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Be Proactive With Hair Loss

Hair and body hair are among the first to be affected by cancer treatment. Fortunately, your hair will grow back after your last treatment session. To mitigate the psychological impact of hair loss, you can take the lead by meeting with specialist in this field such as hair technicians or hairdressers. They will be able to offer you the most suitable cut before the start of the treatment and advise you on the wide range of solutions available such as synthetic or natural hair prostheses, cotton turbans or fringes.

BE PROACTIVE WITH HAIR LOSS

Hair and body hair are among the first to be affected by cancer treatment. Fortunately, your hair will grow back after your last treatment session.

To mitigate the psychological impact of hair loss, you can take the lead by meeting with specialist in this field such as hair technicians or hairdressers. They will be able to offer you the most suitable cut before the start of the treatment and advise you on the wide range of solutions available such as synthetic or natural hair prostheses, cotton turbans or fringes. You may also prefer hats, caps, berets, beanies, scarves, alternate, or remain bareheaded.

I SUSTAIN MY HAIR

Do not hesitate to consult your hospital or an association offering beauty workshops. You can also talk to a dermatologist, your referring nurse, or a hairdresser. They will help you to develop your new image.

1. WASH YOUR HAIR WITH A VERY GENTLE SHAMPOO THE DAY BEFORE YOUR SESSIONS

Wash your hair with a very gentle shampoo the day before your sessions and avoid using shampoo for the following three to five days. Gently pat your hair dry with a towel. Avoid anything that may irritate your scalp and your hair such as hairdryers, flat-irons or curling irons, hot rollers, perms, dyes, braids, and tight buns, even several months after the end of treatments.

2. USING A COLD CAP ON WET HAIR BEFORE STARTING CHEMOTHERAPY CAN HELP PREVENT HAIR LOSS

With some specific treatments, using a cold cap on wet hair about fifteen minutes before starting chemotherapy can help reduce penetration of toxins in hair cells, which will prevent hair loss. The cap must be changed as soon as it softens and removed about half an hour after the end of the session. Ask your medical team for advice.

3. PRO TIP TO PROTECT YOUR SCALP AT NIGHT

Go to bed with a net over your hair or on a satin cotton pillowcase. One of the first benefits of this material limits friction as much as possible, compared to cotton or linen for example.

4. TAKE CARE OF YOUR SCALP BY PROVIDING IT WITH APPROPRIATE CARE

If your hair has fallen out, your skin and scalp may feel itchy, or you might experience a painful sensation in your follicles. Take care of your scalp by providing it with appropriate care. Massage it or have it massaged every day with a nourishing skincare, an emollient to reduce itching sensations. You can leave the care on by wrapping your head in a warm towel. You can use Lipikar Balm AP+M to soothe your scalp.

5. OUR TIP… IS YOUR HAIR PROSTHESIS ITCHY?

Is your hair prosthesis itchy? Françoise Coubron, a former patient, found the solution by creating a patented, innovative and practical cap-cap: Clim'Hair (climhair.com).

6. CHOOSE HAIR PRODUCTS THAT CAN HELP SOOTHE YOUR SCALP

If your hair has fallen out, take care of your scalp by using adapted skincare products: massage it daily or ask someone to help you massage it with a nourishing, soothing product such as La Roche-Posay’s Lipikar Baume AP+ M. Take the opportunity to relax. Choose hair products that can help soothe your scalp and restore the softness and shine to your hair.