Wigs FAQ

 Yes, you can wear the wig over your existing hair. Wearing a wig will not damage your existing hair or stop it from growing back. If  you are experiencing hair loss we do not suggest wearing wigs with clips or combs in them.  These methods of securing a wig can pull out more hair. Ask a Chrysalis wig expert how to secure your wig gently so that it doesn’t further damage your fragile hair. 

Insurance companies will often cover costs for your wig. The first step is to get a prescription from your doctor. Most dermatologsits and oncologists are familiar with the necessary codes.  Then call your insurance company and ask them if they reimburse for a “cranial prosthesis.”  Don’t say “Wig” because wigs are fashion items, whereas cranial prostheses are medically necessary. They will need the code that your doctor wrote on the perscription. Chrysalis can not supply this code. It must come from your doctor.  Chrysalis Custom Hair will provide you with all of the paperwork necessary to submit your purchase to your insurance company for reimbursement if you have coverage. Learn more about how to get a wig covered by your insurance.

If you have partial or spotty alopecia you can wear a wig with some hair underneath. You do not need to shave your head or cut off all of your hair. A Chrysalis expert will show you how to tuck your existing hair under the wig so that you have the most natural looking hair line. 

At Chrysalis Custom Hair, every client leaves with a care kit containing everything you need to clean your human hair or synthetic wig. Typically, you will wash your wig once every three weeks or 300 hours of wear, which ever is greater. There is no need to wash a wig at the three week mark if you only wear it occasionally. In this case you would go by hours of wear.

 You will utilize a washing method similar to washing a fine garment in the sink. If opting for a natural hair wig, you will be styling your wig with the same styling tools you currently use for your biological hair. The nice thing is you are not sleeping in the wig so it will still be beautifully styled in the morning.

At Chrysalis Custom Hair, every client leaves with a care kit containing everything you need to clean your human hair or synthetic wig. Typically, you will wash your wig once every three weeks of wear. You will utilize a washing method similar to washing a fine garment in the sink. If opting for a natural hair wig, you will be styling your wig with the same styling tools you currently use for your biological hair. The nice thing is you’re not sleeping in the wig so it will still be beautifully styled in the morning.

If washing a human hair wig, first you will prepare a basin with cool water and the wig shampoo found in your care kit. Comb out your real hair wig before washing. Then you will turn it inside out and gently dip it into the soapy water about 5 times. Do not scrub or try to shampoo the hair like you would with your biological hair. Then you will refill the basin with clean cool water and dunk in this to rinse out the shampoo. The next step is to then fill a third time and add conditioner to the water. It will take a minute or two to dissolve the conditioner in the water. Then use the same motion as you did previously to condition the hair. Finally, you will fill one more time with cool water and dip the hair in it to rinse out the conditioner.  What happens next depends on the kind of hair you choose. There are some models that get combed out immediately and some that need to be completely dry before combing. 

The team at Chrysalis will walk you through every step of caring for your new wig. Ask one of our experts for styling advice at your appointment. The team at Chrysalis will walk you through every step of caring for your new wig. Ask one of our experts for styling advice at your appointment. 

It is a good idea to get an appointment for a wig fitting set up as soon as possible. It is easier to replicate your hair while it is still intact. Sometimes this isn’t possible. If this is the case, try to find some photos of your hair previous to the event that caused hair loss.  The Chrysalis Custom Hair staff will work with you to try to match the color and texture of your bio hair as closely as possible. If you don’t have many photos of yourself ask friends or family if they have a picture of you. 

Chemotherapy usually consists of a strong cocktail of medications that attack rapidly growing cancer cells. These drugs also attack other rapidly growing cells in your body, including those in the root of your hair.

Some chemotherapy drugs are more likely than others to cause hair loss, and different combinations can cause anything from thinning hair to complete hair loss. It is recommended that you ask your doctor about the specific side effects of your individualized treatment plan.  If your medical team indicates that rapid hair loss is imminent make sure to tell our staff. We will do our best to have your hair ready for you when you need it. 

At Chrysalis Custom Hair we match your exact shade, color and cut so no one except you and those you choose to tell know you’re wearing a wig. We use the highest quality materials to ensure the most natural and comfortable look. Our wigs utilize high end technology such as monofilament tops and lace fronts that provide an illusion of hair naturally growing from the head.

The Chrysalis staff will share with you tips and tricks for wearing your wig in the most natural way. We pride ourselves on getting the best fit for our clients. This gives each client the most natural look.

Chrysalis wigs are made from the softest material and are not itchy.  Sometimes when hair is falling out, particularly from chemotherapy treatments, your scalp may be itchy. This reaction usually only lasts a week or so then stops. 

If hair loss is a side effect of the medications treatment plan, the hair loss typically begins two to three weeks after your first treatment, but can begin as early as three days afterwards.

Some chemotherapy drugs are more likely than others to cause hair loss. Factors that may affect hair loss can include the specific type of medication you are receiving and the actual dosage of those drugs.  It’s always best to ask your medical team what to side effects expect from your specific chemotherapy treatment.

Much of this decision is based on your lifestyle. The Chrysalis Team will walk you through the different types of hair and help you chose what works best for you and your lifestyle.

Synthetic wigs tend to work best for shorter styles that end above the shoulder, as they tend to tangle or fray if they are long enough to brush against fabric such as a coat or collar.

A longer hair wig will look better when made from natural human hair as it will have the same movement and flexibility of your biological hair. Natural hair wigs can be worn in a ponytail, clips, and braids whereas a synthetic wig can only be styled by a professional wig stylist.

Beginning with a wig that looks just like your hair is good place to start. If you would like a second wig for occasions such as the gym we would be happy to discuss options with you at your consultation. Some women like to have more than one wig so that one is always clean, styled and ready to go.

The most critical part of wearing a wig is knowing that it fits perfectly. At Chrysalis Custom Hair we hand stitch each wig to fit your headshape. Once fitted properly it will not move or blow off even on the windiest days. 

Your hair will typically begin to grow back 6-8 weeks after you’ve completed chemotherapy. Hair growth averages one half inch per month, and it usually takes 7-9 months before the hair will lay flat enough to wear a pixie cut.

Most women undergoing chemotherapy wear their wig for 12 – 18 months.

Yes, but you may not want to. Often, women find it more comfortable to wear a hat or a cute wrap with a partial piece, which is called a halo, to the gym. A halo is a relatively inexpensive partial wig that is worn under a hat. They come in lots of colors and allow your head to have more air while you work out.  Some women like to have more than one wig so that one is always clean, styled and ready to go.

In most cases, biological hair can be worn under your wig. Sometimes the wig fits better without the bulk of long or thick hair worn underneath.  If you are considering having a Chrysalis wig made please come see us before cutting off your hair. You may want to wait until the wig is complete and make a seemless transition from you biological hair to your new wig.

Both synthetic and human hair wigs are washed in wig shampoo after every 2 – 3 weeks of wear. They also get conditioner.  Then they are hung up to dry on a special stand which is in every care kit. After drying, human hair can be styled using styling tools like curling irons or blow dryers to get the look you want. Synthetic wigs can not be styled with blow dryers or curling irons. Ask a Chrysalis specialist for tips and tricks on wig washing and styling. 

At Chrysalis Custom Hair, every client leaves with a care kit containing everything you need to clean your human hair or synthetic wig. Typically, you will wash your wig once every three weeks of wear. You will utilize a washing method similar to washing a fine garment in the sink. If opting for a natural hair wig, you will be styling your wig with the same styling tools you currently use for your biological hair. The nice thing is you’re not sleeping in the wig so it will still be beautifully styled in the morning.

If washing a human hair wig, first you will prepare a basin with cool water and the wig shampoo found in your care kit. Comb out your real hair wig before washing. Then you will turn it inside out and gently dip it into the soapy water about 5 times. Do not scrub or try to shampoo the hair like you would with your biological hair. Then you will refill the basin with clean cool water and dunk in this to rinse out the shampoo. The next step is to then fill a third time and add conditioner to the water. It will take a minute or two to dissolve the conditioner in the water. Then use the same motion as you did previously to condition the hair. Finally, you will fill one more time with cool water and dip the hair in it to rinse out the conditioner.  What happens next depends on the kind of hair you choose. There are some models that get combed out immediately and some that need to be completely dry before combing. 

The team at Chrysalis will walk you through every step of caring for your new wig. Ask one of our experts for styling advice at your appointment.