Hair Loss

Hair Loss

Some chemotherapy and radiation treatments can cause hairloss. Other
health conditions can also cause hairloss. This hairloss is called alopecia.
Hair loss can be difficult to deal with because hair gives shape to the face
and helps to keep us warm by preventing the loss of body heat. Loss of
scalp hair can also affect a person’s self-image.
For people being treated for cancer, hairloss depends on the kind of
treatment you have. The type and dose of chemotherapy or the dose and
location of radiation therapy affect hairloss. Hair is more likely to be lost
from the head than from other parts of the body. This is because scalp hair
grows faster than other body hair. Ask your doctor or nurse if you should
expect hairloss.
HairLoss caused by Radiation Therapy
The dose of radiation and what part of your body is treated affect how
much and how long a person has hairloss. Hair may be lost only from the
area of the body being treated with radiation. The scalp and the area behind
the ears may become sensitive. At high doses of radiation, hairloss could
be permanent. If radiation doses are lower, hair may grow in again but the
color or texture may change.
HairLoss caused by Chemotherapy
Some types of chemotherapy at certain doses cause hairloss. You might
notice hairloss after your first treatment, or later after several treatment.
Sometimes scalp hair will thin out slowly. Hair can also fall out in clumps
when brushing, showering or shampooing. Sometimes hair will be lost
from other parts of the body. Hair can begin to grow again during
chemotherapy or 1 to 2 months after treatment is finished. New hair may
have a slightly different color and/or texture.
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Hair Care Tips
• Wash hair at least every 4 to 7 days using a mild shampoo and
conditioner.
• Rinse hair well and gently pat hair dry with a towel. Keep your scalp
clean even after hairloss.
• Use a wide tooth comb.
• Choose "soft hold” hair sprays that can easily be brushed through once
dry.
• Limit use of blow dryers, rollers (curlers) and curling or straightening
irons to prevent breaking the hair shafts.
• Limit wearing hair clips, barrettes, and pins (bobby pins) and hairstyles
such as braids, ponytails, and pigtails to protect hairs from breaking.
• Your hairstylist/barber or physician may know hair care products they
would suggest for you.
Options for HairLoss
There are several options for head coverings for hairloss. Wigs and
hairpieces can be purchased at some beauty salons and at specialty shops
like Hope's Boutique. It is often better to shop for a wig before your hair
falls out, so the color and style can be matched better. Hats, turbans and
scarves can protect the scalp, as well as add to one's appearance. Here are
helpful tips:
• Remember to wear sunscreen on your scalp if you go outside without a
head covering.
• Remember to keep head coverings clean.
Financial Assistance
If you wish to see about obtaining a wig, talk to your doctor about a
prescription for a “cranial hair prosthesis”. Check with your insurance
company to find out what coverage you may have for a wig or cranial hair
prosthesis (sometimes called a “full scalp prosthesis”), or for another type
of head covering. You may ask your nurse or social worker about other
financial assistance that might be available.