How to Handle Hair Loss From Chemotherapy

It may sound trivial to those who don't have to endure chemotherapy for cancer treatment, but cancer patients have a hard time handling the inevitable hair loss that happens a couple of weeks after their first treatment. It's a visible sign to the public that a person is dealing with cancer, so it helps the patient to find ways to cope.

Instructions

• 1

  Try out a new short hair style before your first treatment. A couple of weeks before you're scheduled to begin chemotherapy, go to a trusted stylist and ask for a new hair style that's as short as you're comfortable trying. By cutting your hair in advance of treatment, you and your family and friends will get used to seeing you with a different hair style and adjust to the new you with less hair.

• 2

  Invite your best friend to go hat shopping. Even if you never wore hats before, now is a great time to try them out. You'll be feeling physically and emotionally drained once chemotherapy starts, so take advantage of feeling good now and spend a day with a great friend buying some cute, fun and chic hats.

• 3

  Find a reputable wig specialist. If you think you want to wear a wig once you start losing your hair, go to a few wig specialists before you start treatments. The wig stylist can see how you like to style your hair and can match you with a wig that suits your look.

• 4

  Have a talk with the children in your life. Whether you're a parent, grandparent or aunt or uncle, if you have children around you, it's best to prepare them for the change in your appearance before it happens. Talking about it will also help you handle the changes in your life and help others realize that it's all right to talk about your cancer diagnosis.

• 5

  Realize that hair re-growth may take some time. You'll undoubtedly be looking forward to growing your hair after chemotherapy treatments end, but talk to your doctor about what you can expect. It may take between six and 12 months for your hair to re-grow completely.

• 6

  Check into support groups in your area. Ask the hospital staff or your doctor for the names and telephone numbers of support groups that can help you handle the side effects of cancer treatment.