Wigs, cranial prostheses and head coverings

Hair loss is consistently rated among the most distressing effects of chemotherapy, and covering it is a supportive measure in its own right rather than a cosmetic afterthought. In England, synthetic and human-hair wigs are available on NHS prescription through hospital appliance departments with a charge per wig unless the patient is exempt (under 16, in full-time education under 19, on qualifying benefits, or holding an HC2 certificate), and are free in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland; Macmillan and Cancer Hair Care offer fitting advice and grants. In the United States, Medicare does not cover wigs but many private insurers reimburse a 'cranial prosthesis' or 'hair prosthesis' when prescribed with the diagnosis code for drug-induced alopecia, so the prescription wording matters; the American Cancer Society, local wig banks and Look Good Feel Better workshops supply free wigs and teach scarf tying and make-up for lost brows. Synthetic wigs are lighter and cheaper; human-hair wigs cost more and need styling. Fitting before hair falls out allows colour matching, and a soft cap liner protects a tender scalp. Scalp cooling, minoxidil and bimatoprost address the hair itself; wigs and coverings address the interval.