

Alternative cancer treatments: 10 options to consider.Alternative and complementary medicine for metastatic breast cancer.What to do about hair loss (alopecia).Association between use of a scalp cooling device and alopecia after chemotherapy for breast cancer. Philadelphia, Pa.: Churchill Livingstone Elsevier 2014. Dermatologic toxicities of anticancer therapy. But growth takes time, and it also takes time to repair the damage caused by your cancer treatment. It's likely that your hair will come back slowly and that it might not look normal right away. Processing could damage your new hair and irritate your sensitive scalp. Hold off on coloring or bleaching your new hair until it grows stronger. Your new hair growth will be especially fragile and vulnerable to the damage caused by styling products and heating devices. Having no hair or having less hair can make you feel cold, so a head covering may make you more comfortable. Your scalp may be sensitive as you go through treatment, so extreme cold or sunshine can easily irritate it. If your head is going to be exposed to the sun or to cold air, protect it with sunscreen or a head covering. Shaving your head can reduce the irritation and save the embarrassment of shedding. Some people report that their scalps feel itchy, sensitive and irritated during their treatments and while their hair is falling out. Wash your hair only as often as necessary. Continue your gentle hair strategies throughout your chemotherapy treatment. Ask your doctor to write a prescription for a wig, the cost of which may be covered by your health insurance.

But it's easier to plan for it now rather than later. Whether you choose to wear a head covering to conceal your hair loss is up to you. Now is the time to start thinking about wigs, scarves or other head coverings. Also, if you have long hair, going short might help you make a better transition to total hair loss. So as your hair falls out, it won't be as noticeable if you have short hair. Short hair tends to look fuller than long hair. Strengthening your hair now might make it more likely to stay in your head a little longer during treatment. Air-dry your hair as much as possible and avoid heating devices such as curling irons and hot rollers. Don't bleach, color or perm your hair - this can weaken it. Get in the habit of being kind to your hair. Take the following steps throughout your treatment to minimize the frustration and anxiety associated with hair loss. Your hair loss generally can't be prevented or controlled, but it can be managed.
