CHEMOTHERAPY INFORMATION AND OPTIONS

• Shampoo hair twice weekly with a mild shampoo such as those intended for dry or damaged hair. SCALPSCRIPTS
• The scalp should also be thoroughly massaged to remove any scale.
• Follow shampoo with a conditioner for fine or limp hair. SCALPSCRIPTS
• Avoid high heat from blow dryers to the hair and skin.
• Keep hairstyling to a minimum due the new hair being prone to breakage. Brushing, combing, hairpins and curling should all be minimized. Curling appliances should be avoided, as the scalp is very tender following chemotherapy.
• Hair styling aids such as mousse, hair spray, hair spritz, styling gel and sculpturing gel may be used in moderation, especially if they do not contain alcohol. SEE INDIVIDUAL PRODUCTS. It is best to select products with normal to light holding ability, as the high hold products may not be completely removed with mild shampoos. Hair styling aids can build up on the hair shaft resulting in dullness and possibly scalp disease.

Can I perm my hair as it's growing in?
Chemical curling or permanent waving of the hair is best avoided until the hair is at least three inches long. It is difficult to get nice curls if the hair is much shorter even with a healthy head of hair. For best results, use a mild wave with short processing time. The hair should be wrapped loosely on the largest size curling rod possible. Looser curls will be less damaging to the recovering hair shaft, and will thus minimize hair shaft breakage.

WARNING!
Many patients cannot tolerate the perm solution on their scalp for some times up to one year following chemotherapy. This extreme sensitivity of the scalp is not unusual during the regrowth period. In such cases perms should not be attempted. Have your hair dresser do a strand test on you to make sure your scalp can tolerate the perm solution.

Hair coloring may also be irritating to the sensitive scalp and should be avoided until the scalp is healed; the hair may be colored. Permanent hair colorings are the most damaging to the hair shaft and should be minimized in favor of semi-permanent hair colorings which are gradually washed away with four to six shampooings.

Bleaching to lighten the hair color should not be attempted at this time. Additionally, the hair should be altered only 3 shades from its regrowth color as more drastic color changes could increase hair shaft breakage.

This period of time following chemotherapy treatment is a time of healing and rebuilding for the body. Hair growth will gradually return, and with time most patients regain a healthy head of hair. Following some of the enclosed hair care tips will insure that the regrown hair looks and feels its very best.

Children bookmark

A word of caution to parents with children undergoing chemotherapy. The absence of hair can be used in a positive manner. It can signal to others "handle with care". While undergoing chemotherapy the child has a low blood count and can be bruised easily.

Treatment Options

At the onset of hair loss, the very first hair fall, some patients choose to shave the scalp. Their reasons are the following:

• We are Chemo wig experts call and ask for our help – many times Wigs are reimbursable
• Shaving the head eliminates the embarrassment of hair loss.
• Shaving the head is less traumatic than going through the actual hair loss process.
• Shaving facilitates wig security and comfort (i.e. vacuum bases, two-way tape and other adhesives).
• Attractive head coverings (i.e. turbans, scarves) are available to cover the head during hair loss.

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