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Janet_Plummer's avatar
Janet_Plummer
Member
13 years ago

Does the frizzy hair last?

Is there anyone who is 2-3 years on from having had chemo who can tell me whether  hair returns to normal in time? I had my chemo about a year ago and while I am relieved to finally have a full head of hair again it is infuriatingly curly/frizzy. It takes me a laborious half hour at least with my cheapie hair straightener to get it semi-straight. And even then it still looks a bit of a fright. Does post-chemo hair eventually return to normal or should I go out and invest in one of those super-dooper expensive hair-straightners? (Sorry, I know this is a trivial issue but I'm exhausted from tamoxifen-induced insomnia and I'm just fed up with the bloody hair issue.) Janet.

chemotherapy

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  • NaturalBel's avatar
    NaturalBel
    Member
    13 years ago

    Mine is just starting to grow back, its about 2 cms and looks randomly curly.  Having had 20 years in hairdressing, curly hair plays up for 2 reasons, humid weather/rain, and when its in bad condition.  Hair needs 2 elements to behave, oil, moisture and protein.  We dont know exactly how much of each is missing unless you have a scientist look at it, so when I was hairdressing I asked people to alternate the 2 types of treatments.  Yes, it works.  For uncoloured hair, skip the protein treatments, and focus on the heavy cream treatments and the oils.  I always found the leave in oils a better concept because shampooing after oil seems to be a waste.  If you use hot irons, then they will like protein treatments, thinking about strength of hair, if hair is longer.  If colours fade from you hair, or it doesnt get cut regularly, alternate between protein and moisture.  If in doubt, once a week moisture treatment.  Oh, and if you use harsh shampoo, it will remove the treatment next shampoo.  Use mild non foaming shampoo, the SLS ruin hair like it ruins skin!  It just strips the oil and moisture out of hair and the conditioner hides the damage with coating agents that mess with colours.  

  • Janet_Plummer's avatar
    Janet_Plummer
    Member
    13 years ago

    Thanks for your replies ladies. How strange Roby that your curly hair came back straight! I guess we're all different and I will just have to wait and see. At least I had a better sleep last night. I was beside myself with exhaustion yesterday and having a bad hair day didn't help. Janet :)

  • Chris's avatar
    Chris
    Member
    13 years ago
    Hi, my chemo finished 2.5 years ago, and my hair is still curly, though not as tightly curled as in the beginning. I always had a slight kink to my hair, but a blow dry and a GHD would straighten my hair well. At present my hairdresser just cuts it to the curl, as I am fighting a loosing battle if I try to straighten it. Good luck with your new hair. Love Chris xx
  • Chris's avatar
    Chris
    Member
    13 years ago
    Hi, my chemo finished 2.5 years ago, and my hair is still curly, though not as tightly curled as in the beginning. I always had a slight kink to my hair, but a blow dry and a GHD would straighten my hair well. At present my hairdresser just cuts it to the curl, as I am fighting a loosing battle if I try to straighten it. Good luck with your new hair. Love Chris xx
  • mum2jj's avatar
    mum2jj
    Member
    13 years ago

    I am two years exactly since last chemo.  It started to get straighter at the start of the year, but I am just now saying good-bye to the last few kinks.  All straight at last.  I mostly dindn't bother straightening as it was too hard, just put gel or moose in to try and control them.

    CHeers

    Paula :)

  • mum2jj's avatar
    mum2jj
    Member
    13 years ago

    I am two years exactly since last chemo.  It started to get straighter at the start of the year, but I am just now saying good-bye to the last few kinks.  All straight at last.  I mostly dindn't bother straightening as it was too hard, just put gel or moose in to try and control them.

    CHeers

    Paula :)

  • Roby's avatar
    Roby
    Member
    13 years ago
    Hi I am the opposite to you I had lovely curly hair and mine has come back dead straight and I have never been a person to want straight hair. I am only eight months after chemo so aim still hopeful that the curl return. I have a cousin who got her straight hair back after 2 years. Regards Robyn