← Return to Breast cancer-free anniversaries

Discussion

Breast cancer-free anniversaries

Breast Cancer | Last Active: May 8, 2023 | Replies (117)

Comment receiving replies
@ncgal

Don't know if this is the right place to post but thought I'd try. I am now going into my 4th year breast cancer free, (I had a lumpectomy). Since my hair grew back from the chemo it has become so lifeless and thin that I have been using gel and hair spray to thicken it. I hate the chemicals that are in those products and was wondering if anyone has a chemical free or natural alternative. I remember my mother (who had a beauty salon) sometimes used beer to rinse my hair, but I certainly don't want to go around smelling like a brewery. Any suggestions? I tried the Rogain products to no avail. I also have PMR and am on long term Prednisone which probably doesn't help.

Jump to this post


Replies to "Don't know if this is the right place to post but thought I'd try. I am..."

Aha, a hair question. As someone whose stylists complain has 'too thick' but healthy hair, here's some of what I learned while keeping it that way.

Biotin Forte (brand name) was recommended on some post-chemo website and got great reviews on Amazon. A male friend stopped losing hair when I gave him a few bottles when he was in physical rehab for several months after an accident. I use it but haven't noticed a big difference but also haven't lost hair while getting old-er.

There are two Biotin Fortes on the market the last time I checked. The recommended one has zinc as well as Biotin. Another product that some people swear by Viviscal (sp?). It is also biotin-based but costs a lot more.

Alternatively, look for any good 'hair, skin and nails' supplement (from a reputable, established manufacturer) that includes biotin, zinc, silica and trace minerals. Also, use a clarifying shampoo once every few weeks to help prevent the build-up of hair product residue on scalp and hair follicles. Then once a month or so if still using a lot of hair products, especially anything with silicones and other non-water-soluble ingredients.

Try to use simple-formula, water soluble shampoos that clean hair but rinse thoroughly. Trader Joe's sells a body-and-hair 'shampoo' that seems to work well. Don't use Wen or similar 'clean and condition' 'one-products' unless checking them against FDA consumer complaints lists. [Wen is the target of multiple class action lawsuits for causing balding.] I'm a fan of Ketastase shampoos. They clean well with a very small amount of shampoo and fully rinse out.

There are a lot of new peptide-based products for hair and scalp that seem to help. Deciem's The Ordinary's hair and scalp peptide stuff gets solid reviews and is under $20. Worth a try and free-shippinh on orders over $25. I was curious, tried it for a week then forgot, and my hairdresser later noticed a small clump of 2" long hair where I'd been applying it. It can't hurt to try it and Deciem has a really generous return policy. [I'm a fan of their no-frills products that include a healthy amount of active ingredients and no nonsense.]

The less stress on hair the better. If you're not already using one, a Wet Brush is a necessity. The less heat damage the better so, if you can, air-dry after shampooing. Or wrap in large microfiber towel to dry. Wet hair is somewhat fragile so the less done to it, the better.

I've never done this, but a natural blonde friend only cleans her hair with a baking-soda-and-water slurry and has beautiful hair. She said it took a month or so of a rough period of adjustment. These are some ideas that might help...