This year alone there will be 230,480 new cases of breast cancer. In addition to paralyzing fear and uncertainty of the battle ahead, the hair loss side effect of chemotherapy can be a devastating second blow. The confidence of your or a loved one robbed, leading to increasing frustration.
Not all hair loss however stems from chemotherapy alone. 1 in 4 women are experience premature hair loss, whether it’s thinning at the top of the scalp, a widening part or hairless patches. Resulting from hormonal changes, menopause, PTSD, pregnancy and even surgery, direct or indirect thinning and loss of hair can occur.
Most women begin to lose their hair in their 20s or 30s and don't even notice that they're thinning until they've lost 50% or more of it."
- American Hair Loss Association
The Side effects of Chemotherapy
The side effects of chemotherapy range from thinning to total baldness and depend mostly on the type and dosage of chemo you or a loved one receives. The good news is that hair loss is temporary for most people, but it's one of the side effects that women fear most.
Hair loss occurs because chemotherapy targets all rapidly dividing cells—healthy cells as well as cancer cells. Hair follicles, the structures in the skin filled with tiny blood vessels that make hair, are some of the fastest-growing cells in the body. For a healthy person, our cells divide every 23 to 72 hours. But as the chemo does its work against cancer cells, it also destroys hair cells.
Within a few weeks of starting chemo, some or all of the hair may be lost. Hair loss is one of the most emotionally devastating side effects of chemotherapy. For women in particular, so much of your individual identity and personality is reflected in your hair. Hair being a physical representation of your confidence and sense of self. Losing it can be unexpected and truly upsetting.
TITLE: 80+% HAIR LOSS SOLUTIONS
Ideal for almost total medical hair loss
Ideal if you or a loved one have 80% to 100% loss of hair (most likely during the initial phases of chemotherapy), our Perfect Locks Full Lace Wigs offer the maximum in comfort as they are fully adjustable. Best of all because they are made with 100% human Indian Remy hair, the quality of the hair is excellent, hand-knotted on a comfortable lace cap. They can be parted in any direction and styled in any way.
RECOVERING HAIR ESSENTIAL RULES
- While hair begins to regrow, they need to use a gentle & mild shampoo or conditioner that is free of harsh sulfates, such as our INSPIRE Hydrating Shampoo & Conditioner.
- For the first six months’ post chemotherapy, your client will want to hold off on chemical processes like perms or haircolor because their hair is still fragile and their scalp will be very sensitive.
- Using a hairdryer or thermal styling tools such as straightening irons may also cause damage and need to be avoided.
HOW CHEMOTHERAPY AFFECTS HAIR
The side effects of chemotherapy range from thinning to total baldness and depend mostly on the type and dosage of chemo you or a loved one receives. The good news is that hair loss is temporary for most people, but it's one of the side effects that women fear most.
Hair loss occurs because chemotherapy targets all rapidly dividing cells—healthy cells as well as cancer cells. Hair follicles, the structures in the skin filled with tiny blood vessels that make hair, are some of the fastest-growing cells in the body. For a healthy person, our cells divide every 23 to 72 hours. But as the chemo does its work against cancer cells, it also destroys hair cells.
Within a few weeks of starting chemo, some or all of the hair may be lost. Hair loss is one of the most emotionally devastating side effects of chemotherapy. For women in particular, so much of your individual identity and personality is reflected in your hair. Hair being a physical representation of your confidence and sense of self. Losing it can be unexpected and truly upsetting.