Wig Information
A patient guide to those experiencing hair loss
CT. Statute 38A542 stipulates that a commercial health insurance policy originating in Connecticut must provide one synthetic wig in a lifetime for a woman suffering from chemotherapy induced hair loss. An oncologist must write the prescription for a “cranial prosthesis” (HCPC code is S8095), which must accompany the bill, in order for insurance to cover the item. Maximum amount of coverage is $350. Although most working people have wig coverage, this mandate does not mean there is universal coverage:
• Medicare does not provide any wig coverage
• Healthnet Smartchoice (the Medicare HMO) does not provide wig coverage.
• “Self-funded” employers may or may not include coverage for wigs. If you disagree with their decision, you may appeal through your plan administrator (CC: to your employer). If all appeals are exhausted, you have the right to seek legal counsel and can file suit in federal court. The US Dept. of Labor (617565-9600) can inform you of your rights. If your insurance originates in any state other than CT, you may not have wig coverage. The coverage is based on individual policy, not on the CT law. Decisions disagreed with may be appealed.
• Deductibles and co-pays may apply
• Some stores will bill the insurance company directly
The American Cancer Society (1-800-ACS-2345), (203-379-4700) and Cancer Care (1-800-813-HOPE), (203854-9911) have wigs that can be obtained free of charge
Ask your social worker about the next “Look Good…Feel Better” Program, a public service program, partnered by the American Cancer Society, the Cosmetic, Fragrance and Toiletry Association, the National Cosmetology Association and co-sponsored by Yale New Haven Hospital and Yale Cancer Center, where wigs and other head coverings as well as skin care and make-up are discussed.
For most women, selecting a wig is a mystery To make the right choice, get to know what’s available:
Hair Types: Synthetic or “Real”
Synthetic and human hair wigs are equally durable and can both be matched to your own hair color and desired cut. Many women favor synthetic wigs, since they are easier to maintain, hold their set longer, dry faster after washing, and are far less expensive than “real hair” wigs. Hair varies from tough (low-end) to almost silky (high-end). At the same time, human hair win fans for natural feel and versatility; in fact, you can reset as often as real hair and touch-up using heat appliances (i.e., curling irons, blow dryers, etc.) that would melt a synthetic wig. Grade A human hair wigs (not Grade B, which are less resilient) can even be re-dyed or permed. However, since the added work required for human can become tiresome and pricey, many women prefer to go “low maintenance” with synthetic. It’s a highly personal decision.
Construction: Machine, Hand, or Custom-Made
Quality construction is a key factor in choosing any wig. A well-crafted,machine-made synthetic wig looks like your own hair and offers comfort- minded details, like a vented cap, at a reasonable price. Such massproducedsynthetic wigs perform better than some low quality human hair wigs, so it’s important to know what you are getting. High-quality, hand-made wigs look even more natural, since strands of hair are individually tied, allowing the wig to be parted and styled with hair accessories. Top-of-the-line, custom-made wigs – fit to your precise specifications – are the closest to your own hair, but cost a great deal and take several months to produce. To find reputable wig retailers and makers, contact the American Cancer Society or your hair stylist.
Options: Wigs or Hairpieces
In addition to wigs, there are bangs, falls, ponytails and side pieces to wear with hats and head wraps. Such hairpieces are an option if you prefer not to wear a wig – or just don’t want to wear one every day. Attached to the inside of a hat or head wrap (usually with Velcro), the hairpiece falls naturally from beneath, providing the illusion of a full head of hair.
Shopping Tips
• We highly recommend using a licensed hair professional who specializes in wig fitting.
• Find out what your particular insurance plan covers, and who are the “in network” providers.
• When you shop for your wig, take a friend or family member for opinion and advice.
• When you purchase your wig, you may also want to pick up these supplies: wig caps, wig stand, wig shampoo, wig spray, wig conditioner, hair nets, hair pins, rollers, and a wire wig brush.
Below is a list of other places women have found wigs. It is by no means comprehensive, and is not a recommendation of any business listed. We have not verified licensing or expertise at any business, so please consider this in your decision making.
New Haven
Pio of Italy Hair Studio (by appointment only)
1118 Whalley Avenue, New Haven, CT
Tuesday – Friday 8:30A-5:30P Saturday – 8:30A-4:30P (203) 397-0200
East Haven
Hair to Eternity (phone for appointment with fitter)
204 Kimberly Avenue, East Haven, CT
Tuesday-Friday: 9:00A-9:00P Saturday: 9:00A-6:00P (203) 469-3173
East Lyme
Pearl’s Wig Boutique
313 Flanders Road, East Lyme, CT
Wednesday-Friday-Saturday: 10:00A-5:30P (860) 442-5555
Fairfield
Total Look (by appointment only)
2193 Black Rock Turnpike Fairfield, CT (203) 367-4247
Greenwich
Allura Salon (by appointment only)
23 West Putnam Avenue, Greenwich, CT
Monday – Friday 9:00A – 3:00P, Sunday: 11:00A – 4:00P (203) 869-1234
Hamden
Richard Penna Salon (fitting/styling by appointment)
2456 Whitney Avenue, Hamden, CT
Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday: 9:00A-5:00P, Thursday: 9:00A-7:00P, Saturday: 8:00A-4:00P (203) 281-4345
North Haven
Wig Towne (by appointment)
117 Washington Avenue, North Haven, CT
Monday: 10:00A – 3:00P, Tuesday – Friday: 10:00A-5:30P, Saturday: 10:00A – 3:00P (203) 239-2480
Hair Replacement Concepts (call for appointment)
266 Quinnipiac Avenue North Haven, CT (203) 915-1271
Orange
Saxon Kent
185 Boston Post Road, Orange, CT
Mon, Tues, Wed, Fri: 10:00A-5:30P, Thursday: 10:00-7:00P (203) 795-3682
Paula’s Wig Boutique
501 Boston Post Road, Orange, CT
Tuesday-Friday: 10:30A-5:00P, Saturday: 10:30A-4:00P (203) 799-8510
Southport
The Total Look (by appointment only)
3482 Boston Post Road, Southport, CT
Tuesday – Friday: 9:00A-9:00P, Saturday: 8:30A-4:30P (203) 255-9510
Trumbull
Anthony’s Wigs & Hairpieces (by appointment only)
Hawley Lane Mall, Trumbull, CT
Monday-Friday: 9:30A-9:00P,Saturday: 9:00A-5:00P (203) 377-2084
Waterbury
Tonkins Wigs, (by appointment)
481 Wolcott Street, Waterbury, CT
Tuesday-Friday: 10:00A-5:00P, Saturday: 10:00A-4:00P (203) 753-1355
Wethersfield
FABI of Rome Hair Replacement Center (by appointment only)
350 Silas Dean Highway, Wethersfield, CT, (860) 571-0057