Managing Hair Loss Tips and Information

  A few days ago, I posted about hair loss and what a devastating experience it is for almost everyone. I concluded by inviting anyone to write directly to me for a copy of my information sheet about hair loss from chemotherapy. Since I have heard from several people, it seems prudent to go ahead and share it here with everyone.

MANAGING HAIR LOSS

Everyone hates losing her hair! Many women find that hair loss is one of the hardest parts of the whole breast cancer experience. It helps a little to know what to expect, to have a plan, and to have a range of options for covering your head (or not).

Your doctor and nurse will tell you specifically what to expect from your particular chemotherapy treatment. Note that hormonal treatments (Tamoxifen and the aromatase inhibitors) and radiation therapy do not cause hair loss. Most women receiving adjuvant chemotherapy for breast cancer can expect total, or almost total, alopecia (hair loss). It won’t help to imagine that you might be the one in a million women who won’t lose her hair—all that fantasy will do is leave you less well prepared for the reality.

This is the most common scenario:

Between 14 and 21 days after your first chemotherapy, you will lose your hair. If you were a betting woman, you could put your money on day #17. Some women will experience intense scalp tenderness one or two days before the hair starts to come out. This does not always happen, but, if it does, consider it to be your 48 hour warning.

            Your hair will not all fall out at once. You will not awaken in the morning to find yourself completely bald. Instead, it will come out in patches when touched/combed/brushed, and will shed constantly. Some women are bald within a day; others have wisps here and there for several weeks.

            There are a range of strategies for dealing with the process of hair loss. You can:

1. Have your hair buzzed or shaved. Some women do this before it starts to fall out; in this case, make an appointment approximately 10-12 days after your first chemotherapy. Other women choose to wait until they experience scalp tenderness or until the hair is coming out. You can ask your hairdresser, a family member, or friend to do this for you. Some wig stores also can buzz your hair. IF YOU ARE WONDERING IF YOUR HAIR IS FALLING OUT, IT IS NOT. ONCE IS STARTS, THERE IS NO QUESTION ABOUT WHAT IS HAPPENING2
2. Try to hold on to as much hair as possible for as long as possible. If this is your wish, consider sleeping in a hairnet or soft hat to minimize the rubbing of the pillow on your scalp. Touch/brush/comb it infrequently, and wash it as rarely as possible. You may keep a little hair this way, but it is not likely to look well enough to go out in public.
3. If it is late winter or spring, consider saving the hair and placing it in bushes around your yard. The birds will gratefully use it to weave beautiful nests.
4. If your hair is very long, you can donate a ponytail of at least 10” to Locks of Love (www.locksoflove.org). This group makes wigs for children who have lost their hair from chemotherapy, burns, or other medical problems.

It is normal to be very upset when your hair comes out. On the other hand, some women are relieved to have this part behind them and recognize that they are one step closer to being finished with cancer treatment.

WHAT TO PUT ON YOUR HEAD

There are some choices about what to wear on your head and, even, if you want to cover your head. Some women feel brave and beautiful when bald and choose to meet the world on their own terms. All of us admire their courage and style, but most of us can’t do similarly.

Considerations during cold weather:

Your mother was right when she told you that much body heat is lost through your head. You will be more cold than usual. During the winter, even at home, most women are more comfortable with something on their head. You will want a couple of soft caps for sleeping.

Considerations during hot weather:

Wigs are hot during the summer. It helps a little to keep a package of baby wipes in the freezer. In the morning, put a frozen wipe on your head and then cover it with your wig or hat. When it thaws, moisture will not run down your face, and you still will be more comfortable than with the wig right on your skin.

Wigs

You don’t need to buy a very expensive 100% human hair wig. They are hotter and more difficult to maintain in addition to carrying a much heftier price tag. Look for a wig that is a synthetic/human hair blend or 100% synthetic. Most insurance companies help with the cost of a wig; you will need a prescription from your doctor.

If the purchase of a wig is a financial hardship, ask in the Windows of Hope or ask your nurse or social worker. We have some ways to help.        

If you want a style that is like your own hair, go wig shopping before you lose your hair. Remember that most wigs have too much hair in them, and you will want it trimmed or shaped by your own hairdresser or an expert at the wig shop.

Even if you doubt that you will ever wear a wig, consider buying an inexpensive one. There may be times or events when you don’t want to announce your patient status.

Hats

There are innumerable hats to compare and choose. Look for hats that come low enough over your ears and forehead to camouflage the baldness. Most baseball hats have a large hole in the back; unless you wear a bandana under it, your scalp will be visible. Remember that scarves, headbands, pins can all be used to add color and interest to solid color hats.

Scarves

Cotton or rayon scarves will stay on a bald head. Silk scarves make an excellent second layer, but will slide right off your skin. Take a few minutes to practice tying scarves in a variety of ways. Ask another woman, whom you see in the treatment area or waiting room, how she tied her scarf. The staff at Windows of Hope can teach you some techniques. Look for other ideas online, including at: www.bcforum.org/scarves.html