Image: Landscape of Yorkshire moors with dark clouds sitting over a valley on a spring day.
On the Community team we often ask for your input or feedback, we want to make sure we’re listening to our members. In a recent newsletter we asked for you to get in touch with the topics you would like to see us write about. In today’s Community News Blog, we’re talking about a topic you asked for - hair loss.
We know from many of our members’ comments that hair loss can be difficult to deal with, both physically and emotionally.
"The hair loss was something I was absolutely dreading and absolutely heartbroken about."
"Main one for me is hairloss Hair loss was awful but I've learned to accept myself with short hair now. Take each day at a time."
This blog will look to provide some information and clarity on hair loss issues, to help clear those clouds of unanswered questions which can cause extra worry or stress.
Hair loss can affect you if you are having chemotherapy, radiotherapy or hormonal and targeted (biological) therapy. There are practical steps you can take to reduce hair loss during treatment. Each individual treatment plan may affect your hair differently and there are different ways to cope with hair loss, both physically and emotionally.
Practical Help with Hair Loss
For extensive tips on everything from washing your hair, to styling it and caring for your skin have a look at our dedicated hair loss page. There are suggestions suitable for all hair types, including more sensitive sorts like Afro-Caribbean or curly hair.
Wigs and Other Options
There are a few options that can help some people to feel better in dealing with hair loss.
"Ask your team about wigs as with all treatments and extras they vary between health authorities, luckily where I am they are free with the NHS exemption card anything over that is topped up by the hospital charity group."
"I got a lovely wig on prescription (I wore it yesterday) and my bamboo headscarves are good."
Bluebell Woods, Breast cancer forum
Along with the different options mentioned on our page, Look Good Feel Better is a charity that offers to help boost the physical and emotional wellbeing of people living with cancer. They provide online workshops covering everything from skincare to make up, grooming and wig advice.
Coping After Hair Loss
Aside from the practical tips, we know that the emotional challenges that come along with the physical impact of hair loss can be difficult to deal with. The video below shares three peoples’ stories of coping with hair loss.
Brave The Shave
Macmillan’s ‘Brave The Shave’ campaign, a fundraising push inspired by the challenges of hair loss, has already been supported by thousands of people across the UK. Read more about their stories on the Brave the Shave fundraising page here.
We hope the information and suggestions shared in this blog are useful and informative. We know that the challenges of side effects from treatment can be complex and different for everyone.
You can view, or download, a booklet on coping with hair loss by clicking this link.
Why not leave a comment below to suggest more of what you’d like to see from the Community Team.
