Chemotherapy

by Linnet. mcgeever
(Forth Valley NHS)

Hi this advice is not for myself, however I feel it may benefit some of our patients if you add some advice on line or in your magazine. While on chemotherapy as you know hair changes, some people lose all their hair, however some keep their hair and they have many questions on how to manage it and make the best of it. Just looking at your advice page it would be good to add this eg advice on colour management and styling with this delicate hair.
Men are just as particular as women when it comes to their hair and advice is needed all-round for young and old, male and female.

Linnet McGeever
Lead Macmillan Colorectal CNS
Forth Valley

Comments for
Chemotherapy

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Chemotherapy and Hair Care
by: Michelle

Hi Linnet, and thanks for the suggestion to add information on this important topic.

As a stylist, I don't have a lot of first-hand experience with the effects of chemotherapy on hair. I do know that the after-effects can be very unpredictable. A client came in to see me years ago because she'd grown this incredibly thick, curly head of hair after chemo treatment that she had no idea how to handle! Her hair beforehand had been straight and quite a bit thinner.

It seems that the norm though, is fragile hair that requires especially gentle care. In my research, several sites stood out as excellent sources of information and support for those experiencing hair loss due to chemotherapy...

1) The Mayo Clinic has a page on the hair loss aspect of chemo and how to best deal with it before, during and after treatment.

2) This page from the Oncology Nursing Society provides some good information on coloring hair after chemotherapy. The article is a bit wordy and provides more detail than some may find necessary. Scroll down to the "Conclusion" section to get the most relevant details.

3) Look Good Feel Better (LGFB) is an organization which helps women and men deal with the effects of cancer on their appearance.

LGFB For Women

LGFB For Men

4) To connect with others who are experiencing hair loss (or other issues) due to chemotherapy treatments, check out this section of the Healthboards Forum.

Conclusion

My best advice is DON'T rely on your stylist to know how to handle post-chemotherapy hair. This is not something that was taught in hair school when I attended, and I'm not certain they cover it now.

Do your own research and fill your stylist in on your findings. In a nutshell...

Gentle cleansing, conditioning and combing
No excessive heat styling (i.e., flat irons, curling irons)
Minimal tension on the hair (i.e., no heavy hot rollers, tight clips or extensions)
Absolutely NO bleach
Vegetable based hair colors without ammonia or peroxide

I hope this info helps those who need it.

All the best,
Michelle
Editor, SHM.com

Post Chemo Hair
by: Lauren

I was one of those ladies who had natually wavy hair before chemo and after I had a head full of ringlets. The size of a small permanent wave rod. The consistency is still soft, fine, and alot of it. I want a style that is easy to care for, loosens the kinkiness, or products that I can use so if the style is shorter I can over-ride the curliness. Currently my hair is very long using the weight to help straighten it. Also living in Hawaii where we have humidity,the style doesn't last that long.

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