Cancer & Hair Loss. What Comes Next?
Temporary hair loss is a common side effect of chemotherapy. For women who are undergoing breast cancer treatment, it can be an upsetting experience.
Some women choose to wear wigs, scarves, hats, or turbans. Other women are comfortable wearing nothing. Any of those choices is the right one if it feels right for you. As wig designer and cancer hair loss consultant Amy Gibson puts it: “Each woman must decide for herself how she is most comfortable meeting the world.”
Amy experienced permanent hair loss due to an immune disorder called alopecia areata. As she learned to embrace her new normal, she was inspired to help other women and create her own wig line. She is also a national hair loss spokesperson and educates women on everything to do with alternative hair (wigs).
If you are facing hair loss, keep reading for some tips from Amy to help you through the process.
Some of the most difficult side effects of cancer treatments may not cause physical pain. They may not cause fatigue or digestive issues. And they may only be temporary. But for some cancer patients, hair loss may be one of the most distressing side effects of cancer treatment.
Hair loss, or alopecia, may make you feel vulnerable, self-conscious and exposed as a “cancer patient.” Hair loss is also a tangible sign that your life has changed, which may trigger feelings of anger and depression. And you may be faced with questions from others that you aren’t prepared to deal with yet.
For some, the threat of hair loss may intensify the lack of control you may feel after a cancer diagnosis. But it also presents an opportunity to emotionally prepare for losing your hair and take steps to deal with it before it happens. It helps to understand why hair falls out and how to handle it if it occurs.
How to deal with cancer-related hair loss
When you're struggling with cancer, treatments and the challenges that come with a diagnosis, it may be difficult to adjust to hair loss and other changes to your body and appearance. But there are ways to prepare for and deal with hair loss when it occurs. Here are 12 ways to help cope with cancer-related hair loss:
Give yourself time. Losing your hair may be difficult to accept. It may take time to adjust to how you look, then more time to feel good about yourself again. It’s okay to feel upset. At the same time, understand that losing your hair is usually temporary and hair will re-grow after you complete treatment.
Remember you’re still you. Losing your hair and experiencing other physical changes brought on by cancer and its treatment may come as a shock. It may be disorienting to look in the mirror and not recognize yourself. Remember that you’re still the same person on the inside. Try to celebrate who you are and focus on those qualities.
Prepare ahead for hair changes. Before you begin cancer treatment, prepare in advance for changes to your hair. Talk to your doctor about what to expect. Meet with a stylist who is familiar with cancer-related hair loss. Some people choose to wear head coverings, and others don’t. Choose whatever feels most comfortable for you. It also helps to think about how you will respond to reactions from others.
Consider head coverings. If you decide to get a wig, hairpiece or other head coverings (e.g., turbans, caps, scarves, hats, head wraps), do so before hair loss occurs. If you get a wig, find a specialty shop that matches your natural hair color and texture and get it styled ahead of time. Some insurance plans or assistance programs may help to cover the expense.
Cut your hair short before treatment. Before cancer treatment begins, consider getting a short hairstyle, especially if you have long hair. When hair begins to fall out, it may not be as startling or distressing if your hair is already short. Cutting your hair may also help you feel like you’re taking control. Some people shave their heads once hair begins to fall out to prevent scalp irritation or itchiness.
Be gentle on your hair. Use a soft bristle hairbrush or wide-tooth comb and a mild, gentle shampoo (but limit washing). Take special care of the scalp, which may get dry and itchy. Gently pat hair dry with a soft towel. Limit the use of hair clips, barrettes, elastic bands and pins that pull on your hair. As new hair grows in, it may be brittle and delicate and will need special care as well.
Avoid irritants. Heat and chemicals may cause hair to fall out. Avoid coloring, perms and/or relaxing the hair. Also, avoid using electric rollers, a hair dryer, flat iron or curling iron. Stay away from chemical products with alcohol, menthol, etc., which can dry out your hair and irritate your scalp. Use a mild shampoo.
Protect your head. Wear a hair net at night, or sleep on a satin pillowcase, to keep hair from coming out in clumps. When out in the sun, use sunscreen to protect your scalp, as sunburn can cause more itchiness, flakiness and dry skin. In cold weather, wear a hat or scarf outdoors to protect your head.
Emphasize your assets. Experiment with ways to enhance your appearance so you can feel good about yourself. Get new makeup and clothes to accentuate your other features. Take care of your skin and nails. If your eyebrows and eyelashes start to fall out, choose eyebrow pencils and eyeliners that are the same color as your natural color or a shade lighter. Keep up with routine hygiene activities.
Pamper yourself. Take time to do something pleasurable to take your mind off your diagnosis. Watch a movie, read, take a walk, listen to music, get a manicure, pedicure, facial or massage. Try behavioral health strategies, such as relaxation techniques, deep breathing and meditation.
Maintain a healthy lifestyle. Following a healthy diet, staying hydrated and exercising regularly are important for looking and feeling better about yourself. Talk with your doctor about making healthy lifestyle choices. A dietitian may help develop a nutritious meal plan, and a rehabilitation therapist may help develop a personalized exercise plan for you.
Build a support system. Share the challenges of hair loss with friends and family. Also, a cancer support group is a great way to meet other people dealing with hair loss. In this setting, you can get ideas and advice about how others coped with changes in their appearance. You may also find it helpful to meet with a psychologist or counselor.
What’s next after Treatment
Continue gentle hair care. Your new hair growth will be especially fragile and vulnerable to the damage caused by styling products and heating devices. Hold off on coloring or bleaching your new hair until it grows stronger. Processing could damage your new hair and irritate your sensitive scalp. Here are just a few products that helped me and I’ve see help countless others in repairing their hair and restoring their shine from previously frail and thin hair. There is no overnight fix but there is hope and if these can help … it’s my job to share them with you!
I would recommend City GRL Deep Repair for tangles and added protection.
Amethyst Oil for added Strength, heat protection and shine.
EMT is our Everyday Miracle Treatment because it can detangle, defrizz, protect, and perfect all without heaviness weighing your new hair down.
Be patient. It's likely that your hair will come back slowly and that it might not look normal right away. But growth takes time, and it also takes time to repair the damage caused by your cancer treatment.
Know that your beauty comes from the inside out. You are still YOU! If you need support or advice, I’m here to help! We’ve all faced struggles and we can learn and grow with the support of one another.
Why trust CityGRL in your hair journey? I developed CityGRL Haircare after having trials with my own haircare. In 2017 I underwent weight loss surgery. I lost a ton of weight (almost 200 lbs) and a ton of hair. I was desperate for something to change so; I began developing the CityGRL line with myself in mind. x Shortly after developing the line, I was diagnosed with RRMS (Relapsing-Remitting Multiple Sclerosis). I suffered in many ways other than just my hair and it made me strive for a line that really reached the core of most people’s issues. I wanted something I could count on when it came to rejuvenation and correction … I want to help you shine from the inside out! Because when you look good, you feel good.
