Looking for advice on shaving hair

Hi I’m in the same situation as you right now.  I tried the cold cap for first EC chemo but I’m losing so much hair I don’t know whether to bother again tomorrow for 2nd session. Disappointed to lose so much so soon with cold cap and keep wondering if this loss will slow down or stop eventually.  I’ll ask the nurses their opinion before it starts tomorrow and let you know what they say.  
I’ve got a few beanies on standby which I like (from eBay) and ordered another wig but so far not had much success with wigs (like you found them too thick) but I’m going to get my hairdresser to deal with the next one for me.   
I’ve been putting conditioner on my hair and leaving it overnight so that the matted hair is easier to detangle.  Also I just washed it out and didn’t use shampoo last time.  
Best wishes xx

Hello LMCPOS, welcome to the forum. I have just finished 8 cycles of chemo and used the cold cap throughout. Like you, my hair also started 'shedding' after the second cycle but this did reduce, and then stop, after a couple more cycles. I thought about stopping using the cold cap but after speaking to the chemo nurses decided to stick with it as it also helps with hair regrowth when the chemo stops. I'm glad that I continued with it as I still have around 50% of my hair and although it is a lot thinner than it was (my hair was very thick to start with) there are no bald patches and it has now started to grow back. Due to the colder weather I put on a woolly hat / beanie when I go out but this doesn't look out of place as a lot of others are also wearing hats - I haven't needed a wig. If you decide to stick with the cold cap use gentle parabens/sulphate free shampoo & conditioner. I washed my hair just once a week, in lukewarm water, and kept brushing to a minimum, using a wide toothed comb/brush. The shedding stage isn't great but it does stop. The cold cap can work better for some people than others, and things like the type of chemo you're having and the condition of your hair prior to chemo can be factors. It's a very personal decision whether to shave your head or not though, and I hope the rest of your treatment goes well, whatever you decide to do.

The cold cap is a personal decision and some good advice here from others on how long the shedding might last and that it might stop.

My experience: I shaved my head ahead of chemo and felt very empowered doing so - the one thing I could control. I had very long hair, so cut it off and donated it and then shaved off the rest. People absolutely loved the buzz cut look and it's something I never would have experienced without cancer. Now my hair is growing back, I'm experiencing all sorts of short hairstyles as it grows in. I have been surprisingly OK with it from the moment I decided to shave it off.

I got a wig but it never felt like me so never wore it. I just wore beanies, scarves etc. Some I just bought from Amazon and others I bought from specialist cancer shops, all online. I tended to find that I wore the scarves for treatment or going to get bloods taken and normal beanies/hats at other times. I had chemo during the Winter too, so easy to wear a hat outside.

I was never going to cold cap though as I am headache/migraine-prone and it can apparently trigger them.

Hello, thank you for your reply. Sorry to hear you are in the same situation as me with hair! That would be great if you could let me know what they say tomorrow :). I will have a look today for some head wear. I don’t think I would be brave enough to  only wear a beanie or a head scarf when I am outside. I didn’t realise how much hair had started shedding and I went in the shower without brushing first and I think that’s the reason it all stuck together. I think I’ll do the same with the conditioner only as it was ok after washing it out after treatment. Good luck with treatment 2. I’m sure you will be absolutely fine :) xx

Hi LalaLou. Thanks for your reply. It’s nice to hear a positive story. Happy the cap worked for you. I would be happy to keep what I have left at the moment. So far I don’t have any patches either. I have lost more than half and had it cut shoulder length. I am glad it’s winter time and we can wear hats. Maybe even if I get a lighter wig I could wear a hat over the top. Not sure how comfortable that will be though. I am sticking to the one a wee washing also. It’s good to hear the shedding can stop so that’s given me a bit of hope :). 

Hi Beatthebreast, thanks for taking time to reply. I am still not sure how to work this properly. Hoping to get the hang of it. That was lovely to donate your hair and extremely brave. I get the control part of it and I have been thinking the same thing. I’ve never even had my hair cut this short before and I feel like I am struggling with it. I am going to have a look on Amazon etc today. I need to get something quick so I can cover up around the kids if I lose hair from the top. I can’t wait until the next 4 sessions are over :)

Hi when I was going through my chemo for HER2 + breast cancer I got a lot of my caps off of ebay and amazon  and wish also I used to get my headscarves from the charity shops . I had the same problem with my hair in the end I shaved mine and it felt like I was in control for the first time since the diagnosis I completely lost all of my hair I finished chemo back in June and now I have a full head of hair it's short but it's there I didn't want to try the cold cap as I'm not good with the cold so left it hope this helps you wishing you all the best and lots of love with your treatment it may seems tough at times but you will get through it I promise xxx

Hi, I never tried the cold cap, but like you, my hair started coming out in clumps and it was shedding more than the dog!  My lovely hairdresser came to my house one evening and shaved it, which felt weird but great.  I got a wig, fitted by some great ladies who come into our hospital, and I love it. Sometimes I’m wear hats and scarves, but I really enjoy the new style I chose for my wig.  Good luck xx

I've just had my second chemotherapy session of six. I found my head wasquite painful when it started to come out to the point it disturbed my sleep. I had thick curly hair so although it looked thinner to me others didn't really notice. A couple of days before Christmas I could stand it no longer, either the discomfort nor the trail of shedding hair everywhere. We made removing my hair a girl thing. My daughter clippered it short and she and my eldest Granddaughter then shaved my head. The best decision I've made! The relief was instant.

I should also have said I've ordered a few beanies & turbans from Etsy. You can chose UK suppliers only and most have come in days.