Wigs
We understand that for so many people just the thought of losing your hair may be a very difficult and emotional time. If you are considering purchasing a wig the following information will hopefully be useful for you.
The Cancer Wellbeing and Information Centre has a small selection of ex-display and used wigs and head coverings/headscarves – these are available for patients to take in exchange for a small donation to the Centre.
Treatment for cancer can cause hair loss. In this video, Amanda visits TrendCo to choose a wig, which renowned stylist and founder of My New Hair, Trevor Sorbie MBE, styles for her.
Further information from Macmillan Cancer Support about ‘wigs for cancer treatment’ accessible here.
Cancer Hair Care
Cancer Hair Care are the only charity in the UK who are dedicated to supporting people throughout their entire hair loss journey. They offer free, expert advice and support on all aspects of hair loss, hair loss prevention (scalp cooling) and hair care before, during and after cancer treatments.
They have lots of helpful information and support on their website about hair loss and wigs, including information about budgeting and paying for a wig. Whether you qualify for some help towards the cost of a wig from the NHS, decide to pay privately or perhaps have private health insurance, everyone will need to consider the full costs of a wig including care and accessory items.
Futher info:
Click here for info on ‘budgeting and paying for a wig’.
Click here for specific information about NHS wig suppliers, the referral process and details of eligibility for help with costs.
Click here for info about ‘finding a good wig supplier’.
Click here for general wig advice (such as getting a good fit, different types of wigs, choosing wig colours and how to put wigs on etc).
Wigs and fabric supports on the NHS
Wigs and fabric supports are available on the NHS, but you will be charged for them unless you qualify for help with charges. If you qualify for help, you can you can ask one of the nurses in the Chemotherapy Day Unit (Collingwood Centre) for a voucher.
NHS wigs and fabric supports costs
stock modacrylic wig – £80.15
partial human hair wig – £212.35
full bespoke human hair wig – £310.55
Who's entitled to free wigs and fabric supports?
You can get free wigs and fabric supports if you are:
under 16
16 to 18 and in full-time education
a hospital inpatient
a war pensioner and the wig or fabric support is for your accepted disablement and you have a valid war pension exemption certificate
You can also get free wigs and fabric support if you or your partner (including civil partner) receive, or you're under the age of 20 and the dependant of someone receiving:
Income-related Employment and Support Allowance
Pension Credit Guarantee Credit
Universal Credit and meet the criteria (you can use the NHS Business Services Authority website to check if you can get help with health costs)
You can also get free wigs and fabric support if you're entitled to or named on a valid NHS certificate for full help with health costs (HC2) – people named on an NHS certificate for partial help with health costs (HC3) may also get help.
Our Trusted Suppliers
If you are entitled to support with wigs/headwear, we use the below stockists. After receiving your voucher, please contact your chosen supplier from the list below to arrange an appointment.
If you are not in receipt of financial support you can still use the trusted suppliers to obtain a wig or headwear but this will be self–funded.
Frobisher’s Wigs and Headwear Specialist
23 St Helens Street, Ipswich, IP4 IHH
tel: 01473 254156 | email: info@frobishers.co.uk |
website: www.frobisherswigs.co.uk
Laurence Koenick at Ipswich Hair & Beauty Supplies (specialising in black and ethnic wigs)
Premises at Colchester and Ipswich
tel: 01473 288587 | email: nu-tends@hotmail.com | email: ipswichhb@outlook.com
Rosemary Kalu Bespoke Headwear and Turbans
Colchester
tel: 07502 272498 | email: ollykalu@yahoo.co.uk
Stephen John Hairdresser and Wig specialist
1 Lawson Place, Moreton Hall, Bury St Edmunds, IP32 7EW
tel: 01284 700100 | email: info@stephen-john.co.uk
Other suppliers
Whilst we cannot specifically recommend the suppliers below, some patients have suggested the following companies have been useful.
Afro-Caribbean wigs: Revelation Hair and Beauty
33 Norwich Road, Ipswich. Tel: 01473 225 555
Please call as there is no website.
Donating hair - Little Princess Trust
If you have long hair, you may wish to donate your hair to a charity who makes wigs free of charge for children and young adults up to the age of 24, who have lost their hair because of cancer treatment.
The minimum hair donation length is 7 inches/17cm
Tel: 0845 094 2169
