To shave or not to shave?

Hi lovely

 Got my brother to shave my head after couple of weeks from starting chemo as coming out in clumps.

 Didn't want to bother with cold cap.

I hate the way I look at times as feel like a victim and don't like the stares! However, hopefully this is temporary xx

Hi LuckyD 

I had long hair so had it cut into a bob before I started chemo. Once I could no longer hide the fact that my hair was coming out in handfuls, I got my husband to cut it to half an inch long using his clippers. I had read that losing your hair can make your scalp sore so thought it was better to get rid of it before that started to happen. I didn't shave my head as I'd read that shaving is not a good idea while having chemo as there's always the risk of cutting your head, leading to an infection.

Once my hair was short I then wore head coverings or a wig if going outside the house.

Anne x

As soon as mine started to fall out, my husband helped me to shave it off.

Don’t regret it - nobody stared . But in fairness it was winter so wore a beanie when outside.

Best of luck xx

Forgot to say it grew back quickly, although curly at first. Now completely straight xx

I have (or had!!) big curly just past shoulders afro hair. On Christmas eve after noticing it had started to come out after my first chemo on 8th Dec, I decided to go with my family and have it cut into a shorter style. That only lasted until 4 days ago when I had to get my partner to use his clippers on it and go grade 5.

I am wearing head covers and beanies now but I would say that transition period did help me to mentally adjust.

Best of luck!

Hi, I found my head was so tender and very itchy. My hair started to fall out 2 weeks after my first chemo. I decided to shave my head - my husband did it and although it was emotional it was the best thing! I am no

I am now 5 months post chemo and have stopped wearying my wig - very short silver grey hair I have now. Good luck 

Hey Lucky D

same as few others on here…I've just finished my chemo.. did the cold cap throughout & even though it thinned all over, I did go patchy & had few bald patches in front so it started to look a little mullet ish so ask my other half to give me a close shave! Felt so much better after it & wig felt better on (not that I really bother wearing it much tbh!!).. I found it liberating .. good luck & go with how you feel! At least it’s cold now so bobble hats aplenty!!!  Xx 

Thank you everyone for your replies. I think I'm ready for the shave. OH has the clippers on charge.