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 Sarah Ochoa shares what she learned about herself during her post-treatment hair journey.
This story is part of our series onwomen’s experiences with cancer & hair loss.
I ultimately want to grow my hair back to the length it used to be.
However, I’m loving the different phases of my hair being short.
Courtesy Sarah Ochoa
My hair was curly before, with but wider, softer curls.
I started wearingsatin-lined turbansto bed to help mitigate the frizz that happens at night.
This was something I’ve never had to do before but learned along the way.
Sarah Lynn Pierce Photography
Being “bald and beautiful” was a persona I took on while going through treatment.
Leaving that piece of me behind was a bit difficult.
I was bald for just a few months; it was short-lived, but it became my other identity.
I felt like I looked like a warrior.
My hair initially came back thin and gray and it worried me.
I wasn’t sure what to expect.
I was also worried my curls wouldn’t come back.
Going through the various phases of Lionel Richie’s hair has kept me smiling.
Right now I look like Lionel Richie from 1983.
I wound up using DevaCurl Styling Cream.
I rarely wrapped my head, but when I did it was with fun scarves and turbans.
Favorite Hair Milestone:The first time I felt my hair blow in the wind.
What a wild feeling to feel again.
Pet Peeve:Pleasedo not touch my hair.
I get stopped often.
I am not any physical piece of me.
Funniest Moment:Going through the various phases of Lionel Richie’s hair has kept me smiling.
Right now I look likeLionel Richie from 1983, which is fine he’s one of my favorite artists!
It’s always useful to have a sense of humor.
I kept saying, “Cancer looks better with a smile.”
But before chemo, it was different.
I am not any physical piece of me.
Advice for other women growing back their hair post-treatment:Be patient with yourself.
And know that everything will pass.
Keep moving forward, and take the next smallest step first.
As told toJennifer Garam.
Survivor interviews have been edited for length and clarity.
Watch a woman’s hair loss journey:
