Chemo or radiation therapy can cause a lot of side effects for people with cancer.Hair loss is one of the most feared effects of these treatments.Alopecia, or hair loss, happens when the treatment weakens your hair.You can experience hair loss completely, gradually, or in sections.When treatment stops, it will grow back.Chemo-related hair loss can be managed by caring for your hair and trying different styling options.
Step 1: Take care of your hair loss.
Losing hair can be difficult.It will take some time for women and men to accept hair loss from Chemo.It is only temporary and a part of making you healthy again can help you embrace it more easily.
Step 2: Allow yourself to get used to it.
Don't wear a wig, hat, or scarf at night or one day a week.When it is absolutely necessary, you can build up to never using an aid.Affirmations such as "I am strong and beautiful and will beat this cancer" can make it easier to accept hair loss.
Step 3: Social stigmas are something to be aware of.
If you are battling cancer, most people are kind.There are still some social stigmas attached to hair loss and cancer, such as robbing the person of privacy about their illness and lowering of status.These can cause stress, anxiety, or embarrassment.It is possible to get your feelings and focus on promoting your health by confronting negative feelings.If you want to actively manage your feelings, see a counselor or doctor.You can get support from friends and loved ones.
Step 4: Talk to people.
Think about how people will react to your hair loss.It's a good idea to let friends, family members, and co-workers know about hair loss.It may help you to be more focused on your health.You should be open about your condition.It is a good idea to say, "I'm undergoing chemo and it's caused me to lose my hair"If people shave their own heads to support you, let them know.
Step 5: You can join a support group for hair loss.
Meeting and discussing your hair loss with a support group can offer you support from other people who understand what you are going through.It may help you forget about your hair loss.There are online or local support groups for hair loss and how to manage it.The American Cancer Society offers courses on self-esteem issues related to cancer.
Step 6: It's a good idea to wash your hair.
Chemo can cause hair loss.Use a gentle cleanser and conditioner to clean your hair.If you have to wash your hair, wash it as little as possible.There is a baby wash that isn't as harsh on the hair.Allow the warm water to flow from your head to the ends of your hair.After you wash your hair, apply a conditioner along the length of it.Leave-in or rinse-out conditioners can be used.If your hair is sensitive, try a conditioner with natural oils.
Step 7: It's a good idea to dry your hair.
Drying with towels and hair dryers can damage your hair.It's a good idea to dry your hair with a towel.Wrap your hair in a towel to protect it from damage.Allow your hair to air dry if possible.If you prefer a hair dryer, use the lowest heat setting.
Step 8: A soft brush is what you should choose.
You should brush your hair as gently as possible.A nice head massage can be provided by using a soft brush.Damage may be prevented by it.If you want to style your hair, brush it.Allow your hair to air dry before brushing.It's a good idea to style hair gently.If you want to style your hair, choose loose styles and avoid heavy products or heat tools.
Step 9: It's a good idea to avoid chemical treatments.
Many people treat their hair with chemicals.This can damage your hair.While you are undergoing treatment for cancer, don't use chemical treatments that may be too harsh on your hair and skin.
Step 10: Don't expose yourself to the sun.
When you go outside, wear a large hat and use a sunscreen.It can protect your hair and skin from the harmful rays of the sun.Choose a wide-brimmed hat to protect your hair.Apply a leave-in conditioner with zinc oxide.You can use a sunscreen that is specifically formulated for hair and scalp.
Step 11: Stimulate circulation with a massage.
Increasing blood flow and stimulating hair growth can be achieved with a gentle massage.If you want to prevent hair loss, promote growth, and help you relax, consider a professional massage.Ask the masseuse if they are trained to increase blood flow to the hair.It is possible to strengthen the roots of your hair with a massage.If you want to improve circulation, mix an essential oil with a carrier oil and massage it into your hair.
Step 12: The person is wearing a wig or hairpiece.
If you're having a hard time dealing with your hair loss, try a wig.These can make you feel more comfortable.If you get a prescription from your doctor, your insurance may cover your wig or hairpiece.Find businesses that offer wigs for cancer patients.The American Cancer Organization and the National Alopecia Areata Foundation have online programs to locate businesses.
Step 13: Put on a hat.
If you are unsure about a wig or hairpiece, wear a hat.There are options such as ball caps and wide-brimmed chapeaus.These can keep you warm when the temperature is cooler.Hats can help distract you from your condition.Ask your boss, principal or other authority if they will allow you to wear a hat or head covering.A note can be provided by your doctor.
Step 14: You can wrap a scarf around your head.
Thin hair can be covered with a large scarf.In cooler weather, this can keep you warm.It is a great way to divert attention from your head and boost your confidence.If you don't want to wrap scarves around your head every day, invest in a turban.
Step 15: Thin hair can benefit from adding volume.
Adding a little volume to your hair can make it look better.Consider options such as updos, a shorter style, or a side part.If you want to add more volume to your hair, consider a shorter style with light layers.To give the illusion of more fullness, part hair to one side.Pull up your hair with a ponytail or bun.Wrap a piece of hair around the hair tie to boost it a bit.Adding a headband to your hair can make it look bigger.