Just because you are living with breast cancer, that doesn’t mean that you have to look like it. You may experience a lot of physical, mental and emotional stress when living with breast cancer, but trust and believe, this doesn’t have to stop you from looking your best even if you may not feel it. Honestly, sometimes your physical appearance will help you feel better on the inside and give you a boost of happiness. This is because there is evidence that your confidence is boosted when you look good. How you look, especially when it involves your hair, can literally turn your whole day around.
Facts About Breast Cancer And Hair
It’s true that when you are living with breast cancer it can affect your hair and your life in many ways. Most of the time it’s due to the treatments and chemotherapy that you go through that can cause significant hair loss. Certain treatments cause different effects to your hair.
For example, when going through radiation therapy, radiation only causes hair loss to the specific area that is being treated. If you are getting radiation for your breast then the only hair loss you may experience is around the nipple.
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Hormonal therapy treatments used to treat breast cancer cause mild to moderate hair loss and hair thinning around the edges, crown or middle part of your hair.
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Since it’s mostly thinning of the hair, you might not notice hair loss for months or even a year after while on this treatment.
Targeted therapy causes hair loss and changes in the color and texture of your hair. Noticeable hair loss usually occurs right after you start this type of treatment and takes months after you stop taking it to grow back.
Chemotherapy also causes hair loss on the head and other areas of the body (eyebrows, eyelashes, arms, legs, etc.). It’s not the cancer itself that causes hair loss but the treatments to fight and destroy it that do.
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How To Handle Hair Loss
Though some may see it as just hair, that might not be the case for everyone. Losing your hair due to cancer treatments can be traumatizing and though using the word traumatizing might seem like a stretch, it’s true. It’s a drastic and sudden change and can even be a harsh reality to face. Though this might not be an easy step for some, acceptance is important when handling hair loss. It’s important to accept that this is what’s happening and there are ways to live with it. Changing your mindset and how you view your diagnosis is what will help you through it.
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Getting support is also extremely important when dealing with hair loss. Support lets you know that you’re not alone and there are people out there who see you as you and not your diagnosis.
If you don’t have family, friends or a partner to receive this support from, find groups on social media or even at the places where you get your treatment done. Trust, there is always support out there for you.
Trying out new hairstyles that work with the new you are also great ways to handle hair loss.
4 Amazing Hairstyle Ideas To Try When Dealing With Hair Loss
- Braids- Depending on the type of hair loss you are experiencing, braids are a great option. Not only can this protective style support hair growth, there are so many different styles to choose from. Find someone who specializes in hair braiding with cancer patients. Ex. Knotless Braids, Stitch Braids, Crown Braid, etc.
- Layered Cut- Layering your hair has the ability to make it look fuller with more body. Trying a layered cut when experiencing hair loss is a great idea. Ex. Bob Cut, Middle/ Side Part With Layers
- Wigs- Of course, this is an option! Not only are wigs convenient, but lately they’re everyone's go-to and are so versatile. Frontal wigs, closure wigs, synthetic wigs and more. Ex. Frontal wig, styled into a slick back ponytail or styled half up half down
- Pixie Cut- Again, how hair loss affects you will determine what you can do with your hair. If you suffer from breakage and thinning, then a pixie cut is a great option. It’s simple and looks good on most people.
Can Hair Loss Be Prevented While On Treatment?
Unfortunately when on treatment, there is no guarantee that you won’t lose hair in the process. You may not experience as much hair loss on certain treatments as you would others, but hair loss cannot be prevented.
Usually, once you are done with treatment, your hair tends to grow back immediately. Though if you suffer from slower hair growth once you’re done, there are medicines and serums that can promote hair growth after or even during treatment.
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Reach out to a dermatologist to help find a solution that works best for you. Breast cancer is no one’s fault and though you may be living with it, it doesn’t have to stop you from looking and feeling your best.
