Hair Loss & Chemotherapy- What should I do?
If your have hair loss problem due to
chemotherapy, I encourage you to research more websites about chemotherapy
related hair loss.
Q. How to
take care of my hair while going through chemotherapy treatments?
Chemotherapy treatments destroy rapidly reproducing cancer cells.
Unfortunately, the treatments also can also destroy healthy cells, such as
cells responsible for hair growth. It is the norm that hair is lost
rapidly in large quantities during chemo treatments.
|
Julie B My scalp would get sun burned easily. Once my friend took a picture of me and I could not believe how thin my hair had gotten. I knew I had to do something about it. With Reallusions I can wear any style, any way I want to: long, short, and color too. |
 |
No hair
growth stimulants, shampoos, conditioners or other treatments can prevent
or retard the hair loss. However, once chemotherapy is completed, the
hair usually grows back. Adequate hair growth may take six months to one
year. Returning hair may be different from the hair that was lost in
texture, density or color. Usually the new hair will be finer in texture
initially, but should return to its original thickness.
Follow
the hair care tips for healthier hair re-growth at
Hair-Care
Q. How to
handle my hair loss?
Assume you will lose all
of your hair when you begin chemotherapy treatment. Advance planning will
assist you considerably. Custom made wigs and hair prosthetics may take
from 6 weeks to 3 months to be delivered and made for you. Insurance
sometimes covers a wig or hair prosthesis.
The best solution
for you is a good custom hair replacement or a custom wig. Today they
are attached using medical glue that can stay on the scalp for 4 to 6
weeks. Maintenance cost should be looked upon as hair styling expense.
Your first wig or hair prosthesis should duplicate your hair as closely
as possible. Be conservative in color, length, thickness and style.
Today you will find natural looking hair
replacements for your hair loss. Reallustions® is the newest innovative
hair replacement system for women on the market today,
Q. How to handle a child with hair loss due to chemotherapy?
A word of caution to parents with children undergoing chemotherapy: the
absence of hair can be used in a positive manner. It can signal to others
“handle with care.” While undergoing chemotherapy the child has a low
blood count and can be bruised easily. The insistence of parents, although
well meaning, for a child to wear a wig or prosthesis can signal the
message “YOU’RE NOT O.K. THE WAY YOU ARE!” A child should have all of the
options but the choice should be his or hers.
There are different hair systems and your consultant will be the best to
let you know which one you qualify for. Because the combination of your
exact type of hair, genetic hair loss pattern, rate of hair loss and
personal goals is unique, one on one private evaluation is essential in
helping you make a decision regarding your hair restoration.
Share your personal hair loss experience & feedback…Hair-Loss-Talk Blog