Hair loss can be one of the most upsetting side effects of cancer treatment. We regularly hear from people who have been affected by cancer about how they cope with their hair loss and we share their top tips here.
They say doctors will tell you what is going to happen with your treatment - but it's other patients that tell you how to cope with that treatment.
Tip #1 - Acknowledge your loss
Hair loss isn't just about losing your hair - it can feel like you are losing your whole identity. Plus hair loss is a very visible reminder of your cancer.
It's important to acknowledge your loss. Allow yourself to feel upset and remember that it's not 'just hair' and it's certainly not trivial to be upset about losing your hair.
Tip #2 - Keep a lock of your pre treatment hair
If you're likely to lose your hair during chemotherapy, you might want to cut a lock of your hair before you start treatment. That way you'll have a reference to your original colour if you want to colour match a wig or return to your original colour after treatment.
Tip #3 - Create a stencil of your eyebrows before you lose them
If you're likely to lose your eyebrows during treatment, you might want to create your own personalised eyebrow stencil. Use a transparent sheet of plastic / acetate to trace the shape and location of your existing eyebrows, then carefully cut out the eyebrow shape and you have a stencil of your own eyebrows.
For detailed instructions on how to create your personalised eyebrow stencil, please see our article: How to create a personalised eyebrow stencil before chemo treatment.
Tip #4 - Don't buy an expensive wig before you actually lose your hair
Many people advise not rushing to buy a wig before your hair falls out as wigs can be expensive and will often look completely different once you lose all your hair.
If you want to get organised before treatment starts, consider buying a 'cheaper' wig as once your hair falls out, many people tell us they decide to try a completely different style, while lots of people tell us they don't ever wear their wig and prefer to wear hats and headcovers.
Tip #5 - Consider cutting your hair shorter before it falls out
Many people find that their scalp becomes tender or itchy when going through chemotherapy. Some people have told us that the tenderness seems to start when their hair is about to fall out. It seems that the weight of the hair on the fragile hair follicles causes them to hurt and many people have reported that cutting hair short (it doesn't have to be completely shaved) seems to be effective in relieving the pain and itchiness.
Tip #6 - Use a sleep hat to catch loose hair
Many people tell us that one of the most upsetting parts of cancer related hair loss is waking up in the morning and seeing shed hair all over the pillow.
Try wearing a hair net, sleep hat or soft beanie at night to collect any loose hair.
Tip #7 - Invest in a sleep cap
Consider buying a sleep cap to keep your head cosy at night. Many people tell us they are surprised by how cold their head gets at night - even during the warmer summer months.
It's surprising how much warmth you lose through your head, especially if you've lost your hair. A sleep cap can help you to stay warm and snuggly all night long.
Tip #8 - Consider bamboo material for headwear
Bamboo fabric has many benefits. Firstly, it is incredibly soft on sensitive scalps. It's also breathable and offers thermoregulation as well as absorbency and moisture wicking properties, so it can help you to regulate your temperature i.e. keep you warm when it's cold or keep you cool when it's hot. Bamboo fibre is also naturally resistant to harmful UV rays.
You can read more about the benefits of choosing bamboo materials in our article: Benefits of bamboo for chemo headwear.
Tip #9 - Consider investing in a silk pillowcase
Silk pillowcases are known for being kind to both hair and skin. Unlike cotton, silk is non-absorbent, which means silk pillow cases are ideal for helping to retain moisture in your hair (and skin). Moisturised hair is less prone to breakage. Silk pillowcases are also much gentler on fragile chemo hair. Silk material is frictionless which protects against frizz, tangles & tugging on the hair.
Silk pillowcases can also help keep you cool if you're suffering from night sweats - there's always a cool side of the pillow. Silk helps to regulate your temperature to keep you dry & comfy all night.
And a bonus reason for switching to a silk pillowcase is that silk is skin friendly. Silk is smooth and breathable for sensitive chemo skin and silk can also help fight skin creases and help reduce breakouts, blemishes & irritation by absorbing less moisture and dirt.
If your budget doesn't stretch to silk, satin pillowcases offer an affordable alternative. Satin is a synthetic version of silk providing all the same benefits.
Tip #10 - It's important to wash your hair
Many people worry about washing their hair when they are going through chemotherapy. They worry that washing hair will cause it to fall out more quickly. This isn't true, washing hair won’t pull it out, but will help to liberate the loose hairs that have already shed, preventing them from tangling and causing breakage.
Tip #11 - Don't use hot water to wash your hair
During and after chemotherapy avoid using hot water to wash your hair as this can damage the hair follicles. Use warm water instead.
Tip #12 - Use gentle hair products
Be kind to your hair. Avoid using bleach, colour or any harsh chemicals. Many patients prefer to use a gentle shampoo which doesn't contain any sulphates or nasties.
Tip #13 - Don't use heat on your hair
It's important to continue washing your hair during chemotherapy, but don't use a hairdryer - air drying is best. Pat hair gently with a towel to absorb excess water as rubbing causes friction, leading to breakage. And don't wrap hair turban style on top of your head as this puts too much pressure on your roots leading to breakage.
Tip #14 - It's important to brush your hair, but choose the correct tools
It's important to brush hair when undergoing chemotherapy - even though many people tell us they worry that this will pull their hair out. Brushing hair removes any loose hairs to prevent them from tangling and matting which can lead to breakage and further hair loss.
When going through chemotherapy using a soft brush or wide tooth comb is gentler on your hair. A wooden comb is also gentler than a plastic one and wood is also naturally anti-static.
When brushing hair, don't start at the roots as brushing hair from top to bottom will inevitably cause breakage. Instead brush hair in sections, starting mid-hair or a few inches from the end and hold hair below the root to avoid tension.
Tip #15 - Protect your scalp
If you lose all of your hair, your scalp may be extra sensitive. It's important to wash your scalp every day, even if you have lost all your hair. This is especially important if you wear a wig, which can make your scalp hot and sweaty. Many people tell us they use a gentle shampoo or a facial wash.
If your scalp gets dry, flaky or itchy, you may want to use a gentle fragrance-free moisturiser or alternatively lots of people have recommended Made for Life Head & Hair Treatment Oil, which is expensive but makes a luxurious self-care treat.
It's also important to protect your scalp from the sun, even in the winter months as the skin on your scalp is not used to being exposed to the sun. Use sunscreen on your scalp whenever you go outdoors or wear a hat to cover you scalp.
Tip #16 - You don't just lose the hair on your head
Most people are aware that a common side effect of chemotherapy is hair loss but did you know that you are likely to lose your other body hair too, including nasal hair and eyebrows and eyelashes. Many cancer patients experience a constantly dripping nose as a result of losing nasal hair and watery eyes is a common side effect of losing your eyelashes. We would advise always carrying a pack of tissues with you to help - bamboo tissues are ideal as they are gentle on the skin.
Tip #17 - Scalp massage can help to boost hair growth
There's evidence to show that scalp massage can help to boost hair growth. It's thought that massage may help to dilate blood vessels beneath the skin, bringing oxygen and nutrients which help to nourish the hair follicle encouraging healthy hair growth. According to research, scalp massage also increases hair thickness by stretching the hair cells.
You can find out more about the benefits of scalp massage in our article: Scalp Massage is proven for Hair Growth.
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CancerPal sells a range of products to help you care for your hair during and after chemotherapy treatment in the Hair & Scalp Care Section of the CancerPal MarketPlace.
Coping with chemotherapy hair loss can be challenging, but there are various ways to regain confidence during this time. One solution to consider is scalp micropigmentation, which can create the appearance of a fuller head of hair and help boost your self-esteem. It's a non-invasive treatment that can be a great option for those looking for a lasting and natural-looking result while going through chemotherapy.