DEALING WITH HAIR LOSS

Its an unfortunate fact of life that if you are going to have a course of chemotherapy or radiation then, unless you are one of the very lucky ones, you are going to suffer some hair loss.

Whilst it may not be a big issue for most men it can be traumatic for females.

At the Aurora Centre we can provide advice and guidance on how to minimse the effects and how to look your best.

PROACTIVE APPROACH

You may want to make an appointment to have your hair cut short. This proactive approach provides you with an emotional half way house between having a full head of hair and none at all. If all your hair comes out, it's easier to manage losing short hair than long for a while, anyway. And if only a little of your hair ends up falling out, the hair that is left will look thicker and fuller if it's short.

Reducing the length of your hair early in your treatment will remove some of the weight strain on your hair roots and will prepare your self and others for the short period you are without hair.
 

PAMPERING YOUR HAIR WHILE YOU HAVE IT

While you still have hair, you want to treat it well. Here are some tips that will help keep your hair and your scalp  healthy when you begin  treatments:

Invest in a mild shampoo.

Brush your hair with soft strokes using a soft hairbrush.

Refrain from dying, perming, or relaxing your hair.

Put away the brush rollers.

Use only the low setting on your hair dryer.

Protect your scalp from the sun.

Even before you lose any hair, your skin will be more sensitive during  therapy.

 

WORKING UP TO THE REALITY

Because hair loss is such an emotional experience (for men as well as women), spend some time getting used to the idea of yourself without hair, especially if your doctor expects the loss to be permanent. The idea is to figure out how to maintain a positive body image after your hair is gone. For obvious reasons, this is easier to do before you lose your hair.

Choosing a wig

If you are a woman, think about whether you will want a wig. If you want a wig and you think you will prefer to recognize yourself in the mirror, visit a wig shop before your hair falls out so you can match your current style and color. You may think that visiting the wig shop will be a grim expedition. It doesn't have to be. Take a friend who makes you laugh, and then go out for lunch afterward. You may even decide to try a wig that is a totally new style and color of hair for you. If price is not an issue, get two!

Choosing an alternative head covering

A wig is not your only option:

Some women prefer to wear a scarf or turban instead of a wig after they lose their hair.

Most men, and a few women, go about with bald pate gleaming. Will people stare? Some may; if they do, just flash a confident smile and go on your way.

Some people invest in a signature hat to wear outdoors to protect their bald scalps from sunburn, which is important all the time but especially so during cancer treatments.

All these decisions are personal, so do whatever feels right for you. There are no rules except those you make, and you can always change the rules to suit yourself.

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