Hina Khan posts a heartfelt video of her hair being cut following a cancer diagnosis: ‘I chose to use my own hair to create a beautiful wig.'
We had a conversation with Dr Gunasekar Vuppalapati, a senior aesthetic and reconstructive plastic surgeon at GVG Invivo Hospital in Bengaluru, about the process and advantages of creating a wig from one’s own hair.
Demonstrating remarkable strength and resilience, actor Hina Khan recently opened up about her battle with stage three breast cancer, sharing the emotional experience of deciding to cut her hair.
Last week, Khan publicly disclosed her diagnosis in a heartfelt statement, assuring everyone, “Despite this challenging diagnosis, I want to reassure everyone that I am doing well.”
Aware that many cancer patients experience hair loss as a side effect of treatment, Khan chose to proactively part with her cherished hair. On Thursday morning, she shared a poignant video where she sat in front of a mirror, ready to have her hair cut by stylist Dwyessh Parasanani. As Parasanani began sectioning and braiding her hair, Khan's mother, though emotional and tearful, could be heard in the background offering words of encouragement.
Parasanani hands Khan a pair of scissors, allowing her to trim the front section herself before continuing with the haircut. As the video concludes, Khan expresses a sense of liberation.
Wig-making is a meticulous art form that brings both comfort and confidence to individuals dealing with hair loss for diverse reasons. The process begins with the donation of hair and culminates in the final styling of the wig. Every step in crafting these wigs involves precise techniques, producing bespoke, natural-looking hairpieces that can profoundly impact a person's life.
Dr. Gunasekar Vuppalapati, a senior aesthetic and reconstructive plastic surgeon at GVG Invivo Hospital in Bengaluru, explains, “Creating a custom wig from a person's own hair is a precise and artistic process. It starts with an initial consultation to discuss the individual’s needs and preferences, including the desired style, length, and colour of the wig. The next phase involves carefully collecting the hair, often requiring multiple sessions to gather enough for a complete wig. Once collected, the hair is meticulously sorted and cleaned to eliminate any debris or impurities.”
The subsequent step is to craft the wig’s foundation, known as the cap. This cap is usually made from lace or other breathable materials and is tailored to fit the individual’s head shape and size. “After the cap is prepared, the collected hair is painstakingly hand-tied or ventilated onto it, strand by strand. This meticulous process is labour-intensive but essential to ensure that the wig appears natural and moves realistically,” Dr. Vuppalapati elaborates in an interview with indianexpress.com.
Dr. Vuppalapati explains, "Once the hair is attached to the cap, it undergoes styling and cutting to match the individual's preferred look. This process can include trimming, layering, colouring, or perming to create the desired hairstyle. The end result is a bespoke wig that closely replicates the person's natural hair, offering a comforting sense of normality during a difficult period."
Quality and Longevity: Own Hair Wigs vs. Other Types
Dr. Vuppalapati highlights the superior quality and longevity of wigs made from an individual’s own hair compared to synthetic alternatives. He notes, "Human hair wigs provide a more authentic appearance and feel, with a texture and movement that are virtually identical to natural hair. They can be styled, cut, and coloured just like one's own hair, providing a higher degree of versatility."
Regarding durability, Dr. Vuppalapati adds that with proper care, human hair wigs can last several years, whereas synthetic wigs generally have a shorter lifespan. Human hair wigs are also more resistant to heat and styling damage, making them a more sustainable and long-term investment for those in need of a natural and resilient hair replacement option.
Psychological Benefits of Custom Wigs for Cancer Patients
For cancer patients undergoing treatments like chemotherapy that result in hair loss, wearing a custom wig made from their own hair can bring profound psychological benefits. According to Dr. Vuppalapati, such wigs help restore a sense of normalcy and identity, enhancing self-esteem and confidence. Even seeing themselves with their natural hair, albeit in wig form, offers a sense of control and continuity during a period marked by significant change and uncertainty.
Maintenance Tips for Natural Hair Wigs
Dr. Vuppalapati emphasizes the importance of specific care and maintenance for natural hair wigs to maintain their quality and durability. They should be washed gently using sulphate-free shampoos and conditioners formulated for human hair wigs. Regular conditioning is crucial to prevent dryness and tangling. It's advisable to avoid excessive heat and harsh styling products, which can damage the hair and reduce the lifespan of the wig.
Psychological benefits for cancer patients of wearing a wig made from their own hair
For cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy or other treatments that cause hair loss, wearing a wig made from their own hair can offer significant psychological benefits. Dr Vuppalapati says, “It can help restore a sense of normalcy and identity, boosting self-esteem and confidence. Seeing themselves with their own hair, even in the form of a wig, can provide a sense of control and continuity during a time of significant change and uncertainty.”
Special care or maintenance requirements
Wigs made from natural hair require specific care and maintenance to preserve their quality and longevity, asserts Dr Vuppalapati. They should be washed gently with sulphate-free shampoos and conditioners designed for human hair wigs. Regular conditioning is essential to prevent dryness and tangling. Avoid using excessive heat or harsh styling products, as these can damage the hair and shorten the wig’s lifespan.
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