your life Questions Asked and Answered
Why does hair fall out from chemotherapy? Chemotherapy kills fast-growing cells; that includes cancer cells as well as those responsible for the normal growth of hair and nails. But not all chemotherapy drugs or dosages cause hair loss. While some people lose all the hair on their body, including eyebrows, eyelashes, underarm, chest and pubic hair, others experience only thinning or no loss at all.
Which drugs cause hair loss? Drug
Adriamycin Methotrexate Cytoxan and 5-fluorouracil Taxol Tamoxifen Source:
Breastcancer.org
Does radiation cause hair loss? Radiation only causes hair loss on the part of the body that is treated. If you have radiation to treat breast cancer, it won’t cause you to lose the hair on your head, but you may lose the hair around your nipple. If you have radiation to the brain, you will usually lose all the hair on your head.
Effect on hair
How quickly will my hair start to fall out? If hair loss does occur, it often begins 1–2 weeks after the first dose of chemotherapy, but it can happen even after chemotherapy has stopped. For some the loss is gradual, while for others it happens very quickly.
Complete hair loss on head; may also lose eyelashes and eyebrows
Thins hair for some people; complete hair loss rare
Affects people differently; some have minimal hair loss, others lose a lot of hair
Usually causes complete hair loss over entire body
Often thins hair, but does not cause complete hair loss
How can I protect my hair? Some people cut their hair short as soon as it begins to fall out or sleep with a hair net or on a satin pillowcase to prevent breakage. Use a wide-tooth comb, which is gentler on your hair. Don’t put your hair in braids or ponytails, or use electric rollers, blow dryers, and curling irons. The heat can damage your already stressed hair. Use a gentle shampoo because your scalp may feel sensitive during this period.
How can I prepare for losing my hair? Before hair loss, take a close-up photo so later you can recreate your eyebrows with makeup and a wig shop can try to match your original hair color and style.
Will it ever be the same as it was? The big surprise for many people is that their new hair may be very different in pigment and/or texture from what they had. Many people temporarily experience “chemo curl.” Use a soft, baby hairbrush, since new hair will be delicate.
how to shave your head
What do I do when it starts falling out? Once hair starts to fall out in clumps, some people choose to shave their heads. 1
Before shaving, get a short, pixie cut about 1-2 inches long.
2
Have a friend buzz your hair with an
electric razor to 1
⁄4 inch (using
a #3 setting) a day before shaving to get used to the look.
4
Bethany after a pixie cut done by her son.
Work lots of sensitive skin shaving cream, oil or gel into your scalp.
5
Use only new blades or new disposable razors and replace frequently while shaving, to avoid cutting your scalp.
6 3
When you’re ready to go bald,
buzz it again to 1
⁄16 inch (using
a #1 setting). Then wet your head.
Use slow, even strokes and don’t rush. The fewer times you have to go over a spot, the less irritation.
When you buzz, begin at the nape of the neck and shave in rows up and over your scalp to the front, against the grain. When you use a razor, shave from the forehead down to the neck and to the sides..
FALL 2010 | HEALTHY ADVICE 39
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