The start of the hair loss…

Really sorry, it’s horrible when it starts to happen. There’s no right answer. Some people let it fall out gradually. I decided when it started coming out in clumps which was upsetting  to get a friend to shave it 1mm all over. That was fine for a week or so but then that started to annoy me falling out again so I had it wet shaved at the barbers. Both experiences were both dreadful and emotional and quite bonding even with the Turkish barber I’d never met! Then it was fine or as fine as it could be under the circumstances.  Please note they don’t recommend a wet shave in case of infection but it is what I did. But it’s really how you feel you’d like to do it. Xx

Hi 

I start my chemo on 4 March and I too am dreading my hair falling out. I can’t offer you any advice but you are not alone stay strong ️

I'll be in the same boat in a few weeks. The thought really distresses me so much, feel like a wuss 

Hi  

I lost my hair sept/ oct 2019 like you I was surprised to be more upset than I thought . I had already gone to pixie cut . prior to chemo . I didn’t like the discomfort /scalp pain when hair going to shed and loose hair everywhere so for me the right thing to do was get hairdresser to cut it as short as she could then a couple of weeks later a no 2shave . 
we’re all different but I found taking the initiative was quite liberating . It was my decision when to go bald not cancers !!

I went into lockdown in 202O with a fuzz but was desperate for cut by the July . My hair has come back strong and thick …had the chemo curls .

I liked it short that much I now have it cut every 4 weeks to keep it pixie length .

If there is a good time to lose hair this is it …everyone wearing hats cos it’s cold you can purchase bamboo beanies online in all colours and styles .

I also had wig but honestly only wore it three times …couldn’t be bothered .

good luck 

Thanks, already got my wig! Jo x

Oh thanks, that’s great to hear about your hair. I know it will grow back, I am just surprised at how much I have been affected by it today. I think like you I am going to shave it tomorrow… or I’ll get my partner to do it. I like the idea of being in charge of when it goes… 

I’ve got so many hats, and so many people have sent me hats too, plus I’m booked in with the wig lady at the Macmillan cove centre in a couple of weeks time so hopefully can get one to wear for when it’s a bit too hot for a beanie! 

thanks for your message it’s really helped xx

I think the main thing to remember is that it will grow back, it’s not forever, it will be ok. 
I took it really hard at the start, but I’m pretty sure I’m going to shave it tomorrow. Like the lady above said, I feel more in control by deciding when it goes myself. 

It’ll be ok, we can do this xxx

The hair loss is difficult and there's no easy way of dealing with it. I hoped to get to Christmas with hair...but when it came to it I found my hair was painful at the roots and affected my sleeping so I decided it had to go, three days before Christmas. I'd already decided before chemo started I couldn't put up with whispy bits of hair. My daughter and Granddaughter came to help me and between them they clipped my hair and then shaved my head. It stopped me going to strangers and sitting in public whilst I lost my hair. It made it more comforting for me. I've been ok with it tbh because it's still growing. I shave my head every week. It will come back.

Oh really, yes I think we are going to shave mine tomorrow. I hadn’t realised the scalp pain was all to do with it, otherwise I’d have realised what was about to happen. Instead of just sitting wondering when it will go and how etc, I just want to take charge I’ve decided. That’s really interesting what you said about it still growing, is that during the chemo? 
Yes, I’m just telling myself it’s not forever, it will come back, and in around 12 weeks the chemo will be over and I can look forward to it coming back….. 

I hope your treatment goes well x

I chose not to go for the cold cap as my normal hair was very fine anyway.  It started falling out about 10 days in to the chemotherapy and I was finding strands on my pillow and clothing so asked my hubby to clip it all off for me.  I used beanies at first and when offered a wig via NHS although a bit cynical I went for the appointment and couldn't have been more pleased.  The fitter helped with the selection and then trimmed it for me to customise it.  I have received so many compliments from people about my hair cut, they hadn't realised it was a wig until I told them it looks so good. My own hair is growing back but I think it will be a good many more months or possibly longer before it will be ready to show off.  At least it doesn't take too long to get ready now as sorting my hair was always the longest thing to do, now I just pull it on, give it a brush and away I go. 

Good luck and hope you have a similar experience xx