Cancer. A word that evokes a lot of emotions and fear is one of the most difficult emotions to deal with.
It is a disease that we are very much afraid of.
But cancer today, thanks to advances in science and the valuable knowledge we have and the treatments and machines available, can be both prevented and treated effectively.
But what about hair loss?
Hair is constantly growing with old hairs falling out and being replaced with new ones.
Some cancer treatments cause people to lose some or all of their hair, more often when shampooing or brushing.
It is normal for both men and women to feel upset about losing their hair.
It helps to know that hair is growing back and you can take steps to make hair loss more painless for you.
Hair is lost when chemotherapy drugs damage the hair follicles, resulting in hair loss.
It can be difficult to predict which patients will lose their hair and which will not, even if they are taking the same medications.
Some medications may cause thinning or hair loss only on the scalp, others may cause hair loss in other areas of the body.
Radiation to the head can cause hair loss only on the head and many times hair may not return to normal.
When does hair loss start.
If hair loss is going to occur it usually starts within 1-3 weeks of starting treatment.
It is felt up to 2 months afterwards.
Your scalp can be very sensitive after especially shampooing, brushing or combing.
Hair starts to grow back, often before the treatment cycle is even over.
How to prepare for hair loss.
Every person is different. Ask the doctor who treats you if hair loss is likely to occur.
If so, ask him if it will happen quickly or slowly.
If you are going to have hair loss ask the doctors if you can use the special cooling mask.
Of course there are also side effects that you should take into serious consideration.
Headaches, pain in the scalp, neck and shoulders.
If the thought of losing your hair bothers you, you can cut your hair too short or even shave it. This will make the process more painless. You can order a wig in the haircut and colour you had before. You can even dare to change styles that you have not dared to do for so long.
There is also the solution of the permanent wig where it adheres with special glue and lasts for a long time until the next glue repositioning.
Alternatives.
If you buy a wig, try different hair styles until you find one you really like.
Synthetic wigs usually need less care. Of course they cost a lot cheaper than a wig with natural human hair.
Some people find the wig too hot or itchy and use turbans or scarves.
Cotton fabrics tend to sit better on the head than nylon or polyester.
In case you don’t want any of the above!
Make sure to keep your head moisturized and protected with sunscreen in the summer.
Finally when the time comes for new hairs.
Make sure to keep the hair well-cut in the early days.
Don’t worry if you see them change shape structure or density they will come back.
Avoid harsh technical work such as perming, or painting at least for the first few months.
Thank you…
Elizabeth Makri.
