Are you having treatment and worried about losing your hair? Or do you have questions about styling hair changes? This blog includes some recent experiences and suggestions from Community members across our different groups.
There are some great support resources and information to help you cope with hair loss, and we will include some of these towards the end of the blog. We know that hearing the experiences of others can be invaluable when learning how to manage side effects like hair loss, hair styling and maintenance, so we hope you will find the following helpful.
Coming to the forums to ask questions about hair loss can help you manage and process any hair loss side effects of treatment:
“After chemotherapy, when the hair starts growing back, has anyone had experience with irritation in the eyes as the eyelashes grow back? If so, any tips to deal with this?”
Have you experienced this too? Click here to reply and share your personal experience. You don’t have to cope with hair loss alone as there are lots of supportive and reassuring experiences shared in the discussion threads:
“I'm four months into my chemotherapy. I remember the day that I brushed my hair and it just came out in clumps. It was the one aspect of cancer I dreaded.3 weeks in I braved the shave and for me it was the best thing I could have done. I am now completely bald, and embracing it. I bought lovely headscarves for the times I'm not feeling so brave. Wishing you all the love on your journey”
Hair loss discussion thread
“Daughter decided to 'take control' and decided to stop the cold cap and asked her lovely hairdresser to remove what was left of her hair. None of it was easy but she felt much better once it was done. She didn't like wearing a wig and quickly developed her own style of chemo headgear (loads out there) and statement earrings.”
Hair loss discussion thread
If you decide wearing a wig is the best option for you, it's important to find one that fits correctly and is comfortable. It is also important that you look after your wig.
“Wearing wigs perfectly involves proper preparation, application, and maintenance. Here are some tips at wigs store to help you achieve a natural and comfortable look when wearing wigs….Remember that wearing wigs is a skill that improves with practice. Experiment with different techniques to find what works best for you, and don't hesitate to seek advice from wig specialists or tutorials for additional guidance.”
Click here to read the full post with friendly advice
Head coverings like hats, scarves and bandanna’s are also what some people use instead of a wig. There are some suggestions in the Hair loss and covering’s discussion thread that you may find useful.
“I have a wig which looks quite glamorous, but I have to be honest I prefer my little beanies, they are warm and comfortable..... I bought them online from some site and there are numerous designs... I bought some with my granddaughter in mind as they have things like butterflies, dragonflies etc”
Head, do you never not cover up? Discussion thread
Maybe you didn’t lose your hair during treatment but the texture and style of your hair has changed. This isn't uncommon and is something members talk about in our forums.
“Although I haven't lost my hair this time round it is very thin, course, dry and grey. I wondered if anyone had any experience of any shampoos that could make it a bit softer and in better condition and maybe bring some shine back and maybe just help me feel a little more like my old self.”
Click here to reply and share your experience.
Sometimes exploring different hair care options can help to find what works for you, but make sure you take guidance from your health care team if you try any supplements or medicated products. The following are some recent things Community members have tried:
“The Cancer hair care charity gave me a tea tree and aloe vera gel which was both soothing and healing. I had already removed all soaps and shampoos and was prescribed a soap substitute.”
“Thank you I asked my hair dresser and she has given me an organic shampoo and conditioner.”
Scalp hurts from hair thinning any advice discussion thread
Thinking about colouring your hair blonde, brown, black, blue? Whatever colour you wish to dye your hair, it’s a common question members ask after cancer treatment:
“Is there a hair colouring I can safely use while my new hair is coming through? I believe I can't use strong hair dyes for the next 6 months?”
New hair growth and hair dyes discussion thread
Members have posted questions in the Ask a Nurse section about using hair dye during and after treatment.
Click the links to read the Nurse's replies:
“Hi. I finished chemo on 11th May and radio on 24th June. I've been told 3 different things regarding hair dye. I got told by a cold cap trainer minimum 3 months after chemo, support on my hospital app 6 months and a nurse telling me if my hair feels strong etc then up to you. I didn't lose my hair thankfully and it's not shedding anymore and feels stronger. I'm straightening it and blow drying it. Has anyone dyed their hair. If so, was it OK. I had a patch test and no reaction."Hair dye after chemo and radiotherapy - any experiences on timescales?- Ask a Nurse
“My mum has terminal bowel cancer. She has been given an estimation of two years and will be starting more chemotherapy to keep the cancer at bay, potentially in October/November. She is desperate to dye her hair with a semi-permanent or wash out colour. Her hair fell out with the chemo, and she now has very short hair which has grown in all grey/white. I am unsure whether this would be ok, or whether she is more likely to have a reaction to this. She used to dye her hair all sorts of colours before the diagnosis. It's her birthday in a few weeks so I'll love to get this organised for her if it's something that is safe to do. Thank you”
Interactions with hair dye- Ask a Nurse
Read more related Community news blogs:
Organisations offering additional support:
My new hair is a charity that provides support and advice for medical hair loss, there is also a salon finder that can give you recommended salons that have completed the Level 2 Advanced Aftercare Training. This focuses on advanced cutting skills, aftercare, and hair re-growth.
Cancer Hair Care is another UK hair loss charity, they have a webpage on colouring new hair growth with guidance on checking you scalp’s condition, temporary colours, concerns about hair dye reactions and patch/sensitivity testing.
There is also Look good feel better which offers workshops and expert advice on hair loss, scalp care and new growth along with skincare, make up and nail care.
Have you got any post treatment hair care tips you want to share with others? Use the comment box below to share your experience.
