Hi Everyone, It has been 16 days since my first chemo (AC) session. My scalp is starting to hurt. My hair is sore to touch. It feels like painful pins and needles on my scalp. Annoying and painful when I'm trying to sleep. I haven't noticed much hair starting to fall out when I brush it (but that is hurting) or in the shower. Is this my bodys way of saying it may fall out soon or do I get it shaved and save myself this constant pins and needles pain? Thank you.

I went for soft cotton sleep caps - my scalp felt more comfortable and I could empty out all the short hairs in the morning!

Knowing your hair is going to fall out is one thing. Finding out that it feels like it's being ripped from your head is another. I'm a big advocate for the shave. That first shower with a bald head is amazing. I've also found it quite empowering--making the decision rather than waiting for the inevitable. Mxx

I was advised to buy satin pillow cases for the scalp tenderness and it was great advice. It really helped especially after it was clippered and I had weeks of patchy stubble before it all fell out.

I shaved to a number 1 blade and glad I did as my hair was to my shoulders and curly. My chemo start was 4th June and I wear ca soft bamboo cap and I am finding it full of little hairs now. It is still upsetting and I had as good cry today. If it is too hard even with these little hairs I have, I will go back later in the week to have it tidied up. Thinking of you @Locksley x

@Locksley My hair only took two days to completely fall out. The three days prior to that, my scalp hurt and I found covering it with a tight bandana actually eased the pain a little

My Scalp Hurts | BCNA Online Network

18 Replies

LoisLois
Member
5 years ago
That initial chop is a power punch! However, that first shower - orgasmic! I totally agree to the pins/needles in my skull - only at night strangely! Luckily I volunteered my husband as Tribute and he massages my skull. Today, I’m shaving it all off. It’s interesting to see myself in the mirror after years of hiding behind long hair. However it’s liberating. Good luck honey and big hugs xxx
Locksley
Member
5 years ago
Hi Fern88, Yes feeling OK now that its done. I do get a shock when I look in a mirror because it's not registering that this is me. Have some hats to help keep my head warm! Hugs xx
Fern88
Member
5 years ago
Hi @Locksley it was one of the biggest shocks for me, I originally had very long hair down to the cheeks of my butt, so I decided to get it cut just below my shoulder (60cm off) before my 1st cycle then on day 12 it started to fall out so 5 days later my partner shaved it to 3mm looked weird as but felt great. I don't recall having a sore scalp maybe a little tingling , but agree with @ddon I had to change to a satin pillowcase straight away as my head sort of stuck to my cotton one😂. I just wear a beanie or bandanas. I agree with @Zoffiel the feeling of the shower on your head is awesome, but I still freak out a bit when I see my reflection in a window or look in a mirror. How are you going with it?
Hugso xo
kmakm
Member
5 years ago
Well done. It really is much easier.
Locksley
Member
5 years ago
Thank you. I ended up biting the bullet and getting it shaved yesterday. I couldn't handle any more chunks coming out in my hand. xx
kmakm
Member
5 years ago
Hi @Locksley. I just wanted to let you know that my scalp tenderness continued until all the hair fell out, even after I'd shaved it. K xox
Locksley
Member
5 years ago
@blossom1961 at the rate my hair is falling out there may not be any left to shave on Thursday! I have a tight cap I have started wearing.
Blossom1961
Member
5 years ago
@Locksley My hair only took two days to completely fall out. The three days prior to that, my scalp hurt and I found covering it with a tight bandana actually eased the pain a little
ddon
Member
5 years ago
If only there was an effective chemo that spared our hair then our hearts would be lighter.
Locksley
Member
5 years ago
Thank you everyone :) This morning when I carefully brushed my hair over the bathroom basin a huge amount of hair fell out. I had a cry. Will be booking in later in the week for a shave.