Forum Discussion

sjennings's avatar
sjennings
Member
11 years ago

Hair clipped yesterday

Yesterday was the day a dear friend (hairdresser) clipped my hair a number 4. Coped much better than I thought, we had a cry and a hug and then got on with it.

Found myself not sleeping well last night, often waking with an itchy head and uncomfortable head touching the pillow. Feeling a bit emotional about the whole ordeal this morning, having to have something covering my head for several months and I feel very sel consious to go out in public.

I have got a wig, but dont think its for me. I was wondering if clipping all stubble off would eliminate the itchiness, etc.

 

hair-loss

7 Replies

  • sjennings's avatar
    sjennings
    Member
    11 years ago

    Hi Mica2704,

    I was pleased to read your comments. I have ordered some headwear, including a bamboo wig liner. Hopefully it will make it more comfortable to wear my wig. My daughter is getting married 4 months after my last chemo and i'm not sure how much hair i will have, so may need to wear a wig.

  • mica2704's avatar
    mica2704
    Member
    11 years ago

    It takes a few tries to get used to wearing a wig. I practised a few outings before an approaching wedding so by that time I felt comfortable in it. I can really recommend that bamboo wig liner by Christine - keeps your scalp cool under the wig and it's very comfortable.

    (If there is one positive, I'm saving quite a bit of time in the shower with not having to shampoo and condition my long hair!)

    Good luck
    xx

                                                                                                       

  • sjennings's avatar
    sjennings
    Member
    11 years ago

    I have clipped  the rest of my hair off, so hope that helps. I am going to the "Look Good, Feel Better" workshop tomorrow morning and looking forward to this. I have ordered 2 hats from Headcovers and will be ordering a couple of bamboo turbans. Thank you ladies for your replies, it does help to here that what i am experiencing is normal.

  • Robyn_W's avatar
    Robyn_W
    Member
    11 years ago
    I had a hairdresser shave my head 4 days before chemo started.I didn't have any itching or soreness,and I only ever wore caps and turbans.I had a gorgeous bamboo pull on turban that was so soft.It became my favourite.I often wore a sleeping cap at night,that most of the sites sell.I got some of my things from headcovers .com.Take care and stay in touch.xoxRobyn
  • Sarah54's avatar
    Sarah54
    Member
    11 years ago

    Poor you, yes it came as a surprise that losing hair was quite uncomfortable and very sensitive. A bit like uncomfortable boobs before a period. I clipped mine and after a few days shaved so I was bald and shiney. It was still very uncomfortable for a few days every chemo round. Like everything this too past. It does take guts going shopping the first couple of times and I always found I coped better when with someone. I now make sure I give an extra big smile or something positive to anyone I see in a chemo hat. When your hair starts to grow again it takes guts once again to get out there but I am so relieved that everyting is finished and enjoy not whereing anything on my head. I do Herceptin and even though everyone says it does not slow the hair growth down I think it does. I am getting there but it's very slow going. Best of luck and you too my love will be giving advice soon to others just starting the journey.

    Sarah

  • Deanne's avatar
    Deanne
    Member
    11 years ago
    It is one of the hardest parts of all this, losing your hair. I was surprised at how sore my head actually got, especially at night. I think shaving your head does help as there is no pulling to irritate your scalp then. I have also read that a few people say using a satin type pillow case can reduce the irritation. My sensitivity settled after a week. You do feel very self-conscious about going out with a head covering or wig the first few times but this does get easier too. I only wore my wig if I went out somewhere where people did not know me. For some reason I felt worse if people knew that it was a wig. Have you been to one of the Look Good Feel Better workshops? It helps to meet other ladies who are in the same boat and is great for ideas about what to wear on your head. I had a few different caps/turbans that I found easiest to wear. I had a nice one from Pink Sisters and a few from headcovers.com. It is really important to get something that you feel as good as possible in. I figured that I would not be spending money at the hairdressers for a while so I did not worry about spending a bit on covers to make me feel better. Sending you a cyber hug and hoping that you and your head feel better soon. Take care. Deanne xxx
  • Deanne's avatar
    Deanne
    Member
    11 years ago
    It is one of the hardest parts of all this, losing your hair. I was surprised at how sore my head actually got, especially at night. I think shaving your head does help as there is no pulling to irritate your scalp then. I have also read that a few people say using a satin type pillow case can reduce the irritation. My sensitivity settled after a week. You do feel very self-conscious about going out with a head covering or wig the first few times but this does get easier too. I only wore my wig if I went out somewhere where people did not know me. For some reason I felt worse if people knew that it was a wig. Have you been to one of the Look Good Feel Better workshops? It helps to meet other ladies who are in the same boat and is great for ideas about what to wear on your head. I had a few different caps/turbans that I found easiest to wear. I had a nice one from Pink Sisters and a few from headcovers.com. It is really important to get something that you feel as good as possible in. I figured that I would not be spending money at the hairdressers for a while so I did not worry about spending a bit on covers to make me feel better. Sending you a cyber hug and hoping that you and your head feel better soon. Take care. Deanne xxx