wigs and hair loss with chemo

Just wanted to remind people that Trevor Sorbie offers a free wig cutting and styling service to all of us that are or have lost their hair through chemo. I had an appt with him a few weeks ago at his Brighton salon before mine started to come out. He took us to the ’ wig shop ’ and helped and advised on choosing the wig, basic style, colour etc with an eye on how he would cut it to suit me back at the salon. Back to the salon and spend ages cutting, trimming and styling to actually suit my face. All free of charge because of the charity he has set up after a family member suffered hair loss through breast cancer chemo. I think he normally charges about £200 for a normal cut! What a lovely man, so kind and understanding! If you are lucky enough to live near one his salons, give them a ring and ask about an appt! Well worth doing and a huge confidence boost at a time when you really need it. mine is called miranda and she now has her own social diary. Everyone that has seen her has tried her on and wants to borrow her for special nights out - making a small donation each time with the proceeds going to breast cancer obviously!! the wigs started from about £90 but they knock the VAT off or you can take your own! Hope this bit of info helps someone out there!

Karen

Thanks Karen. Very helpful information

Julie

Hi!

Very pleased you had a positive experience with Trevor Sorbie, it is really nice that he does this personally for free. However i went to his salon in London to have my wig cut, thinking that is was a charity and may not cost that much, only to be told ‘that wil be £85 please’ couldn’t belive it!! Plus the hairdresser cut so much from the wig it is not to my taste at all and looks bad. I now need to buy another one!!!

Just thought i would warn people if they think it is a free service.

xx

Hi, can you complain about it? I wouldnt have paid that much for a regular cut, nevermind ruining your wig too!

I know neither would i, but they don’t tell you!! I thought it may be about £50 or perhaps free! I find it embarrasing to complain, and they can’t do much about it now! At the moment have still got hair as i am using cold cap, but if i really needed it i would be livid!!! Really hoping it doesn’t all drop out now!! xx

I think they should replace it for you, but i know what you mean, its not nice complaining, not sure i would. I never got a wig and by the time i started to think maybe i will try one, my hair has started to grow back, millimetres but on its way back. And i have just washed my hair lol with some lovely teatree shampoo! Its the first time i have bought shampoo since chemo starting!
I hope the cold cap works for you,
gonna take a look at bbci player
take care
anna

Thanks! It’s not nice but will try and keep going. Done it three times and another 3 to go!! x

P.s It’s rhapsody in blue for about 15 minutes at the start, think i am on after about 20 minutes. Was very nervous!! x

He def did mine for free, plus also all the running around Brighton backwards and forwards from wig shop to salon in a taxi. Maybe you have to mention it when booking but not sure? Also spoke to someone who also had theirs done by him for free in his Manchester salon - perhaps it is selected salons. Phone first and check everyone!
Karen xx

I discovered from my local macmillan centre the most fabulous online wig co. specialising in chemo wigs “www.bespokewig.com” - they will re-create your original hairstyle from a photo - mine was just £80 and it’s almost like my own hair, great colour, arrived in a cute pink box through the post - hated the idea of sitting in a salon.

I had my first chemo today and the nurse said I’ll arrange for your wig chitty and then told me I had to go to a specific shop I wouldnt be able to use it else where. Is this normal pratice?

Hi ladies,have just joined your chat because my yesterdays post op results(WLE/SNB)indicate mastectomy & chemo for January.I’ve gone from calm acceptance of radiotherapy to panic about chemo, literally in 12 hours.
My hair has always been an asset,its currently boob length(ironic)& very stylable if you know what I mean.Almost my first question yesterday was about “cold cap”.I was told some oncologists dont like it cos it prevents the chemo from doing a 100% job plus it adds to treatment time & of course is not foolproof.Any of your experiences would be gratefully received.
Also thanks so much to Karen for the tip about Trevor Sorbie & wigs.The very thought is turning my stomach tonight but I’m learning that todays unpalatable information might rapidly become tomorrows life saver.I’m only 40 mins from his Manchester salon so that is easily doable.Also thanks to Cags for Bespokewig which sounds a wonderful idea.
Love Grace x

Hi Grace,
Think we pretty much went through the same thing. I was expecting just to have lump removal and radiotherapy then after ops was told 6 x FEC chemo. For some vain reason that was my worst moment, knowing I was going to lose my hair!! Like you I listened to advice re cold cap from the surgeon, the BCN and the oncologist and decided not to go with it. Mine is also long. Started to thin about day 13 after first chemo. Due for my second chemo today and its quite a lot thinner but not really noticeable if you dont look too closely, no bald patches etc - by all accounts that happens a couple of days after the second session normally!! My advice would be to get the wigs, hats, scarves, bandanas etc all sorted out before you lose your own so that you feel comfortable going into the salon and trying on hats in the shops! In my low moments I just keep telling myself that I am doing everything I can to fight this damn c word and if being without hair for a few months help, then bring it on! Hoe this helps, feel free to PM me. Good luck and keep us all posted as to how you are doing!
Karen xx