How to Care for Your Post-Chemo Hair
Are you finally done with chemotherapy and ready to take on the world but don’t know what to do with your new post-chemo hair as it grows? We’ve got you covered.
It’s normal for your new hair to regrow in a different texture or color. Your baby hairs will likely grow as soft and fluffy as a newborn kitten. These changes are usually temporary—but even if they’re not, we’ll be here every step of the way.
Your new hair may be thinner, thicker, or even a different color than before treatment. You might even be able to finally have naturally curly hair, as the altered follicles that grow after treatment may have a different structure than before. This change in wavelength could be temporary or permanent. Post-chemo hair is different for everyone!
New Hair, Now What?
Your hair is likely the shortest it’s ever been, and if you’ve ever considered trying one of those new, popular short hairstyles, now is the perfect time. Want to see what you’d look like with a buzz cut? Do it while you wait for your crown’s hair to grow. Ever wondered if you could sculpt the perfect faux hawk? This style could be great while you wait for everything to lengthen out. The six-month mark might be perfect for you to try out a daring pixie cut.
If you’re unhappy with the color of your new hair, you’re probably wondering when you can begin dying it again. For the first four to six months, your new baby hairs will be very fragile and must be handled gently. So treat your new hair carefully, and avoid dyes, bleaches, and other chemical treatments. After the first few months, you can consult with your hairstylist and see if they can find a gentle dye that’s right for you.
Did you know the hair along the sides of your head and the back of your neck can grow faster than the hair along your hairline or on top of your head? Don’t be afraid to trim your hair occasionally to keep everything even. It might seem scary to cut your precious new growth, but it will allow you to maintain an even shape as the rest of your hair grows.
Although your hair regrowth will be slow at first, the speed at which your new hair grows will likely increase once your body has stabilized and recovered from the chemo treatments. In the meantime, you can do plenty of things to enhance the best parts of your new growth. One of those things is not incorporating hair extensions or weaves, as both styles can strain your existing hair and damage the follicles.
If hair doesn’t grow back after treatment or has grown much thinner, consider consulting a dermatologist or “onco dermatologist.” This way, they can give you their professional opinion on whether outside factors, besides chemo, might contribute to your hair loss.
To Cover Your Head, or Not to Cover Your Head
Hair coverings are an extremely personal decision. Some may believe scarves and other coverings signal to the rest of the world that they’re sick. Others relish the unique power a head covering can give them. Scarves and hats are also said to be one of the most comfortable options for covering and protecting your scalp. They keep your head warm since you lose a lot of heat from your scalp.
If you choose to rock your beautiful bald head without a covering, remember to wear a hat or screen with SPF 30 or higher when you go outside. Your scalp is sensitive, so give it a little extra TLC.
Wigs are an excellent alternative for those who fall somewhere in the middle. They can also provide you with a sense of normalcy and privacy. Trying all the different styles and colors they come in can be great fun!
Don’t Wig Out
Wearing a wig does not delay or prevent your hair from growing. Remember, it’s normal for your hair to grow back slower at first, while your follicles recover from the treatment.
If you decide wearing a wig or two is right for you, that’s great! Not sure what steps to take or how to manage and care for your wig? Cancer Hair Care offers a great, all-encompassing wig guide to help you with any questions.
And when you’re ready to ditch the wig? Consider donating it to WigBank, an organization that specializes in affordable wigs.
Better Not Younger Has What You Need to Boost the Health of Your Hair
We’re here to help you along the way. Cancer, chemotherapy, and all the side effects they can cause bring enough stress and worries into your life. Wondering what to do for your hair shouldn’t be one of them.
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Significant Other Hair, Skin & Nails Supplements + Retinol Boost will give your hair the boost it needs from the inside out. With biotin, vitamins, and other minerals, these strawberry gummies will strengthen your hair at the root and promote healthy hair.
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The Lift Me Up Hair Thickener is essential in every product stash to give your hair the lift it needs. Say goodbye to bedhead and flattened hair.
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Wake Up Call Volumizing Shampoo & Conditioner is designed to cleanse and condition your hair. Even though you’ll want to wash your hair only as much as necessary, your tender scalp seeds must be cleaned. The combination of gentle, natural ingredients will give your fragile hair the pick-me-up it needs without weighing it down.
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Superpower Fortifying Hair & Scalp Serum complements your hair-care regimen by nourishing the scalp to care for your follicles and help support stronger, thicker-looking hair.
From what to expect to how to prepare your hair for chemotherapy, Better Not Younger is here to help in any way we can.
Have a question about one of our products and how it can best work for you? Don’t hesitate to contact us on Facebook and Instagram—we would love to hear from you.