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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

Remember…

You can use hair dryers, flat irons, curling irons, etc., on a human hair wig, but NOT on a synthetic wig.

Putting on your Wig

Woman with closed eyes has a wig cap adjusted on her head by another person, preparing to wear a wig.
  1. Determine the front and back of the wig; there should be a label at the back

  2. Once your hair has fallen out, you need to know where your hairline was and where the wig should sit

  3. Use the four-finger rule: place your pinky at your brow bone and your index finger will indicate where the wig should sit

  4. Put your wig on your head and find the side tabs on either side and align the tabs with your temples

  5. 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

Consultations

With some consultants, this service is available for a fee, and you don’t necessarily need to have purchased the wig at their location to get alterations done.

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

Your Dentist is an important member of your healthcare team.

After a cancer diagnosis and deciding on a treatment plan, but before treatment begins, you should visit your dentist to ensure you don’t have any cavities or gum irritations.

Throw that old brush out.

You should change your toothbrush every month during treatment.

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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Skincare & Makeup Workshop

A woman sitting at a desk applying makeup while looking at a laptop.

Join our online skincare and makeup experts and learn to manage the physical side effects of cancer treatment including discolouration, the loss of eyeborws and lashes and changing skin texture. Connect with others who are going through something similar.

A woman sitting at a desk applying makeup while looking at a laptop.

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

Expert advice in a supportive environment

The workshop will be led by our expert cosmetic and skincare volunteers.

Just Remember…

You’ll be part of a small group of participants who are brought together to learn and share. Feel free to join the conversation. Or, just listen. It’s up to you.

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

Ready to Register?Explore In-person Locations

Woman watching an online Skincare & Makeup for cancer patients workshop on a laptop while holding a cup of coffee.

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.
Smiling woman applies eyebrow makeup while looking into a small mirror on a table with beauty products.

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.
Purple cosmetics bag on a table filled with skincare and makeup for cancer patients with the Look Good Feel Better logo in the bottom-right corner.

You Don’t Have to Commit to the Kit

There is no obligation to use the products provided based on advice from your medical team or personal preference.

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.

Ready to Register?

We offer several Skincare & Makeup workshops each month

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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Wigs & Scarves Workshop

A woman tries on a colorful headscarf while another woman in glasses and a purple apron smiles supportively behind her.

Learn about hair loss and caring for your scalp during treatment, all about wigs, and other hair alternatives, including scarf-tying techniques.

A woman tries on a colorful headscarf while another woman in glasses and a purple apron smiles supportively behind her.

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

Expert advice in a supportive environment

Led by our expert wig and hair alternative volunteers, you’ll walk through a series of steps and tips designed to help you feel more like yourself.

Just know…

You’ll be part of a small group who come together to learn and share. Feel free to join the conversation. Or, just listen. It’s up to you.

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.

 

I’m ready to register!

A smiling woman in a floral headscarf sits at a desk with a laptop, mirror, mug, and flowers.

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.

 

Find a workshop location

Smiling woman in glasses and a purple apron combs a short brown wig while seated at a table.

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.

Woman wearing a wig cap sits at a table, holding a brown wig while looking at it in a round mirror, with a brochure beside her.

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

Ready to register?

Find the right workshop for you!

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

Two women applying makeup at a table while a Look Good Feel Better volunteer guides them at a Skincare & Makeup workshop for cancer patients.

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

Two women applying makeup at a table while a Look Good Feel Better volunteer guides them at a Skincare & Makeup workshop for cancer patients.

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

Expert advice in a supportive environment

The workshop will be led by our expert cosmetic and skincare volunteers.

Just Remember…

You’ll be part of a small group of participants who are brought together to learn and share. Feel free to join the conversation. Or, just listen. It’s up to you.

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.

Register for an online workshop

Woman watching an online Skincare & Makeup for cancer patients workshop on a laptop while holding a cup of coffee.

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. 

Prefer in-person? Click here!

Various women applying makeup at a Look Good Feel Better workshop while volunteers are helping.

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.
Smiling woman applies eyebrow makeup while looking into a small mirror on a table with beauty products.

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.
Purple cosmetics bag on a table filled with skincare and makeup for cancer patients with the Look Good Feel Better logo in the bottom-right corner.

You Don’t Have to Commit to the Kit

There is no obligation to use the products provided based on advice from your medical team or personal preference.

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.

Ready to Register?

Find the right workshop for you!

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

Colour Correction

There are lots of great resources for colour correction in our blogs and our workshops!

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

We’re here for you.

Get tips and support 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

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.

Step 1 – Clean your face (Cleanse)

Why it matters: Washing your face gets rid of dirt, makeup, and dead skin. It also gets your blood flowing, which is great for skin that needs a little TLC.

What to do:

Use a face wash made for sensitive skin (look for ones that say “for eczema” or “gentle” on the label).

Cream or lotion cleansers are usually more hydrating than foamy ones.

Eyes

Use a non-oily, super gentle eye makeup remover and a soft cotton pad.

Hold the pad on your eyelid for a few seconds.

Wipe gently down and out, from the inside corner to the outer corner.

Use a fresh pad for each eye (yep, no sharing).

Lips

You can use the same remover for your lips.

Just wipe gently until all the colour is gone.

Face and Throat

Dab your cleanser on your forehead, nose, cheeks, chin, and neck.

Gently rub in small circles with your fingers.

On your neck, go upwards instead of down.

Use a tissue to wipe it off or rinse with lukewarm (not hot!) water.

Pat dry with a soft towel.

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.

Tip

Choose a cleanser that is specifically for sensitive skin and is fragrance-free.

Step 2 – Tone (optional)

Why it matters: Toner helps remove anything your cleanser missed and preps your skin for moisturizer. It also helps balance your skin’s natural pH.

Application

Use a toner that’s alcohol-free and gentle.

Apply it with a cotton pad, wiping downward.

Avoid your eyes and mouth.

Step 3 – Moisturize

Why it matters: Moisturizer keeps your skin from drying out and helps it feel soft and calm. If your skin feels super dry, check out our guide to pick the right one for you.

Eyes

Use your ring finger (it’s the weakest, so it applies the least pressure).

Tap a tiny bit of eye cream under and over your eye — don’t go too close.

Less is more!

Face and Throat

Dot your moisturizer on your forehead, nose, cheeks, chin, and neck.

Smooth it out gently using upward strokes.

Step 4 – Sunscreen

Chemo and radiation can make your skin way more sensitive to the sun — like, you could burn way faster than usual.

What to do:

Try to stay out of direct sun as much as you can.

Always use sunscreen made for faces with broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher (look for UVA and UVB protection).

Need more help picking one? Check out our full sun care guide.

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

Bonus:

You can use a face oil after moisturizing to lock it all in. Just make sure the oil doesn’t clog your pores (rosehip seed oil is a good pick). Always test it first to make sure your skin doesn’t react.

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

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Step 1 – Cleanse

The benefit of cleaning: Removes makeup, impurities, and dry flaky skin and helps stimulate circulation resulting in skin that is clean and feels pampered. 

Eyes:

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

Sensitive Skin

Choose a cleanser that is specifically for sensitive skin and is fragrance-free. A cream cleanser will likely be more hydrating than others.

Lips:

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

Face and Throat:

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

Step 2 – Tone (optional)

The benefit of toner: Removes any lingering traces of cleanser or makeup and prepares the skin for moisturizer while restoring the skin’s pH balance. 

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

Step 3 – Moisturizer

The benefit of moisturizer: Helps your skin maintain its optimum moisture balance and alleviates dryness.

If you find that your skin is unusually dry, use the guide below to find the most moisturizing options available.

Eyes:

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

Lips:

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)

Face and Throat:

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

Gently smooth over your face and throat, using upward motions

Want to know more about moisturizers?

Moisturizers come in different formulations with varying levels of moisture. Here’s a list of formulations, from least to most moisturizing.

Least Moisturizing to Most:

  • Gels (the lightest / least moisturizing)
  • Lotions
  • Creams
  • Balms
  • Ointments (the most moisturizing) 

Oils can be used as an added step after moisturizing to seal in moisture.  If you choose to use an oil, perform test to make sure it’s not causing irritation and look for an oil that doesn’t clog pores (one option is rosehip seed extract).

Illustration ranking moisturizers from least to most hydrating: gel, lotion, cream, and ointment, on a purple background.

Step 4 – Sunscreen

After your morning moisturizer, apply sunscreen. Radiation and chemotherapy treatments (and some medications) can increase your susceptibility to sunburn and skin damage. 

Click Here to see our Sun Protection Guide

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

What is UVA and UVB?

These are ultraviolet radiation from the sun that can cause skin damage. Using a sunscreen with an SPF of 30 helps you block 97% of the harmful radiation. Be sure to reapply throughout the day!

How to Prep Your Skin

Learn a simple and effective way to take care of your skin with On Air Beauty Expert – Makeup & Hair Artist Christine Cho.
YouTube thumbnail graphic titled ‘Skin Prep 101’ with a photo of Christine Cho.
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Like hands-on learning?

Join 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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Tips to keep your hands and feet healthy:

Close-up of a person filing another person's nails during a manicure session.
  1. Avoid cutting your cuticles. Instead, use cuticle cream to help combat dryness, splitting and hangnails.

  2. Moisturize with a rich hand cream.

  3. Keep nails short.

  4. Wear rubber gloves while doing chores as excessive exposure to water can lead to fungal infection of the nail bed.

Nail Polish and Nail Salons

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)

Avoid Acrylic Nails or Wraps

Bacteria can get trapped in the space behind the acrylic nail or wrap, leading to infection.

Is treatment impacting your nails?

Get expert advice in our Nail Care 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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Before applying or removing makeup or skincare products…

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.

Applicators

Dollar stores or discount stores often carry disposable make-up applicators.

Product Hygiene Best Practices

Reduce the Exposure to Germs

  • When you can, use products with pump dispensers (rather than things in pots or jars)
  • If not, use spatulas to remove the product from containers to avoid transferring germs back into the product
  • Close all lids tightly and promptly after use
  • Don’t ‘double dip’ with a used applicator
  • Never blow on applicators or products
  • Avoid sharing personal care products – even with close friends or family members
  • When purchasing, test products on your hand or wrist, not on your face
Skincare bottles with droppers, sprays, and pumps alongside cotton pads and disposable applicators on a bright surface.

Sanitizing Makeup Products

Put 70% isopropyl alcohol (IPA) in a small spray bottle. You can use this to disinfect most of your makeup products. Use a light spray and wait at least 30 seconds until it’s dry.

  • Powders and palettes:  Spritz the powder directly on the product and let it air-dry
  • Liquid foundation: Dip a cotton round into rubbing alcohol and clean the bottle’s nozzle and cap thoroughly
  • Eye and lip pencils: Spritz alcohol on the tip before and after sharpening and before each use
Hand sanitizer, soap, face masks, and disinfectant spray on a blue background.

Want to learn more?

Discover more safe makeup tips at 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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