The possibility of hair loss varies with different drugs and treatments, so ask your doctor about your particular course of therapy and any steps you can take to retain hair. Next, sit down privately with a professional stylist — preferably someone you trust — to discuss what you can do if your hair should thin (and as it grows back). If your hair is long, many stylists will suggest a shorter cut before chemotherapy treatment begins. Short hair tends to look “fuller” than long hair when it’s thinning. Or, if you are receiving radiation treatment to your head, you may want to leave hair longer to style over the treatment area as a cover (check with your doctor for needs).

To protect hair from added stress, use only gentle shampoos and conditioners. Avoid those with strong detergents (like “clarifying” shampoos), medications (unless okayed by your doctor), or other ingredients that might dry or irritate your sensitive hair and scalp (i.e., salicylic acid, alcohol, menthol, camphor, eucalyptus, henna and strong fragrances). Sidestep serious irritation by postponing perms, coloring and straightening for the length of time recommended by your doctor. In general, chemical processes should be avoided for at least six months after treatment to prevent accelerated hair loss, as well as damage to new, growing hair. Avoid using heat appliances (i.e., blow dryers, curling irons, hot rollers) whenever possible. When required, select the lowest settings.

It’s a good idea to save a lock of hair from your cut to use as a reference color should you later need a wig. A matched-color wig can be cut and shaped by your stylist to look just like your own hair. (See Wig Choice.) It can also be easier and more comfortable to shop for a wig before you actually need one.

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