If you're experiencing human hair for black women as a result of your breast cancer treatment, which may include chemotherapy, whole brain radiation, or tamoxifen, you might be interested in trying on a wig.

Wigs can conceal hair loss and, depending on the style, length, and color you choose, can help you look more like you did before treatment or give you a completely different appearance. They can also shield your scalp from the sun and cold air.

Many women find that wearing a wig helps them maintain a sense of normalcy and consistency while undergoing cancer treatment. A wig can also provide some privacy in that it may prevent people from asking questions about your appearance or diagnosis as a result of your wearing it. Some people enjoy experimenting with and having fun with different wig styles and colors, while others prefer to alternate between wearing a wig and other head coverings, such as hats, turbans, or scarves.

Not sure if a wig is right for you or where to begin your search for one? On this page, you can learn about where to buy a wig or where to get one for free, how to choose a wig that is right for you, how to care for a wig, and other topics.

In a wig shop, to be exact. Breast cancer organizations, your hospital's cancer center, or human hair for black women may be able to provide you with recommendations for local wig shops or specialists. Some wig specialists will come to your home to give you more privacy.

It is possible to order online. You can purchase a wig online, just like you can for almost anything else these days. Online retailers offer a large selection of wigs in a variety of colors, lengths, and styles. Some companies provide consultations over the phone or via email to assist you in finding the right style for you. This can also be a good option if you prefer a little more privacy when it comes to choosing your wig.
By way of a charitable program. Instead of shopping for a wig (and possibly receiving reimbursement for some or all of the cost through your health insurance company), you may want to consider receiving a wig for free through programs run by the wholesale hair factory in China Cancer Society or other nonprofit organizations (see the section below titled "Covering the cost of a wig" for more information).

Wherever you decide to shop for a wig, be sure to inquire about the store's return and exchange policies ahead of time. You may want to try on several wigs at home and return some of them, or you may decide after trying on a few that you do not want to wear a wig at all. As a result, knowing whether or not there will be restocking fees or other limitations on returns is beneficial.

Providing for the cost of a wig
If your doctor writes a prescription for a wig, many health insurance companies will cover a portion or the entire cost of the wig. After all, a wig is a treatment for a treatment side effect, just as important as the medication you take to treat nausea. If you want to try to get your insurance to pay for your wig, here are the steps you should take:

If you have a standard synthetic wig, keep it away from sources of extreme heat, such as an oven, grill, outdoor heater, or an open flame, because it may melt. In most cases, you should avoid using heated styling tools or a hairdryer on a synthetic wig unless the wig is labeled as "heat friendly" or "heat defiant."
If you need assistance with styling, shaping, or cleaning your wig, you can take it to a specialty hairdresser.

When you are not wearing your wig, keep it on a wig stand in a room that receives as little sunlight, heat, moisture, and dust as possible. You can make your own wig stand out of two 64-ounce plastic soda bottles. Cut them in half, discard the tops, face the cut edges of the bottoms together, and force one inside the other to form a football-shaped stand.