• Experiment with turbans, scarves, hats & wigs

• Wear nothing at all

• Wear a wig

• Choosing a wig that works for you

Experiment with turbans, scarves & hats

Soft, comfortable headwear can be an easy and attractive alternative. When considering headwear options, look for comfort features such as soft inner linings, padded fronts and elasticized backs for a secure fit. The benefit of wearing turbans, scarves and hats is that you can keep different colors and styles to coordinate with your wardrobe, for any occasion.

Turbans are typically made with knit jersey or a cotton/poly blend that stretches to fit you comfortably and keeps your head warm. Available in a variety of colors and patterns, they often feature decorative gathered fronts or backs and can be accessorized with colorful pins and headbands -- even bangs that attach by Velcro strip. They can be warn alone or under other headwear for added comfort and protection.

Scarves and Wraps offer comfort and convenience in a range of styles, from simple, casual kerchiefs that tie in back to more elaborate head wraps with longer pieces that you wrap around your head and tie. They come in a variety of patterns, including floral prints, eyelet and lace. Kerchief pads can be worn underneath scarves and wraps to help fill out the style and provide added comfort. Bangs attach easily to the kerchief pad.

Hats are perfect for indoors or outdoors, and can be worn over other caps and turbans for additional sun guard protection. Some feature inner linings for added comfort, as well as built-in scarves that you can tie in back or under your chin for added security. You can choose from any number of hat styles, including canvas and denim crushers, fitted, seamless caps, and wide-brimmed straw hats.

Most wig shops and oncology centers can provide you with information on where to find these unique products.
 

Wear nothing at all

Some women choose to wear their baldness proudly. This largely depends on how comfortable you are with this particular look, which can be quite striking and very beautiful.

One particular concern with not covering your head is that your scalp is left vulnerable and unprotected from the elements, including sun, wind, cold and pollution. During treatment, your skin will be extra sensitive; plus, without the insulating factor of hair, you'll lose body heat. If you choose to leave your head bare, do so only indoors; if you go out, wear a hat and apply plenty of sunscreen (after checking with your nurse or doctor about which product you can safely use on your scalp).
 

Wear a wig

If you feel slightly apprehensive at the thought of wearing a wig, rest assured that today's wigs are different than what you would have purchased years ago. Gone are the burdensome, heavy helmets of the past - they've been replaced by comfortable, lightweight styles that are easy to wear and care for.
 

Choosing a wig style that works for you

A wig can help you feel most like yourself. May women choose a style and color that matches their natural hair, while others take this opportunity to experiment with a new look. Most stylists recommend a shorter wig style, since these are the lightest and easiest to care for.

There are several things to consider when choosing a wig, such as fiber type, style length, face shape - as well as lifestyle. When you meet with your stylist, together you can find the perfect style for you.

Consider fiber type: synthetic vs. human hair wigs

Many women thing that human hair wigs will be more natural looking. They fear that "synthetic" wigs will in fact look synthetic. This is not true! Each type of wig has its own unique benefits.

Synthetic wigs are the most popular because they require the least amount of care. Today's synthetic wigs offer more styling choices, colors and unique comfort features. Shorter synthetic wigs are considered "shake-n-go," meaning that all you do is shake them out and they look great. Longer styles simply need to be combed or finger-styled. Synthetic styles are easy to pack and take with you, and the fiber is resistant to humidity, so your style hold in any weather. One thing that's important to remember is that you never use heat on a synthetic wig! Any heat source, such as a blow dryer - even an open oven - can damage the fiber and ruin the wig.

Human hair wigs are extremely versatile. You can curl and style them as you would your own hair. Because they do not come prestyled, they require more effort than synthetic wigs. Human hair wigs are ideal if you enjoy and are skilled at styling your own hair.

Consider style length

As a rule, shorter "shake-n-go" styles are easiest to care for. Longer synthetic styles require a little more maintenance.

A common mistake women make is choosing a style that's too long, which might not only be more work, but may overwhelm their features. Also remember that during treatment you may experience bouts of exhaustion, when you won't want to fuss with your hair. The easier and more convenient your style is, the better off you'll be.

Consider your face shape

Stylists will tell you that it's important to choose a style that flatters your features, and that means finding one that suits the shape of your face. Wigs can always be thinned out or trimmed around the edges to suit your particular features.

Below is a guide for determining which styles will work best with your particular face shape.

Pear Narrow forehead, round chin. Frame the face with bangs and full layers on the sides and on top, with hair falling below the chin.	Oval Wider at the forehead than at chin, tapers from cheeks to chin. Try a short style that is angled at the jawbone to accentuate the cheekbones.	Round Wide, short forehead with full cheeks, small chin. Try a short style that adds height to the face without adding extra width.
Heart Wide forehead, high cheekbones, narrow chin. Try a style that minimizes the width across the forehead with soft curls or bangs that adds fullness to the jawline.	Square Angular jawline, same width as forehead. Styles that lengthen, the face and add fullness on top work best, Avoid styles that add width at the jawline.	Rectangle High forehead, long narrow chin. To create an oval appearance, choose a face framing style with bangs and full sides to add width to the cheekbones. Avoid styles that add height on top.

Consider your lifestyle

What does your typical day involve? Will you be wearing your wig every day, or only occasionally? These questions, as well as others concerning your work, recreational and social activity, may affect which style you choose. Be sure to keep your typical daily or weekly activities in mind as you try different wigs.

Your size

Many wigs are available in multiple sizes to ensure the ultimate in comfort and security. Remember that your measurements may change when your hair is gone. Your stylist can help you determine the size that will be right for you.

Customizing your style

Not every wigs needs to be altered; however, synthetic and human hair wigs can be shaped and styled to accommodate your style preferences and facial features. Wig cutting and shaping should only be performed by a trained stylist.

Matching your color

Many women feel most comfortable selecting a shade that matches their natural hair color. To do so, we recommend looking at your hair and color samples together under natural light to determine which color most closely resembles your own. Snip0 and save a sample of your own hair prior to undergoing treatment for future reference.

Experiment with different shades

You don't have to choose a color identical to your own. Try going just a shade lighter or warmer than your natural color to brighten your features. You can also choose styles with highlights that feature a subtle blend of shades for added depth and dimension.

When in doubt, go lighter

The goal is to find a shade that compliments your skin tone and brings out your natural color. A mistake many women make is choosing a color that's too dark, especially given changes in skin color that occur during treatment. When in doubt, go a shade lighter. Your stylist can help you determine which shade works best for you.