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Hairstyles for After Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy attacks rapidly growing cancer cells but a common side effect of treatment is alopecia, or hair loss, because the drugs also attack healthy cells in hair roots, causing many temporary reactions in the scalp.

  1. Condition of the Scalp

    • During and after chemo, the scalp is prone to tenderness, itchiness, dry patches and irritation in addition to hair thinning or complete balding, depending on the type of drugs and the dosage. It typically takes four to six weeks for hair to recover from chemo, according to MayoClinic.com.

    Process-Free Hair Styling

    • Avoid processing hair as coloring, bleaching or applying direct heat can damage fragile regrowth and the scalp. The new texture may be lighter or fuzzier and more vulnerable to styling products and heat tools. Natural hairstyles that don't require these items are best.

    Gentle Hairstyles

    • Hairstyles that allow for gentle hair strategies will help protect regrowth. Use a soft brush that will not tug excessively. Chemical-free hair dos allow you to wash hair only as often as necessary, rather than daily, using only shampoos void of strong detergents, fragrance and other drying chemicals.

    Wigs

    • It may take six to 12 months for total regrowth, according to SkinandScalpTreatment.com. Wigs are common fixes for aesthetic and practical purposes. They protect the scalp from sun and other environmental factors that damage hair and they help achieve a more natural look when matched with the person's existing hair color.

    How to Wear Wigs

    • Wigs give the recovering scalp a variety of options for hairstyles. Hair clips, head bands, bandannas or scarves and ponytails can be worn on the wig hair, as opposed to straining delicate regrowth with these accessories.

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