hair, ready-to-wear wigs come in different lengths and shades; custom-made real hair wigs can copy your own colour combination and highlights.
Ultimately, choosing a wig is really a question of personal preferences and lifestyle! How do I choose the base for my cancer wig? These days, wigs for cancer patients are supplied in a wide range of base materials.
A good quality base from a reputable manufacturer will be made from fabric that is breathable and allows heat to escape.
Most bases are made of a fine mesh on top with a more spaced out back for fitting and breathing.
Bases often feature a complementary material: you will often see wigs for cancer patients with 'monofilament tops'.
This means that the base on top is made of monofilament nylon allowing a variation of partings and fringes and affording a scalp like appearance.
The technique allows for individual styling as a lot of women like to change their parting or style a fringe.
'Lace front' wigs, where the hair is knotted onto micro-fine lace around the temple, offer a virtually undetectable hairline.
No base material is better than the other and each offers different benefits - so you're better to try as many as you can until you feel comfortable! Ready-to-wear wigs for cancer patients- what can I expect? The quality and choice of ready-to-wear wigs for cancer is quite amazing.
You can find hundreds of styles at reputable online stores.
Women can choose from global brands including Amore, Ellen Wille, Natural Image, Noriko, Raquel Welch, Rene of Paris, Trendco and Sentoo.
These wig collections are updated every season and many of the styles are inspired by the latest catwalk shows around the world.
These days, wigs for cancer offer an exceptional way to restore temporary hair loss and can genuinely help you feel as 'normal' as possible again.