Some people who lose all or most of their hair choose to wear turbans, scarves, caps, wigs, or hair pieces. Others leave their heads uncovered. Still others switch back and forth, depending on whether they are in public or at home with family and friends.

Here are tips to follow if you choose to cover your head with a wig or hairpiece:

• Shop for your wig or hairpiece before you lose a lot of hair so you can match your natural color, texture, and style.

• You may be able to buy a wig or hairpiece at a specialty shop just for cancer patients.

• A sales person may be able to come to your home to help you.

• You can get more tips or even buy a wig or hairpiece through our "tlc"™ catalog. Call us for a copy or visit the tlc Web site at www.tlcdirect.org.

• If you would prefer to borrow rather than buy a wig or hairpiece, call us or check with the social work department at your hospital.

If you need a hairpiece because of cancer treatment, it is a tax-deductible expense. It may also be at least partly covered by your health insurance. Be sure to check your policy, and ask your doctor to write a prescription for a"hair prosthesis."

Last Medical Review: 08/28/2008
Last Revised: 09/11/2008