To shave or not to shave!

Hi. I was told that my hair would fall out on day 14 after first chemo. How they can be so accurate is amazing, as it sure did right on that day. I had my hairdresser offer to come and shave it whenever I needed her to do it. So on day 15 she was at my house and we had a bit of a party. I think I laughed more than anyone else. 

I unfortunately have had to do chemo twice, the second time I only got a buzz cut and wished I had shaved completely as all those really short little bits falling out drove me mad. 

I had a friend who didn't actually lose as much hair as most people and so she never shaved and managed to just look like her hair was thinning. I think this is quite rare, but for this reason I would wait until it's actually falling out. 

Like Robyn, once I was bald I loved the quick showers and no more worries about shaving. Showers and getting ready take no time at all. 

Goood luck with your chemo. 

Paula x

Thank-you all for your up front and brave remarks. I really do appreciate you all sharing your experiences in such a personal matter.

I do realize that only I can make this decision but knowing how you all you have coped has certainly helped me. 

After having read your posts - I will probably look at shaving early. I think my daughters would probably find it too hard seeing clumps of hair falling out. 

Hi Quest, I'm just coming up to my 2nd cycle on Tuesday. I had planned to shave my head this weekend, but my collar length hair started to come out last Sunday, & by Tuesday was coming out in handfuls.   I was going to a place that day to look at headwear anyway, ( for women suffering hair loss for whatever reason). One of the lovely ladies offered  to do it for me, so I got a buzz cut that day. For me, that was the best decision, as losing handfuls of hair was just so confronting. I was never a hat wearer, but I'm loving wearing them. It really is up to you, what you decide. Hope all goes well. Lyn 

P.s jojoba oil on my scalp I believe is responsible for my beautiful healthy locks returning sooner than later.

I was going to shave then couldn't for some reason, as all my hair kept falling in chunks I grabbed the scissors and cut. Eventually cutting very close to the scalp. The little whispy bits I missed poke out of my hats and kinda gave me a sense of hair and I was happy with that. I was pretty much bald anyway. I think deep down for me it was an easier process than shaving except for some days and I think we all had them a glimpse in the mirror catches you off guard. Upside I love hats and I wore them all winter. It's a personal thing whatever you decide you are beautiful. I learned myself and talking to many others vanity slips out the window and we go inside, and it is a blessing in disguise. Be beautiful no matter your choice

Hi:) I had the hairdresser shave my head 4 days before chemo, On day 14 after my first chemo, my eyebrows, the little prickly bits on my scalp, and all the other hair that you don't think about(!!!) all started to fall out. It took about 2 weeks and it was all gone! I am glad I had it shaved  off. I really grew to love having no hair! It makes showers so quick , no more shaving or    anything like that: it's just so simple! Many ladies on here feel the same way. All  the best and stay in touch. Cheers Robyn xxx

Hello 

I have just had my second round of Chemo.

My hair started falling out the second week after my first chemo.

I had my hair cut really short as my hair is quite thick and I wish I had just shaved it off as it got very sharp  and annoying. I found wearing a bamboo cap at nighttime help to make things feels better.

Hi Quest ,  my hair started falling out about week two of my first chemo. I had quite thick hair so it was fairly annoying having hair falling out all the time over your clothes, into your food and all over the house.  If I had to do it again, I would get it cut quite short before treatment began.  My scalp did become sore, but recovered pretty quickly once all my hair had gone.  wishing you all the best for your first treatment.  Loreto

If you are not worried about being bald then shave it off.  I did not like the thought of shaving my head so I got it cut short.  It was annoying with bits of hair falling out here and there. Mine started falling out about week three and then took a few weeks to fall out completely.  All the best for Tuesday.

Lorraine