Hair Loss

Hi, I did not have the option of a cold cap because I live in a regional area. I thought I was coping very well, chemo felt like a bad case of morning sickness. It 15 days ago I had my first chemo, my hair started to fall out when I brushed it on day 12, my daughter was home so she cut it short for me the brave girl but a terrible hair dresser. Last night I had a long hot shower as I watched about 60% of my hair collect in the drain of the shower, I am thinking tonight will go the rest. So my advise would be a number 1! it is lest traumatic than seeing it wash away, I have found I function best when I am in control. I am not being very brave, I have not looked in a mirror yet unless I have a hat on. I have ordered wigs on line but as yet they have not turned up. I wore cold mits on my hands how successful are they at retaining nails? And when can I expect to loose my nails? I have to remind myself I kept the boob (well most of it) and the price is the hair.

all the best, kind regards

Kim

Hi Vezzys84,

It's Kat from BCNA here. I just wanted to jump in and share some resources with you. You've already received some great support from these wonderful ladies. I just wanted to add that you can find another good discussion on cold caps here: https://www.bcna.org.au/online-network/members/TraceyWatkins/blog/hair-loss-and-constipation-weekly-paclitaxel-and-herceptin-3-weekly-using-cold-cap

You might also want to read through our fact sheet on hair loss. There is a section on cold caps under 'what can I do to prevent or reduce hair loss? https://www.bcna.org.au/media/2137/bcna-fact-sheet-hair-loss-during-breastcancer-treatment.pdf

I hope this helps. Please let me know if you have any other questions.

Take care

-Kat x

Hi,

i have done cold caps too, my last treatment was in May 2015. I havelost one third of my hair on the crown area but it grew back very quickly. My new hair is about 3 cm now. I bought lots of beanies and now I can get away with a headband. My breast nurse told me not to cut my hair short so I can still style it. Very glad I have done cold caps, I didn't have to wear a wig, I could get away with beanie and hats. Go to eBay to buy some hats, they are very affordable. Some are under 10 bucks.

Hi. I had the cold cap as well. I lost my hair on top of my head where the cap didnt fit well. I had it cut short as my hair was quite long and it started to matt and pull on my scalp in thr area it fell out. I appeared to lose lots of hair during the while process and i thought it would all fall out but it didnt. You will find that where it does fall out it grows back quickly. I would cut it short but persist with it as some hair is better than no hair. I bought a few nice hats and also wore a beanie to bed.

Take care you will get through it. 

Maryrose

Hi there

Yep, cancer sucks big time!!! 

I got my hairdresser to do a number two razor cut when I started chemo. I had a wig to wear but was surprised with how comfortable I felt with it short/bald. It also meant less mess and no distress at seeing clumps fall out. I ended up only wearing the wig when I worked and the rest of the time I went "nude nut" and a beanie on cold days. 

I was one of the lucky ones that losing my hair wasn't too traumatic. For me, losing my beautiful nails upset me much more.  Good luck with however you decide to proceed.

karen xox

I have become a hat person! I have only had one round of chemo so far and two weeks on my hair was falling out so I shaved it off. You have to do it when it's right for you. I have always had long hair and it was a shock to lose it but it's the least of my issues. I found that I am stronger than I thought and my tears are ok but take one day at a time. I wish you the very best xo

Hi,- cancer sucks, chemo sucks and losing your hair totally sucks! When in doubt, just cut your hair short and see how you feel. You can always shave it off after that if more falls out.I hated being bald- takes abit of getting used to. Hope you are coping with the chemo.Tonya xx