When it comes to GST, the government has a list of products that it doesn’t apply to, including wheelchairs, hearing aids and prosthetics.

However, there is one notably absent item. Wigs.

For people with medical conditions such as alopecia, wearing a wig can help them feel more like themselves.

But a high-quality wig can set a patient back thousands of dollars.

A new proposal is pushing for a medical certificate to allow the GST to be removed, helping lower the cost.

“When it comes to medical wigs and hair replacement systems, why should they be any different?” wig retailer Tammy Lobato said.

Research shows 2 per cent of Australians will experience alopecia during their lifetime.

While financial assistance is available in Australia for wigs and hair pieces, it’s inconsistent. Private health insurance can cover some costs, the Cancer Council has wig services and some states offer rebates.

So, while there are options, an amendment to GST legislation to recognise medical wigs as essential aids rather than fashion accessories would be a load-off for a deserving community.