Hair Loss: All Is Not Lost

Hair Loss: All Is Not Lost

A cancer patient may prefer other head coverings to a wig. Some people find that scarves, hats, and turbans are more comfortable to wear than a wig. (Many people find wigs somewhat itchy and uncomfortable, choosing to wear them only for social occasions or work, and not around the house or with family.) Some specialty stores and wig sellers, such as Just in Time specializes in very soft 100-percent cotton hats and head coverings that are soothing on irritated scalps.

Having a variety of choices helps. Making sure patients have different types of head coverings to choose from can increase their feeling of being in control. A man, for example, might want to have a couple of cold-weather hats or knit caps and another couple of hats for sun protection. A woman might prefer scarves and turbans in a variety of colors. Avoid slippery fabrics, though — some, such as silk and polyester, tend to slide off a smooth scalp. Cotton and fabrics with a nubby weave or texture hold better. It might sound odd, but a shopping trip to find hats, scarves, and other head coverings can actually be a lot of fun, as well as a way to focus on the lighter side of cancer recovery.

Help the person in your care prepare for and handle changes in her hair. Most cancer patients find that their hair begins to grow back between one and three months after the end of chemotherapy. The big surprise, though, is that the new hair may be very different in texture or type. Many people who formerly had straight hair, for example, find that their hair is curly when it grows back in, at least for a while. It may also be a different color. By acknowledging that this is likely to happen, patients will at least be prepared for the change. The new hair will also be somewhat delicate and brittle at first, so you’ll want to keep using a soft brush and wide-toothed comb and wash it with gentle shampoo.