• Avoid using hair spray or use in small
amounts.
• Purchase a satin pillowcase for
sleeping to reduce hair matting and
tangling at night.
Also avoid:
• Perms and coloring
• Frequent or hard brushing and
combing
• Electric curlers and curling irons
• Hair clips, barrettes, and ponytails
with elastic bands
• Hair dyes that weaken the hair
With Chemotherapy
Hair loss is an individual response. One
person who receives a chemotherapy
medication may experience total hair
loss, while another will not. For most
patients, hair will grow back once
chemotherapy is complete. This may
take 3 to 5 months after chemotherapy is
fi nished.
Ask your doctor or nurse if or when you
should expect hair loss. Remember that
with chemotherapy you may lose hair
from other areas of the body such as the
eyebrows, eyelashes, and pubic region.
Because hair grows slowly in these areas,
you can expect less hair loss than on the
scalp.
Scarves, Hats, and Wigs
You may want to choose scarves, hats,
and a wig designed for you before you
have hair loss. Your natural hair color
and style can be matched to the wig.
You can take your time and try out styles
of hats and scarves.
Ask your nurse about the Look Good,
Feel Better program in your area. Trained
cosmetologists will help you with your
changing hair needs and offer you expert
makeup tips.
Your nurse can also tell you about other
resources. There are many trained and
caring professionals available to help you
deal with hair loss.
Coping
Coping with hair loss can be hard. It
may be the fi rst sign to the outside world
that you are having cancer treatment. It
is okay to feel sad or upset about losing
your hair. Talk about your feelings with
people you trust and with whom you are
comfortable.
Hair Care Tips
Proper care of your hair may decrease
loss and thinning. It will also protect new
growth, which should appear shortly
after your treatments are completed.
Try these tips:
• Shampoo less often, about every 3 to
5 days.
• Use protein-based shampoos
• Use a conditioner.
• Gently towel dry hair.
• Allow hair to air dry or use the hair
dryer on cool or the lowest setting.
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