For people whove undergone treatments for cancer, hair loss is a common but nevertheless stressful side effect.
And, contrary to popular belief, the hard part isnt over when your hair starts to return.
Here, survivor Regina Matthews shares her experiences of relearning to love herself and her hair all over again.
Courtesy Regina Matthews
This story is part of our series onwomen’s experiences with cancer & hair loss.
I was receiving radiation treatments at the time.
Im still trying to figure out what to do with my hair.
Courtesy Regina Matthews
It’s been a year since my last chemo infusion and my hair isn’t very long.
Prior to treatment, my hair was shoulder-length and very thick.
As my hair has beengrowing back, I’ve left the sides shaved short.
I got myfirst trimoff the top at the one year mark.
Growing back my hair after chemo is a combination of physical and emotional stress.
Growing back my hair after chemo is a combination of physical and emotional stress.
There were days when I would throw on a hat to hide my hair and face.
Once I started to have a bit more hair, Id venture to accessorize with a headband.
I felt kind of silly, to be honest, but I tried.
I did a happy dance!
I felt like I was getting somewhere.
I felt like I was explaining myself so you can give a shot to avoid a trigger.
Other parts of me felt like I needed to learn to just accept a compliment.
When someone would compliment my hair, I’d find myself explaining myself instead of just saying thank you.
Biggest lesson:I’ve learned how to be in the moment.
it’s possible for you to’t rush your hair growing back.
The more you dwell on or over-anticipate it, the more of your day you are wasting.
Try your best to be in the moment and find peace and joy with what you have.
It takes a long time to see the length in your hair with compact curls.
And when youre growing back your hair after chemo, be kind to yourself.
Remember that you are trying to reach a new normal.
Watch a woman’s hair loss journey:
