• Why women lose their hair

• Actions to take prior to treatment

• Once treatment begins

• What to expect after treatment has ended

Why women lose their hair

While not all chemotherapy results in hair loss, most women do lose some or all of their hair, usually after their second treatment. The reason for this is that the chemicals used to combat cancer cells also weaken hair follicles, inhibiting hair growth. It's important to remember that most hair loss is not permanent and the hair usually grows back after treatments end.

The rate of hair loss can vary from person to person. Some women lose their hair gradually, while others lose most of it at once. Unfortunately, no topical solutions (shampoos, cosmetic treatments, growth stimulants) can prevent or slow hair loss, and you should be particularly careful about what products you use on your skin during treatment.

 

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Actions to take prior to treatment

Prior to treatment, you should spend some time becoming familiar with your options. For many women, wigs are the way to respond to hair loss, while others prefer hats, scarves or turbans - and some weir their baldness proudly. There's no "right" option -- just whatever makes you feel most comfortable. The earlier you begin thinking about what you'd like to do the smoother your transition will be.

Things to do now:

• Visit with a stylist prior to treatment to review available product options, and so he/she can see how you wear your hair and your natural color. Let her show you the range of style options, including wigs, scarves and turbans. The more comfortable you become with all the alternatives, the more likely you will find the perfect look for you.

• If you have long hair, consider cutting it into a short style. This way, the effect of hair loss is less dramatic.

• If you are unable to visit with a stylist prior to treatment, snip and keep a lock of your own hair so that you have an actual color sample on hand. Also, take a snapshot of your hairstyle so you can bring it to your consultation.

• You may want to select your wig style and color now, even if you don't want to purchase it yet. Then everything will be ready when you need it.

• Ask your health insurance company about coverage for the cost of a wig (which they call a "cranial prosthesis") as well as the procedures for submitting your claim. For more information on how we can help with Medicare and Insurance claims, click here.

Once treatment begins

After the second treatment, you may begin to experience some common side effects, including matted or shedding hair, or a dry, itching scalp. There may be also some redness and flaking. Changes in skin tone and texture are also common.

Here are a few things to keep in mind:

• Without the insulating factor of hair, you will lose body heat through your scalp at a faster rate -- a good reason to keep it covered when outdoors in colder weather. You must also use sunscreen anytime your head is exposed to the sun.

• Once hair loss begins, many women choose to shave their heads of any remaining hair. Not only does this help control hair fall and shedding, it also looks healthier (particularly with patchy or spotty hair loss). A bald head also aids in the use of wigs and other head coverings, as they can be secured more comfortably.

• Many women counter their changes in skin tone and texture by wearing makeup, even if they don't normally do so. There are programs and resources in your area - as well as what kinds or cosmetics are safe for you to use.

• Remember, your skin may react differently to cosmetics and lotions while you're undergoing treatment. It's a good idea to check with your doctor or nurse before using any cosmetics, including lotions, scents and even deodorant.

• Avoid stress to the hair -- do not dye or otherwise chemically treat hair. Also avoid use of thermal styling tools (hair dryers, curling irons), bobby pins, curlers, or elastics.

Take extra special care of your hair and scalp during this time, being sure to:

• Wash hair regularly with mild shampoo (one that moisturizes and replenishes) in lukewarm, not hot, water

• Condition with a crème rinse for fine or limp hair

• Avoid wringing or twisting hair; pat dry

• Comb gently without pulling on hair

• Avoid use of perfumed cosmetics or soap

What to expect after treatment has ended

You will start seeing hair growth 4-6 weeks after your last treatment. IT may take from six months to a year for your hair to grow back completely. At first, it will grow back finer and more fragile than your hair was prior to treatment, sometimes even in a different color, such as white or grey. In time, both hair color and texture may return to normal.

To help stimulate regrowth, it's important to nurture your scalp and hair. You can help with the healing process by following these guidelines:

• Shampoo and condition hair twice a week with a mild, moisturizing shampoo

• Massage your scalp thoroughly to improve circulation and exfoliate

• Avoid using blow dryers and curling irons which direct heat onto the hair and scalp

• Be gentle when styling hair to avoid breakage, and minimize use of clips or bobby pins

• Use styling products in moderation, since gels and sprays can build up on the hair shaft, dulling it

• Avoid chemically treating your hair with bleaches, permanent dyes, or permanent waves.