Buying a Wig
Pre-cancer, I knew almost nothing about wigs. I didn't realize what a privilege that was.
I've been a wig wearer for nearly a year and have picked up some experience. But by no means am I an expert. I hope you find this post helpful, and also hope you do some additional researching to find more perspectives and tips.
Finances
The spectrum of cost for wigs is wide.
Your financial situation will dictate the type of wigs available to you. It's a sad truth, but true nonetheless. There are grants and organizations that help cancer patients access hair prosthetics. Check out the related posts below to find more information about that.
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Something that might be helpful in accessing a quality wig: your health insurance may reimburse some or all of the cost. With my specific Blue Cross Blue Shield of Rhode Island insurance plan, they reimbursed me $300. I bought the wig out-of-pocket, completed, and mailed in a reimbursement form, and was mailed a check several weeks later. Contact your health insurer via online patient portal or by calling the number on the back of your insurance card to inquire.
The fist wig I bought was from an online shop. They marketed to cancer patients and I felt confident buying from them. I paid about $200 because I wanted to stay in a range where I would be fully reimbursed by my insurance. Unfortunately, it was a disappointment upon arrival. The wig was synthetic, and I felt as though it was obviously a wig. My hope for my hair piece was that it would allow me to be more anonymous in being a cancer patient. There's no shame in the diagnosis, but I did want a break from lingering stares that seemingly said, "I wonder if she has cancer." I ended up returning it.
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That disappointment lead me to a Google search for wig shops near me. There were some in Rhode Island, but the most attractive option was a salon in Boston. The Salon at 10 Newbury specializes in hair prosthetics. The owner, Patricia, wears one herself and is very experienced in working with cancer patients. Going to The Salon was where I received some of the best cancer care during treatment. At the airy, spacious salon they have a gorgeous view overlooking iconic Newbury Street and consultation rooms for those of us needing more privacy during appointments.
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The first appointment was a consultation. Patricia spent time listening to my story and about my treatment plan, gently offering tissues when I needed them. She told me about different wig options and had me try them on. She showed me different colors and cuts that were available in different styles and fits. Ultimately, I decided to order a real hair wig in a blonde color, very different than my nature hair color. I get to be a blonde now without completely bleaching my dark-dark brown Asian hair. A small, fun silver lining! During the first meeting budget was discussed with Patricia. She's a straight-shooter who understands that cost is a very important factor when choosing a wig.
The wig would take a few days to come in. I went back to the salon for the second appointment for the wig to be cut and styled. The stylist I worked with, Crystal, was skilled at listening, cutting, and teaching. She knew how to care for me in ways that I didn't know I needed during appointments. Before she shaved my head, she offered to turn the chair around so I wouldn't see. Brilliant! She taught me how to put the wig on and how to wash it. She and the team made sure I understood how to care for it before I left the salon.
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In the name of transparency, my wig was about $3,000. It was a serious investment that was important to me. I submitted the reimbursement form and was also awarded a generous grant from a local foundation that specifically aims to help patients to feel more healthy and whole, and for me that was wearing a wig. The insurance reimbursement and grant significantly offset the sticker price.
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