Wigs for cancer patients, chosen gently.

Scalp cooling, often called a cold cap, cools your scalp during chemotherapy so less of the drug reaches your hair follicles. Cancer Research UK says it can sometimes reduce hair loss, but only with certain drugs and not for everyone. It is not usually recommended for blood cancers such as leukaemia and lymphoma.

With Afro or textured hair, Cancer Research UK suggests removing braids, weaves or extensions first so the cap touches your scalp, and says you may need to wear it for longer. Ask your team whether your hospital offers scalp cooling and whether it suits your treatment.

A chemo wig is not a special kind of wig. It is any wig you wear during chemotherapy, chosen for a scalp that may feel tender or sore as your hair falls out (Macmillan). Comfort comes first.

• A soft liner. A thin cotton liner or wig stocking can stop the lining irritating your scalp (Cancer Research UK). It can make the wig move a little more, so try it at home first (Macmillan).
• No glue. Treatment can make skin very sensitive, so ask your doctor or nurse before using tape or sticky pads.
• An adjustable band. It keeps the fit right as your hair falls out. Our glueless wigs use a band and combs, and our headband wigs have no lace or glue.
• Less weight. A lighter density (our lightest is 150%) or a shorter style carries less hair, though Macmillan notes slightly longer styles can look more natural at the hairline.
• Full coverage. V-part and half wigs need some of your own hair left out, so they suit thinning rather than full hair loss.

Clips and combs need some of your own hair to grip (Macmillan), so after full hair loss the band does the work. Take your wig off at night and give your scalp some air.

Macmillan says Afro hair (type 4 coily) is naturally more fragile and more vulnerable to damage from chemotherapy. It suggests removing weaves, extensions and braids before treatment, as they put extra strain on the hair follicles (Macmillan).

Match the wig to how you usually wear your hair, not just how it grows. If you wear it pressed or blown out, kinky straight will look familiar. If you wear it natural, look at kinky curly for 3C to 4A curls or afro kinky for 4B to 4C coils. Our texture guide shows every match.

Macmillan says most NHS wig suppliers should have styles for people from any ethnic group, but you may need a specialist supplier or to look online, as Cancer Research UK also says. Ask about textured styles before your fitting. Cancer Hair Care and Cancer Black Care offer specialist advice and support.

Macmillan suggests these steps during and after treatment:

• Wash your scalp every day with a gentle shampoo or facial wash, even if you have lost all your hair, unless your team says not to.
• Use a gentle, fragrance-free moisturiser if your scalp is dry or itchy, and tell your team about spots or a rash.
• Use less oil than usual, especially under a wig.
• Wear sunscreen of SPF 30 or higher on your scalp when you go out, and a hat helps too. Macmillan is clear this applies to black and brown skin.

Most people's hair grows back. Cancer Research UK says it should return within 3 to 6 months after treatment ends. It may be softer, a different colour, or curlier or straighter than before (Cancer Research UK).

By 12 months after treatment you should have an idea of how thick your hair will be, though Afro hair grows more slowly, so it may take longer (Macmillan). Wait until new hair is about 2.5cm (1in) long before colour or chemicals, longer for a relaxer, and do a strand and skin test first (Macmillan).

Wearing a wig will not affect regrowth, and when you stop is up to you (Macmillan). Rarely, hair does not grow back, so talk to your care team if you are worried. Meanwhile, here is how to wash a wig.