Hair Loss (Alopecia) and Wig Resources

Chemotherapy can damage hair follicles while killing cancer cells in the body, resulting in hair loss (alopecia). Currently, there is no known prevention for hair loss due to chemotherapy treatment. Chemotherapy affects individuals differently, even if they are taking the same drugs, producing hair loss in some while not in others. Hair may begin to fall out 2-3 weeks following the start of chemotherapy.

Preventatively, you can try to protect your hair from falling out by using a mild shampoo and patting it try with a soft towel. Hair loss in clumps often occurs from brushing and rubbing it with a towel after bathing. There is no guarantee that this will reduce or stop hair loss from chemotherapy but some patients have found it helpful.

If you do begin to lose your hair you may decide to cut it short, shave it off, get a wig and/or wear head scarves. There are several resources that provide wig information including free wigs, head scarves and turbans, as well as hair loss education.

CancerCare offers wigs at no charge.
800-813-4673 | www.cancercare.org

Y-ME National Breast Cancer Organization provides wigs to low-income women.
800-221-2141 | www.y-me.org

Network of Strength offers wigs for women with limited resources.
800-221-2141| www.networkofstrength.org

Crickett’s Answer to Cancer provides wigs and head coverings and provides education on wig care.
717- 843-7903 | www.crickettsanswertocancer.org

Team Pink at Pink Barette provides free wigs and also makes custom natural hair wigs for sale.
678-927-1896 | www.pinkbarette.org

Cancer Foundation for Personal Appearance offers hair loss education and hair piece assistance
877-711-9600 | www.cancerfoundation4pa.org

National Alopecia Areata Foundation Ascot Fund provides scarves in a color and pattern of choice
888-884-3653 | www.naaf.org

The Curechief Foundation provides free curechiefs to patients
866-868-CURE | www.curechief.com

The Wig Program at Tower Cancer Research Foundation refurbishes donated wigs for cancer patients in their treatment center.
310-285-7242 | www.towercancerfoundation.org

For a listing of local resources from RLCIRL available in Los Angeles County click here.

If you have any questions related to wig and scarf resources please contact me at 877-752-2120 or visit me online at www.lacancerinfo.org

Phyllis Ruja Tell, MSW
Manager, RLC Information and Resource Line (RLCIRL)