Hair loss after chemo

My hair started falling out after a couple of chemo treatments. I called my hair person (who is also a friend) and had her give me a buzz cut. To me not having my hair fall out and getting a buzz was a huge relief. I wore wigs for awhile but they were too hot and uncomfortable! I was gifted a couple baseball hats with hair and a halo that I wear a lot. You can find them on amazon. Best to you!!

Currently, no one mentions the thinning hair but there aren’t any full bald spots. Of course, one never knows if they don’t notice or are just too polite to say anything. I make sure to wash my hair right before I go out because that’s when it’s “fluffiest” and I can try to hide the loss. Of course being older, they can also just think it’s due to age. Trying not to be vain but every day when I brush and comb my hair and see my scalp, I know it’s there. And you’re right. They tell you about the loss when you’re starting chemo but don’t really address it on the ai’s.

If you use rosemary oil, be sure to mix it with a carrier oil, like jojoba oil, as it is too strong on its own. Or you could purchase one already mixed.

Best wishes,
Cindy

My hair loss has been very traumatic. I have always had butt length, straight and silky hair. Since I was a little girl. My hair was part of my identity.
At my first chemo, the nurse told me it would start falling out on day 16. To help with the shock, I should cut my hair in half every few days. That week I cut half off to my bra line. A few days later I cut just below my shoulders. Then exactly on day 16, it started falling in handfuls. I had the last cut into a pixie/boyish style. After chemo 2, the fall slowed down, lol not much was left.
Now have wisps of hair, 3 inches long on top with the short sides. I look bald from the front. To shave or not to shave, when is the right time? I think this is different for each of us. I just can’t bring myself to shave this last bit off. I will before it grows back, but for right now, I just like the feel of having some hair there. Having something to touch with my fingers.
I have 2 more rounds of chemo, 6 total, then more after surgery. I will be on AI for years after radiation is done. Hopefully my hair will grow back to what is was, one day.

For now, I wash my scalp with baby shampoo and then put organic coconut oil to keep from getting dry and itchy.
I have not been interested in wigs. Instead, I bought gauze shawls (from Amazon) of all colors and cut them in half to make soft head scarves that I knot at the back of my head.
I wear thin knit slouchy beanie caps at home and at night, my head is always cold.
I also have been crocheting my own hats, using cotton or bamboo yarn. Gives me something to do during the hours long chemo infusions. I wear these when I don’t want to fuss with a scarf, and I have gotten a compliment or two.

I wish you all the best as you deal with your hair loss.

Hi Lynn,
I am so sorry this has been so tramatic for you. It has been an adjustment for me that's for sure. It takes me longer to get ready now due to the tying of scarves, although I guess I am saving time because there's really no washing or styling. It's funny at night before going to bed I really feel like I have a clip in my hair that I need to remove. 🙂 The hardest part for me is that now everyone knows something is wrong....I'm a private person and the scarves let everyone else in. I am finding people are nicer to me as well, some say they will pray for me (which is a lovely thought) and then I realize why they'll be praying. But I am so fortunate to be feeling as good as I do and how silly it is for me to worry about people knowing.
It sounds like you're adjusting and I will go on Amazon for the scarves. Good luck with everything and here's to getting to better hair days!

Hi MJ, Yes, tying scarves was a pain, especially those silky poly ones. I live in the south, so they are hot also lol. I started searching for the light weight cotton, but only bandanas came up. ugh lol. so I have bought the cotton/blend shawl and just cut them right up the middle, two for one! And easier to tie, since the gauzy fabric is very forgiving. also I do not undo the knot, just leave it and it's ready tied for next time. I will try to link the ones I like the best.
It's not vane or silly to not want the different attention a head covering brings. it took me awhile to get used to it. I'm super neutropenic and have been hospitalized 3 times so far, so I'm scared to go anywhere, I've become a hermit lol ordering everything for delivery. the few times I do venture to the stores etc, I've noticed that people just give me space. I have my hat or scarf plus a face mask, so its well know to anyone I have health problems. I've also had a couple strangers ask for my name so they can pray for me, I accept their grace and take is in stride.
I do know that for now, during the active chemo, it's not advised to use any hair growth treatment. it will just be a waste, since it's all being blocked by the chemo. but do use some type of oil or moisturizer on your head. I was having dry itchy head right around chemo 2, while the hair was falling. And my head was sore also, like I slept in a tight ponytail. I personally like the smell of coconut oil and use a tiny bit on my fingertips to massage it in.
I just had my chemo 5 yesterday, one more to go, then 6 more rounds of just a targeted drug. My cancer is HER2 triple positive, so hormone fed. I got some happy news yesterday about this, the targeted drug is not supposed to not cause additional hair loss!! YAY, I just might have some hair on my head before xmas, fingers crossed.

my account here is new and I'm not allowed to post links or pic yet. search for "Zhanmai Set of 8 Cotton Hijab Scarf for Women Muslim Scarf Shawl Crinkle Hijab for Women". These are the scarves I like the best, super soft. Just cut in half and tie like a bandanna. Then twist and knot the ends, tucking the end bits back into the knot. this makes a bottom knot at the nape of your neck, like a low bun.

Best of luck with your journey!!

Lynn

Hi Lynn,
Sorry I just read this. Thank you for all the information! I found the scarves on Amazon. I too live in a hot climate so natural fabric is a must through the summer.
I just finished chemo 4 and the next drug on my chemo regime (12 weeks) will cause minimal or no further hair loss. So far I still have brows & lashes thank goodness, chemo nurse said if they wern't gone by now they probably won't go. That's one win however small, we take them when we get them.
Take care and stay strong and good luck in your journey as well.
MJ