Women-Led Wig Companies Are Helping Women Cope With Medical Hair Loss

While October's Breast Cancer Awareness Month has come and gone, women face medical hair loss issues year round.

Shani Lechan, founder of Brooklyn-based wig company, Shani Wigs , is no stranger to helping women who suffer from medical hair loss.

"Wigs play a crucial role in helping women feel more confident and regain a sense of normalcy during a challenging time," said Lechan. "For many women, hair loss during cancer treatment can feel deeply personal, and wigs can become a crucial part of reclaiming their sense of self."

According to the American Cancer Society , wigs help improve emotional well-being and self-esteem for cancer patients facing hair loss. In 2024, breast cancer is a significant health issue, with roughly 300,000 new cases in the U.S. annually , with chemotherapy treatments causing hair loss.

"Supporting women through some of the most difficult times in their lives is an important side of the wig business," said Lechan.

Lechan offers compassionate guidance and strength to each woman, guiding them along as they make their wig choice. "Together, we aim to make this journey less isolating and more uplifting," she said. "It's not just about providing a product; it's about being there for women when they need it most, helping them feel empowered throughout their journey."

Lechan's virgin hair wigs are ethically sourced, hand selected, personally designed and handmade in her studio ("not a factory," she notes). They are durable enough for everyday use and are expected to last several years. After an initial consultation, each custom wig takes a few weeks to a few months to create, and some of the wigs from her latest collection include the short Chloe wig , the long, straight Salome wig and the wavy Ava wig , among others.

"Wigs are more than just a product; they are a symbol of strength and resilience," she explains. "By offering high-quality, customizable options, we aim to provide women with a sense of identity and comfort as they navigate their journeys."

Shani's wig business is built on compassion. "As a wig business owner, my expertise lies in understanding the emotional and physical challenges that women face when dealing with hair loss," she said.

It comes down to being understanding. "I've had the privilege of working closely with women during some of their most vulnerable moments, helping them find wigs that not only suit their individual style, but also restore a sense of normalcy and confidence."

She typically meets with women before they lose their hair. "Working with women who are going through cancer is an incredibly meaningful and special experience," she said. "Being there for them through such a tough time, and then later helping to restore their hair, is something that I feel honored to be a part of."

It isn't just about a wig or giving women their hair back, but being present. "You see their strength, their vulnerability, and you realize you've become a part of their journey, which stays with you in a deep and lasting way," said Lechan.

"There are hard moments when you feel the weight of what they're facing, but also moments of joy when you help them reclaim something cancer has taken from them," she adds. "It's a reminder that even in the hardest times, we can find ways to heal, to regain a sense of self, and to move forward. Being a part of that process is truly special."

Helena Lee, the founder of Luvme Hair , has had a similar experience over her career. "Originally, wigs were primarily worn to address hair thinning or hair loss," she said, noting the shift in the early 2000s, when lace wigs grew in popularity. "By the 2010s, innovative stylists began using techniques like bleaching and plucking to create ultra-realistic front hairlines on lace wigs."

Her brand specializes in their Swiss lace wigs, a natural wig design she introduced in 2018. Now, Lee is working on releasing a specialized, sterile lace wig designed for women experiencing medical hair loss. "These wigs are made with ultra-soft, skin-friendly materials to accommodate sensitive scalps, helping to reduce itching and discomfort," she said.

Her brand has a Facebook group, where clients can share their wig experiences, "and encourage one another," she said. "We believe that finding camaraderie with others facing similar challenges can bring immense comfort and motivation to these women."

Lee adds that no matter the challenges, her community can overcome them together. "Our platform encourages everyone to share both joys and struggles, reminding each other that Luvme Hair is dedicated to fostering a supportive environment that empowers women, reminding them that they are never alone."

According to Lena Fleminger, the founder of Lena's Wigs in Baltimore, catering to women suffering from medical hair loss is part of her every day. She even has a section on her website called Chemo Wigs , explaining the customized wig process.

"I feel like it's really important for people to understand the emotional and psychological implications of hair loss on women," said Fleminger. "There are literally millions of women going through this, and very little attention is paid to it."

Most healthcare providers don't focus on the impact of hair loss. "They rarely have solid answers about the causes, and in the case of chemotherapy, it's often treated as an afterthought," she said. "Hair loss is deeply traumatic for most women."

Fleminger, who has been in business for 15 years, has seen how traumatic hair loss is. "It has a real emotional impact on your well-being," she said. "And we know emotional health plays a crucial role in treatment outcomes."

Fleminger has seen firsthand how a wig can help regain a woman's confidence and make her day-to-day activities easier. "Many clients don't want to miss out on experiences they love, often going to great lengths to disguise hair loss," she said.

With natural wigs being normalized, she is seeing a shift in the industry. "Education and transparency are central to my mission," said Fleminger.

"Too often, I meet clients who have spent thousands of dollars on wigs that didn't meet their expectations, without understanding why," she said. "My goal is to educate women so they can feel empowered by wig-wearing, not diminished by it."