The Cancer Center at Tufts Medical Center offers free wigs and fittings to patients experiencing medical hair loss on the fourth Wednesday of the month from 10 am – noon and 1-3 pm. The “Wig Wednesday” program is made possible due to a new partnership with EBeauty Community, Inc., a nonprofit dedicated to increasing health equity by providing access to wigs regardless of socioeconomic status or geographic location.
“Hair loss can be a really complicated, emotional part of treatment for many of our patients and being able to provide this service is just one way our team strives to provide patient-centered care,” says Elizabeth Hazel, LICSW. “Synthetic and natural wigs can cost $2,000, which isn’t affordable for many patients. This partnership gives us access to a wide variety of wigs in various colors, hair textures, lengths and styles, all available to our patients free of charge.”
Most of the supplied wigs are brand-new, still complete with tags. The rest are gently used and donated by the beauty industry and organizations including the American Cancer Society, Netflix and even patients in remission. All of the wigs are professionally cleaned by Paul Mitchell Salons & Beauty Schools. Prior to the fitting, patients submit their preferences for color, texture, length and style so that they have a range of options.
“Thank you so very much for offering the wig program at Tufts Medical Center,” said a recent Wig Wednesday participant. “As I was starting to lose my hair during my second chemotherapy treatment, I wasn't sure where to turn to look for a wig. Caroline and Natalie were so kind and generous in helping me pick out the right one. The first time I went in for my appointment, I did not see a wig that was right for me. They listened to my suggestions and ordered a few more wigs for me to come back in and try on. They did such a great job of listening and I was able to find one wig that was just perfect.”
The Wig Wednesday program is open to all Tufts Medical Center Cancer patients.
Learn more about Wig Wednesday
Custom wig fitting, consultation and styling is also available for Lowell General Hospital Cancer Center patients. Call 978.944.5688 for more information or to schedule an appointment at the boutique.
