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I’m sitting in the infusion room getting what will hopefully be my 6th and final chemo treatment as I write this. So Meta, right?
One of my biggest struggles since undergoing Chemotherapy for Ovarian Cancer has been seeing myself get weaker, increasingly hairless, and looking sickly all the time.
When I wake up and look in the mirror, the person I see doesn’t look like me.
Of course, the side effects from treatment for this disease are dreadful (and thankfully lessened with myriad medications).
But feeling the loss of my identity as an at least kind of cute girl with a unique style just adds insult to injury. And man…my body feels injured enough already. Why does my self-esteem have to take a hit as well?
Finally, after weeks of self-pity, I had a thought that changed how I felt about my appearance as I progressed through cancer treatment.
If I can’t feel pretty right now, I can at least feel fabulous.
Read that again, please.
Chemo Headwear: Bald vs. Scarves vs. Hats vs. Wigs…Which is best?
Bald is Beautiful!
Ten years ago I shaved my head for a charity that raises funds for childhood cancer research, and I really liked how I looked bald. I ended up shaving the growing stubble a couple of times before growing my hair out again. Some may remember I was bald when I first started this blog!
A photographer friend of mine shot a few awesome pics of my ‘do (or lackthereof).
Back to the present!
When my hair started falling out in clumps after my first chemo treatment, I buzzed my hair waaaaay down.
After putting on makeup, accessories, and a bold bright outfit, I began to like my shaved head again this go-round, even if it wasn’t my choice.
I mean, sure…my skin wasn’t looking its best, and I looked and felt pretty tired, but I felt confident with my new look, unplanned though it was, and a few friends even told me I looked like a badass.
If you’re rocking the bald look during your chemo treatment, I recommend taking the same bold, bright, and/or dramatic approach to your outfits. Why not break out those huge earrings you never wear & a chunky necklace?
Scarves are Smashing…and VERY affordable!
I own approximately 100 scarves, friends. I inherited most of these from my grandmother, and have thrifted most of the rest. They rarely cost more than $1.
As more and more of my head stubble started falling out, my scalp was patchy-looking and very tender.
This meant I couldn’t just shave my buzz cut down to the scalp (It would’ve been too painful). But I still wanted to be comfortable and cute!
My scarf collection came to the rescue!
The soft fabric of my scarves was cool and comfortable, even on warm days. My newly-sensitive scalp didn’t hurt at all while I wore them. Plus, they kept the sun off my head.
For warm-to-hot weather, headscarves are a great option!
I recommend pairing your bright and pretty headscarves with equally bold and stylish vintage dresses!
There are so many fun pairings your can come up with!
I felt super put-together in my scarf & dress combos and they really made me feel more confident and happy with my appearance.
I pretended I was an eccentric gallery owner as I walked down the street in my artfully-curated ensembles.
Hats…because that bald noggin gets ccccccold!
I loved my scarves, but as the seasons changed and the weather got cooler, they just didn’t do enough to keep my head warm. :/
I opted for hat styles that I already enjoyed wearing, rather than cloches or more structured hats (which I don’t think good on me). It’s been really important for me to feel like I’m making style choices I would go for even if I weren’t sick.
Berets have been my favorite hat style during chemo treatment!
I only owned a couple of these pre-treatment, so I went ahead and ordered a big multipack of berets from Amazon.
Now I have a hat for just about any outfit I could think of, including my refashioned deconstructed sweater in the above pic, and this dress I gave puff sleeves & decorative stitching!
I’ve also been enjoying slouchy knit hats like this one, especially when I’m just hanging out at home in sweats.
This lightweight knit slouchy hat comes in lots of colors, too!
Wigs: The Good, the Bad, & the Expensive
When I met with a nurse at my oncology center before I started chemotherapy, she advised me to go ahead and buy a wig before my hair fell out if I wanted to wear one.
If I wanted to wear one? I’m a former theatre major! Of course I wanted to wear one!
Fast forward to now:
I am now the owner of several wigs.
At first, I thought I would like longer wigs best.
My bio hair is naturally coarse and very thick. It takes forever to style when it’s long and I have to get regular keratin treatments to keep it looking presentable.
But wigs have none of those problems! Since I only bought wigs with synthetic fibers, the styles are basically baked into place, so there’s not much styling required.
While I used to spend upwards of 40 minutes styling my hair, now I can look coiffed in five!
Unfortunately, most of my time wearing these was spent swiping polyester hair off my face. They also tangle in the back very easily.
They don’t last very long either. You might get three months of wear out of a longer wig if you wear it regularly. That’s not many wears for the steep price!
Why I think Short Wigs are better, especially for chemo patients:
The pixie wig below absolutely ROCKED MY WORLD. I LOVE her.
I’ve had short hair before, so I feel very comfortable in short hairstyles.
In my opinion short wigs look more natural, are way more comfortable (not so much hair in your face), and last MUCH longer than longer wig styles, as the fibers don’t rub against your clothing and get all tangled and worn out.
Also, It’s much easier to navigate wearing a mask with short wigs. Especially when you’re like me and are probably wearing earrings and sunglasses too (so many cranial accessories!).
The biggest drawback of wigs is that they are expensive. They can also be scratchy and uncomfortable, even with a wig cap. You really have to try them on to tell if you’ll like them. I discovered I prefer to only wear them occasionally to help them last longer and because other options are much more comfortable.
Wigs with hand-tied monofilament caps cost around $400 and up (unless you find a good sale), but they look more natural as the fibers part and move like they would if they were growing out of your scalp.
You can find a decent open weft cap wig (with a fixed part) for $80-150. They won’t move the same way hand-tied wigs do, and you can’t control the part, but for some styles that’s really not much of an issue.
I bought the wigs you see here from Wigs.com and Wigoutlet.com (less pricey option). They both have excellent return policies, so you can try on a wig and then return it if you don’t like it (which I’ve done several times).
They’re not paying me for this post, and I don’t get a commission for any wig sales referred by this post, so you can trust me. 😉
But what’s my favorite headwear while I’m going through chemotherapy? Bald (aka no headwear)? Scarf? Hat? Or Wig?
The answer is I have no answer. I feel like each one has had its place in my cancer journey.
- Going bald can feel empowering! It feels great to walk out into the world with no hair to hide behind and just let your unique beauty, personality, and style shine. Just make sure to wear sunscreen if you’re outside or your scalp will burn!
- Scarves are effortlessly classy & bohemian. They can elevate any look while still keeping my sensitive scalp happy.
- Hats are like a cozy pair of sweatpants…great for warmth (duh), but can also give an outfit an artsy sophisticated look.
- If hats are like sweatpants, Wigs are like fun party dresses or a nice pair of high heels.
They’re not the most comfortable option, but they’re fun! You can try a totally different look (I assign a different name and personality to each of my wigs). Or you can get at least somewhat close to how your hair looked pre-treatment (which can be comforting).
Another thing to keep in mind is that wigs are hot, and not in that early aughts Paris Hilton kinda way. Wigs with open weft caps let air flow through better those that are of the hand-tied monofilament variety. On a hot summer day, you might want to opt for a pretty sun hat, a scarf, or your bald beautiful noggin!
I don’t recommend going on a wig buying spree while laying in bed in a chemo brain fog haze (like I did), but at least one wig might be fun to wear on occasion, even if you don’t wear it every day (I don’t.).
Coping with cancer treatment is hard. You are under no obligation whatsoever to get dolled up if you don’t feel like it.
Strength is beautiful, and whether you’re going through chemo or any other rough patch in your life, keep in mind that’s it’s more than okay to just hang out sans makeup in ratty pajamas (what I do most of the time).
But sometimes, on good days, I go to my closet and pick out something special that makes that day just a little better.
Cheers!
Do you have experience with hair loss? Which look (or is there another not mentioned here?) do you prefer for your own personal style?
Post it in the comments!
Your fabulous personality is reflected in your look! I’m just about to begin my journey through chemo, and your positivity lifted my spirit today. Thank you for the tips!
So glad you are feeling better after going through your diagnosis and treatments. You look absolutely adorable in all your styles!
When I 1st started checking out your blog posts (randomly & out of order) I enjoyed seeing what you would choose to remake an outfit into because I have been doing this for years. I had no idea you would enter my world of hair loss!
I have the best & worst of hair loss. Mine is best because it is not the result of any disease my doctor can find—it’s just hair loss. It’s the worst because mine, unlike that of a chemo patient, is permanent! I had assumed it was alopecia & would grow back, that is, until my wonderfully gentle & sensitive doctor (can you hear the sarcasm?) shrugged his shoulders and said abruptly that if it had been gone for a year my hair follicles were dead & my hair was never coming back!
It was a terrible shock & I cried for awhile, but one thing I never allowed my hair loss to do was keep me at home & away from people. In any situation you find out people are all over the spectrum from caring & kind to simply curious to just plain rude. That’s on them. I don’t worry about people’s reactions. Since I have been dealing with this reality for 15 years now, I have had time to adjust to life without hair. This has given me many opportunities to interact with (& help, I hope) many women who lose their hair through chemo.
It is a constant challenge to figure out what to wear on my head. I have found the most difficult time in when it’s hot. I created a pattern for myself & now can turn them out quickly for my local cancer center (yes, sew-ers, you can make easy chemo caps for your local centers as a way to help), as well. I take old t-shirts (unfortunately, I don’t have any $1 thrift options in my area, but if you put the word out to friends, people are always getting rids of them). I use the hem of the shirt as the hem of the cap. Just figure out how big it should be, cut a curved edge & sew. I sew gathers along the seam or tucks to take in extra fabric.
I pray your cancer does not return & your strength & positive attitude will encourage many others.
You are BEAUTIFUL inside and out! You are an amazing and strong person! We love you with or without wig, and the black and white photograph of you is STUNNING, Continually praying for your complete recovery.
You are the best . Thank you for sharing because you are definitely helping others and are inspiring all of us!
Thanks for sharing your journey. You are fabulous bald, with a scarf or with a wig. Love your styles and blog.
I have stress-induced hair loss. Making up my face and wearing a cute outfit are a huge improvement in how I feel when I look in the mirror. Also, nice big earrings tor necklaces. I can’t really deal with earrings right now, with my headscarf, mask, and reading glass all fighting over my ears, so I made the switch to necklaces. I dont wear wigs bc I think they’re hot and itchy. I wear a head scarf to leave the house (I have a YUGE collection) for style and sun protection. The all-cotton ones are supposed to be the best bc they don’t heat up like polyester does. I just ordered some beautiful block-printed ones from India 10 for $50. Also I have been upcycling knit garments into slouchy beanies to wear around the house and to bed. I’ve gotten really good at sewing them. And I like that I can pull them down over my eyes to block light too. My husband gets up at zero dark thirty. May God bless you and heal you in 2021.
Been there, done that 21 years ago, BUT….. never, ever rocked the look like you! You are beautiful! . You go girl! ❤️
Wonderful looks and uplifting advice. Hoping the New Year brings you joy and healin.
So much excellent information! And you rock all the looks beautiful one! Hugs and so many good wishes to you Jill, on this New Year’s Eve.
The MOST IMPRESSIVE little thing I know!! You are and inspiration to one and all !! Be blessed little one, because your persona has blessed each one that reads your blog. Merry Christmas to you and the Mister.
Thanks for sharing your journey! I had a brain operation 15 years ago to remove some damaged tissue that caused my epilepsy to overtake me. I just told people I had too many brain cells and the doctor needed to remove some so my brain didn’t overflow. After all, if people are going to be spreading rumors, you may as well be the one creating them, right? Before the surgery, the doctor gave me a choice for the fate of my hair: either I could have a mohawk, or they could shave it all off. I chose the later, as the only thing I could think of with the mohawk at the time was I was going to have to dye my hair a funky shade of green, and that didn’t appeal to me in the least (don’t judge too harshly . . . this was moments before they were going to cut open my head. I wasn’t in the right mind frame to think logically). When I awoke from the surgery, I felt like the bride of Frankenstein. I had over 50 stitches and multiple staples covering my head in a strange pattern on both sides of my head. As an open wound usually is, I found it to be very itchy. Wearing any head covering usually exemplified the itchiness. I had my surgery done in the dead of winter. In central MN, the weather was very chilly. So bundling up with a winter cap and scarf around the neck was usually my fashion going out. Fortunately for me, my hair is very thick and grows very quickly- at least I think so. Within a month, I already had a half of an inch of dark brown hair that was very fuzzy. This hid the scars well enough for me to feel confident going out without any covering. I found that attitude and heavy support from friends and family meant everything to me during that time. Praying for you. For peace of mind, to have comfort for both you and your family. God bless!
15 years ago losing my hair to breast cancer was devastating. I bought a wig that looked a lot like my real hair and wore it at school (speech therapist) when working with students or in meetings so I didn’t distract. But it was so hot that I would peel it off in the parking lot as I was driving home every day.I also bought a wig in the midst of a chemo fog. It was a long layered wig. I never did wear it because and it made me look like Captain Jack Sparrow.
I wish I could paste a picture of me and my bald glory but the comment area won’t allow it.
I tried wearing scarves but I look like a veiled egg. I even tried gluing fake bangs to the front of the scarf but that just looked even weirder. So I ended up just going around bald. I would always carry a chemo cap with me in case I ended up inside with air-conditioning blowing on my head.
I’m curious to know how your hair will grow back. Mine, which formerly was kind of straight-wavy, grew back for the first six months kinky curly and gunmetal gray. (My natural color was medium brown.). For the first month or so it wouldn’t even take dye when I tried to dye it back to my chosen color of red. After six months it started growing straight-wavy again. Now my roots are all kind of a silvery gray and my hair is much thinner than it used to be. A really nice perk of the whole thing is that the hair never grew back on my legs or under my arms or somewhere else only grew back a tiny bit. So I don’t have to shave my leg my pets anymore.
Jillian you have been a Wonder Woman through all of this and you are stronger for having done it in the public eye. I hope someday I have a chance to meet you and we can share theater and sewing stories!
This is a fabulous post for anyone dealing with hair loss. There should be a link to it on any Coping with Cancer website. Very useful info. As for which look I prefer, you rock them all.
Wishing you a renewed good health and happiness in 2021.
Jillian you have truly been an inspiration in sharing your journey! I’ve loved following your blogs for years, your humor and style and the little tid bits of your personal life you’ve shared along the way. You are such a positive and beautiful soul!! Big virtual hugs 🙂
Jillian you look cute as a button in every style, every color. You need a job as a wig model! Praying for your complete healing. You are such an inspiration to everyone.
Hi Jillian, as cute as ever! We think well of you, love your candour in the face of these misfortunes and our affectionate thoughts are with you, There is a French site that can interest you because it offers pretty hairstyles that you can inspire: http://www.comptoir-de-vie.com.Receive lots of good waves and heal quickly is my prayer!
Hi Jillian, as cute as ever! We think well of you, love your candour in the face of these misfortunes and our affectionate thoughts are with you, There is a French site that can interest you because it offers pretty hairstyles that you can inspire: http://www.comptoir-de-vie.com
.Receive lots of good waves and heal quickly is my prayer! XXX de France.
Merry Christmas, Peace, Love and Happiness, for the future, be safe.
Thinking of yo today. i hope you and Mr. Refash have a wonderful Christmas. You could put a paper bag over your head and still look darling.
You look terrific in all the hats, wigs and scarves. I wish you and Mr. R. all the best for the new year. Your posts are always so much fun to read and creative!
I found the same issues with wigs as you. I’ve lost my hair to chemo twice, once in 2014 and in 2019. I preferred a wig when I didn’t want to draw attention, but casually I opted for the do-rags that bikers wear under helmets. I bought one, liked it, and sewed 3 more in different colors. I have assorted hats, including two that I made from thrifted sweaters. Another that I knitted looks like short hair, but I was tempted to knit others that looked like long spiral curls, braided locks, a hat with a giant spider on it, or the windy tubular brain look. Search them out, they are a real hoot! Around the house I didn’t bother with anything, unless my head was cold.God’s blessings on you and the mister.
Jillian, this is such a great post with so much good information! You are a treasure and loved by many. Have a Merry Christmas and a Healthy, Happy, and Successful 2021!!
You are so cute, cute, cute!!! I am glad to know this information, it helps me understand my friends that are going through chemo. I now have better gift ideas.
Jillian,
Please scroll back to the top and read K’s post again because she has taken all the words out of my mouth and I can not add anything because she even included the I love you. She said it all so perfectly ❤ May 2021 be better.
My sister loved the scarfs. They were comfortable and warm. Especially the ones that looked like a large turtle neck. She would put them on, then twist them on top and pulled the top part down over the first hat. So it would be double. It looked great especially when the inside was a different colour than the outside. We also experimented with lots of different ways to wear a scarf. There are an enormous amount of video’s that show you how you can ware a scarf. We had lots of fun trying them out. And they looked great. I remember my neighbour never realised that she was bald. She thought that it was just a style she liked. And it did look great.Jeans, dark blue and white t-shirt. White blazer. White hat scarf and a dark blue scarf twisted into a cord around the white hat. Lovely bohemian
Thank you Jillian for sharing your thoughts with us, you always look wonderful and cute I both senses of the word, I wish you well and good health for 2020 xXx
I understand what you mean (although I haven’t done this) by stepping out bald and having a sense of freedom. Being an older, let’s say Rubenesc lady I have worked as a nude artists model for 20 years, realising that people look but don’t see has been a revaluation. Even people who have drawn me regularly over the years do not see me when I’m out and about. To realise I can dress for ME and not what might be expected of a 65 year old plump, short lady makes me mush happier. Yes people might comment, but then they are commenting on the clothes, not me and I’m not forcing them to wear what I choose to. have as wonderful Christmas and New Year as this strange time allows xXx
Thank you for sharing your experiences with wigs and such. You look great in all the options!
Merry Christmas our beloved Jillian. May the New Year bring complete healing to you and joy, love and peace to you and Mr. Refashionista. Thank you for all your blogs this year. Even during this extremely hard time in your life you are brightening others days so incredibly much and teaching us how to respond with grace and strength when we find ourselves in unchosen circumstances that test us to our very core. I hope we, your followers can somehow brighten your days a little. Through all the blogs and sharing of yourself with us we have come to love and care about you and perhaps selfishly to need you here with us. I hope to look forward to many years of your The Refashionista and I remember years ago when I use to read your blog and you disappeared for a while, it left a hole in my heart. I missed you very much. I was heartbroken when I heard about your “Clyde” tumor and I have been praying for your complete healing ever since. Since learning about it, Ive gone from sadness to complete awe and inspiration of you as Ive continued to enjoy your refashions and read your blogs. You are an absolutely amazing, strong and beautiful person. God bless you Jillian, I am believing that God will completely heal you and allow you to continue to bless others with all that you do. Hugs to you! We love you!
I love your artsy unique style and you look fab in the hats and wigs but girl you are gorgeous bald ! You rock that look !
You are such an inspiration to all of us! God bless you and may you feel His presence as you make a complete recovery!
And may the Christmas season bring HOPE to you your heart, GRACE to your spirit, and PEACE to your life.
For the past 10 years or so I’ve struggled with chronic disease, which (along with menopause) has changed my look dramatically. Between the pandemic and just generally not finding my long, naturally curly hair (I’d let it be naturally curly for the first time in my adult life — my hair was girly, but did nothing for my face or look, which are not), one April day I just took a deep breath and shaved it all off. It was the first time I’d seen beauty in myself in a long time.
I have to honestly say that your blog pictures are always adorable and beautiful. I have long admired your creativity, your writing style, and your look — but have been reassured with every remake post since your diagnosis because you are somehow finding a way to still be you. That can seem impossible, on a bad day, when you’re fighting something that’s trying to get the better of you.
I can’t pull off the hats or the scarves. I live in Austin, Tx, though, and nobody seems to care that I’m a middle aged bald lady who walks around with no makeup 🙂 Plus: using bar soap on my head feels AWESOME.
This is kind of a book end for me. When I was young, groovy, thin and healthy, I also decided to shave my head one day and it changed my outlook on life in the best possible way. I did experiment with wigs at that time, and the first time I went to a restaurant with one of my ears accidentally tucked under the wig. Which perplexed some people. I can only imagine their confusion 🙂
Thank you so much for bringing your blog back; thank you for updating us on your life and for sharing this time of your life with us. Thank you for your remakes. And thank you most of all, in ways you may not really be able to appreciate, for sharing your unique humor and fashion remakes with us. You’ve been a regular joy and light throughout in a very dark year — and that makes you a pretty bright, shining light.
You look amazing in all your posts. Ho one would believe you are undergoing a huge battle. I wish you a successful finale to that battle and hopefully a ccomplete recovery in the New year. Merry Christmas. You rock!
Jillian,
I’ve been following you for a couple of years–actually went back to the very beginning to read all of your posts including the 365 day challenge–and commented occasionally on your amazing refashions. When you started blogging about Clyde the tumor and your treatment, I thought–wow, what an amazingly strong woman, what an inspiration. Little did I know how much I would need that inspiration. Today as you had your last treatment, I had my first. My diagnosis is lymphoma, which I just learned last week. It is somewhat advanced but treatable. Like you, I have a great support network with my husband of 25 years (we had planned an anniversary party in April that had to be postponed…) and wonderful family and friends. But it is your courage, spirit, style and sense of humor that I thought of first when I realized what I would be going through. I thank you so much for that. Wishing us both the best for 2021.
I love getting your posts. You are a remarkable woman!! You are so strong. I’m sure these posts are helping a lot of people. Praying the treatments work and this is the last you’ll have to have. 2021 will bring you health and happiness, I just can feel it!
You look spectacular in all of those styles. You have such a nice shaped head too! Thanks for all the information on wigs. Have a very Merry Christmas with Mr. Refashionista!!
Love this post you are the best!
I collect quotes and your line about feeling fabulous is going into my notebook (crediting you, of course). What an empowering thought! I have long admired your creativity, authenticity, and strength. You inspire in multiple ways. Keep up the good fight–we are pulling for you.
Thanks so much for sharing so much of yourself. You are wonderful.
I have marveled at how adorable you have continued to look in each of your posts even though I’m sure each day has its struggles and challenges. You are still the beautiful fashion maven we have always known.
When my mom went thru chemo she wore hats or just let her beautiful baldness show. She was a tower of strength during her 4 year battle with lung cancer. Sadly she lost her fight in January of this year. You look amazing no matter what you decide to wear. I think the berets are really cute tho and you should keep wearing them.
Jillian, thank you so much for being an inspiration for me and others as you navigate this journey. I love reading your posts they make my day better. I wish you well in the new year. Stay strong, stay awesome!
Fabulous post!!! I wore wigs and hats all the time. I didn’t feel confident enough to go bald except at home. But when I left the house to go to work I made sure I felt as fabulous as possible! Happy Holidays!
You are fabulous no matter what you wear or what you put (or don’t!) on your head! Love your fashion sense and thrifting and refashions. All my best healing vibes are directed your way – congratulations on completing your chemo course! Hoping 2021 is the happiest year yet for you and Mr. Refashionista (who is a peach, BTW).
You are so brave to share your energy. And I agree, you are fabulous!
A great review of all the options. That’s what fashion’s all about, isn’t it. Choose something that suits your mood, day, and the occasion. Your blog just opens so many doors and makes fashion available and fun in spite of budget, health issues, and anything else. Been praying for you and so happy to know you’re done with treatments!
Have to say, I was totally smitten with that color composition in the Height of Coziness shot. Color, scale, mood, era, and personal choices keep it so interesting. Your adventurous, courageous approach is empowering and energizing on many levels. Thank you for everything you share.
So glad the chemo treatments are over! You look spectacular no matter what headgear you are sporting! Hope your holidays are sweet and relaxed. And thanks for being an inspiration to so many people.
You look great in so many styles of wigs, long or short, even blonde looks good on you! )I don’t think just anybody could get away with that) I like the cosy berets as well. You might feel bad, but you never look bad.
I think I am glad I stumbled across your blog when I started sewing. I am glad to be able to enjoy your funny comments. I’m with everyone who has said you are adorable/cute/lovely regardless of which style option you have chosen during your journey! Now it’s winter, I’d probably choose a wig and beret for a French girl vibe, but I liked the idea someone mentioned about wearing a turban. I am so happy to hear that the chemo is over with, and wish you and the Mr. all good things.
great post!!! Congratulations on finishing #6! You are such an inspiration. it’s hard to go through what you’ve done, but you are so strong!
You look amazing! My only other tip to add us dont discount shower caps. There are amazing shower caps out these days that look like turbans and they are warm so great for winter. I lived in mine last year. Xxx all the best. So great you have made it through the chemo with such a positive outlook. Love reading about your updates.
Loved this post. I learned so much! Right now my hair is getting thin again. I think it’s from one or two of my medications plus its a side effect of Prolia. You look beautiful no matter what you wear! Thank you!
Congratulations on getting through Treatment #6! As soon as you shaved your head this fall, I thought of your older posts when it was shaved & how beautiful you look! That’s what I see in you, a willingness to share yourself with us in all your truth & helping us see the potential in ourselves. It’s a vision of expressing your creativity & artistry in a wonderful way! Have a lovely holiday season as you rest & recover with your Mr. Refashionista!
How lucky we are to have you in our world. I have never worn a wig but heaven knows, each of us is a work in progress. I do know several people who would gladly benefit from your hair and head covering suggestions. I think you are so incredible and hope that you gain strength back a little each day. We all hope for a better 2021 since this year just sucked!! You especially have much to look forward to now that your treatment has ended. I look forward to seeing each of your posts, but mostly…i look forward to reading your wisdom and perspective on how to cope when life throws you curveballs!! We have much to learn from you…keep the posts coming please and know that you are cherished!!
I recommend the Wrapunzel web site. They have an amazing array of products for covering your hair (or lack thereof). They got started as a source for religious Jewish ladies, but now they’re for everyone.
http://wrapunzel.com
If you want a waig, I think it’s better to buy one after you lose your hair as it won’t fit the same after your hair is gone. I found out that I have a petite head and couldn’t find a wig “off the rack” that fit so I didn’t get one. I couldn’t afford to buy a “normal-sized” wig, have it resized and hope I liked it as it couldn’t be returned after resizing. I just wore scarves and and bandanas and also had a “bangs” wig piece to make it look like I had hair under the scarf for the few times when I was out in a business setting. When I my hair started growing back, I completely had forgotten how to style it (oh, a hairdryer, frizz creme, pomade).
You rock!
My favorite on you is Tabu! So cute Love it.
You are absolutely amazing! Sharing your experience and teaching! I started reading your blog for the thrifting and refashioning (I love it!) but I wanted to support you when you got “the” diagnosis. I repeat “You are awesome”!
I have been dealing with hair loss for the 3rd time in 6 years – stress-related with deaths in the family. I lose half my hair each time, with this last time being the worst. I just ordered some new barrettes and bobby pins online, from France Luxe, as my hair is coming in much curlier this time, and is about 4-5 inches long now, while the rest of my hair is waist-length. I also dealt with body changes after my last round of reconstruction surgery for breast cancer – had to buy all new bras, and my shirts fit differently. I love your idea of wearing what you feel beautiful in, on a bad day, and I’m getting inspired to find a way to wear my older clothes differently, or change them up! So thank you for all you do, even when you can’t do much, just your smile and your willingness to put yourself out there helps!
You are Brave, Beautiful, and Bad Ass! I wish you all the Best. I’ve enjoyed your blog journey for a decade now. I love your style and so look forward to seeing what you come up with next. All those shoulder pads, LOL!
You were bald when I started reading your blog—I can’t believe it’s been 10 years! Congrats on finishing chemo!!! You’re a hero!
Love love love you and all your posts
With your beautiful eyes and eyebrows you can rock anything, but I do think I like the almost bald look the best! You are a force of nature girl! Keep up the positive thoughts, remember, we’re all in your corner!
Glad the chemo is behind you! Hoping for a better year ahead!
Oh, wigs are fantastic and you look great in all of them. I don’t need them for medical reasons but, oh, do I need them, because, as you say-perfect hair in 5 minutes. I get all of mine from Heather at Cysterwigs. You’re a Superwoman for making it through those 6 treatments. I‘be read you for years but don’t think I’ve ever commented.
I had a brain tumor when I was four, and needed my head shaved before having surgery. Four year old me was devastated. My mom convinced me to chop it off with the promise that once it grew back, I could style it à la Cyndi Lauper (my hero!). Spoiler alert- I didn’t get to dye it! But my mom did convince the doctors to shave only half my head, which gave me some major pop star vibes. Even with a big scar, I felt pretty cool.
All the styles you shared are fabulous- thank you for being so candid about your experiences! Much love from WI 🙂
When I lost my hair during chemo, I originally was going to get a wig. I went to one wig store and then decided they weren’t for me. I wore cancer caps until my hair grew out a little and then nothing from there. You look great in all the looks. I agree, feeling fabulous can certainly help your self esteem.
Here’s the thing, you may not feel cute, but you ALWAYS look adorable, beautiful! *Hugs*
Love the sharing here, love the fashion.
You rock!
You are adorable in anything and everything ❣️
Fellow former theatre major here! WIGS ARE A BLAST- but also can be such a pain. I’ve had to wear long ones in several shows I’ve been in over the years- my naturally super-fine/thin hair doesn’t have a whole lot of stage presence on it’s own. The tangles, oh lord the tangles! And trying to keep it nice so the costume folks don’t hate you afterward??
In any case- I think I would be in the same boat as you when it comes to options. Why not change up the look every day? Why not customize it to your outfit/mood/daily schedule/event? Why not do something unexpected for others just because it makes you happy?
Sending you my thanks for all the inspiration and thrifting possibilities- and also cheers for your last chemo treatment!
I’m sharing this on all my pages. This blog should be viral. It’s so informative and you are amazing!
You would be adorable in a burlap sack, hair or not! Your wisdom is wonderful. Your advice regarding head gear could help many going through this. May Santa deliver your fondest wish…I think we all know what that is! May 2021 bring you health, happiness, and all of this in your rearview mirror. All the very best to you and yours. Merry Christmas and happy new year from southern Colorado! Hugs!
I think you look fabulous as a blond! Just stunning!
Beautiful looks and wonderful ideas for positive inspiration during a hard and terrifying time.
What do I think? I think you are freaking fabulous! Your wigs all look great, but your shaved head is beautiful too. I’m so happy that you know that we all love you for the cute quirky woman you ARE, regardless of what’s on your head, and I appreciate your candor while you go through this. Know that you’re getting good juju and healing vibes from everyone and keep being fabulous!
You rock all the looks!