Wigs

¨ Shop for a wig before your hair is gone so you can match the color or style.

¨ Check with your insurance company to see if they will cover the cost of a wig. Save your receipt.  It could be a medical tax deduction.

¨ There is help for those who can not afford a wig such as Cancer Care, the American Cancer Society, or local support groups. Check with your health care team. There are also programs that teach make up and accessorizing techniques to cancer patients. (See the “Look Good Feel Better” information on the ACS  website:  www.cancer.org)

Emotional Aspects:

¨ It is ok to grieve the loss of your hair.  Encourage family members, especially children, to express their thoughts and emotions.

¨ Remember that losing your hair does not change who you are as a person.

¨ Journaling can also aid in your emotional and spiritual health.

Permanent Makeup

¨ Some patients have used tattoos or permanent makeup (eyebrows and liner) to deal with hair loss.  Some considerations with permanent makeup:

 

¨ There have been reports of swelling, tingling, or burning in the tattooed areas when they underwent magnetic resonance imaging (MRI.) This only seems to occur rarely and without lasting effects.

¨ The risk of avoiding an MRI when recommended by your doctor is a much greater risk than the risk of complications from an interaction  between the MRI and the tattoo or permanent makeup. Instead of  avoiding an MRI, you should inform the radiologist or technician in order to take appropriate precautions to avoid complications.

After you lose your hair

¨ Remember to cover your head or use sunscreen on your scalp.  This sensitive skin may be easily sunburned. Use a sunscreen with at least an SPF of 15 or higher.

¨ You may want to try hats, scarves, and turbans, in addition to a wig. Or you may decide not to cover your head at all. It’s up to you.

Before you start losing your hair:

¨ To help adjust you may want to get a short haircut before or shortly after you begin treatment.

¨ Shaving your head before your hair starts to fall out can give you a sense of control.

¨ Some of our patients try fun and crazy hair  styles just before their hair falls out. 

¨ Be gentle with your hair, avoiding chemicals such as bleach, peroxide, or dyes.

Main Tip:

¨  Don’t be afraid to ask your health care team for help!!!