Intralace system

Delh

i had looked at Intralace after reading other threads but then currently due to Oncotype score 17 having radiotherapy instead of chemo. When I googled intralace there are clinics across country and appointments can be made during Covid, it is pricey and needs regular maintenance visits , so sad cold cap not an option for you this time.

Sending positive vibes and kind thoughts 

T xx

1. Hi  I have had an Intralace system fitted & it may be one of my posts you had seen in the chemo thread. The specialist consultancy I used was able to remain open during lockdown for Intralace only but I know that some places offering the system are closed as they are classed as ‘normal’ hair/beauty businesses. This will obviously change - hopefully next month. 
   So far I am very happy with my ‘new hair’. It increased my confidence & more importantly gave me some degree of control. I did cold cap and had a reasonable amount of hair left when the system was fitted - halfway through my chemo. So I could have the  ‘normal’ system which is connected using your own hair. There is another system for those who have lost all hair which is connected with tape. This does have to be taken off the head quite regularly but I understand it is very secure and is certainly better than a normal wig. Once your own hair starts to regrow this is then used to connect the system. 
   It is a big investment both financially and in terms of time for maintenance. For me it is well worth it but it is obviously a very personal decision. If I can be of any further help please let me know. 

Hi,

Thank you for replying.  Yes, it is very expensive and time consuming with the visits but my gut tells me it will be worth it.  My 10year old wants me to have it - i think it is so i look the same.  It will do my confidence good as well.  Can i ask which company you had your done with.  I have had a price but because i have very curly hair it is even more expensive :(  I am more concerned with the travel time to the salon as it is 1.5hrs away when i may not be feeling my best.  Del

Hi Del. I went to Lucinda Ellery in London. They do have salons in other cities. The travel time is an issue for me too. I made sure that my appointment for the fitting was at a time in the chemo cycle when I would be feeling better. But I was still very tired - around 7 hours in the studio, including breaks for the staff and 4 hours travelling in total! I then had to go back 3 days later for the first wash & to have everything checked. My first maintenance/adjustment appointment is next week. I will then be 10 days after my last chemo the fatigue will have eased if I follow the same pattern as the last two cycles. I definitely couldn’t have managed it this week!! 
The system definitely does help confidence. I was more concerned about having it for once treatment is finished & we are all getting back to some normal activities. I have told very few people about my diagnosis & want to keep control of who I tell & when. And whilst I have no objection to a wig I didn’t want to spend the next year putting a wig on & off each day. I need to feel as much like the ‘okd me’ as I can. We are all different & deal with hair loss in our own way. Good luck with whatever you decide & with your treatment. 

I contacted them but the Bristol salon. They told me to book it 10days after my 2nd cycle which seeing i am not allowed to use the cold cap is wishful thinking that I have hair at that point to be honest!

Be great if you could let me know how the maintenance check goes. Its good to hear of someone who is actually using it and not just their sales pitch!

Thanks

Del

Yes of course I will let you know how my first maintenance visit goes. I have been happy with the service so far. I initially sent photos of my hair & then I had a video consultation when everything was explained. Everything happened as had been explained & the technicians, manager & stylist again explained all that was done on the day. At the first wash the stylist demonstrated really well how to wash, condition & care for the hair. 
The mesh does now feel looser than it was when fitted but I was advised from the start that this would probably happen as more of my hair would shed during my remaining chemo sessions. It still feels secure enough so haven’t had to have an extra salon visit but it will definitely need tightening up next week.