Hair loss with paclitaxel

I have been having the same chemo for 18 months and although I didn’t completely lose my hair it became very fine and fluffy.. I found that a wig was the only answer for me. As far as treatment I use the Cornish seaweed Company for shampoo and conditioner. I am on holiday at the moment and this is the first time that I have felt comfortable without having a wig. Good luck with your chemo 

Thank you - I think this is the best option for me too. My hair is already extremely thin following the menopause.

Hi Kaybel17  

I have had both paclitaxel and NAB-Paclitaxel. The first paclitaxel followed 4 cycles of EC where I had already lost my hair. It started to regrow some fluffy bits during the paclitaxel but didn’t properly resolve until a couple of months after I stopped treatment. A year later, with NAB-Paclitaxel, it went completely on top of my head and thinned elsewhere. I didn’t have a sore scalp either time, probably because I got my hair clippered very short both times as soon as the loss was becoming significant. I didn’t always wear a hat or head covering as sunburn is a potential issue. 

Hello Kaybel17,

I wore turbans and fun earrings when I lost my hair. I live in Ireland and the grant that I could have used towards a wig, I spent it on oxygen therapy for the scalp and on Kemon products for hair loss (shampoo,  masque and dry oil). I couldn't identify which or what worked, but my hair grew back well. Someone else recommended Faith in Nature products,  I just used the Kemon.

Good luck with your treatment!

Hey Kaybel17 

I'd already lost hair due to EC before a treatment change to a new regime including Paclitaxel. I just wash my scalp in the morning using the same stuff I've always used and the only change I've made is to wash it at night too as I run on the oily side and since there's no hair to absorb it, it just sits on my head and can become sticky otherwise!

I became a bit spotty prior to my last period, which I was actually surprised to see again, but other than that I've had no irritation or soreness as yet.

Hope you find something that works for you! x

I lost my long hair thou this treatment . My son cut it short for me initially. Once it all fell out i embraced it. Wearing funky bandana and big earring( as previously said) since then ( over 4 yes ago) I keep my hair short . I love it and try lots of different hair colours too . Good luck yiu will get thou this xx 

I lost more than 50% percent of my hair. It all started about 3 weeks after my first paclitaxel treatment. I cut my hair really short, half an inch or even less. I used baby shampoo initially but then switched back to my usual one. I used to wear colourful embroidered beanies. I thought I would be scared to go out or ashamed or embarrassed as stupid as it might sound, but I was not. On the contrary, the whole cancer experience with all its ups and downs, good days and bad days and the fear of recurrence always at the back of my mind (sometimes I don't think about it for days and even weeks 3 years after my initial diagnosis!) made me grow some kind of confidence which helped me a lot and it still does. Do stay positive and keep fighting! All the very best with your treatment and hope for the best!!!

Big hug,

Lana x

I had 2 x Paclitaxel and 2 x NAB Paclitaxel.  I had lost all my hair previously due to EC and it actually started to regrow during the Paclitaxel. 

I did get an NHS wig but never wore it as it made me more self conscious than a scarf, I also found it very hot.

Hi, I am not having PX - I am on EC.  However, like you I also have Raynaud's so did not even consider a cold cap.

It is all really strange knowing your hair will fall out etc.  mine was ok for a week or two but suddenly I started noticing clumps falling out here and clumps falling out there I soldiered on but the final straw was in the shower and I gently washed my hair - it absolutely fell out big time but the strands and clumps all stuck to my body.  What a job it was to wash it all off!

I had always insisted that when my hair did fall out I would channel Halle Berry in her Oscar appearance for Monster Ball.  She already had a Pixie Cut but she cut it even shorter for the Oscar Ceremony.  She looked stunning!

I thought if she can look like that with a tiny bit of hair - I took can look stunning without any hair.

The trick is to own your look!

I am still working out creams etc for my scalp but wear "mop hats" if I go out shopping, medical appointments etc.

I was given a wig by the chemo / MscMillan Team at my hospital.  

This was because very shortly after starting chemo my daughter was getting married.  Whilst the wig actually suits me, somehow it didn't feel right so, unless, I am going somewhere very special, I don't think I will wear it again.

Remember "own" your new look because you are you.  Do not fight it and you will feel so much better.

Gentle hugs x

I use moo goo and my hair is shredding so I hardly comb it