Chemotherapy can be brutal. In addition to being exhausting to the mind and body, chemotherapy often wreaks havoc on hair, causing it to fall and damaging the confidence and self-esteem of the person undergoing treatment. Luckily, there are things you can do to protect your hair and scalp and minimize hair loss during cancer treatment. Read on to learn more.
Hair Loss and Chemotherapy
While hair loss is common with chemotherapy, the extent to which it takes place depends on the dosage and drugs you are given. Commonly, hair loss begins to occur around the second or third week of treatment, so cancer patients who take preventative action before then are better able to protect their hair.
Cold Caps: An Effective Prevention Method
Previously, women who underwent chemotherapy assumed that they would lose all of their hair. Today, however, this doesn’t have to be a reality thanks to one innovative product that’s helping to prevent hair loss and inspire confidence in cancer patients. Known as a “cold cap,” this unique prevention method is popular throughout Europe and the United States.
As the name would indicate, the cap, which is frozen, is wrapped tightly around the head before, during and after chemotherapy. While the method can be uncomfortable, it’s already helped many women — such as breast cancer survivor Eileen Bruno of New Jersey — keep their hair during chemotherapy.
Hair Care Tips for Cancer Patients
If you opt not to use cold caps during your treatment, there are still many things you can do to protect your hair and scalp during chemotherapy. Simply follow these tips:
Avoid chemically treating your hair. If you typically perm or chemically straighten your hair, chemotherapy is a time to abstain. Chemical treatments damage hair and can work together with your chemotherapy treatment to accelerate hair loss. You can resume your chemical treatments after you’ve completed chemotherapy and your hair has grown back.
Wear scarves in your hair. Chemotherapy makes hair brittle and dry, so wrapping a silk scarf around your head is an excellent way to keep your hair sleek and healthy.
Supplement. You may be able to take an over-the-counter supplement like Biotin to keep your hair healthy during treatment, although you should talk to your doctor before adding supplements to your treatment plan.
Preventing Hair Loss, one Step at a Time
Hair loss can be one of the most devastating side effects of chemotherapy and women who endure it often notice a negative impact on their confidence and self-esteem. Luckily, taking these proactive steps to minimize or prevent hair loss can help you feel more confident throughout your treatment.
If you’re struggling with hair loss due to chemotherapy or any medical condition we encourage you to contact us today and make an appointment to visit with a Genesis II hair loss specialist who will work one-on-one with you to address all your hair concerns. To schedule a free consultation call us at (315) 458-1074 or to contact us via email click here.
Photo Credit: Baptiste Lafontaine Via Flickr Creative Commons
