Guide to Wigs, Prosthetics, and Appearance Support
How to Find Resources That Help You Feel Like Yourself During Treatment
The physical changes that come with cancer treatment—hair loss, scars, weight fluctuations—can have a profound impact on your self-image. It can feel like you're losing a part of yourself. As a survivor, I remember looking in the mirror and not recognizing the person staring back.
But there are incredible resources designed to help you navigate these changes and feel more like yourself again. From free wigs to expert workshops, this support is an essential part of caring for your whole person. This guide serves as your map to discovering and utilizing confidence-boosting resources.
Quick Guide: Your Appearance Support Action Plan
* Ask Your Doctor for a Prescription. For hair loss, ask your oncologist for a prescription for a "cranial prosthesis." This is the medical term for a wig, and having a prescription may help you get reimbursed by your health insurance. * Call the American Cancer Society (ACS). Dial 1-800-227-2345 to find the nearest location for their free wig program. * Sign Up for a Free Workshop. The Look Good Feel Better program offers free, expert-led workshops on managing skin changes, hair loss, and makeup techniques during treatment.
Find a Certified Fitter for Prosthetics. If you need post-surgical items like breast prosthetics or special bras, it's crucial to work with a certified fitter. Ask your surgeon's office for a referral to ensure comfort and proper fit
Why Appearance Support is an Important Part of Healing
Caring for your appearance during treatment is not about vanity; it's a powerful form of self-care.
It Helps Restore a Sense of Normalcy. For many people, tools like wigs or skills learned in a makeup workshop help restore a sense of identity that feels separate from being a "patient."
It Boosts Confidence. Feeling good about your appearance can significantly boost your self-esteem and make it easier to stay socially connected with friends and family, especially during times of isolation.
It Provides Physical Comfort. Post-surgical items like prosthetics and specially designed camisoles are created for physical comfort and can help you feel more balanced and at ease in your body after surgery.
It Empowers You with New Skills. Workshops provide practical, expert-led guidance on managing the very real cosmetic side effects of treatment, giving you a sense of control.
Step 1: Accessing Free Wigs and Head Coverings
Hair loss is one of the most visible and emotionally challenging side effects of chemotherapy. Several programs exist to help.
American Cancer Society (ACS) Wig Program
The ACS provides free, new wigs to patients experiencing hair loss from cancer treatment.
How to Access: Call the ACS helpline at 1-800-227-2345 to find a local chapter, cancer center, or wig bank near you that participates in this program.
Local Wig Banks
Many local cancer charities, hospitals, and community centers operate "wig banks" where they offer new or gently used and sanitized wigs for free or at a low cost.
How to Access: Your oncology social worker or nurse navigator is the best person to ask for a list of local wig banks in your area.
Step 2: Learn New Skills at a Look Good Feel Better Workshop
This remarkable program is dedicated to helping people with cancer manage the appearance-related side effects of their treatment.
What It Is: Free, 2-hour workshops—offered both in-person and virtually—led by trained cosmetologists who teach you about skincare, makeup application, and ways to deal with hair loss.
How to Access: Visit the Look Good Feel Better website to find and register for an upcoming workshop.
Survivor Tip: It's okay to grieve the physical changes you're experiencing. These losses are real. Connecting with your social worker or a cancer support group can provide a safe space to talk about these feelings. Your emotions are valid, and you don't have to process them alone.
A Final Word: Reclaiming Your Sense of Self
The physical effects of cancer treatment can temporarily change how you look, but they don't have to change who you are. Accessing appearance support resources is a powerful way to look in the mirror and see you again—not just a patient. It is an act of self-love and resilience that can make a world of difference on your healing journey.
Need Help Finding Appearance Support Resources?
Finding a local wig bank, getting a referral to a certified fitter, or simply knowing where to start can feel like another item on an already overwhelming to-do list. Evolvve Health can provide the steady support you need to find these resources.
Talk: Book a free initial consultation to discuss your needs in a safe and supportive space.
Map: We'll create a personalized map of every appearance support resource available in your area, from free wig programs to specialized fitters.
Activate: We will help you connect with these programs, so you can access the tools and support you need to feel confident and whole during treatment.
This article is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice.
Related Topics: free wigs for cancer patients, Look Good Feel Better, cranial prosthesis for chemotherapy, appearance support for cancer, hair loss from chemo, breast prosthesis, post-mastectomy products.
