Chemotherapy truly is a marvel of modern medicine. Cancer is easily one of our scariest diseases, but thankfully, we do have a way to battle it. With chemo, we have a chance. If you are dealing with a recent cancer diagnosis, you’re bound to be full of questions. One question may be about your hair and whether you will lose it.
Chemotherapy and Hair Loss
The American Cancer Society outlines that chemo can be used for three purposes: cure, control, or palliation. Curing the cancer, of course, is the desired outcome. If the cancer cannot be eliminated entirely, chemo can control it by stopping the growth and spread of the cancer cells. Palliation occurs in the later stages of cancer. If the cancer has progressed beyond control, palliative chemotherapy can ease the symptoms of the disease.
Most often, chemotherapy will cause hair loss. This is often the side effect people dread the most. Chemo causes many undesirable symptoms that can be debilitating, including fatigue and nausea. Still, hair loss is the one that everyone else can see. According to the Mayo Clinic, “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.”
Hair loss from cancer treatment is temporary in most cases. Hair will grow back after cessation of the therapy. During the course of chemo, many patients find solace in wearing a wig. When choosing the right wig for your chemotherapy treatment, there are many factors to consider. Chemo can cause a sensitive scalp, so it’s so important to pick a wig with a monofilament top and lace front.
Indulgence by Raquel Welch
If you are just starting to lose your hair and are looking to hide thinning or spots, try out a hair topper. These are also useful for those who have finished chemotherapy and are waiting for hair to grow back and re-gain fullness.
Indulgence by Raquel Welch is a 100% Remy human hair topper. It is completely hand-tied and feels totally natural, so you can focus on healing instead of hair.
Upstage by Raquel Welch
Once the hair loss has progressed, you’ll want to purchase a full wig. A short or medium length wig will be much easier to maintain than longer styles. Upstage by Raquel Welch is an effortlessly chic shoulder-length wig. It’s made of synthetic fibers and is pre-styled, so it’s ready to go right out of the box!
Cameron by Jon Renau
Chemo can cause the scalp to become very sensitive. A monofilament top allows for airflow.
Cameron by Jon Renau is an ultra flattering layered bob. Along with a monofilament top, this wig is 100% hand-tied, allowing for natural movement and supreme comfort.
Cancer and its treatment are a journey. It's life changing and enervating, so it’s important to take care of you. A wig or hair topper can help make you feel like yourself again after hair loss. Stick with shorter lengths and synthetic pieces for easy wear. Cancer can change your looks, but you can take back control over hair loss and still feel like you when looking in the mirror!
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Has chemotherapy caused hair loss for you? What kind of wig did you prefer? Let us know in the comments.