Most wigs and pieces will come in a variety of either synthetic or real hair. The most popular choice for people during chemotherapy is a wig made from synthetic hair. But the choice is yours:
Synthetic Hair (may also be called Modacrylic Fibre or Acrylic)
Synthetic hair is a man made fibre which is produced to look and feel like real hair. However, unlike real hair you cannot use a hairdryers (or any heated appliance) or it will melt! The styles and textures are designed to be washed with a special shampoo and conditioner (a bit like a fabric detergent wash and softener). You then simply place on a stand and allow to dry naturally - very easy.
Nowadays the quality of synthetic hair is so good, that most people choose synthetic wigs over real hair. They are easier to take care of, more cost effective and with a little practice can look every bit as real as human hair. They cost from £60.00 with an NHS prescription or privately from £80.00 to £300.00 (upwards for custom made or long hair).
Synthetic hair is used for wigs and a large range of hairpieces, extensions, weaves and other hair replacement options.
Until faced with hair loss most people’s experience of a wig is one used for parties. Don’t be put off by bad quality “fancy dress” wigs that feel like dolly hair. No good supplier would offer you this type of thing for covering hair loss.
Synthetic wigs are the most popular choice and most widely recommended type of wig for cancer treatment wearers. This is because they are easy to take care of, cost effective, NHS funded (with prescription), and look and feel every bit as real as real hair. They are available in hundreds of styles, textures and colours.
Real (Human) hair
Real hair is human hair. The majority of hair is collected from women in Asia who have long, good quality hair. The hair is then treated and dyed into a range of colours. Hair is collected from all around the world so textures and colours vary.
Because the hair is natural it means that it can be coloured, permed and enhanced - just as real hair can be. This also means that a real hair wig needs more care then synthetic hair. As each time it is washed (just like your own hair) it normally needs blow-drying and styling to look good. Wig suppliers often offer a “cleaning” service where by real hair wigs can be cleaned and restyled – but this does mean organising this.
There is often the perception that human hair will offer a better quality of wig but over the last few years we have seen synthetic hair take on a new lease of life. The quality is now fantastic and offers a truly good alternative. However, when integrating your own real hair with hair extensions and weaves, in order to cover areas of hair loss, or with new hair growth, it is normally better to use real hair for optimum blending.
People often ask if they can have their own hair made into a wig, the collection of human hair to be made into wigs is a very specialized area and there are currently only around 12 people in the UK who specialize in this. If your hair is more than shoulder length, long, in very good condition, and you have plenty of it, then you may like to ask if your hair could be made into a wig. It will commonly take at least 10 weeks to make your wig and be very expensive (£2500 upwards).
Here to care:
01438 488 082jasmin@caringhair.co.uk