Hair Loss During Chemotherapy

Breast Cancer Awareness Month & Hair Loss Advice at Coco Hair Salon in Eastbourne

Breast Cancer Awareness Month is organised by breast cancer charities every October to increase awareness of the disease, the importance of early detection, and to raise money for further research and treatment.

There are many misconceptions surrounding breast cancer and at an uncertain time it is important that you have as many facts as possible. In honour of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, we at Coco Hair Salon in Eastbourne wish to provide you with information about what will happen to your hair during cancer treatment, and tips on how to care for your hair & scalp during this time.

Overcoming your illness is the most important thing of course, but we would like to offer some tips on how to retain some feeling of normality during a time that is anything but normal.

Hair Loss Due to Chemotherapy

One of the most distressing side effects of cancer treatment for many women who have been diagnosed is hair loss. Every woman is unique in how they deal with their hair loss, but for some women it can be an incredibly distressing experience. Hair loss is a very visible side effect of chemotherapy, it can affect our self-confidence and sense of who we are as a person. 

Following chemotherapy treatment, hair loss usually begins within two to three weeks. This hair loss affects not only the hair on your head, but also body and facial hair including eyebrows and eyelashes. Hair loss is, in most cases, a temporary side effect of the treatment, your hair will start to grow back after chemotherapy is over or even towards the end of your treatment.

Hair which grows back after cancer treatment may feel different from your hair before the treatment, there may be a change in the texture, shape and even colour of your hair.

How to Treat Your Hair Before Cancer Treatment

• Get into the habit of being gentle with your hair. Refrain from using harsh chemical treatments on your hair including perms or hair colour, which can weaken your hair. Stay away heated styling tools such as straighteners and try to let you hair dry naturally wherever possible. Strengthening and nourishing your hair and scalp now might make it more likely to stay in your head a little longer during chemotherapy.

• Short hair can be cut & styled in such a way that it can appear thicker than longer hair, as your hair starts to fall out it will be less obvious with a shorter hairstyle. A short hairstyle may also make the transition to hair loss less distressing for you, it is important to keep stress as low as possible during this time. Speak to your Coco stylist about a shorter hairstyle before your cancer treatment starts.

• Many women choose to wear their heads bare during cancer treatment, but if that is not for you, you may want to think about head coverings to conceal your hair loss. You can choose from many head coverings, the most popular head coverings being wigs & scarves. There are some brilliant high-quality synthetic wigs and real human hair wigs on the market, that are practically undetectable.

How to Care For Your Hair  & Scalp During Cancer Treatment

• Continue to be gentle with your hair and scalp throughout your chemotherapy. Use a soft brush, such as a baby brush to smooth your hair. We would recommend that you use hair products are paraben free, organic & chemical free, which are needed for anyone going through any type of cancer. Wash your hair only when necessary.

• Some women report that their scalps become sensitive, itchy and irritated during their chemotherapy treatment and whilst their hair is falling out. Many women shave their heads to reduce this irritation & because it can save the embarrassment of shedding and can look better than patchy hair loss.

•Your scalp can become very sensitive to the elements during your treatment and so you must always protect it with a sunscreen, or even a head covering such as a wig or headscarf. Cold weather can also make your head feel sensitive, so ensuring that it is covered will help you to feel less uncomfortable.

Will My Hair Grow Back After Cancer Treatment?

• Your new hair growth will be fragile and vulnerable to damage, so you should continue with your gentle treatment. Do not colour or chemically treat your hair until it becomes stronger, the chemicals may damage your new hair and irritate your sensitive scalp. Avoid heated styling such as rollers or curling tongs and air dry your hair as much as possible. 

•New, healthy hair growth takes time and patience. Your new hair may grow in slowly and could grow back in a different texture, shape or colour to before, sometimes previously straight hair can grow back curly. You must be patient as it could take up to 6 months to regrow a healthy head of hair.

Book a Hair Loss Consultation at Coco Hair Salon in Eastbourne

If you are due to commence cancer treatment and are concerned about hair loss, book in for a hair loss consultation please call the team at Coco Hair Salon in Eastbourne 01323 471147 or book online here. We offer a friendly and relaxed welcome and aim to make you feel as comfortable as possible during this time.