NHS wigs, explained simply.

NHS wigs are for hair loss caused by a medical condition, such as alopecia, or by its treatment, such as chemotherapy. You usually need the team treating you to refer you (Cancer Research UK, Alopecia UK).

For cancer treatment, ask your clinical nurse specialist, who can refer you to a wig fitting service. For other hair loss, see your GP. If you see a dermatologist, Alopecia UK says to ask them what your area offers.

What you can get varies by area. For alopecia, Alopecia UK says some local NHS organisations fund wigs, commonly two synthetic wigs a year, while others do not fund them at all. For cancer treatment, some hospitals give one standard wig per course of treatment, as at The Royal Marsden.

The NHS website says you get NHS wigs free in England if you are:

• under 16
• 16 to 18 and in full-time education
• a hospital inpatient
• a war pensioner with a valid war pension exemption certificate, and the wig is for your accepted disablement

You also get them free if you or your partner get, or you are under 20 and the dependant of someone who gets, income-related Employment and Support Allowance, Pension Credit Guarantee Credit, or Universal Credit and you meet the criteria. The same applies if you are named on a valid HC2 certificate for full help with health costs.

With an HC3 certificate for partial help, you pay the amount on the certificate or the actual cost, whichever is less. To claim, tell the person fitting your wig and show proof. If you paid and later find you qualified, keep your receipt and claim a refund on form HC5(W) within three months (NHSBSA).

The free wig list is shorter than the free prescription list. A medical exemption certificate, including the one for cancer, being 60 or over, or a prescription prepayment certificate does not cover NHS wig charges (regulation 10).

There is no single process. It varies by area and trust, but it usually looks like this.

1. 1
   Ask your team

   For cancer treatment, ask your specialist nurse or consultant. For other hair loss, ask your GP or dermatologist.

2. 2
   Get a referral

   Your team refers you or writes a prescription. Some hospitals route it through an appliance or orthotics department, which may issue a voucher with a set value: £100 at Worcestershire Acute Hospitals.

3. 3
   Choose an approved supplier

   You can usually only use suppliers your trust or health board works with, as at Cambridge University Hospitals. Ask which styles and textures they stock before you book.

4. 4
   Have your fitting

   Bring proof if you qualify for a free wig. Any charge, or the difference for a dearer wig, is usually paid to the supplier at your appointment.

Wait until your referral or voucher is confirmed before you order a wig. Worcestershire's leaflet warns that costs paid before approval cannot be recovered.

Crown'd is not an NHS supplier. We cannot take NHS prescriptions or vouchers, so if you buy from us you pay the full price yourself. Wherever you buy, look for:

• Clear details: human hair or synthetic, cap type, density and cap size. Our wig guide explains each, and how to measure your head.
• A gentle fit: a glueless cap with an adjustable band keeps glue off a sensitive scalp, like our glueless wigs.
• The right texture: matched to how you wear your hair.
• A clear returns policy: check it before you buy online, as Cancer Research UK advises.

Help with the cost may be available. Some charities help towards a wig, and wig banks offer pre-loved ones (Cancer Research UK). The Little Princess Trust gives free real hair wigs to people up to 24 who have lost their hair through cancer treatment.

For more on choosing, read wigs for cancer patients or wigs for hair loss. If you would like help, contact us.