Wigs & Hairpieces
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Wigs & Hairpieces
May 2006
I've recently started chemo for breast cancer and am in need of a
good place to find a wig. Any recent recommendations in the East
Bay would be greatly appreciated
Thank you!
Having gone through chemo myself 2 years ago, I think if you're
looking for inexpensive yet stylish wigs, there is a large beauty
supply store called Beauty Supply Warehouse at 2601 Telegraph
Ave.They have one of the biggest selections I've seen. They have
both human hair and synthetic. I checked many, many stores and
ended up getting 4 wigs for changing looks throughout my
treatment. All of them were purchased at various beauty supply
stores. One other tip, I took my wigs to my regular hair stylist
and had her trim and thin it to fit my face a little better.
judy
I recognize that you're seeking recommendations in the East
Bay, but you may want to consider Wig Palace in San Mateo. The
women there are warm, nurturing, and wonderful and wholly
understand the trauma (and tears) associated with the purchase
of a wig due to impending hair loss from chemo. I failed to
recognize the importance of support when I shopped for a wig
for just such a purpose, and went there alone, but was
fortunate to find myself in their company.
Also, you'll want to shop for a wig while you still have your
hair (in other words, right away, as hair loss generally begins
before treatment #2) so that they can help assist you in color
and style matching, to the degree possible.
Best of luck to you during this difficult time.
Fellow survivor
This isn't exactly what you asked for but may I recommend Hats
of Hope at hatsofhope.com. I saw them on Oprah and liked what I
saw even though I haven't used them
Laura
Hi-
Hopefully this will be of help to you. I work at John Muir
Health and we have the following program. Best of luck to you!
THE WIG SOURCE--The John Muir Medical Center Walnut Creek
Auxiliary provides complimentary wigs to women and children
suffering hair loss due to medical treatment, such as
chemotherapy for cancer. Patients are eligible for this service
no matter where theyre being treated and can get help at the
Wig Source on the second and fourth Friday of each month from
9:30 a.m.1:30 p.m. To schedule an appointment,
call (925) 947-5328
:) smiley face
January 2003
I have a disease called Alopecia Areata, which is causing me to
lose all of the hair on my body. For example, I have no
eyebrows or eyelashes. I am looking for recommendations for
things that will help me deal cosmetically with the hair loss.
For example, I have looked for false eyelashes, but the only
kind I can find require me to attach the false lashes to my
current ones -- something I cannot do. I need eyelashes that
attach in some other way. In addition, I would like to deal
with the eyebrow loss through some other means that simply
penciling them in. I would also like to find a highly skilled
wig maker. I would greatly appreciate any recommendations people
have along these and other lines. Thanks so much.
I have found a wonderful resource for helping with hair loss on
your head. Charli has been working in her specialty for 20 years,
which is to make integration style wigs that have large spaces
through which your own hair is pulled to blend in, partial wigs
and regular wigs as well. She only comes up to Marin County (near
San Rafael) for one week out of every month; the rest of the time
she is in San Diego. Occasionally Dr. Dean Edell has talked with
her on his radio show. Apparently, women come from really far
away to get help from her. I have hired her to help me with my
alopecia, which is not as extreme as yours, but still has quite
an impact on my appearance and self-esteem. This high quality
service is not cheap -- I'm paying about $1800 for one hairpiece.
But there just aren't many options available for this problem
that cost less. ''Charli, A Hair Studio'' can be reached at
(888)680-4247. She probably can't help you with the other aspects
of your hair loss, but maybe she can recommend someone who can?
lkluger
November 2003
I've seen a lot of listings here for hair salons and haircuts,
but I'm searching for a really high quality place that can
create/fit a woman for a hairpiece or wig. Something natural-
looking. It's for a women over 60 experiencing hair thinning.
She can go anywhere in the Bay Area, but obviously eastbay
would be preferrable. There was a post recently asking for wig
recommendations for a cancer patient, but only one response was
posted (the requestor asked for direct email rather than posted
responses). Thanks very much!
A Trying-to-be-Helpful Daughter
Wig Palace in San Mateo. Huge selection (for young and old) and
reasonably priced. Staff is professional, knowledgeable, and,
critically, sensitive to the emotional side of hair loss. I
sobbed when I walked through their door to be fitted for a wig
4 years ago (prior to chemotherapy), and they took very good
care of me. A couple of recommendations: (1) Best to buy the
wig before your mother's hair thins significantly. That makes
it easier to match the wig to her current hair/hairstyle. (2)
If you can't find a perfect match, you can have the wig
cut/trimmed/styled at a salon.
Good luck.
June 2002
A friend of mine was just diagnosed with Stage III breast cancer
(she has three girls ages 1, 5, 8). She will begin aggressive
chemotherapy this week and needs to have a wig made. Any
recommendations of where to get a quality wig made? As her
need is a bit urgent, your direct response to my email would be
appreciated. Thanks.
Linda
I'm sure there are lots of places nearby, and this may be a
little farther afield than you were hoping for, but...
There is (or at least there WAS, back in 1999, when I interviewed
the owner) a funny little shop out in Alamo (through the
Caldecott) that was a real haven for women going through chemo.
I'm pretty sure it will still be there; it was something of an
institution. It's called House of Fashion Wigs, and it's run by a
wonderful woman named Mary Jane Jossey. It's stuck in a stripmall
between a Starbucks and a Yardbirds. Mary Jane has been in the
biz since 1959. She knows her stuff, she's very sensitive, and
she takes a lot of time with each client.
I wish your friend the greatest luck.
darcy
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