Fighting cancer is not an easy journey. In the meantime, especially when undergoing treatments like chemotherapy , it can be a burden and a pain to see the hair you love slowly fall out. Many women are depressed about this. But the most important thing is to understand that this is often a temporary situation . There are many ways you can take care of your hair and your heart during this difficult time. Let's talk about it.
Take good care of your hair before starting treatment.
From the moment you are diagnosed with cancer, stop doing harsh things to your hair for a while. Simply put, give your hair a break.
- Stop coloring and bleaching your hair. These weaken your hair.
- Avoid things that weigh down or pull on your hair , such as braids and hair weaves.
- Stop using high-heat appliances (e.g. blow-dryers, straightening irons).
Just think, if your hair is strong when you start treatment, it will have a lot of strength to face this challenge. It's like preparing well before going into battle.
What is this 'Cold Cap'?
Some people try a method called 'cold caps' or 'scalp cooling' to reduce hair loss due to chemotherapy . This involves using a special cap to cool your scalp during treatment. This coldness reduces blood flow to the scalp. This also limits the amount of chemo medicine that can reach the hair follicles.
But this is not a one-size-fits-all method. It may help reduce hair loss a little, but it won't stop it completely. Before trying anything like this, you should definitely talk to your doctor and get his advice.
This is how you care for your hair and scalp during treatment:
As your hair gradually thins, it's important to treat it with care and love. Long hair can make gaps more visible, so cutting your hair short can help hide the thinning. Also, keep the following things in mind:
| Advice | The reason for that (Reason) |
|---|---|
| Wear a nice short hairstyle. | Thinning hair is easier to hide with short hair than with long hair. |
| Use a soft-bristle comb. | Reduces damage to weakened hair. |
| If you tie your hair, use scrunchies instead of rubber bands. | Hair is less likely to pull or break. Don't tie your hair tightly. |
| Stop washing your hair frequently. Use a gentle shampoo. | Washing your hair too often can weaken it further. A mild shampoo will also reduce scalp dryness. |
| Use a soft pillowcase like satin or silk. | Because cotton pillowcases are not as rough as silk, hair is less likely to tangle and break. |
| Moisturize the scalp. | Chemotherapy can make your scalp very dry. Apply something like a good organic body oil to moisturize. |
| Protect your scalp. | When going out, apply sunscreen, wear a hat, or wear a nice scarf to protect yourself from the sun. |
The hair bun... that's beautiful too!
This may sound surprising, but in reality, rather than waiting for your hair to gradually fall out and suffering, making the decision to completely remove it, that is, shaving it, can give you an incredible amount of mental strength.
This will help you feel like you are in control of the situation, rather than letting the treatment control you. This is also a good way to avoid the shock of unexpected hair loss.
Some people do this with their family. It gives them a great sense of strength and the feeling that they are not alone.
How to regrow hair after treatment
After chemo treatment is over, your hair will start to grow back. But the surprising thing is, the new hair that grows back may be different from the hair you had before.
- Texture can change: Someone who previously had straight hair may develop wavy hair. Or, someone who had thick hair may develop fine hair. Some people affectionately call this " chemo curls."
- Color may change: Hair may become darker or lighter than it was before.
- First comes a fine, fluffy hair: To be precise, the first hair to grow is very fine, thin hair, like a baby's. Once this hair grows a little, trimming the fine ends allows the real hair to grow in properly.
The most important thing is to embrace the joy of "I have hair again." No matter what your new hair looks like, learn to style it to suit it. Remember, this new hair is very delicate. So treat it very gently and lovingly. Don't rush into things like using harsh brushes or coloring.
Can I use hair extensions?
Yes, hair extensions are a great option to add volume to your hair while you wait for it to grow back to the length you want. But there are a few rules to this too.
Experts say that your hair should be at least 4 inches long before you consider hair extensions. Because adding extensions to shorter hair won't look natural. They also say that tape-in extensions are the best type for short hair. It's best to talk to a hairstylist before making a decision about this.
Take-Home Message
- Although losing hair due to chemotherapy can be distressing, it is often temporary . It is just a side effect of treatment that is meant to save your life.
- Before, during, and after treatment, treat your hair and scalp with great care and love .
- If you are interested in methods like cold caps, be sure to talk to your doctor before making any decisions about it.
- Wearing your hair all over your head is not a sign of weakness, it can be a good way to show your strength and take control of the situation .
- Even if your new hair is different, accept it with joy. It is a symbol of your victory!
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