Reduce Hair Loss Caused By Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy is used to control, if not cure, the further growth of cancer cells that affect some people. Hair loss is the side effect of this treatment for cancer patients. In severe cases, hair loss may occur on all the body parts of the patient. There are some tips you need to know in order to reduce hair loss brought about by chemotherapy.

The good thing about the hair loss caused by chemotherapy is that it is just temporary. The hair will resume its growth after chemotherapy sessions are completed, usually at about six to eight weeks. Since the hair loss in chemotherapy is only temporary, patients have the option to cover their heads by wearing wigs. We would like to share some steps you need to undertake in order to reduce hair loss.

Before chemotherapy

Reducing hair loss before chemotherapy is required. This should be done by taking extra careful steps that will eliminate hair damage. It is a preparation for the treatment as well.

• Be gentle to your hair. Avoid coloring, bleaching or hair perm as the chemical ingredients of these products can weaken your hair. Do not use hot rollers or curling iron.

• Consider having a haircut. Cutting your hair short before chemotherapy may help you have a good transition for total hair loss. Having a shorter hair will be less noticeable, as soon as you hair starts to fall off.

• Plan ahead for a head covering. Planning on what to cover your head, after your chemotherapy, will lessen your worries. It is your choice on what covering you will use when your hair begins to fall off.

During chemotherapy

Chemotherapy may take several sessions before you are cured of your real illness. During this stage, you will start encountering prospering hair loss. This means that as you undergo one treatment to another, hair loss could apparently be more visible.

• Baby your remaining hair. Take good care of your hair, just like the way you take care of your baby. As much as possible, use only the softest coverings for your pillows and brush for your hair. Use the gentlest and mildest shampoo, and wash only your hair as necessary.

• Consider shaving your head. Shaving your head is one way of protecting your scalp during treatment. The drugs used in chemotherapy contain chemicals that may cause irritation and itchiness on your scalp. Shaving your head can help stop scalp inflammation and can save you from the embarrassment of shredding hair.

• Protect your scalp by using head covers and sunscreen. This will help your scalp not to be exposed to the rays of the sun and the extreme cold.

After chemotherapy

The sessions may have been tedious for you that is why your hair is affected by the stress brought about by the medical procedure. In order to get back to your usual self, it is advised that you continue being gentle to your hair. Do this by taking care of the ones which grew after the sessions.

Add to that the value of being patient. It will take time before your hair starts to normally grow because the damage that was caused by chemotherapy treatments also needs time to repair.

Tags: chemotherapy, reduce hair loss, sessions, treatments

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