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01438 488 082jasmin@caringhair.co.uk
Finding a good wig supplier
There is a large variation of wigs available so that whatever your hair type, skin colour, age and style there is something out there to suit you. While it’s possible to buy wigs from the following places - some department stores, high Street stores, mail order, hair salons and online shopping sites - a professional wig supplier is the person who will have most experience to offer you the widest variety of options.
NHS
Did you know that there is no such thing as an NHS wi?…the NHS do not make wigs - they out source the supply to various wig shops. You are most likely to be given a prescription (letter) which refers you to a local wig supplier. You normally have to pay around £60.00 towards the cost but you may also be entitled to a free wig and pay no charges Click to-find your local NHS supplier and understand about the NHS wig referral system.
Private wig supplier
You can also visit a private wig supplier. As wigs are becoming a more mainstream fashion item, it is important to find a supplier who has experience in advising people with hair loss and those going through cancer treatments (as it is completely different from being just a fashion accessory). These individuals are trained to offer this service and normally do so with care, passion and empathy for your situation.
Most hair loss wig suppliers will provide the following services – but do check:
• A private area
• Allow you to bring a friend
• Offer cutting and colour services for preparation for hair loss and your new growth
• A return service – if your wig is unworn (within a certain time frame) for an exchange
• Some, but not all, offer a choice of NHS funded wigs – (click here for more on NHS funded wigs)
• A variety of real and synthetic hair wigs
• Customising of your wig to suit your face shape (cutting is normally included within the wig price)
• A return visit - after you have been wearing your wig for a few weeks to make any adjustments and recommendations
• Cleaning and styling of real hair wigs
• Sale of specialist headscarves and head wear
• Sale of accessories and wig care items
• Hair pieces, extensions and clip in pieces
Other hair loss services – such as permanent make up eyebrows (only suitable after chemo treatment and approved by your doctor)
There are five main ways to find a good wig:
• Visit your local NHS wig supplier
• Visit a wig supplier, salon or hair loss clinic
• Visit a hairdresser or department store who supplies
wigs
• Mail or web order
• For those staying in hospital ask your care team
Bespoke Wigs
Bespoke wigs are a truly caring and skilled company who will create a style for you by mail order. All you do is send them some pictures and have a chat about what you want. Your wig will arrive via post cut and ready to wear in around 5 days. Prices start from £75.00 and a % is given to charity.
Web: http://www.bespokewig.com
Telephone: 01923 639 366 or 07956496518
Trendco is one of Britain’s leading wig suppliers and has branches throughout the UK. The London branch is below:
Address: 229 Kensington Church St,London, W8 7LX
Tel: Please book in advance 020 72212646
Web site: www.trendco.co.uk
Do remember that if you wish to use your NHS prescription then you will have to be referred to your local contract NHS supplier (click here):
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Independent wig suppliers
Whilst each hospital will recommend an NHS approved wig supplier there is nothing to stop you from visiting a private independent store. There are some excellent wig suppliers are truly dedicated to offering you a great service.
Just check that your supplier is used to offering services to people experiencing hair loss because of cancer treatments as you will need advice on this matter.
Paying privately
Private payment – meaning that you pay in full
You may not be offered an NHS prescription or you may decide that you wish to select a wig that is not covered by your NHS prescription such as a real hair wig or a wig out side of the NHS range on offer.
Private Health Insurance
If you are having private treatment then check to see if your health care insurance will cover the cost of a wig. If not then talk to your specialist, if you are having private treatment then sometimes your oncologist will need you to visit your GP to be referred as part of the NHS wig prescription service. It is well worth calling your local NHS wig supplier to ask for their help with this as often they can point you in the right direction.
Why aren’t all wig suppliers able to accept an NHS referral or prescription service?
The NHS referral and prescription charges system works though a hospital’s own surgical appliances department. This department follows a strict code of conduct for regulating wig referrals. Many wig shops simply don’t have the infrastructure, availability of services or resources to be awarded NHS status.This does not mean that they do not offer a good service. But each health authority will have selected one or two shops or in hospital services as its main referral partners – this is just the way the system works.
You will be exempt from paying VAT - click here to read more
Here are some tips for finding an experienced local wig supplier:
• Ask your doctor/nurse
• Ask your Macmillan nurse
• Ask your local cancer support charity
• Look on the notice boards and leaflets in your oncology department
• Ask other patients in the oncology unit
• Call your local wig or specialist hair loss clinic
• Call a trichologist
Click here for more on finding your local NHS supplier