What About My Hair?

"I knew I was going to lose my hair, but when it happened, it was in the shower and it just came out in clumps.  I got out, called my husband at work and told him he needed to come home immediately and clean it up.  I was devastated."

"I'm a planner, so when the doctor told me I would lose my hair, I got everything ready, or so I thought. I bought the wigs and was all set to wear them.  But when my hair actually fell out, I wasn't ready at all.  I was heart-broken."

"I thought I would be okay, maybe even just be bald for awhile but then I found out my head isn't really round.  Without hair, it looks like a football."

"My husband wouldn't let me feel sorry for myself.  He called me 'Baldy McQ.' "

The women telling these stories, and even laughing at the memories, all share several experiences.  They have all had breast cancer.  They have all lost their hair as a result of chemotherapy, and they all have full heads of natural hair now.  They are African-American, white and Latina, different ages and different stages in their lives, but they all understand what it means for a woman to lose her hair.

The prospect, and reality, of losing your hair is one of the side effects women fear most. Cancer can be isolating, and losing your hair is a very real manifestation of the difference in the way you look and feel.  Hair is one the most visible symbols of our identities as women and as individuals.  While you may know that losing your hair is much less important than getting the most effective treatment for your cancer, it is still a very difficult thing to experience.

Not all chemotherapy causes hair loss.  If your treatment is going to have that side effect, your doctor will tell you and it will usually happen after the second or third treatment.  Some people lose all the hair on their bodies, while others only have partial hair loss.  In almost every case, hair grows back – sometimes even during the time you are receiving chemotherapy, but generally within a few months of finishing your treatment.

There isn't one "right" way to handle losing your hair.  Many women choose to wear wigs, but others are more comfortable with hats or bandannas.  Some women shave their heads and go with the bold bald look. There are many resources available to help you with issues related to hair loss while you are receiving chemotherapy.  Call the Y-ME Hotline to talk to someone who has been there and understands your feelings – and can help you find those resources. 

If you live in the Chicago area, Y-ME offers a free wig and prosthesis service.  In many areas, the American Cancer Society provides wigs for cancer patients as well as a program called, Look Good, Feel Better that addresses not just hair issues, but offers tips for skin care and make up while undergoing cancer treatment.  There are also salons and spas that specialize in working with cancer patients.

Take control.  Know that your hair will grow back, and take advantage of the resources available to you during this tough time.