Styling Tips
Taking the extra time and effort to style your wig will make you feel more confident.
Use your fingers to create a slightly tousled style which looks more natural
Avoid brushing your wig flat
Try a wig cap and a grip to help protect your natural hair and keep the wig in place
Be creative when styling your hair
If you have a long-hair wig, try a head band or put the hair in a ponytail
Synthetic wig fibers units can melt under too-hot temps, so use heatless styling options like pins, combs, or braids
Human-hair wigs can withstand heat styling, though applying a heat-protectant spray beforehand is a good rule
Putting on your Wig
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Determine the front and back of the wig; there should be a label at the back
-
Once your hair has fallen out, you need to know where your hairline was and where the wig should sit
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Use the four-finger rule: place your pinky at your brow bone and your index finger will indicate where the wig should sit
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Put your wig on your head and find the side tabs on either side and align the tabs with your temples
-
Expose your ears
Fitting your Wig
These are a few tips to help your wig fit and feel its best.
Have your wig fitted by a wig consultant once your hair has fallen out
If you bought a wig before hair loss, an adjustment may be needed later
Use the adjustment tabs to secure the wig for a snug fit
Grip bands or wig liners can provide added security and comfort
Some wig consultants have the expertise to make alterations for a better fit
You’re not alone in this.
Get styling advice and support in our Wigs & Scarves Workshop.
Let’s navigate this together
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Dry mouth, sores, and other mouth issues
Depending on your treatment, you may experience mouth sores, bacterial build up in the mouth (called thrush) or a metallic taste that lingers. There are steps you can take to prevent infections and keep your mouth feeling good, making it easier to eat and maintain good nutrition.
Brush your teeth with a soft toothbrush using toothpaste formulated for sensitive teeth
Rinse your mouth several times a day using an alcohol-free mouthwash, a solution of baking soda and water, or a weak saltwater mixture to help prevent mouth sores or ease discomfort if they have developed
Combat a bad taste in your mouth or dry mouth with a fruit-flavoured popsicle or sugarless hard candy
Manage and minimize side effects.
Find support and expert advice in our Skincare & Makeup Workshop.
Let’s navigate this together
Join a community that understands. Receive expert advice, useful resources, and compassionate tips throughout your cancer journey in the LGFB newsletter
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Advanced Skincare Workshop
Advances in cancer treatment have led to more people experiencing skin-related side effects, both during and after treatment. In this workshop, expert Onco-Dermatologists share simple steps to help minimize and manage common skin and nail issues.
About this workshop
What you will learn:
How evolving cancer treatments can cause new and different side effects
Practical steps to help minimize and manage common skin, scalp, and nail concerns during and after treatment
Step-by-step guidance from an Onco-Dermatologist
Topics Covered in Advance Skincare include:
Simple skincare and suncare routines
Scalp care
Nail Health
Managing dry, itchy, and irritated skin
Acne and rashes
Skin recovery post-treatment
This workshop is available Online
Join us!
- This workshop delivered via a Q&A with our medical professional, and is offered approximately four times a year.
- It is roughly an hour and fifteen (1:15) minutes in length and is delivered over Zoom.
- Be sure to add your questions on the registration form!
Who should attend this workshop?
This workshop is available for anyone who is…
- Currently in treatment
- Post-treatment but may still be experiencing side-effects impacting their skin, scalp, or nails
- This workshop is designed to address skin concerns wherever people are in their cancer continuum
What Our Participants Have to Say
“Just knowing others are going through the same symptoms gave me hope.”
- Workshop Participant
“This webinar was delivered beautifully. I liked how participants’ questions were answered and things were explained at length.”
- Workshop Participant
Let’s navigate this together
Join a community that understands. Receive expert advice, useful resources, and compassionate tips throughout your cancer journey in the LGFB newsletter
Newsletter Form
Skincare, Makeup, & Hair Workshop
Discover practical ways to manage the physical side effects of cancer treatment on your skin, hair, and face, including skincare, makeup, hair loss, wigs and other head coverings. Connect with a community who gets it.
About this workshop
What you will learn:
Counteract side effects such as discolouration and dry skin
Practice simple makeup steps to add colour back to your face
Makeup hygiene and sun safety
Find tips and techniques for managing the loss of brows and lashes
Caring for your scalp during and after treatment
What to consider if selecting a wig
All types of head coverings including wigs
Pros and cons between synthetic and human hair wigs
The information and dialogues are designed to help you:
Manage the physical side effects of cancer treatment with clear, practical guidance
Connect with others who may understand what you are going through
Understand what to expect during treatment
Prepare for treatment to help minimize potential side effects
Feel more like yourself again
This workshop is available IN-PERSON.
IN-PERSON
- The IN-PERSON workshop is 2 hours long.
- Called Skincare, Makeup & Hair, it combines both our Skincare & Makeup and our Wigs & Hair Alternatives workshops.
- In-person workshops are only available in select locations around Canada.
Who should attend this workshop?
This workshop is available to anyone who is about to start cancer treatment, is currently in treatment, or has completed treatment in the last 12 months and would like information about or support around this topic.
The Confidence Kit
Participants in the Skincare & Cosmetics workshop receive a free kit of skincare and makeup products.
These products are generously donated to Look Good Feel Better and meet the regulations set forth by Health Canada.
These products are for educational purposes, so you may practice the techniques explained in the workshop.
- You will receive the kit in the workshop.
What Our Participants Have to Say
“This workshop was so useful because it wasn’t just information. It ‘normalized’ the techniques to cope with cancer & treatment related challenges to appearance. Yes, wear makeup and take care of your skin not just in spite of cancer and treatments but here is how to do it well and safely!”
- Joan L., Workshop Participant
“The volunteers were excellent and so caring. It’s the first time I’ve laughed in awhile.”
- Joan M., Workshop Participant
Participating in our workshops
97%
of Workshop Participants
would recommend our workshops to another person facing cancer.
32%
of Our Participants
feel somewhat confident BEFORE our workshops.
89.1%
of Our Participants
reported feeling somewhat confident or confident about their appearance AFTER our workshops.
Let’s navigate this together
Join a community that understands. Receive expert advice, useful resources, and compassionate tips throughout your cancer journey in the LGFB newsletter
Newsletter Form
Skincare & Makeup Workshop
Join our online skincare and makeup experts and learn to manage the physical side effects of cancer treatment including discolouration, the loss of eyebrows and lashes and changing skin texture. Connect with others who are going through something similar.
About this workshop
What you will learn:
Counteract side-effects such as discolouration and dry skin
Find tips and techniques for managing the loss of brows and lashes
Practice simple makeup steps to add colour back to your face
Makeup hygiene and sun safety
The information and dialogues are designed to help you:
Manage the physical side effects of cancer treatment with clear, practical guidance
Connect with others who may understand what you are going through
Understand what to expect during treatment
Prepare for treatment to help minimize potential side effects
Feel more like yourself again
This workshop is available Online
Join us!
- The ONLINE workshop is one hour long and is delivered via Zoom.
- Relax and learn from the comfort of your home
Who should attend this workshop?
This workshop is available to anyone who is:
- about to start cancer treatment,
- is currently in treatment or
- has completed treatment in the last 12 months and would like information about or support around this topic.
The Confidence Kit
Participants in the Skincare & Cosmetics workshop receive a free kit of skincare and makeup products.
These products are generously donated to Look Good Feel Better and meet the regulations set forth by Health Canada.
These products are for educational purposes, so you may practice the techniques explained in the workshop.
- The kit will be shipped to you. It generally arrives 15-20 business days AFTER the workshop.
What Our Participants Have to Say
“This workshop was so useful because it wasn’t just information. It ‘normalized’ the techniques to cope with cancer & treatment related challenges to appearance. Yes, wear makeup and take care of your skin not just in spite of cancer and treatments here is how to do it well and safely!”
Joan L., Workshop Participant
Participating in our workshops
97%
of Workshop Participants
would recommend our workshops to another person facing cancer.
32%
of Our Participants
feel somewhat confident BEFORE our workshops.
89.1%
of Our Participants
reported feeling somewhat confident or confident about their appearance AFTER our workshops.
Let’s navigate this together
Join a community that understands. Receive expert advice, useful resources, and compassionate tips throughout your cancer journey in the LGFB newsletter
Newsletter Form
Wigs & Scarves Workshop
Learn about hair loss and caring for your scalp during treatment, all about wigs, and other hair alternatives, including scarf-tying techniques.
About this Workshop
What you will learn:
Caring for your scalp during and after cancer treatment
What to expect with hair regrowth
Discover all types of head coverings, including wigs
What to consider if selecting a wig
Pros and cons between synthetic and human hair
Easy scarf-tying techniques and more
The information and dialogues are designed to help you:
Manage the physical side effects of cancer treatment with simple, practical guidance
Connect with others who may understand what you are going through
Know what to expect during treatment
Prepare for treatment to help minimize potential side effects
Feel more like yourself
This workshop is available ONLINE and IN-PERSON
Online
- The ONLINE workshop is ONE HOUR long and is delivered via Zoom.
- Relax and join us from the comfort of your home.
IN-PERSON
- The IN-PERSON workshop is 2 HOURS long and is called Skincare, Makeup & Hair.
- It combines our Wigs & Scarves and our Skincare & Makeup Workshops into a single 2-hour session.
- The in-person workshop is only available in select locations around Canada.
Who should attend this workshop?
This workshop is available to anyone who is about to start cancer treatment, is currently in treatment or has completed treatment in the last 12 months and would like information about or support around this topic.
What are participants have to say
“The volunteers were excellent and so caring. It’s the first time I’ve laughed in awhile.”
- Workshop Participant
“This workshop exceeded my expectations. It helps to talk to an expert who is positive, fashionable and gives all the tips. One example – I had no idea how a chemo/sleep cap is such an important base layer!”
- Workshop Participant
Let’s navigate this together
Join a community that understands. Receive expert advice, useful resources, and compassionate tips throughout your cancer journey in the LGFB newsletter
Newsletter Form
Skincare & Makeup Workshop
Discover practical ways to manage the physical side effects of cancer treatment on your skin, hair, and face, including skincare, makeup, hair loss, wigs and other head coverings. Available online or in-person.
About this workshop
What you will learn:
Counteract side effects such as discolouration and dry skin
Find tips and techniques for managing the loss of brows and lashes
Practice simple makeup steps to add colour back to your face
Makeup hygiene and sun safety
The information and dialogues are designed to help you:
Manage the physical side effects of cancer treatment with clear, practical guidance.
Connect with others who may understand what you are going through.
Understand what to expect during treatment.
Prepare for treatment to help minimize potential side effects.
Feel more like yourself again.
This workshop is available ONLINE and IN-PERSON.
ONLINE
- The ONLINE workshop is one hour long and is delivered via Zoom.
- Relax and learn from the comfort of your own home.
IN-PERSON
- The IN-PERSON workshop is 2 hours long.
- Called Skincare, Makeup & Hair, it combines both our Skincare & Makeup and our Wigs & Hair Alternatives workshops.
- In-person workshops are only available in select locations around Canada.
Who should attend this workshop?
This workshop is available to anyone who is:
- about to start cancer treatment
- is currently in treatment or
- has completed treatment in the last 12 months and would like information about or support around this topic.
The Confidence Kit
Participants in the Skincare & Makeup workshop receive a free kit of skincare and cosmetics products.
These products are generously donated to Look Good Feel Better and meet the regulations set forth by Health Canada.
These products are for educational purposes, so you may practice the techniques explained in the workshop.
- In-person workshop: You will receive the kit in the workshop.
- Online workshop: The kit will be shipped to you. It generally arrives 15-20 business days AFTER the workshop.
What Our Participants Have to Say
” This workshop was so useful because it wasn’t just information. It ‘normalized’ the techniques to cope with cancer & treatment related challenges to appearance. Yes, wear makeup and take care of your skin not just in spite of cancer and treatments but because of cancer and treatments! Here is how to do it well and safely!”
- Mirabel R., Workshop Participant
Participating in our workshops
97%
of Workshop Participants
would recommend our workshops to another person facing cancer.
32%
of Our Participants
feel somewhat confident BEFORE our workshops.
89.1%
of Our Participants
reported feeling somewhat confident or confident about their appearance AFTER our workshops.
Let’s navigate this together
Join a community that understands. Receive expert advice, useful resources, and compassionate tips throughout your cancer journey in the LGFB newsletter
Newsletter Form
Conceal
What does concealer do?
It diminishes the appearance of dark circles, covers broken capillaries, blemishes, and facial redness, brightens the eye area, and helps eye shadow last longer.
How to apply:
Lightly apply with a clean ring finger, product applicator, or disposable wedge sponge
For eyelid discolouration, apply dots of concealer starting from the inner corner of the eye and gently blend the dots to the outer corner of the eye
For dark under-eye circles, start at the inner eye corner and work outward toward the iris. Apply dots of concealer or colour corrector under eye using a clean ring finger or a disposable wedge
Foundation
What does foundation do?
It evens out skin tone, gives a soft touch of colour, protects the skin from the environment, and gives a more flawless appearance.
How to apply:
Choose a shade of foundation to match the colour of skin at your jawline
Apply dots of foundation to your forehead, nose, chin, and cheeks with clean fingers or a disposable cosmetic sponge
Blend outward and downward from the centre of your face to the edge
Blend well at the hairline and the jawline
Powder (optional)
What does powder do?
It sets foundation, evens out skin tone, and helps makeup last longer.
How to apply:
Apply a light application of translucent powder over face with a clean cotton ball
Gently dust downward and outward to remove excess powder and smooth facial hair
Let’s navigate this together
Join a community that understands. Receive expert advice, useful resources, and compassionate tips throughout your cancer journey in the LGFB newsletter
Newsletter Form
Some Women Say…
that the loss of their hair is more devastating than their cancer diagnosis. You may feel like your hair is essential to looking and feeling like yourself.
Hair loss is also a visible sign of illness and can impact self-image and self-esteem. You may feel vulnerable and anxious.
You’re not alone… support is here, every step of the way.
Prior to Hair Loss
- Depending on your specific treatment protocol, your hair could thin or fall out completely during treatment.
- Your oncology team will be able to inform you when to expect hair loss.
- If you want a wig to match your current hairstyle, colour and texture, consider looking for a wig before starting treatment.
- You can also take pictures of your current hair from all sides and bring those with you when choosing a wig.
Shaving your head
- Watching hair fall out in clumps can be emotionally distressing. Some people prefer to shave it off before too much hair falls out.
- A very short haircut (e.g. 1/8 of an inch) can help ease scalp sensitivity and ease the emotional distress of seeing hair fall out in clumps.
Thinning Hair
If you notice that your hair is thinning, consider these things:
Don’t colour your hair right now. It may break and make it thin more quickly.
As the texture of your hair may change and become brittle, using a a hydrating shampoo and conditioner will help your hair feel softer.
Consider cutting your hair shorter than you usually wear it. It can help your hair look thicker and make hair loss less noticeable. Also, short hair doesn’t put stress on already weak hair follicles.
If possible, avoid overusing blow dryers, curling irons, hot rollers, hair sprays and any products with an alcohol base.
When sleeping, use a satin-like pillowcase to minimize tugging your hair at the scalp.
Full Hair Loss
- When hair loss starts, your scalp will be very sensitive, and hair will fall out gradually
- This is when you might want to cut your hair to at least 1/8 of an inch
- You also may want to wear a sleep cap during the day and at night to catch your hair
- Consider having two sleep caps – one for day, the other for sleeping
Caring for your Scalp
- When you’ve lost your hair, your scalp may become drier
- Gently massage your scalp with your facial moisturizer to make it feel more comfortable and increase circulation to your stressed hair follicles
- Caring for your scalp will greatly reduce sensitivity and itchiness, allowing you to wear a wig, scarf, or hat more comfortably
Let’s navigate this together
Join a community that understands. Receive expert advice, useful resources, and compassionate tips throughout your cancer journey in the LGFB newsletter
Newsletter Form
Easy Skincare Tips During Cancer Treatment
Taking care of your skin while going through cancer treatment might sound like a lot, but keeping it simple can really help. A gentle skincare routine can make your skin feel better and help with some of the side effects, like dryness or irritation.
Here’s a step-by-step routine that’s easy to follow, even on tough days. With the right products and a soft touch, you’ll be giving your skin the love it needs.
A healthy skin care regiment before and during cancer treatment gives you the best chance of lessening the severity of side effects on your skin.
Product Info: Moisturizers (from light to rich)
Not all moisturizers are the same. Here’s the breakdown — start light and go richer if your skin needs more hydration:
Gels – super light, barely-there moisture
Lotions – light but a bit more hydrating
Creams – great for normal to dry skin
Balms – thicker, perfect for dry or flaky skin
Ointments – super rich, heavy-duty moisture
Not everything has to change during treatment.
Get tips about nails, skincare makeup and hair in our Teens Workshop.
Let’s navigate this together
Join a community that understands. Receive expert advice, useful resources, and compassionate tips throughout your cancer journey in the LGFB newsletter