Chemotherapy Hair Loss

For Chemotherapy Hair Loss

Chemotherapy Hair Loss

You might not think about how important your hair is until you face losing it. And if you have cancer and are about to undergo chemotherapy, the chance of hair loss is very real. Both men and women report hair loss as one of the side effects they fear most after being diagnosed with cancer.

Chemotherapy drugs are powerful medications that attack rapidly growing cancer cells. Unfortunately, these drugs also attack other rapidly growing cells in your body — including those in your hair roots. Chemotherapy may cause hair loss all over your body — not just on your scalp. Sometimes your eyelash, eyebrow, armpit, pubic and other body hair also falls out. Some chemotherapy drugs are more likely than others to cause hair loss, and different doses can cause anything from a mere thinning to complete baldness. Talk to your doctor or nurse about the medication you'll be taking. Your doctor or nurse can tell you what to expect. Fortunately, most of the time hair loss from chemotherapy is temporary. You can expect to regrow your hair three to 10 months after your treatment ends, though your hair may temporarily be a different shade or texture.

To protect hair from added stress, use only gentle shampoos and conditioners. Avoid those with strong detergents (like “clarifying” shampoos), medications (unless okayed by your doctor), or other ingredients that might dry or irritate your sensitive hair and scalp (i.e., salicylic acid, alcohol, menthol, camphor, eucalyptus, henna and strong fragrances). Sidestep serious irritation by postponing perms, coloring and straightening for the length of time recommended by your doctor. In general, chemical processes should be avoided for at least six months after treatment to prevent accelerated hair loss, as well as damage to new, growing hair. It’s a good idea to save a lock of hair from your cut to use as a reference color should you later need a wig.

Our focus is in helping those affected by hair loss as a result of Chemotherapy or any medical condition and educating them with different kinds of solutions .In the previous paragraph it is mentioned that your scalp will become very sensitive; certain materials or even hair can become very uncomfortable and irate the scalp. Lucinda’s Hair only offers wigs and headwear with superior construction and materials, which translates to better comfort for you. While undergoing treatments you will most likely wear the same wig 12 hours a day, seven days a week for six-months or more, so you need a durable wig that will last the length of your chemotherapy treatments.

TREATMENT OPTIONS
For those who choose a head covering during their chemotherapy treatments, our hair replacement specialists can help you in choosing the right options for your needs. Attractive head coverings are available in:

• Scarves & Turbans
• Hats and Hats with Hair
• Full Cranial Prosthetics

INSURANCE REIMBURSMENT
House Bill No. 5464 Public Act No. 04-34
States all if not most insurance companies based out of CT are mandated to cover at least $350 of your full cranial prosthesis due to chemotherapy hair loss.
SEE CT HOUSE BILL NO. 5464 PUBIC ACT NO. 04-34 FOR MORE INFORMATION