Last year, we teamed up with celebrity hairstylist and three-time Emmy Award winner Lavette Slater to help an extraordinary woman named Otis find her way back to herself during a cancer diagnosis.
Otis's Story
Otis is a mother of two. When her diagnosis came, she made a decision a lot of women in her position make: she shaved her head before treatment could take it from her. As empowering as that act was, the reflection in the mirror afterward was harder than she'd expected. She told us she felt like she looked as sick as she'd soon feel.
A major part of recovery is the mental piece - the confidence to keep showing up as yourself through what comes next. We wanted to give Otis something to support that. By helping her look healthy on the outside, we hoped we could give her one less thing to carry as she fought what was happening on the inside.
The Build
Lavette has worked with cancer patients and survivors for years. She understood Otis immediately. After hearing her story, she committed to building Otis a custom wig from the ground up.
She used our 16" Wavy Virgin Machine Weft as the foundation hair and a Swiss Lace Closure for the natural top. She prefers human hair specifically - it lasts longer, can be styled and washed like real hair, and feels right against the scalp. Because all of our hair is 100% Remy with the cuticle intact, the longevity holds up to daily wear over a long treatment cycle.
The Reveal
Lavette brought in her trusted makeup artist to complete the look. The first reveal was to Otis herself. She couldn't believe how natural it looked, how natural it felt. The second reveal was to her mother, husband, and children. They saw the familiar glow she'd always had - the version of Otis they recognized, present again.
When a woman comes to us during cancer treatment, the consultation isn't about hair. It's about helping her feel like herself when so much else is being taken.
On working with a stylist for a custom wig
Custom wigs aren't always the right answer - many of our customers do beautifully with our ready-made wigs. But for some situations, a stylist-built piece is worth the investment. Otis's was one of those.
When custom is worth it: when you want a specific construction (custom cap size, weft layout, parting), a precise color blend, or when you're working with a stylist whose work you specifically want. Custom builds also let you choose the exact hair texture and length combinations that aren't always available in our standard wigs.
What you'll need: the right base hair (we recommend our wefts for build flexibility) and a closure or frontal for the natural top. Then a stylist who builds custom wigs to put it together. We can recommend stylists in your area if you don't already have one.
For cancer-related custom wigs: we move quickly when timing matters. If you're looking at upcoming treatment and want a custom build ready, reach out to our team and we'll prioritize the timeline.
If you're interested in working with Lavette, you can find her at lavetteslater.com. For more on our hair loss solutions, see our hair loss extensions guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
What hair options are best during chemotherapy?
Human hair wigs provide the most natural-looking complete coverage during treatment-related hair loss. They breathe better than synthetic against a sensitive scalp. For partial thinning, hair toppers cover the affected area while remaining hair stays visible. We recommend talking with your oncology team about timing and scalp sensitivity before choosing any method.
When can you start wearing extensions after chemotherapy?
Wait until your oncologist confirms your scalp is healthy and hair regrowth is stable - usually at least 2-3 inches of consistent growth. Clip-in extensions are typically the first method to consider because they require no adhesive, no heat near the scalp, and come out at night. Avoid tape-in or other adhesive methods until your scalp is fully recovered.
Can I get a custom-built wig from Perfect Locks?
We supply the hair (wefts, closures, frontals) for custom wig builds, and we can recommend stylists who specialize in custom construction. The build itself is done by a stylist who fits the wig to your head and sews it together. If you're new to custom wigs, our team can walk you through what to order and connect you with stylists.
How long does a human hair wig last with daily wear?
With proper care, a Remy human hair wig typically lasts 1-2 years of daily wear. Factors that affect lifespan: how often it's worn (rotating between two wigs extends each one's life), how it's washed (sulfate-free, infrequent washing), heat styling (less is more), and storage (on a wig stand, never balled up). Our wigs use 100% Remy hair with cuticle intact, which is what makes the longer lifespan possible.