Hair loss support

Wig fitting service

Some types of cancer treatments can cause hair loss. Radiotherapy and certain Systemic Anti-Cancer Treatments (SACT) can cause total or partial baldness. You are entitled to one wig from the NHS if your treatment causes hair loss. Whilst this is paid for by the NHS it does incur an appliances prescription charge.

We understand that losing your hair can be extremely distressing for you and those around you. Your cancer nurse will refer you to the department within Harrogate District Hospital that can arrange for a wig to be fitted. This department is called Orthotics and can be found off the main ground floor corridor within Therapy Services.

Once a referral has been made for you to the Orthotic department, you will be given an appointment for the wig-fitting service at Harrogate District Hospital. The wig-fitting service is held in the Sir Robert Ogden Macmillan Centre every other Wednesday afternoon.

If you would prefer to visit NHS wig suppliers directly, two local services are Hair Plus and Betty Brown.

Scarves and headwear

There is a range of headwear options available for patients experiencing hair loss. For more information contact the Cancer Information and Support Service.

We have an NHS discount available for direct telephone orders from Masumi Headwear. Please contact the cancer information team (01423 557 317) or hdft.cancerinformation@nhs.net) for the current stock and price list.

Hair loss information

Please visit the Macmillan website for more information about hair loss, hair loss during treatment, scarves and bandanas for cancer treatment, wigs for cancer treatment and scalp cooling.

A ‘Coping with hair loss‘ booklet is available from Macmillan Cancer Support.

Information and support is also available from ‘Headwrappers‘ and Breast Cancer Now has information about breast cancer and hair loss.