During chemotherapy, hair loss can be a psychologically harmful effect for both men and women. It often is the most clear clue to others that all is not well with you. While many may think that hair loss is most troubling for women, men also have a hard time dealing with this change in appearance.
Why Hair Loss?
Not everyone loses his or her hair. It depends on the type of chemotherapy you have. Chemotherapy often affects dividing cells. Because the hair follicle (the area which is where hair grows) is always dividing, chemotherapy can cause hair loss.
If you do lose your hair, the time frame varies. It is fairly common for hair loss to begin around two to three weeks after the first treatment. It often starts with your scalp feeling tender, burning, tingling, or itching. Hair loss then will speed up in the days that follow.
Hair loss may also occur to lashes, eyebrows and other parts of the body to greater or lesser degrees. The time frame for that loss may vary.
With radiation treatments hair loss occurs only in the areas being treated. Hair loss with radiation is usually temporary but may be permanent depending on the dose. Loss of hair begins at 20 Gy (radiation measurement). It may not re–grow after getting a dose 55-60 Gy.
Coping
There is no one right way to cope with hair loss. Some people choose to shave their heads when it starts falling out. Others may wait longer. Some may choose to wear a wig or hat while others will go without any head covering. It is a personal choice, and whatever the choice is, it is okay! Do what's comfortable for you.
No matter your choice, your bare scalp will be sensitive. In warm weather, be sure to use sunscreen when outside. Also, a large amount of heat is lost from the head, so in cold weather you may want to wear a warm hat.
Wigs
If you do choose to wear a wig, the options are plentiful. They are made from synthetic materials, human hair, or both. Prices vary widely and depend on a variety of factors – the materials and the process of putting them together. Your health insurance may provide some financial assistance for buying a wig, but many do not. Make sure to ask your doctor for a prescription for a "cranial prosthesis" to submit to your insurance. The cost of the wig may be tax deductible so keep the receipt and check with your tax adviser.
Real Hair
- Pros
- Thinner and cooler than synthetic
- Can be colored, permed and styled with curling irons
- Will last longer
- Cons
- Usually professional cleaning recommended
- More expensive (usual range $620 and up)
Synthetic Hair Wig
- Pros
- Easiest to care for
- It retains the style that it came in with very little effort
- Less expensive than real hair wig (usual range is $120-$420)
- Cons
- This type of wig is made of plastic fiber, so it can not be exposed to heat (i.e. curled, blow dried, or colored)
- It is flammable
- It requires special shampoo and styling products that can often be bought at the wig stores
Wig Hints
Be sure to get care written care instructions when you buy it. It is helpful to get a proper wig fitting so that it fits comfortable and all your questions are addressed
Hair Growth
For many, hair will grow back. The only exception is for radiation patients; for them hair loss may be permanent. When hair grows back, it may grow more slowly than you would like and differently than the way it was before. The color and texture are likely to be different at first but may return to normal over time. Many people say that the front of their hair seems to grow back more slowly than the other parts. It may be four to six months after finishing the last treatment before you have much hair beyond the "crew cut" look.
What other survivors are saying:
"When my hair started to fall out there was hair everywhere! I used lint tape and brush to help. I even used it to remove some of the hair from my head."
"I picked out my wig before before my chemotherapy even began that way we could choose a wig that looked like my real hair. I was amazed at how similar the wig looked."
"When my hair started to fall out, my friend and I had a party to shave my head. It made a very unpleasant thing a lot more fun. Everyone brought a hat to the party for me."
"My favorite thing was my hat with a synthetic wig pony tail."
Sanford Resources:
Look Good Feel Better Class. Offered monthly at Sanford Roger Maris Cancer Center. Free, non–medical program offered in partnership with the American Cancer Society, Personal Care Products Council, the National Cosmetology Association and the Embrace survivorship program. The class teaches survivors how to cope with skin changes and hair loss using cosmetics, wigs, scarves, and other accessories. Head coverings available from donation. Ask at the infusion center.
Local Resources:
Appollo Hair Clinic
624 Main Avenue, Fargo, ND. (701) 241-4247, (800) 424-7423
Appointment preferred. No wigs in stock, will order wigs to fit.
Centre for Hair and Wellness
420 Center Avenue, Suite #14 Moorhead, MN (North side of Center Mall by City Hall Entrance)
Appointments preferred, may be able to fit walk–ins in.
(218) 236-6000
Julian's
1322 23rd St. S Suite A, Fargo, ND
Appointments preferred.
(701) 271-9112
(888) 284-3232
Heavenly Hats
This program provides a selection of hats free upon request and was started by Anthony Leanna when he was diagnosed with cancer at 10 years old.
Locks for Love
Donate wigs to disadvantaged children. People can donate hair to make real hair wigs for their program.
Merle Norman Cosmetics (Cheri Paul Wigs)
West Acres Shopping Center, Fargo N.D.
Walk–ins welcome, but can make an appointment too.
Large selection on wigs in stock. Some children's in stock and more can be ordered. Men's can be ordered. Have turbans, hats, and scarves.
10% discount on medically needed wigs
(701) 282-2268
(800) 400-9683
Merle Norman Cosmetics
Moorhead Center Mall
Moorhead, MN
(218) 233-1718
Large selection on hand of women's wigs
20% discount on medically needed wigs.
American Cancer Society
Look Good, Feel Better program; free wig program; TLC catalog (tlcdirect.org). Donate gently used wigs to them as well after your treatment is completed (800) 227-2345 (call to set up appointment with a navigator).
- Minnesota – 1001 Center Ave., Moorhead, Minn.
- North Dakota – 4646 Amber Valley Parkway, Fargo, N.D.