Resources
At The Rapunzel Foundation we support those suffering from longer term hair loss by supplying wigs or partial wig funding to those in need.
Typically, individuals undergoing hair loss due to chemotherapy are categorized as experiencing short-term hair loss, as their hair is expected to regrow once their treatment is complete.
Please find links below to useful resources:
Irish Cancer Society – Coping with Hair Loss
MacMillan Cancer Support – Hair Loss Booklet
HSE – Hair Loss and Conditions
Qualified Tricologists Ireland – The Institute of Trichologists
Treatment Benefit Scheme
Under the Treatment Benefit Scheme the Department of Social Protection will cover a maximum of €500 towards the cost of a hair replacement product, once per year to those suffering from hair loss as a result of a disease or treatment of a disease such as cancer or alopecia.
Your treatment provider can check if you qualify. They will need information, including your date of birth and PPS number to do this. You can also telephone the Treatment Benefit Section to see if you qualify: 0818 300 600
Types of alopecia which qualify are:
- alopecia areata (which includes alopecia totalis/universalis, diffuse alopecia areata, alopecia ophiasis)
- primary scarring alopecias (also known as cicatricial alopecias)
- frontal fibrosing alopecia and lichen planopilaris (scarring alopecia)
- chemotherapy induced alopecia (anagen effluvium)
- alopecia resulting from surgery or trauma, including burns
Please find more information:
List of hair replacement product suppliers by county – gov.ie
If you are a salon that provides a hair replacement service and wish to be part of the new scheme, you will need to have a contract with the Department.
If you have any further enquiries, contact the Treatment Benefit Section on 074 9164530
Medical Card Holders
If you have a medical card, you will be entitled to an allowance towards the cost of your hairpiece.
Entitlements vary depending on your health board region. Your local health office or an HSE-registered wig supplier will be able to give you more information about the subsidy available and how to claim.