Hi, I will be getting a wig at some stage in the next couple of weeks but would like to go somewhere to try some on as well so I have at least 2. Can anyone recommend a department store or shops that sell them? My nearest town is POrtsmouth. has anyone bought any off of ebay also as they seem to be reasonable? Any advice would be welcome, thanks.
Hi nessp,
Welcome to the Breast Cancer Care discussion forums, I’m sure you’ll find lots of good support here.
I have put for you below the link to BCC’s Headstrong service which you may find helpful. Also, if you would like to talk to someone in confidence about this, then the staff on the helpline are here to support you. Calls are free, 0808 800 6000. Lines open Mon to Fri 9-5 and Sat 9-2.
Headstrong:
breastcancercare.org.uk/about-us/our-services/local-support/headstrong/headstrong-locations/
Take care,
Jo, Facilitator
Nessp… I did a quick google, trelogganwigs.co.uk/
This shop is in Portsmouth and seems to have a good selection.
My advice would be to try on as many styles and colours as possible and take someone with you.
I used to have shoulder length blonde hair, my first wig was as close to my real hair as possible, I then got a short blonde bob… then tried on a long brunette wig (see photo) - it was so different to my natural hair, but absolutely felt and looked the best.
Also, when trying on wigs its good to wear make-up as (dont know why but I was advised to, and it did make a difference, I could look at the whole me, rather than the wig)
Also, ask the salon if they trim/cut the wig - a little trim can make all the difference.
Last but not least, it will feel really strange - almost like wearing a hat… that will lessen with time.
Best wishes
Marguerite
Hi Nessp
I was directed to a local supplier when I got my letter saying I was entitled to a NHS referral. It was run by two lovely ladies who are used to dealing with wig for those who are losing/have lost their hair (not just chemo).
I took my mum, and had a laugh trying on the outrageous, and the more “sensible”. I settled for one near to my own hair, as felt more comfortable with that.
I also went to a HeadStrong session last week, really useful and again a laugh, for me the process of losing my hair is more disturbing rather than not having any (I think) as I am having it all cut off this Saturday coming (8 days post FEC1).
Hope this helps, but for me (and I understand it will be different for others) having no hair is the least of my worries at the moment!!
SJ xx
Hi Nessp i got mine from hothair (they also take the NHS vouchers) and they were very good and private to me they also colour matched and trimmed it to my style.They have branches throughout UK ,but i also could have gone to the hospital where i was having treatment they had a lady come in 1-2 weekly for fittings
hothair.co.uk/retail-stores.html
Hi
I wasn’t comfortable with my NHS wig so got in touch with Contrast Wigs online. They do fantastic wigs in all shapes, sizes and colours (mine even had the streaks just like my own hair). You can choose a few and send back the ones you’re not happy with. My problem was choosing just one! I wore the wig for about 8 months every day and can honestly say I was thrilled with it. I had so many people ask me where I had my streaks done.
I last wore it 2 years ago but it is now in my hospital bag on top of the wardrobe. It’s there just in case…
Mal x
Hi Nessp
I have bought a few wigs from ebay and they are really nice. The ebay shop I get them from is called Annabelles_wigs. I have 2 in a graduated bob style which are really good and look quite natural and like you say they are quite cheap so if you order one and find you don’t like it, you haven’t lost a fortune!
Good luck with choosing
Debs
x
I spent £60.00 on a so called strawberry blond human hair wig off Ebay, and ended up throwing it away, because I looked like Danny La-rue on a bad day. In fact my lovely daughter kindly remarked that I looked as though I had a ginger cat sitting on my head.
Like you i have now decided to try before I buy, and I think I’m going to go for what they call a lace front wig, as apparently these look like they the hair is growing from the scalp. However, the down side is, it seems, that they do not last as long as other wigs. Maybe those with more experience could comment on this.
I also bought a few wigs off ebay, they were awful, shiny, costume like… I would only ever buy that way if it was a recommended seller like Buzzy has said.
I have one lace front wig and it has lasted well, washed only once, but still looks great. The others I have bought are monofilament (sp), these allow your scalp to show through and again look very natural.
Rene of Paris Amore range are very natural as are Sentoo, the average I have paid is £250 (VAT free)… I dont get them on prescription, but you should be entitled to at least two vouchers. I am unsure of their value, but your local hospitals should be able to advise you.
It is horrible and alien to start with, I have been wearing mine since April and it doesnt feel strange anymore (dont know if that is good or bad)… The first time I wore mine I was sure that everyone would be looking at me, no-one did!! Not even a side-ways glance…
Now that I am a ‘wig wearer’, the ONLY way I can tell if someone is wearing a wig is when they have really NICE hair!!
Best wishes, for me it was the worst thing about BC, I was in tears… but it does get easier.
Marguerite
Hi have you tried Trevor Sorbie’s web site which includes a list of recommended wig stockists around the country?
mynewhair.org/AdviceandSupport/WhereismynearestMyNewHairsalon.aspx
He is very committed to helping women with hair loss - I went to one of the salons on his list and got great service. The staff were sensitive and I tried wigs on in a private room - my nightmare was being surrounded by giggling teenagers trying on wigs and hair pieces for a Saturday night out! I went with my sister and what I had imagined would be a traumatic experience actually turned into a fun afternoon - an opportunity to try styles I’d always fancied.
Eventually I bought a monofilament one as near to my own hair as possible. They cut a fringe into it for me and later thinned & trimmed it again when I lost my hair and the wig seemed too big.
Like Marguerite I was very self conscious at first and thought everyone was looking at me. In fact I’ve had comments from complete strangers asking me who cut my hair or where did I get my highlights done.
By the way Marguerite - your wig is fab!
Hi there,
I went to treloggan in portsmouth and the lady there was very helpful and chose the first one she suggested I try on. Which hospital are you with- There is also tha macmillan centre at QA where a lady runs appointments from thursdays/fridays and a place I think they recommended innovation hair in gosport where the NHS vouchers can be used from QA hospital. innovationhair.co.uk/ who ordered in quite a few different ones for me to try. They were all very helpful but cant imagine buying one without trying on.
I ended up getting one from innovation and buying one from treloggan too.
Hope this helps x
Yep, I got mine from QA hospital too. The Macmillan centre in the hospital organised it for me. They go through a company called Browns but other places may have a better range. I chose one of the best ones they had, but have seen others that are better.
Good luck with your search.
Kulakatz x