Everything You Need to Know About Using a Wig for Alopecia

If you have hair loss from alopecia, you may be thinking about using a wig. That decision is a personal one. You don’t need a wig to be beautiful, strong, and confident, but for some people, hair loss can be deeply troubling.

“Our hair is our identity,” says Suzanne Chimera, cofounder of Hair We Share, a charity based in Long Island, New York, that provides free wigs made of human hair to people with medical hair loss. “When somebody starts to lose their hair, they [may] feel like they’re losing their identity.” Plus, wearing a wig may help you feel like you can go out in public while still looking like yourself.

If you decide to wear a wig, here’s everything you need to know about shopping for one, including what to look for, where to find it, and how to use it.

• Full Wigs This is your best choice for extensive hair loss, as it covers your entire head.
• 3/4 or Partial Wigs These cover localized areas of hair loss and may be better suited for people with less extensive alopecia.
• Toppers If your hair has thinned on the top of your scalp only, you can consider this type of hairpiece, which covers your crown only, rather than your whole head, Chimera says.
• Halo Wigs Worn with a hat, halo wigs are open on the top for breathability, with hair only on the sides.
• Bangs Attachments These can be worn with hats, scarves, or turbans to add hair over your forehead.
• Weaves If you have some hair to support hairpieces, strands can be woven into your existing hair to enhance what grows naturally. Weaves can be left in for several weeks, regardless of activity.

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Chimera works with human hair about 90 percent of the time. Not only is it lighter for the wearer, but it also delivers a more natural appearance, she says. Plus, “Human hair is more pliable, so the style can be changed more easily,” she says.

If you need help deciding which wig is right for you, seek a professional who specializes in wigs (an Internet search should turn up some options near you). Consult them about the best type for you, the materials you might prefer, and how to care for your wig. “You have to go to somebody you feel comfortable with, who’s going to guide you through it,” says Chimera.

Wigs aren’t one size fits all. You want your wig to fit well, in a way that looks as natural as possible. It should also be comfortable and durable, Chimera says.

• Lace Front With a sheer lace panel on your forehead at your hairline, lace-front wigs blend more seamlessly with your skin and often clip in the back to stay in place.
• Full Lace Instead of just a front lace panel, these wigs come with a full lace cap that you place over your whole head, giving you more versatility in styling options.
• Monofilament These wigs use a breathable mesh material, rather than lace, throughout the wig cap. The material can more closely mimic the appearance of your natural scalp, leading to a more realistic look in different styles.
• Hand-Tied Lightweight, breathable, and natural looking, hand-tied wigs are handmade by tying individual hairs or fibers to the cap instead of manufacturing them by machine.

• Wigs for Kids
• Locks of Love
• Hair We Share
• Children With Hair Loss

When it comes to paying for your wig, support from your insurance company will vary, says Chimera. Some may only cover a wig once in your lifetime or pay for the least expensive option. Others will only cover a wig if your claim is submitted for a “cranial prosthetic,” she adds.

For the most comfortable fit and natural appearance, follow these tips from Chimera:

• Position the front of the wig at or just below your hairline, so it doesn’t slip.
• If your wig has ear tabs, position those in front of your ears at your temples.
• The back of your wig should sit just under the back of your head, not all the way down to the nape of your neck.
• Use the adjustable straps to make the wig snug but not uncomfortably tight.
• If your wig has small metal “stays” at your temples and the back corners, gently press and bend these wires to fit the contours of your head.
• If you have any irritation, rubbing, or slippage, consider buying a velvet wig grip band.
• Use the attached combs on your wig if you’re securing it to existing hair.

• There are several types of wigs to choose from, depending on the extent of hair loss and your personal preferences. Working with a professional can help ensure you get a comfortable, durable wig that meets your needs.
• Costs for wigs can vary, and insurance may not always cover them for alopecia. There are charitable organizations that provide wigs free of charge.
• Follow the wear and care instructions that come with your wig for optimum comfort and durability.