Whether chemotherapy causes hair thinning or complete baldness, wearing headgear may improve self-confidence and prevent scalp irritation.
Unfortunately, purchasing wigs, caps, hats, and scarves can come at a high expense. Your oncology nurse can work with your health insurance company to cover some of the cost, but there is another option. There are many organizations that provide headgear at little to no cost for women (and men) undergoing chemotherapy.
This article will review how to obtain low-cost or free headgear during cancer treatment.
The American Cancer Society (ACS) understands that wigs are not affordable for many women. Therefore, the ACS provides free wigs to women experiencing hair loss from chemotherapy. Call 800-ACS-2345 for more information.
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Breast Friends is a U.S.-based organization founded by two women who survived breast cancer. The Breast Friends Hat Project serves women experiencing hair loss due to active treatment with chemotherapy. They cater to women with breast, ovarian, or gynecological cancer and offer over 500 free hats yearly. Explore their website for more valuable resources.
Knots of Love was founded in 2007 and provides 100% free handmade beanies, lovingly created by more than 15,000 volunteers. They currently offer more than 4,000 free beanies and blankets per month.
Several websites provide step-by-step directions on how to choose and wear a headscarf.
Retreats
Casting for Recovery: Offers free fly fishing retreats in several U.S. regions for women facing breast cancer.
Camp Kesem: A nationwide camp that offers free camping experiences for children affected by a parent’s cancer diagnosis.
Housecleaning
Cleaning with a Reason: An organization that provides up to two free housecleaning visits for people living with cancer - where services are available.
Legal Assistance
Cancer Legal Resource Center
National Cancer Legal Services Network
Airline Flights
There are options for free flights when traveling to receive cancer treatment.
Giving Back
Whether it’s donating your headgear, volunteering at a local oncology clinic, or teaching women how to paint on eyebrows - your chance to give back will come around. You, too, will be someone’s helping hand one day.
Summary
Many types of chemotherapy cause hair thinning or complete hair loss. Wearing headgear such as wigs, hats, caps, and/or scarves is a creative way to camouflage and protect a bare scalp. Several organizations provide free headgear for those undergoing active cancer treatment. In addition, numerous companies offer free services that help improve the quality of life for cancer patients.
A Word From Verywell
Chemotherapy does not just affect the hair on your head. Hair loss can be widespread, affecting body hair (arm, leg, and pubic), eyebrows, and eyelashes. Hair often falls out sporadically or in clumps. Many women allow their hair to fall out naturally while others shave their heads immediately. Doing what feels best to you is essential.
