Losing your hairis just one side effect of chemotherapy, but it’s the most visible.
Of course, everyone’s journey is different and the doctors directly involved in your care know best.
Patients can also lose eyebrows and eyelashes.
However, they usually fall out toward the end of chemotherapy.
Stress is another major factor.
So be sure to connect with a professional to help identify potential underlying causes of hair loss.
Cold allows cells to survive longer, making those that have been attacked by chemotherapy more likely to survive.
“Hair is important for survival,” says Lacouture.
“It gives [patients] confidence.”
That said, those experiencing hair loss might consider wearing a wig during and after treatment.
Carolyn Keller, a two-time breast cancer survivor, foundedEBeauty, a wig-exchange program.
At the end of your journey, you’re free to donate the wig back to EBeauty.
“Its a way to move on,” says Keller.
“When I gave up my wig, that was the moment I said, ‘I’m finished.
And I can help somebody else.'”
If your scalp is sensitive, consider products free of common irritants like alcohol and propylene glycol.
