Forum Discussion

janinaj's avatar
janinaj
Member
12 years ago

Can I make a wig from my own hair

Hi again,

Im set to start AC&T chemo on the 13th of January.  Im told that this one definitely results in hair loss so im expecting to lose my long bum length hair by the end of January.

Does anyone know whether your hair dies after it is cut off?  I was told that i would need to treat it with something before i could make it into a wig.

I was just going to try sew it into a stocking to put around my head, like a 'halo wig' to put under hats.  Has anyone else done this?  Does it work?  Do i need to treat it with something?

Or, perhaps can you recommend someone i shoudl speak too or somewhere I should go?

Im based in Cairns so Im guessing the options are limited, hence the stocking idea.

Thanks in advance,

Janina

10 Replies

  • janinaj's avatar
    janinaj
    Member
    12 years ago
    Hi Patricia and Mario, Yes it's possible. Annie posted this to me earlier (I made some hats with hair by sewing my hair into some lace and then into the hat but in the end I've preferred light scarves because it's too hot up here for anything heavy). But see below - A fact sheet developed by a BCNA member which explains how to create a head piece using your own hair is located on the BCNA hair loss webpage - www.bcna.org.au/new-diagnosis/treatment/chemotherapy/hair-loss. Best of luck lovely, Janina
  • mariorvd's avatar
    mariorvd
    Member
    12 years ago

    Hi 

    I need to know if you could make a wig with my wife's own hair She cut it before quimiotherapy, is long and lots of it.

    So can you make it or do you know where to get it done?

    We live in mid north coast near Coffs Harbour.

    Thanks

    Patricia & Mario

     

  • janinaj's avatar
    janinaj
    Member
    12 years ago

    Thanks Deb, yep, I don't have enough hair so I'm going to try and staple what I have into a hat and make it my hat hair instead :-) That was such a sweet story and your 11year old is so wonderful for doing that, Thank you for letting me know.  Best, Janina

  • janinaj's avatar
    janinaj
    Member
    12 years ago
    Thank you so much! Unfortunately I don't think I have enough hair to use :-(. I layered it a little while ago and then cut it short keeping the pony tail so I'm going to try duct tape it and staple that into a hat or something similar. But I really appreciate your wonderful offer. If I do find someone with similar hair willing to donate some extra I'll be back in contact :-) Best, Janina
  • janinaj's avatar
    janinaj
    Member
    12 years ago

    Thanks Cheryle, I'll give them a go.  Much appreciated. 

     

    Happy new year :-)

  • Cherylek's avatar
    Cherylek
    Member
    12 years ago
    Have you booked into the Look Good Feel Good workshop yet? Make up and wigs/scarves/hats are discussed. If the programme is run in Cairns you might be able to discuss your idea with the hairdresser who participates in the workshop. Or maybe you could contact one of the McGrath Foundation breast care nurses who may have some ideas. Best of luck, it's a good idea especially if you have really long hair and it can be reused in some way. Cheryle :)
  • Cherylek's avatar
    Cherylek
    Member
    12 years ago
    Have you booked into the Look Good Feel Good workshop yet? Make up and wigs/scarves/hats are discussed. If the programme is run in Cairns you might be able to discuss your idea with the hairdresser who participates in the workshop. Or maybe you could contact one of the McGrath Foundation breast care nurses who may have some ideas. Best of luck, it's a good idea especially if you have really long hair and it can be reused in some way. Cheryle :)