Had a mastectomy? Soft, wire-free bras or camisoles with front closures can be gentler on healing skin. Some come with built-in pockets for drainage tubes or breast forms.

Had a lumpectomy? Your medical team may recommend wearing a bra 24/7 for the first week or two. Look for soft, seamless, and wire-free options that offer gentle support without compression.

Going through radiation? Skin sensitivity is common, so breathable, seamless fabrics are key. Bamboo cotton tanks or front-closing wire-free bras help minimize irritation.

Had reconstruction? Compression bras provide support, reduce swelling, and help maintain breast shape during recovery. Look for strong, seamless fabrics with a longer band for added comfort.

Considering a breast form? Some women use breast forms while waiting for reconstruction, as a long-term option, or just for certain occasions.

Considering “Living Flat?” Many people choose not to wear forms or have reconstructive surgery. They feel comfortable with their body after surgery and decide to live as they are. Talk it through with your healthcare team, friends, family, or other participants in our workshop.

Most people choose a wig that matches their colour, texture, and style as closely as possible

Both synthetic and human hair wigs can look natural—fit and placement are key

Consider maintenance and comfort—synthetic wigs are easier to care for, while human hair wigs offer more styling options

Make an appointment – it can take 45 minutes to an hour to discuss options, choose the right wig, and get fitted

Ask if the salon provides clients with nylon caps to wear when trying on wigs, which is important for hygienic reasons

Take a friend or family member for support and second opinions

Bring a photo of yourself with your favourite hairstyle and colour for reference

Keep hair short to ensure the best wig fit. Experts suggest that your own hair should only be ¼ inch or shorter

Try a variety of styles and colours – having choices is really empowering

Take your time making decisions

A wire stand that allows air to circulate through the wig

If your wig is synthetic, special cleansers and leave-in conditioners (available at all wig salons), and a wide-tooth comb

If your wig is human hair, salon-quality shampoo and conditioner for chemically treated hair

About an hour for your first wig-cleaning experience

It will eventually take less time as you practice and gain experience caring for your wig

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

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

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

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

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

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

Remove eye makeup with a non- irritating makeup remover and a cotton pad

Hold the pad on the eyelid for a few seconds and then wipe downwards over the lashes, gently moving the pad from the inner corner of the eye towards the outer corner

Use a fresh cotton pad for each eye

The same eye makeup remover can be used to gently wipe the lips until all colour has been removed

Apply dots of cleanser (either a lotion or cream) to your forehead, nose, chin, cheeks and throat

Gently massage in small outward circles to help stimulate circulation; on the neck, use an upward motion

Gently tissue off the cleanser or rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water and pat dry

Using a cotton pad and a gentle downward motion, apply a non- stimulating, alcohol-free toner being careful to avoid the eyes and mouth

Only use toners for sensitive skin that are alcohol and fragrance-free

Avoid any toners that exfoliate or contain “actives” like AHA or other acids

Using your ring finger (your weakest – and therefore gentlest), lightly tap eye cream on the orbital bone, above and below the eye – less is more

Don’t go too close to the eye

Apply a hydrating lip balm several times a day and before bed

If your lips are very dry and cracked, try a thick ointment lip product (ointments seal in moisture longer than other products)

Apply dots of moisturizer to your forehead, nose, chin, cheeks, and throat

Gently smooth over your face and throat, using upward motions

As a general rule, avoid sun exposure as much as possible when in treatment

Use sunscreen specifically for your face that delivers both UVA and UVB protection in a broad spectrum SPF 30 or higher

If you’d like to use polish, soft, neutral shades of pink will lend a healthy- looking finish

Use an oily acetone-free polish remover. Acetone is very drying and can make nail problem worse during treatment

When visiting a salon, make sure the staff has worked with clients undergoing cancer treatment (or at least knows how to take extra precautions to keep you safe and healthy)

Wash your hands thoroughly in lukewarm water with antibacterial soap

Use a disposable hand cloth or a clean towel to dry your hands. When on the go, use travel-size hand sanitizers to protect against germs.

Only use clean hands or clean disposable cotton balls, pads, sponges, cotton swabs, or cosmetic spatulas to apply cosmetics

Throw them away after each use

Once treatment is over, you can switch back to your regular makeup brushes. But, make sure they are cleaned often with a mild soap or a specialty brush cleaner.