There is no way around it. Managing your life with cancer has a great number of challenges. Some you can control or manage but others you cannot. For many individuals, the worst thing about chemotherapy is the thought of losing their hair. Understanding the process and being prepared for hair loss is half the battle.

Chemotherapy affects everyone differently. Some people will lose their hair completely while others may only experience thinning. Some patients may not see any affects at all. It is helpful to prepare yourself as you discover how chemotherapy may affect you. Begin by talking to your doctor or nurse. They will know the likelihood of hair loss based on the type of chemo drugs prescribed. 

As soon as you learn that your chemo treatments will result in hair loss, begin shopping for wigs, headcoverings and scarves while you still have hair. Give yourself plenty of time to shop. Being prepared will relieve much of the anxiety and stress that comes with losing your hair.

During chemotherapy treatments, it is important to treat your hair and scalp with care. If you are fortunate enough to keep your hair during chemo treatments, it can often become brittle, thin and damaged. Your scalp may also become dry, itchy and flaky. Protect your hair by avoiding any unnecessary stress. Use a mild conditioning shampoo, such as Alra Shampoo, and use warm but not hot water when washing your hair. Pat your hair dry with a soft towel instead of wringing or twisting it. Avoid chemical treatments, colors, bleaches, perms, hair dryers and heated styling tools.

Many women find that they prefer to wear headwear instead of wigs. We offer many options to meet each individual's unique personality.

Wigs allow you to maintain the appearance of having hair throughout treatments. Fashioned in almost any style and color you can imagine, it's possible to find both a style and color that look very much like your own hair. Unlike the wigs of yesteryear, today's wigs are comfortable and extremely natural looking.

We recommend shopping for your wig as soon as you know that you will lose your hair. Shopping for your wig while you still have hair will not only make the transition easier; it will allow you to easily match your wig to your current hair color and style.

Many cancer patients come to us looking for a human hair wig. Although we carry human hair wigs, we encourage our chemotherapy patients to select a synthetic wig instead. Our high quality synthetic wigs will be indistinguishable in appearance from a human hair wig, but they are much more affordable and easier to take care of. If you choose a high quality wig, no one will be able to tell that it's not your real hair.

When you select a wig, you will most likely want to choose one that matches your own hair color. If you save a hair swatch and mail it to us, our certified wig specialist will help you select the closest possible color match to your own hair. You can personalize your wig by having your hair stylist cut and style it. This will ensure that your hairpiece is cut to frame your face and that it is styled in the most flattering manner for your particular face shape. For best results, you should be wearing your wig while it is being cut.

A wig is going to feel different at first. Give yourself time to adjust to the new sensation. Wig caps, comfort gel headbands, or wig grippers an be worn under a wig to add additional comfort. To help get you started, see our Wig Buying Guide for step-by-step instructions on how to select the perfect wig for you!

Every person reacts differently to treatments. Hair loss may be limited to your scalp area, or you may lose the hair on your entire body, including your eyebrows and eyelashes. Many cancer patients find this intimidating, but we offer several easy options for re-creating a realistic eyebrow including temporary eyebrow tattoos, eyebrow makeup and realistic human hair eyebrows that are easily applied to the skin.

Our false eyelashes are specially designed to create a natural look for chemo patients. They are easy to apply with a little practice.

Please see our Eyebrow Guide and our Eyelash Guide for more detailed information about selecting the best options for you.

While hair loss is not a specifically medically serious condition, it can have a significant psychological impact on an individual. Some people experience a wide range of emotions during and following hair loss.

When you are going through hair loss and chemotherapy treatments, it is important to talk about your feelings. Feeling angry and sad is a normal part of hair loss. Most cancer patients will go through the 5 stages of the grieving process as they begin to cope with their diagnosis. The stages of grief are: Denial, Anger, Bargaining, Depression, and Acceptance. Every person grieves differently. Be aware of your feelings and recognize that they are normal and expected.

It is especially important to build your support network and lean on others for support. Cancer support groups bring great comfort to many patients. It helps tremendously to share your experience with others who are also going through the same experience. You will gain insight and inspiration from those who are completing their journey. 

Talk to your health care professional, minister or someone you trust and remember to turn to your support network as you face this challenge.

The good news is that your hair should grow back following treatments. It is not uncommon for it to grow back with a different color or texture, although some find that it comes back in the same as it was before treatments. If your hair grows back in with a different color or texture, these changes are usually temporary. Many individuals find that their hair will return to its original color and texture over several months. Hair regrowth is unique to every individual.

Hair may take several weeks after finishing treatment to begin regrowth. You will want to continue using gentle shampoo once your hair does start to grow back, as it may be brittle and dry. Continuing to care for your scalp in this manner will keep it nourished and encourage continued growth as your hair comes back in. Avoid harsh or strenuous brushing and high heat. Use a soft massaging brush and gentle settings when using hair dryers.

Most of our customers like their headcovers so much that they continue to wear them even after their chemo treatments are over and their hair has grown back! Donating your headwear to a local treatment center or cancer support group is also a great way to give back to the cancer community and help others dealing with hair loss once your hair loss journey is complete.