“What will happen to my hair during chemotherapy?” The moment you learn that you may lose it, the next question follows quickly: “Should I wear a wig or scarves?” It’s not an easy decision, especially if you’ve never faced hair loss before. Our advice: follow your intuition and choose what you want — not what others think you should do. And if you want to weigh the pros and cons, keep these points in mind.
Wig During Chemo: The Advantages
A beautiful, natural-looking wig in the right color and shape can help you “hide” your illness — or better said, make it less visible to others.
Wig During Chemo: The Disadvantages
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A good-quality, comfortable, natural-looking wig can be quite expensive — often several hundred euros.
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With a wig, you look more or less the same every day, unless you buy several and like to switch things up.
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Wigs require specific maintenance (ask for advice at your wig store!).
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Some wearers report their wig feeling warm or itchy, so make sure you get proper guidance when choosing a wig.
Chemo Headscarves & Caps: The Advantages
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Chemo scarves and caps are relatively affordable: expect €22–45 for a comfortable, high-quality chemo hat without irritating seams.
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They come in countless colors and styles, so you can switch often and match your outfit.
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They are easy to care for — most can simply go in the washing machine.
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After treatment, you can keep wearing them as a fashion accessory or for sun protection.
Valérie didn’t hesitate long between scarves or a wig. Watch the video…
Headwear After Chemo: The Disadvantages
Choosing a scarf or cap also means choosing not to hide your illness from the outside world. Tip: pair your headwear with matching earrings, a necklace, scarf, or brooch for a more fashion-forward look.
Wig or Chemo Scarf: Don’t Wait Too Long to Go Shopping
Whether you choose a wig or scarves, here’s one golden rule: don’t wait until your hair starts falling out to look for the style that suits you best.
Buy your wig or your scarves and caps before you start chemotherapy. It gives you time to get used to them — and eliminates one worry from your mind.
If you opt for a wig, also pick up a few soft chemo caps or scarves to wear at home or to switch things up when you’re tired of your wig. Taking a nap or relaxing on the couch often feels much more comfortable with a soft fabric on your head than with a wig you want to keep neatly in shape.
