Wig Care: What do you need?
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
Cleaning Your Wig
Synthetic-Hair Wig:
- With a wide-tooth comb, gently but thoroughly brush or comb your wig before washing.
- Fill sink with cold water and thoroughly mix in 1 to 2 tbsp. (15–30 ml) of appropriate shampoo.
- Turn wig inside out, swish through water, and submerge a few times.
- Drain sink and refill with fresh cold water, then immerse wig a few times to rinse.
- Gently shake water from wig over the sink – do not squeeze or twist.
- Place on wire stand to dry – about eight to 12 hours.
- Never comb or brush a wig when it’s wet; wait until it’s completely dry.
Human-Hair Wig:
- Run wig under warm water.
- Place a small amount of shampoo on fingers and gently work into the hair, stroking downward from the weft (base) to the ends.
- Rinse thoroughly under warm running water until water runs clear.
- Place a small amount of conditioner in your hand; gently work into hair and let sit for three to five minutes.
- Rinse thoroughly in warm water.
- Gently comb wet hair with a wide-tooth comb from weft to ends.
- Place on wire stand to dry.
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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
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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
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.
Remember… Hair Loss is Temporary!
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
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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:
-
Avoid cutting your cuticles. Instead, use cuticle cream to help combat dryness, splitting and hangnails.
-
Moisturize with a rich hand cream.
-
Keep nails short.
-
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
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Working as an oncology nurse has been my dream for so long. Losing my mom to breast cancer definitely influenced my decision to work in oncology and my desire to help people. It’s incredibly rewarding. But one thing’s for sure – I never expected to be on the other side of the diagnosis, facing cancer myself.
I especially didn’t expect it at just 30 years old – and 24 weeks pregnant with my first child. My mom passed away when I was only two years old, and to suddenly get the same diagnosis while I was on the verge of becoming a mom myself was beyond terrifying. I practically blacked out when I heard the news. I kept thinking, “What? I’m pregnant. This isn’t supposed to happen.” It was quite the curveball, to say the least.
While it was the most difficult news to receive, I’m so grateful they caught it early. I’m thankful that there were chemo medications I could take that were safe for my unborn son. I have the most phenomenal doctors and nurses – my colleagues in the cancer centre in Sudbury, Ontario, became my caregivers overnight. I have a wonderful support team through my husband, Ryan, and my step-mom, who I really think of as my mom, as she’s been a mother to me my whole life. She has been my rock. And this whole ordeal has given me a completely new perspective on facing cancer, despite the fact that I’ve cared for cancer patients for seven years now.
For example, although I supported cancer patients in their journeys everyday as a nurse, I underestimated the mental and emotional toll that cancer treatment would have on me. For one, losing my hair was so tough. I had always been like, “Oh, it’s just hair, it’ll grow back.” But it’s not just hair. It was part of me and my self-esteem and how I presented myself to the world.
I already knew about Look Good Feel Better (LGFB) through my work in the chemo room, and it became such a valuable resource for me. I signed up for a workshop right away, and boy, was it ever awesome. As a nurse, I had often heard about the impact of LGFB but experiencing it firsthand was completely different. Like losing my hair, I didn’t fully grasp how much it would mean to me until I was living it.
I took my mom to the workshop as my support person, and it was so good for the soul. I learned some great hair and makeup tips, but more than that, it gave me a powerful sense of hope. It helped me reclaim my self-esteem and made the scary experience I was going through feel a whole lot less scary. I loved connecting with other women who were going through what I was going through. Having cancer can feel so lonely – I had all the support in the world, but people didn’t really understand what I was going through, because, well, they didn’t have the diagnosis. Being able to share my experience with the women in the workshop was really special.
I’m so grateful that LGFB exists, and that my future patients will have the opportunity to attend the workshops. And now, I can speak to the experience personally. When I’m able to go back to work, I know I’ll be able to connect with and support my patients on a whole new level.
My son, Matthew, has arrived, and things feel so much better now. A lot of the anxiety and fear of the unknown that I experienced – about cancer, about being a first-time mom – have faded. This journey has given me a deeper understanding of resilience, both for myself and my patients.
I thought I had moved on. I thought that my cancer journey was behind me — far in the past. When a routine mammogram led to a new breast cancer diagnosis in 2023, it was a complete shock. My cancer had recurred after 13 years.
At first, I beat myself up over the diagnosis. I thought I had been doing everything right — eating well, working out, taking care of myself. “What did I do wrong?” I wondered. “How could this have happened?” I started to doubt my every move, every bite that I put in my mouth. My self-confidence declined. But I quickly realized that blaming myself wasn’t going to help. I had to act. I needed to take back control.
This time, I chose a double mastectomy with reconstruction. It felt like the safest option — I didn’t want to rely on mammograms anymore. And although I was reluctant to undergo chemo again after my painful first experience, I knew it was necessary. Thankfully, the treatment was a little easier this time. I received a new scalp cooling treatment that helped prevent hair loss, which made a huge difference for me emotionally. Though the chemo still brought its challenges — nausea, fatigue, and rashes — keeping some of my hair helped me feel like I hadn’t completely lost myself to the disease. Scalp cooling was a new innovation that hadn’t been available to me the first time around, so I was grateful for the opportunity to try it out.
Building a support system was also a priority for me. I’m from Mauritius, a tropical island off the coast of South Africa, and most of my family is still there, so I had to create my own network here. I discovered Look Good Feel Better (LGFB), and attending their workshop made a huge difference. My “look” is very important for me, and it was comforting to feel pampered and cared for, especially after all the blows and bad news I’d been receiving. The workshop helped me to regain confidence and connected me to a group of women who understood exactly what I was going through.
I also started a walking group for cancer patients and later joined a dragon boat group for breast cancer survivors. Looking at the strength of these paddlers made me feel strong, too. If they can do it, so can I. It was encouraging. After my first cancer experience, I was eager to move on and forget about it. But now, I realize there’s power in staying connected with the cancer community and with other survivors. I’m a two-time survivor. This is my life and my reality, and I accept it now.
This time, my son also played a bigger role in my recovery. He was just a toddler the first time I had cancer, but now, as a teenager, he became part of my support system. He loves photography, and whenever I did my makeup, he’d take photos of me and edit them. It made me feel good about myself and it became our bonding time, and those photos now hold a special place in my heart.
Today, I cherish every moment with my husband and son. We cook, go for walks, shop, watch movies — those little everyday moments mean everything to me now. I’m grateful for each day and, rather than cry about what happened to me or worry about the future, I choose to live in the present. Cancer may be part of my story, but it doesn’t define who I am.