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
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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
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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.
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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
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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 eyeborws 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
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.
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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
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?
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).
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.
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
How to Prep Your Skin
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Tips to keep your hands and feet healthy:
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Avoid cutting your cuticles. Instead, use cuticle cream to help combat dryness, splitting and hangnails.
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Moisturize with a rich hand cream.
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Keep nails short.
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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)
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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.
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
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
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