Chemotherapy Medicines
Nausea
Chemotherapy room
Coping with hair loss
Chemo delivery methods

Wig Resources

Coping With Hair Loss
Hair loss is one of the most difficult aspects of treatment. Speak with your doctor or nurse regarding your concerns about hair loss. He or she can offer many tips and resources for coping with hair loss. Keep in mind not all chemotherapy drugs cause hair loss, your doctor or nurse can tell you what you can expect. Since most of the time hair loss from chemotherapy is predictable, your doctor or nurse can help you prepare for hair loss, which will also help you cope.

It is helpful to know that radiation therapy causes hair loss only to the area being treated. For example, if you are not receiving radiation therapy to your head, you will not lose hair on your head. Unfortunately hair loss from radiation therapy is usually permanent. Women receiving radiation therapy to the pelvis will lose some or all of her pubic hair.

If your chemotherapy is predicted to cause hair thinning, but not complete hair loss, here are some tips for protecting your hair:

• Eat a well-balanced diet, trying to avoid junk food. Drink at least 2 quarts of fluid per day. Take a regular-strength multivitamin every day.
• Consider a shorter haircut to take weight off your scalp. If you have very long hair, cutting even a few inches can reduce scalp stress.
• Do not color, streak or frost your hair during, or for 6 months after chemotherapy.
• Do not perm or straighten hair during, or for 6 months after chemotherapy.
• Use very gentle hair products. Avoid stressing hair with hair spray, tight ponytails or barrettes, vigorous brushing, or curlers.

If your chemotherapy is predicted to cause complete hair loss, here is what you should know:

• Ask your doctor or nurse when your hair will begin to come out. Sometimes hair all comes out over a few days, sometimes it may take a few weeks.
• Be aware that complete hair loss may include eyebrows, eyelashes, underarm, leg and pubic hair.
• Remember your hair will grow back. The average time for significant hair regrowth (looking like a short haircut) is six months after the last chemotherapy treatment.
• If you have a close relationship with young children, such as your children, grandchildren, etc., talk to them in advance about your hair coming out. Often, children handle hair loss better than the adult, and they can be very supportive.
• Consider cutting your hair short before treatment, there will be less of it to deal with when it starts coming out.
• Shaving your head is not recommended until it looks like your hair has stopped coming out. If you shave it too soon, some of it can still be growing, and you may get folliculitis (inflammation of the hair follicles).
• It is normal for your scalp to begin to tingle or be sore a day or two before your hair comes out.
• Start looking for hats and wigs before your hair comes out. Not only will you be more prepared, but also it will help the wig stylist to see how you usually style your hair.
• Your wig will probably need to be adjusted after your hair comes out, this is because your head will be smaller.
• When you have lost some or all of your hair, often your head will feel colder. A soft hat or turban may be needed for warmth.
• When your hair starts to grow back, the scalp and new hair will be healthier if you go for long periods of time every day without a hat or wig.

Wig resources in Western North Carolina (top)
Wigs come in all shapes and sizes. Some wigs are custom made; some are stock items, and prices vary greatly. Some health insurance policies may cover the purchase of a wig, contact your agent to find out. If you do not have insurance coverage and cannot afford to pay for a wig, contact the American Cancer Society in Asheville. They have wigs available to uninsured or low-income individuals whose insurance will not cover a wig purchase. (http://www.cancer.org/docroot/COM/COM_0.asp)

The American Cancer Society and the Cosmetology and Fragrance industry co-sponsor a program called “Look Good, Feel Better.” Cosmetologists who take part receive special training regarding helping people who have hair and skin changes with chemotherapy. Our local county unit can help you find a cosmetologist in your area. Ask our chemo nurses when the next Look Good Feel Better event will be at HOPE. Click here to find out more about the local programs offered through American Cancer Society. (http://www.cancer.org/docroot/COM/COM_0.asp)

Local resources for hair loss
Barbara’s Wig Boutique
89 Thompson St.
Asheville NC 28801
(828) 252-0012

Kim’s Wig Center
20 Haywood St.
Asheville NC 28801
(828) 253-8337

J.C. Penney-Asheville Mall
3 S. Tunnel Rd.
Asheville, NC
(828) 299-0042

Beverly Hills Styling
1078 Tunnel Rd.
Asheville NC 28805
(828) 298-6371

Anita Poteat
Hair Designer
406 East Court St.
Marion NC 28752
(828) 652-5929

Hair Gallery
Brookdale Square
1038-C Greenville Hwy
(Hwy 25S)
Hendersonville
(828) 692-0101

American Cancer Society
828-254-6931

Merle Norman
Tryon, NC
828-859-5299

The Breast Program through Mission Hospital System has a wonderful boutique for women with cancer called In Good Company. A wide range of beautiful scarves, hats, camisoles, nightgowns, swimming suits and other personalized items are available for purchase. Customized fitting services are also available for breast prostheses:
In Good Company is located in Suite 202 in the Asheville Imaging Center at
509 Biltmore Avenue. Call 828-213-9991 for hours.
The American Cancer Society has a wig program for anyone who, because of financial strains, cannot afford a wig. Please contact our local ACS office at 828-254-6931 for more information.