If you've recently ordered your medical wig, you're likely facing a waiting period that feels emotionally challenging. Whether you're preparing for chemotherapy, experiencing progressive alopecia, or dealing with sudden hair loss, the time between ordering your wig and receiving it can feel vulnerable and uncertain. At Enhanced Hair, we've supported thousands of Canadian women through this transition over our 28+ years of experience, and we want you to know: you have options, and you're not alone.
The typical waiting period for a custom medical wig in Canada ranges from 2-6 weeks, depending on whether you've chosen a stock piece or a fully customized solution. During this time, your hair loss may be progressing, and you need practical solutions that help you feel comfortable and confident. This guide will walk you through every option available to you during this interim period.
Understanding Your Hair Loss Timeline and Planning Ahead
The first step in managing your waiting period effectively is understanding your specific hair loss timeline. If you're preparing for chemotherapy, hair loss typically begins 2-3 weeks after your first treatment, though this varies by medication protocol. For those with alopecia or other medical conditions, the progression may be more gradual or come in patches.
This is why we always recommend ordering your medical wig before you actually need it. Many Canadian cancer centres and treatment facilities provide advance notice of your chemotherapy schedule, giving you the opportunity to have your wig ready before hair loss begins. If you're working with an oncology team in Toronto, Vancouver, Montreal, or any other Canadian city, ask your healthcare provider about the expected timeline for your specific treatment protocol.
If you're reading this and hair loss has already begun, don't worry—we have solutions for you too. The key is having a layered approach: immediate temporary solutions combined with your longer-term medical wig investment.
Interim Solution #1: Medical-Grade Turbans and Head Coverings
High-quality medical turbans and head coverings are designed specifically for hair loss patients and offer significantly more comfort and style than regular scarves. Unlike fashion accessories, medical-grade head coverings feature:
Bamboo or cotton linings that prevent irritation on sensitive scalps that may be tender from treatment. Many chemotherapy patients experience scalp sensitivity, and the right fabric makes an enormous difference in daily comfort.
Built-in volume and shape that doesn't require complicated tying techniques. When you're managing medical appointments, treatment side effects, and the emotional weight of your diagnosis, the last thing you need is to spend 20 minutes trying to achieve the perfect scarf wrap.
Secure fit systems that stay in place throughout your day, whether you're attending appointments, working, or simply running errands. Medical turbans are engineered to accommodate complete hair loss without slipping.
At Enhanced Hair, we carry a selection of medical-grade head coverings that our clients frequently use during their waiting period and beyond. Many women find that even after receiving their medical wig, they appreciate having turbans for days when they want a more casual option or when their scalp needs a break.
Interim Solution #2: Transitional Hats with Hair Attached
One of the most practical interim solutions we recommend is hats with hair already attached. These innovative pieces combine the casual comfort of a hat with the appearance of hair, offering a middle ground between full head coverings and a complete wig.
These pieces are particularly valuable for Canadian women because they work beautifully in our varied climate. Whether you're facing a Toronto winter, a rainy Vancouver spring, or a Prairie summer, hats with attached hair provide weather-appropriate coverage while maintaining a natural appearance.
The attached hair typically extends from the back and sides of the hat, creating the illusion that your own hair is simply tucked up under a casual cap or beanie. This solution is perfect for:
Running quick errands when you don't want to put on your full wig but want more coverage than a simple head covering provides.
Exercise and physical activity during your waiting period, as these pieces are more secure and breathable than a full wig would be for active wear.
Casual social situations where a hat would be contextually appropriate anyway—coffee with friends, weekend activities, or outdoor events.
The investment in a transitional hat piece (typically $80-200 in Canada) is modest compared to your medical wig, but the confidence it provides during your waiting period is invaluable.
Interim Solution #3: Short-Term Wig Rental or Budget-Friendly Temporary Pieces
If you're waiting for a custom wig or higher-end piece, consider investing in an affordable temporary wig to bridge the gap. While this might seem like an unnecessary expense, many of our clients at Enhanced Hair find that having an interim piece reduces anxiety and allows them to continue their regular activities with confidence.
A temporary wig doesn't need to be your forever solution—it simply needs to get you through the next few weeks. Look for synthetic options in the $150-400 range that offer:
Reasonable quality that will last 4-8 weeks of regular wear, which is exactly what you need during your waiting period.
A style you can live with even if it's not your ideal choice. This isn't about perfection; it's about having a dignified solution while your custom piece is being prepared.
Proper cap construction that accommodates complete hair loss comfortably, even in a budget-friendly piece.
The beautiful reality is that this temporary wig doesn't go to waste after your custom piece arrives. Many women keep their interim wig as a backup for future use, donate it to cancer support programs, or pass it along to another woman beginning her journey. Some of our clients even find they prefer having two wigs in rotation—their premium custom piece for important occasions and their temporary wig for everyday wear.
Working with Your Remaining Natural Hair: Gentle Transition Strategies
If you still have some hair remaining during your waiting period, there are strategies to work with what you have while protecting your scalp and managing the emotional challenge of watching your hair change.
Strategic cutting: Many women find that cutting their hair short before it falls out provides a sense of control and makes the transition less dramatic. A pixie cut or very short style means less hair in your brush, on your pillow, and in the shower drain—all of which can be emotionally difficult to face daily. Shorter hair also creates less weight and tension on fragile follicles.
Gentle hair accessories: If you're experiencing patchy loss rather than complete shedding, wider headbands, silk scarves, and strategically placed clips can help disguise areas of thinning while you wait for your medical wig or hair topper.
Scalp care prioritization: This waiting period is the perfect time to establish a gentle scalp care routine. Use mild, fragrance-free shampoos, avoid heat styling, and treat your scalp with the same care you'd give healing skin. This preparation will also make wearing your wig more comfortable when it arrives.
Silk or satin pillowcases: These reduce friction during sleep, which can minimize hair loss from mechanical stress and also prevent tangling if you're in the stage where hair is becoming fragile but hasn't completely fallen out yet.
The Emotional Aspect: Supporting Your Mental Health During the Waiting Period
While practical solutions are important, we'd be remiss not to acknowledge the emotional weight of this waiting period. For many women, the time between ordering a medical wig and receiving it represents a liminal space—you're neither who you were before hair loss nor who you'll be once you've adjusted to your new appearance.
This is completely normal, and your feelings are valid. Whether you're feeling anxious, sad, angry, or simply numb, these emotions are part of your journey. Here are some strategies our clients have found helpful:
Connect with support communities: Many Canadian cancer centres offer support groups specifically for women experiencing treatment-related hair loss. Online communities can also provide connection, though be mindful of your energy and only engage when it feels supportive rather than overwhelming.
Practice self-compassion: You're navigating a medical challenge while trying to maintain your daily life. Some days you'll feel strong and confident; other days you might not want to leave the house. Both responses are okay.
Focus on what you can control: You can't speed up your wig's arrival, but you can ensure you have comfortable interim solutions, maintain a gentle self-care routine, and communicate your needs to loved ones.
Document your journey if it helps: Some women find that journaling or taking photos helps them process their experience. Others prefer not to dwell on this period. Honour what feels right for you.
Preparing for Your Wig's Arrival: What to Do Now
While you wait, there are several practical steps you can take to ensure you're ready when your wig arrives:
Gather your styling tools: You'll want a wig stand, a wide-tooth comb or wig brush, and possibly a wig cap depending on your hair loss stage. Having these items ready means you can start wearing your wig immediately upon arrival.
Plan your first wearing: Some women want to wear their wig immediately to all activities; others prefer to practice at home first. There's no wrong approach. Think about what would make you most comfortable and plan accordingly.
Prepare your loved ones: If you have children, a partner, or close family members, consider how you'll handle your wig's arrival. Some women involve loved ones in the unboxing; others prefer private time to adjust first. Communicate your preferences clearly.
Schedule your fitting adjustment if needed: Depending on where you ordered your wig, you may have a follow-up appointment scheduled for final adjustments. Confirm this appointment and ensure you have transportation arranged if you're experiencing treatment side effects that affect driving.
Why Enhanced Hair Supports You Through Every Stage
At Enhanced Hair, we understand that your journey doesn't begin when your wig arrives—it begins the moment you make the decision to take control of your hair loss experience. That's why our team is available throughout your waiting period to answer questions, provide guidance, and support you through any challenges that arise.
Our 28+ years of experience serving Canadian women means we've seen every scenario and can provide practical, tested advice for whatever you're facing. We've helped thousands of women navigate this exact situation, and we're here to help you too.
Whether you're in Toronto, Vancouver, Edmonton, Halifax, or anywhere else across Canada, our virtual consultation services mean you have access to expert support without leaving home. This is especially valuable during treatment when energy is limited and travel feels overwhelming.
Moving Forward with Confidence
The waiting period for your medical wig is temporary, but the confidence you're building during this time is lasting. Every day you navigate this challenge, you're demonstrating resilience and self-advocacy. You're learning what works for your comfort, your style, and your emotional needs.
Remember that this interim period is just that—interim. Your wig will arrive, you'll adjust to wearing it, and this uncertain waiting time will become a memory rather than your current reality. Until then, use the solutions in this guide to maintain your dignity, comfort, and confidence.
You're not just waiting for a wig—you're preparing for the next chapter of your journey, and you're doing it with grace.
If you have questions about managing your specific situation during your waiting period, or if you haven't yet ordered your medical wig and want to explore your options, the Enhanced Hair team is here for you. Contact us to schedule a free virtual consultation where we can discuss your timeline, your concerns, and the solutions that will work best for your unique needs. You don't have to navigate this alone.