What are some ways to cope with hair loss due to cancer?

Question

A family member of mine (female) has just recently been diagnosed with cancer. She is already loosing her hair and she still has 6 months of chemo to go. She says she does not want to wear a wig, so does anyone have any other suggestions on maybe what they did? Any suggestions or website referrals would be greatly appreciated.

ha god halsa,
Amy

Answer 1

Sorry but i been there, nothing you can do.....Im a guy, when my cuz started chemo and starting losing hair, me and a friend shaved our heads to help her fit in, thats all we could do...When in public, she felt more comfortable not being the only one without hair, she also realized how much we would do for her, she knew from the depths of her heart how much we loved her.....rip, joan...we luv u

Answer 2

I hated wearing a wig to, and stuck to hats and scarves. I got some beautiful things from http://www.headcovers.com

Their hats and scarves and turbans are all designed especially for hair loss, and unlike most hats they cover your whole head, your entire hairline, so it's less obvious that you're bald. I bought several, but ended up using just two favourites most of the time.

If you're buying scarves from a shop, don't buy silky ones - they slip off or move around.

A newly bald head can get very cold at night, so a sleep cap can be a good idea - headcovers do them.

As she is already losing hair, she may find it more comfortable to shave it off if she hasn't already, as losing it is an uncomfortable and messy process.

I wish her well with her treatment.

Answer 3

I wore scarfs and hats, and when I tired of that I went bald headed. Just tell her bald is beautiful, if you like, you could always shave your head along with her and show her support. I purchased 2 wigs and never wore them. They itch and are hot in the summer and they are more trouble than they are worth. I almost hate my hair is growing back. Being bald has many advantages. Less shampoo, no curling. no hair dryer need, don't have to worry about your hair being a mess. Beside that hats and scarfs are so versatile. It only takes a few min. to get ready. I use to tell everyone I was proud of my bald head, because I earned every bit of the hair loss. I know its bugging her because shes loosing her hair but it will always grow back. I remember getting in the shower and washing my hair and it coming out in hand-fulls, and just crying. But once its all gone, she will feel better. Take her to get her hair cut as short as she can and then from there when she starts getting bald spots, shave it for her. There should be a boutique in the hospital that carries hats and scarfs. Just let her know that she beautiful regardless of the hair. God Bless!

Answer 4

I go back and forth between a wig,scarf, or just a wrap depending on the weather.
This time of year its freezing were I live so I wear a wrap and scarf.

Try the local area that you live in for shops around you. The ACS is the best place to find stuff, if they dont have it they cal let you know about local stores and other sites.

also try www.tlc.com they have hats,scarfs,wraps and wigs, you can order her a catalog from that site , but i think the ACS ( american cancer society ) has more of a selection.

Answer 5

I'm rocking my balding head in public most days. Some people think I'm just being "trendy" or "lesbian" (I've had both questions posed) but whatever.

My husband is AF and under Tricare i was able to be referred to a specialty store that specialized in wigs, scarves, etc. I was able to get a wig, which I hardly wear because its hot and itchy, and a beautiful scarf. If she has insurance, she may want to look into those options.

A lot of people are looking for something they can do to help out friends and family in times like this, and that is one suggestion I had. "If you'd really like to do something for me, keep an eye out for a cute hat or scarf." I've got such a great collection now, and it has helped some of my friends/family feel like they are contributing to my well being.

Answer 6

She could try scarves, hats, or just being bald. A lot of people aren't trying to hide it these days, and most people understand why without even asking. There are nice wigs out there, though, my mom had a beautiful one when she was on chemo.

Answer 7

take her scarf shopping, there are tons of beautiful scars and different ways to wrap them that it can be fun and you can change your look many times a day if you want
i also choose not to wear a wig they are hot and itchy
most the time i would not wear anything around the house because my husband asked me not too he said i had a beautiful head shape and he would always rub my head which relaxed me and made me not feel embarrassed..i did get a few weird reactions when people came over thou
she could also wear hats but they are also hot on the head
i found for in public scarfs to be the most comfortable because they breath and don't get hot

Answer 8

For a while I wore scarves and hats. Then I finally just said screw it and bared my bald head. I got lots of rude comments, but really, who cares?? I did still continue to to wear hats when I am cold, it takes surprisingly a long time for the body to adjust to not having hair keeping the head warm. I hate the bald look, but I just got tired of being embarrased and ashamed, and those were the reasons I was covering my head. I still hate it, but since baring the bald head, I have a lot more self confidence.

Answer 9

Another option... I just got a bunch of head covers from ebay. Search "chemo hat" or "bed hat" or "sleep hat". I myself am trying to keep to caps/scarves and hats. If it gets really bad emotionally I'll resort to a wig.

Answer 10

I used scarves and hats. Baseball caps work well with a scarf (or perhaps without). Check with the American Cancer Society. They can give you leads on where to look.