Chemotherapy Related Hair Loss Options

Hair loss is a common side effect of chemotherapy. Before you start treatment, you should weigh your choices. Find an option that makes you feel better about the changes. Whether you choose to wear a wig, scarves, hats, turbans or shave your head and embrace the baldness, this is your choice. Hair loss can be very difficult for you and your loved ones, so treat this as seriously as you would any other side effect.

Your Natural Hair

• Before you start chemotherapy, you may want to cut your hair short, according to BreastCancer.org. You may cope better with losing small clumps of hair instead of long strands. This will get you familiar with the lighter feel of short hair, making the transition easier. According to the American Cancer Society, you should switch to satin pillow cases or sleep in a hairnet to prevent clumps of hair coming out as you sleep. Be gentle when you brush and wash your hair and avoid hairstyles that pull your hair. If your hair loss bothers you, you can choose to shave your head to skip the emotional distress of finding clumps of hair. Some people lose eyebrows and lashes, so you may want to play with your makeup to balance the loss of those features. False eye lashes are always an option, too.

Wig

• According to BreastCancer.org, a wig shop can match your actual hair color and texture if you buy one before you lose your hair. If you would rather wait, keep a clipping of the hair from the top front of your head (the lightest hair). You have the option of incorporating you own hair into the wig, but synthetic wigs take less care and are much cheaper. Ask your doctor for a prescription for a hair prosthesis (often covered by insurance). Your doctors and nurses, as well as your hairstylist and other patients, will probably know places in your area to shop for a wig. Look for a wig with lining that will not be scratchy and can be adjusted as you lose your own hair.

Hats, Scarves and Turbans

• Even if you get a wig, you may not want to wear it everyday. Keep a variety of scarves and hats to wear on the days you want to disguise the hair loss. Turbans just slip on, instead of having to be tied, and may be a better solution for you. These options may make it easier for you, as well as make your family and loved ones more comfortable with the changes. These accessories will also help you maintain your body temperature as well.