“Shaved or Wig?” Asks ‘Real Housewives’ Star Teddi Mellencamp, 43, As She Loses Hair During Grueling Treatment For Advanced Cancer

For many cancer patients, hair loss is more than a physical change—it’s an emotional reckoning with identity, self-esteem, and control. Real Housewives of Beverly Hills alum Teddi Mellencamp, 43, is confronting this reality head-on as she continues her battle with metastatic melanoma. In a recent Instagram post, she asked followers to weigh in on whether she should wear a wig or embrace her baldness—turning a deeply personal moment into a shared experience with her community. “Some days you feel like a wig, some days you don’t”, she says.

 

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A post shared by Teddi Mellencamp Arroyave (@teddimellencamp)

Since her diagnosis in 2022, Mellencamp has been open about her journey, encouraging others to stay on top of skin health and get regular check-ups for early skin cancer. But now, as new tumors have been discovered in her brain and lungs, her battle has evolved.  

“It’s about more than just looks—hair represents normalcy, control, and feeling like yourself in the midst of a storm,” Mellencamp shared.

Many patients struggling with hair loss echo this sentiment. SurvivorNet has spoken with women who say keeping their hair—or finding alternatives like wigs and scalp cooling caps—helps them feel less like a patient and more like themselves. “When you look in the mirror and see your hair gone, it’s not just about beauty—it’s a reminder of your fight,” says Dr. Samantha Boardman, a psychiatrist who specializes in mental resilience during illness.

Mellencamp, however, is embracing this transformation in her own way. Whether choosing to go without a wig one day or trying out a new look the next, she is showing others that they have the power to define their own experience. Instead of letting hair loss dictate how she feels, she’s rewriting the narrative.

Options for Managing Hair Loss During Cancer Treatment

Wigs and Head Coverings

Many patients opt for wigs, scarves, or hats to maintain a sense of normalcy and control over their appearance during treatment. Selecting a wig that closely resembles one’s natural hair can provide comfort and boost confidence. The SurvivorNet community emphasizes that finding a suitable wig can help individuals feel more like themselves during this challenging time.

Scalp Cooling Caps

Scalp cooling caps, also known as cold caps, are devices worn before, during, and after chemotherapy sessions to reduce blood flow to the scalp. This constriction can help minimize hair follicle exposure to chemotherapy drugs, potentially reducing hair loss. While results vary, some patients have found these caps effective in preserving their hair.

Embracing the Bald Look

Some people choose to embrace hair loss by shaving their heads, finding empowerment in owning their new appearance. This approach can alleviate the anxiety of watching hair gradually fall out and provide a sense of control over the situation.

 

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