How to Pick a Wig-Six Ways to Choose the Right Wig Shop

Technotini-PINK

Editor’s Note:  This blog post has a mocktail pairing:  The Classic Shirley Temple.  Please scroll down for the recipe.

After my first chemo session, I wasted no time beginning my wig selection process.  Your hair usually falls out somewhere around 2-3 weeks after your first chemo.  That may seem like a good amount of time, but you need to allow time to find the right wig shop, the right wig, and shipping time if the wig needs to be ordered.  I found that there is a lot involved in both finding the right wig shop and finding the right wig, so I have split this information into two posts.

1)  Do not go to a nonprofit.

Sure the wigs are cheaper- but they’re cheaper in both quality and price.  You’re not buying a wig for Halloween or your daughter’s princess party.  The nonprofits have a very small selection, so it’s most likely not even worth your time.

2)  Do not buy online.

You need to be able to check the quality of the wig, the fit of the wig, and the color of the wig.  You also need to see how it fits your face and determine if it’s comfortable.  These are all things I’ll discuss in “How to choose the right wig,” but I mention them here because you can’t do any of these things online.  Therefore, you need to find an actual brick and mortar establishment.

3)  Begin your wig store search by using a “recommended” list from your doctor.

You’d think finding a wig shop with good quality service would be easy considering how everyone knows finding a wig (whether you’re going through cancer or not) is a pretty difficult and nerve-wracking experience.  Unfortunately, it’s not.  I found out the hard way when I went to a nonprofit wig shop at a local hospital.  The staff was rude and completely unhelpful.  After that bad experience, I went to a store that was on the recommended list from my doctor.  Going off of such a list is an excellent starting point as it is usually updated pretty regularly based on patient feedback.  Warning-don’t confuse the “List” with the brochures in the waiting room.  Just because there are brochures lying around, does not necessarily mean the doctor has endorsed the store.  I met several women who were lured into this one particular shop based on the fancy brochure and experienced extremely poor service.  Meanwhile, that particular wig shop had been “de-listed” a year ago due to so much negative feedback.

4)  Ask the shop if they are involved with different cancer non-profits and the American Cancer Society.   If the store is involved with cancer groups and cancer patients, there is a good chance that they will be more patient and understanding, making you feel as comfortable as possible.

5)  Check the store’s selection.  If it’s a traditional wig shop (ie: not just a nonprofit at a hospital), they will have a much wider selection, including hair pieces, extensions, curly hair, variety of colors and highlights, culturally inclusive selections, etc.

6)  Ask the store about their customer service and wig support.  No matter how well you take care of your wig, even the highest quality wigs get tangled and need touch-ups.  Be sure to ask the store if they offer steaming or blow-dry assistance.  (Learn more about wig maintenance in an upcoming post on the subject).

Technotini Paring: The Shirley Temple

Talk about cute hair! (Not a wig).  This classic mocktail was a favorite of cutey-pie Shirley Temple.

To make your own simply take a glass of sprite or gingerale and add a splash of grenadine (to taste).  Garnish with an orange slice and cherry!

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admin

HI! I’m a Shana, self-proclaimed Media Mixologist, wife, and mom to two little girls. I love to mix up cocktails of crafts, recipes, wellness, family and business with just the right amount of sparkle to help you shine everyday. So, grab a glass, and let’s celebrate the cocktail of life!