Forum Discussion
Looking after my bald
Now that I am joining the bald brigade, how do I look after my scalp? Do I moisturise or something? I know if I go out I need to have on my hat etc. and sunscreen SPF50, but is there something else I need to do? I went and had my hair (what is left of it) cut really really short - I quite like the look. Chemo 2 this coming Monday.
6 Replies
- I found it worst when it started to grow back, the stubble rubbed when I slept and wore beanies. Used moisturiser pretty often once it had fallen out
- I had a bit of cradle cap so some olive oil was good until it passed. I moisturised higher than normal but the skin self regulated and was pretty good. I was absolutely vigilant with the sun. I always wore a brimmed hat when out in it (I had summer & autumn chemo) and bamboo or cotton caps at other times. They did soak up the oil I naturally secreted so they needed regular washing. K xox
- In the early days I moisturised it with my natural face moisturiser. Then I lost interest and only did it occasionally. The shower regime was just the water, I didn’t use any cleanser. However I loved the shower on my head so much that I stayed under it for AGES.
- I never did anything for my scalp except wash it with the rest of me! I was very careful, however, with going out in the sun.
- My scalp became really dry and I found that sorbelene was a little thick to rub in especially with some stubbly bits.
I used a cetaphil wash and moisturiser. I managed to get some sample sizes as really I didn't need much.
https://www.cetaphil.com.au/
Most chemists sell them. Great for the whole body which can become sensitive especially on the taxane chemo regime.
I wore a nightcap. And I had a swim cap which I wore in aquafit with clear wrap style safety glasses (as the chlorine stung my eyes on taxol)
https://www.nammuhats.com/sun-protection-with-confidence/chemotherapy-hats/
Cancer council have a new one but it's expensive.
https://www.cancercouncilshop.org.au/product/christine-hydrotherapy-swim-cap.html - I really liked mine very short - unfortunately I have a bald patch (frictional burn as a child!) so not an option longer term. I didn’t do anything much for my scalp except very mild skin cleanser but I did wear a night cap, particularly at first when my scalp was quite tender and short hair was still dropping - I could just empty the cap out in the morning. And I bought ‘straw’ hats made of paper - looked great and really soft on the skin.
