Forum Discussion
Losing your hair
I am on the precipise of losing my hair. I have mentally been trying to prepare for it, it is now day 17 since my first Chemo hit. You see I started blow drying my hair at age 13, and devoted 20 years of my life to Hairdressing. The first 4 years I won a lot of awards, and thought about nothing else at the end proudly taught at TAFE.
So this vain attatchment I have with my hair is something I am battling with. I had to get a driver licence for Tasmania, and had put it off, but rushed in yesterday, thankful I still had a full head of hair. But the amount that started coming out 3 days ago, is obvious at home.
I was desperate to get a wig before it fell out, but unlucky to get cancer at Christmas time, and the one service available - is on holidays, and the stores to order from closed until the 8th Jan.
So between telling myself to harden up and dont be so pathetic, I have a few selfish tears.
I did hope I wouldnt lose it, and at least I had it for Christmas. I went out and bought 4 scarfs yesterday. I have a fabulous sense of humour, and Im sure it will come back.
I know I am focusing way too much - I know I will man-up, but now and then, its very upsetting! Its my bloody hair and I dont want to lose it!
I will be ok, Im just having a winge! But wow, its happening!
24 Replies
I am now 6 days through the 3rd Chemo and lets face it, each hit you get less concerned about your hair! I have a wig on order.... it should turn up one day! Of course the "Should be here in about 2 weeks" is currently 20 days later. Lucky I dont go out until my third week! Its the 30th Jan 2012 today! Im not stressing out, just doing it day by day! (smile) Bel
well they said day14 it would all happen but I made it to day 16, lost half my hair in 2 days. my husband says it's like a dog maulting (lovely) and creates a lovely tumbleweed effect as it rolls across the hallway. I made it to my sons first day of school with hair so i'm a happy camper but think I will be getting the big shave by friday. I guess my hair will be back to this length same time next year. How short can it be before you can colour it.
cheers everyone
Hi Bel!
We have so many people in exactly the same boat as you, and it's definitely an extremely stressful experience to go through. Your hair is something you've no doubt spent countless hours on every single week, and being able to flaunt it and have a GREAT hair day is super important to just about everyone - I am sure you know that as a hairdresser yourself!Your health insurance company should cover you for a certain amount on the purchase of your first wig (but they might call it a cranial prosthesis!), so give them a call and find out what they need, it can save you a fortune!
Some places offer overnight shipping/delivery so if you're in a pinch you can try that - Buying locally gives you the confidence to try things on and find just what you need - this is definitely the hardest time of year.
During hairloss, a lot of people have VERY selicate skin so make sure you keep protected from the sun, and try soft terry towel or velous headwear when you go to bed - it will stop you gettng hair everywhere when you sleep! You can wear them during the day around the house etc too, as they're lighter and softer on your skin - especially in icky hot weather and warmer months.
Many people trim their hair before they begin to lose it, but it really just depends on what you think would work best for you! Cutting your own hair into a style suited to your new wig will graduate the transition a little bit, but it just depends how much preparation time you get.
When choosing your new hair, remember that longer hair will tangle more easily and require more care - but as a hairdresser, I think you're going to be the perfect caretaker of a sparkly new wig. Going a shade or two lighter than your usual tone can also help you look sparklier, as we find a lot of people get a little more pale during treatment and the slight lift in colour can compensate.
I saw Bindi's fabulous comment today and was so happy I found this awesome site, I am going to make sure we spend a little time each day reading through people's questions to see where help can be offered whenever possible. I read the terms/guidelines and I saw that we're not allowed to try and offer items for sale or anything related to goods/services, so I will be absolutely certain that we don't break any forum rules and will not link or suggest any products for sale. I'm purely here to help and happy to answer any questions I think our experience can assist in! Let me know if there is ANYTHING I can answer for you, I really don't think there is such a thing as a 'silly question' and if we can make life even a tad easier we're all for it!! :)
Thanks so much for spreading the word, Bindi!! I am so glad we were able to help - You're so right, people never seem to spot the hair being a wig - it's so useful! Many people continue wearing their wig for a long time even after treatment as it's so much easier to manage than your own! :)
I did a little hunting around online this afternoon doing some research and your comment showed up when we were looking for our business. I cannot tell you how much we appreciate it and now we've even signed up here to see how we can help people too!
Hi Belinda, by now you probably have lost your hair? The " thought" of losing my hair was terrifying. I was upset / devaststed about a BC diagnosis and all the stuff that might happen : losing hair, facing people with no hair, will I die anyway after all the treatment, will I get lymphoedema ?
My hair, " thinned" over the months of chemo. I wore a cap/ sun hat etc. It was summer so that was a plus! Time passes and it was ok, as my family and friends did not mind if my hair was thin and how pale I looked etc. I got through it; being scared is ok..
Hope you get a wig soon.. Kathy. P.S. I used to live at Dilston. I think I messaged you before.
Hi Belinda, by now you probably have lost your hair? The " thought" of losing my hair was terrifying. I was upset / devaststed about a BC diagnosis and all the stuff that might happen : losing hair, facing people with no hair, will I die anyway after all the treatment, will I get lymphoedema ?
My hair, " thinned" over the months of chemo. I wore a cap/ sun hat etc. It was summer so that was a plus! Time passes and it was ok, as my family and friends did not mind if my hair was thin and how pale I looked etc. I got through it; being scared is ok..
Hope you get a wig soon.. Kathy. P.S. I used to live at Dilston. I think I messaged you before.
I had a look at headcovers.com too the other night and had to control myself not to buy everything in sight. I think the ones that you can style and part in different ways would be great.
v
I had a look at headcovers.com too the other night and had to control myself not to buy everything in sight. I think the ones that you can style and part in different ways would be great.
v
- Ok, there is nothing to add that the others haven't already added, but only to say that use this time to get some great wigs (and yea therenreallynare some great ones) I had 4 and they were all completely different. That is the only upside and I know it is not a great one. Check out the Renee of Paris website for inspiration and you know you can get funding for at least one wig. Sorry you are losing your hair:( Tanya xx
It's ok to vent here and you are NOT vain. It's a big thing for a woman to lose her hair.Some women don't mind being bald but I hated it with a passion. I bought an expensive wig but didn't wear it much cos it was too hot and itchy. I mostly wore soft cotton bandanas and caps which I got from www.headcovers.com They also have wigs and fringe attachments. Like everything in life,you do adjust and you'll find your own "head"style.Sometimes I would have to change several times before leaving the house cos I looked like a gypsy- easy to do with scarves and earrings! Blog anytime to whinge about your lack of hair - I TOTALLY understand!!
Tonya xx
