When I was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s disease at 16 years old, my doctor told me I would lose my hair, and I was devastated. I got it cut short, and I remember feeling like I was losing a part of myself. In fact, losing my long, brown hair seemed worse than the disease itself.

In Chapter 9 of my book, When Cancer Hits, I talk about all the aspects of losing your hair, what you can do about it, and most importantly, how to help yourself feel better and more confident about the whole thing.

The Emotional Side of Losing Your Hair

For this chapter, I talked with hair loss expert Susan Beausang, who surveyed women about the emotional effects of losing their hair. Susan explains that hair loss can affect women down to their very core. She provides examples of how women felt about hair loss, and how absolutely normal it is to feel however you’re feeling. This is not about vanity, but about who we are as mothers, daughters, wives and girlfriends.

Straight away, I give you five things to do when you first learn that you’re going to lose your hair, plus help you create a plan—based on your personality—for how you can best deal with it. And though men may have more bald role models than women, many are just as devastated by hair loss, and can benefit from the steps outlined in this chapter.

How to Find a Wig

Finding a wig is about a lot more than just taking a trip to the wig shop. When is it best to start looking? What kind of wig should you get—synthetic or real hair? Do you have to pay for it, or will your insurance plan help? What if you can’t afford it? I answer all these questions and more, so you know exactly what you need to do to find a wig you feel comfortable with.

I also tell you exactly how to care for your wig once you have it. Even if you go with a real-hair wig, you have to follow certain steps in washing and drying it. If you don’t, you risk damaging it, and unlike your hair, it won’t grow back!

Oh, and in case you were wondering, there’s a whole section on wigs for guys. Yes, they look very natural!

Scalp Care

If you’ve ever worn a wig before, you know that sometimes it can feel hot, uncomfortable, and itchy. I tell you what kind of steps you can take to make sure your wig is comfortable, and what you can do throughout the day to care for the tender skin on your scalp. Most likely you’ve never had to worry about your scalp before, so you’ll need some help, especially if you have sensitive skin.

Scarves and Hats

Not sure you want to wear a wig? I help you decide whether or not a wig is for you, then show you some of your other options, such as scarves and hats. These can be extremely stylish, and I help you find those that are specifically made for cancer patients, which means they’re warmer, easier to wear, and more comfortable than standard types.

Finally, if you’re considering going “all natural,” I help you examine the pros and cons to see if this is the right option for you.

Losing your hair doesn’t have to be a traumatic and depressing experience. Once I had my wig and started experimenting with hats and other styles, I actually had a lot of fun with it. Remember that your hair is going to grow back. With the tips in Chapter 9, you’ll make it through your temporary hair loss feeling confident and in control—and that’s exactly how you need to feel to give your body the strength it needs to heal.

(When Cancer Hits is available now—click here.)

How did you cope with hair loss during cancer? Have you read Britta’s chapter on the subject? Please share your story.

The good news is that how you change is completely up to you.

This is such a fundamental part of the cancer experience that I devoted the first chapter of my book, When Cancer Hits, to this topic. I got some great thoughts from other cancer survivors out there, including Donald Wilhelm, who said, “You’re never going to be the same person you were before. But you can choose who you are, today. And you can choose who you will become, tomorrow.”

Who is This “New” Person in the Mirror?

One of the things cancer does is change your appearance. You may lose your hair, end up with extremely dry skin, gain or lose weight, experience cracked and broken nails, and get dark circles under your eyes. You may look in the mirror and not even recognize that person.

In Chapter 1, I explain that all this is very natural and normal. We all go through it. In fact, in today’s visual society, cancer’s effects on our appearance can be extremely traumatic. I give you an “Appearance Meter Quiz” to help you figure out what your appearance really means to you, and then give you ways to cope with the changes.

What Cancer Treatments Do to the Body

Though I go into more detail in later chapters, here I give you a general introduction about what cancer treatments like chemotherapy, radiation, and surgery can do to your body, so you can better understand all the changes you may go through. Then I show you how you can help maintain control of your appearance—even though right now you may feel completely out of control!

Who Am I Now?

All these changes can cause a true identity crisis in many people. After all, if you look different in the mirror, you feel different in your body, and your whole life is different than it used to be, than who are you now? I guide you through some interactive exercises that help you bring yourself back…to yourself.

What is Your Personal Chemical Exposure?

Realizing that everything is changing, I ask you to check your current routine and personal care products to evaluate your daily chemical exposure. Later in the book I help you make some changes that will be better for your fragile skin and body, but in this first chapter I help you take stock of what your current routine may be doing to your health.

I hope, after reading Chapter 1, that you feel a new sense of empowerment. Cancer can make you feel like a fish out of water—like you just don’t have any control anymore over your life. Chapter 1 acknowledges that yes, things have changed, but you still have control over how you are going to handle it!

(When Cancer Hits is available now—click here.)

Were you overwhelmed by the changes cancer brought to your life? Please share your story.

For many people—women especially—hair loss as a result of chemotherapy can be particularly traumatic. Women have fewer bald role models than men, and can suffer difficult feelings of self-consciousness low self-esteem in response to losing their hair. Susan Beausang, an expert on the issue and founder of 4women.com, puts it well when she writes, “For a woman, a bald head is an announcement to the world—’I'm different,’ or ‘I’m sick.’” No one wants to feel that way. I remember the experience well—above all, I wanted to feel normal, and losing my hair made me feel anything but.

The good news is that there are people out there trying to make this part of treatment just a little bit better. Wake Forest Baptist University Medical Center and the University of California at San Francisco have received approval from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to investigate a device called the “DigniCap” made by a company called Dignitana of Lund in Sweden. It’s a silicone cap that you wear on your head, with an outer neoprene cap that insulates the inner one. The cap is connected to a cooling unit that delivers consistent cooling to all areas of the scalp. The idea is the cool temperatures make the hair roots and follicles contract, reducing the amount of toxins that affect them—which slows or completely halts hair loss.

There are some side effects to using it. It’s cold, after all, and some patients experience headaches, but so far, it looks like these are the only side effects reported—well worth it for most people who want to keep their hair on their heads. The company has taken precautions to make sure temperatures are carefully controlled—the unit is connected to a computer with a touch-screen and simple symbols. If something goes wrong, an alarm goes off.

What’s promising is that clinics in Canada, Europe, and Japan are already using this cap, and the Dignitana website says that more than 80 percent of patients have kept their hair during chemotherapy. Can you imagine? In addition, Susan Melin, M.D. and lead investigator for the study, says that data from several international studies show that the device is safe to use and does prevent hair loss.¹

As far as I know, there’s no way to get ahold of a DigniCap here in the U.S. at this time (although I’m not positive on that—you could contact the company directly from their site). There are other similar devices, but it seems they’re all made out of country. One is called a “Paxman Cooler,” looks very similar to the DigniCap, and is used throughout the U.K. There’s another one made in Israel called the SCS II—Scalp Cooling System. So I think it’s safe to say that this idea is catching on.

Ask the cancer centers near you if they have anything like this. If not, you may consider other ways to keep your head cool, such as frozen veggies or cold cloths dipped in ice water. They aren’t likely to work as well as the temperature won’t be consistent across the scalp, but it may be worth a try.

Have you tried any cooling methods to deter hair loss? Please share your story.

Source

1. “Scalp Cooling Study Starts in U.S.” Breast Cancer World News March 9, 2011. http://breastcancerworldnews.com/?p=188.

Photo courtesy Dignitana via dignitana.com.

“I am 4 weeks out from my last chemo, and my eyelashes are still leaving,” says survivor katyg.

“My eyelashes and brows did not fall out until AFTER chemo was over, around six weeks,” says survivor Cheryl G. “The eyebrows seem to grow faster than the lashes (per eye doctor, it takes about six to eight weeks for a new set of eyelashes).”

Chemo drugs can cause you to lose your hair just about anywhere, but eyelashes may arguably be the most difficult to deal with. “I had the chemo and in the process lost all my hair, eyebrows, eyelashes etc.,” says survivor Em. “Within 3 months of finishing the treatment they had grown back…. Well, it’s now 5 months since I finished chemo and my eyebrows and eyelashes are falling out all over again!”

The good news is that eyelashes usually do grow back, so the change is temporary. Meanwhile, what can you do? First, you can use false eyelashes, but check with your doctors and nurses. You could have an allergic reaction to the glue, and there’s also a risk of increased infection. The second option is to use make-up to re-create the look of full, healthy lashes.

To do the latter, just line the upper lash line and smudge it.  Then apply a gentle mascara, like non-toxic Afterglow Cosmetics mascara. It’s okay to use an eyelash curler on occasion but overuse can cause breakage and eyelash loss, so be careful. Find one with a rounded rubber. We love Shu Umera’s lash curler.

There may be a time, however, when you feel like you really need false lashes, like for a special event. If you know your immune system (and your sensitive skin) can handle it, and you’ve gotten your doctor’s approval, go for it! They can quickly transform your look. Today’s brands tend to look more natural than they did decades ago.

When putting on the lashes, measure them against your eyelid, and trim with a pair of sharp scissors so they fit just right. They should fall just short of the inner corner of your eye. It’s best to line the upper lid first—a liquid liner is preferable as it lasts longer and will help create a smooth line. Hold the lashes with a pair of tweezers (make sure they’re not sharp ones), then use a toothpick to apply a thin coat of eyelash glue to the base of the fake lashes. Wait a minute to allow the blue to become sticky. (Be sure to get clear clue, not black.) Position the lashes as close to your own as you can, and gently press down, starting with the inner corner and working outward. Hold the lash on your lid for 20-30 seconds (smooth as necessary). If you have lashes of your own, apply mascara to blend them with the false lashes. When you’re ready to take the false ones off, gently pull them, then use eye makeup remover to take off the glue and liner.

Some brands of false eyelashes are made especially for cancer patients, and come complete with eyeliner. Blinkies is one such brand, and their eyelashes are made of 100% sterilized human hair. Check out the pictures. They look really natural! Madame Madeline offers a 15% discount to cancer patients or survivors, and has several brands of false eyelashes. Headcovers also has 100% human hair lashes designed for cancer survivors. If the glue causes you too much trouble, you may want to try the self-adhesive lashes, which don’t require application of glue. (Revlon has some here.) If you use these, be sure to put lash adhesive on your hand first and apply your strip or individual lashes there before putting on your eye.

To help prevent lash loss, refrain from rubbing your eyes too vigorously. Use a natural eye makeup remover to gently clean your eyes. (One of our fave’s—Jasmine eye make-up remover). Heavy mascara—particularly waterproof brands—can also be too harsh on delicate lashes, so you may want to go with a more natural look for awhile. (Be sure to throw away old mascara that has gone bad, as it can also cause lashes to fall out.)

Did you lose your eyelashes during or after cancer treatment? How did you cope?

Photo courtesy of Snap Village.

During chemo, my father had extremely dry hands and feet, and brittle nails that almost fell off. His doctor failed to warn him about these effects.

Chemotherapy can create a myriad of side effects. One of the purposes of this blog is to tell you about them, and help you to alleviate them, naturally. Recently, many patients told us: “The doctor didn’t tell me about this [or that] side effect.” Did he think you already knew? Or maybe he didn’t want to scare you? Perhaps he just didn’t know how the treatment would affect you, since everyone is different.

Most survivors agree—it’s better to be informed. With that in mind, here are a few of the side effects your doctor may have neglected to tell you about. You may or may not experience them—everyone is different, and all treatments are different—but just in case.

Eyelash and Eyebrow Thinning: You probably already know about hair loss, and you may have already gotten your wig. What you may not have thought about are your eyelashes and eyebrows. Chemo targets all hair cells, so to be prepared, get yourself an eyebrow kit (read our post), and consider investing in some synthetic brows or lashes.

Dry Skin and Brittle Nails: You may have had dry skin before, but chemo takes it up a notch. Your skin may be especially dry and flaky. Moisturize as often as you can, try some aloe (particularly for radiation burns), and avoid hot water. Your nails may turn hard and brittle, so wear gloves often, avoid chemical cleaners, and apply a soothing oil (like olive or sesame) around the cuticles daily.

Mouth Changes: Chemo goes after the cells that line the mouth, which can cause many problems. You may experience metal taste, so stock up on plastic utensils and citrus fruits. Plastic tones down the effect (silverware exacerbates it), and citrus wakes up the taste buds you have left. Johnny of Imerman’s Angels suggests the drink Lemonhead. Survivor Patricia Prijatel suggests Japanese plum sauce, which can help shake up certain foods.

Another common problem is mouth sores—those painful, canker sores that settle on your tongue, inside the lips, and on the lining of the cheeks. Hydrogen pyroxide and water make an effective rinse. Salt water may do the trick as well. Be prepared by asking your dentist ahead of time for some soft, tooth swabs for those days when a toothbrush is too hard, and stock up on soft foods like yogurt, soups, and gravies.

Another possibility is dry mouth. Your doc will have medication for this. Carry a water bottle with you, suck on tart candies, and see here for more suggestions.

Tummy Troubles: Your doctor may have told you that new medications stave off nausea and vomiting. Well, maybe. Maybe not. Most cancer patients complain of one or more of the following: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and/or constipation. For nausea, the doc will give you drugs, but try some ginger extract as well (500 mg/day starting 3 days before treatment). Studies have shown it helps! To raise your odds of avoiding an upchuck, eat light on treatment days, and go for bland foods like toast, bananas, applesauce, and the like.

For constipation, try a regular regimen of fiber drinks, and be sure to exercise (walk) as much as you can. Prijatel suggests “green drinks” that are full of fiber and antioxidants. Milk of Magnesia might work too, but the more natural you can go, the better, so stock up on green vegetables, fruits, flaxseed, and oatmeal. This may help with diarrhea as well, as it regulates the digestive system. Whatever you do, go easy on the tummy—avoid spices, processed foods, and high-fat items.

Joint Pain: Though the hair, mouth, and tummy are the most commonly affected by cancer treatments, the joints may suffer too. Get yourself a glucosamine supplement and start taking it before you start treatment. Walk every day if you can, and eat foods high in omega-3s, like fish and walnuts.

Malnutrition: There’s no doubt that chemo robs your body of certain nutrients. Many patients mention a lack of magnesium, so be sure you’re taking a magnesium supplement as well as a quality multi-vitamin. Many vegetables (like spinach) contain magnesium as well. A good, healthy diet will always help your body stay strong.

Did you have a “surprise” side effect? What did you do about it? Please share your story.

Chemical Treatments Contain Harsh Ingredients
Unfortunately, these process can be particularly unhealthy while you’re body is battling cancer. The chemicals in common hair treatments like hair dyes or perm solutions can not only irritate fragile skin and hair, but give off fumes that can cause nausea, eye irritation, and other problems. (Read more here.) Since the scalp is covered with skin, which can absorb what’s placed on it—particularly if the product is left there for a period time (like hair dyes)—some of those chemicals could end up in the bloodstream.

Some studies have indicated that prolonged use of extreme hair dyes (black hair dye for over 20 years, for example) may lead to increased rates of cancer in female participants. Other studies have found no such connection. Either way, hair dyes contain potentially harmful chemicals like ammonia; quaternium-15, which can release formaldehyde; and phenylenediamine (PPD), which may be carcinogenic.

It’s Best to Avoid It During Treatment
The University of Iowa Hospitals & Clinics explains that cancer fighters with hair loss or breakage from chemotherapy or radiation treatments should “avoid coloring, bleaching or applying perm solutions to their hair at this point.” Not only will dying or processing hair expose patients to additional chemicals, but these processes can also weaken the hair shaft or make it fall out at a faster rate.

Even after treatments are over, your hair needs sufficient time to grow back at a healthy rate before undergoing aesthetic treatments. The majority of stylists and doctors suggest waiting until hair is at least 3″ long—or 6 months after treatment ends—before attempting to perm or color, although many patients experience scalp sensitivity and pain for up to a year after treatment.

Carolyn Vachani, a nurse educator, adds, “As the hair grows back after therapy, it is often more fine—almost like a baby’s hair—and thus probably will not handle the stress too well.” She advises waiting until the hair has returned to its previous fullness and health (not necessarily length) before applying processing agents, and researching the most natural options available.

Seeking Safer Products
Though there’s no such thing as a completely natural hair dye, you can find organic and natural brands that may have fewer potentially harmful chemicals. Brands like Herbatint or Aubrey Organics are some good examples.

In the end, check with your personal physician before applying anything to your scalp or hair during or after cancer treatment, especially if you may be continuing medication or additional procedures. For extra style during treatments, rely on wigs, scarves, and hats. I did, and I found after a time that I loved how they accented my look!

Did you dye your hair during cancer treatments? What did you do to preserve hair health, or what kind of natural brands have you tried? Please share!

Photo courtesy of Snap Village.

Women all over the country are striving to find proactive ways to embrace cancer-related hair loss. Even 53-year-old Judy Joppie (from small town Grand Rapids) found the importance of positive thinking by teaching workshops for patients who want to embrace fashionable scarves. “Even through chemo, it was important to me to not look sick,” she explains. “It’s no fun losing your hair, and it’s really hard on your self-esteem.”

So how can you master the art of wearing a fashion-forward scarf? Many fighters prefer cancer-created brands because they carry features like “padding” (to mimic the fullness that hair creates) and are made from more material, so it’s easier to cover the entire scalp. Luckily, there are a wide variety of cancer-supporting companies creating fashionable scarves for patients, including I Wear It Well, who designs childrens’ head wraps with matching earrings for some of the many thousands of young patients diagnosed with cancer every year. Try checking out websites like Turban Plus, Chemo Savvy, 4women.com and Adaptations, Inc., which offer a variety of padded scarves, turbans, or intricate wraps, depending upon your personal style and preference.

When it comes time to wear your wrap, take the advice of “How To Wrap a Scarf” and fold your scarf in a triangle shape, place at the top of your head, and tie at the nape of your neck (to sufficiently cover the head). It’s important to try on a wide variety of scarf shapes and styles before choosing what looks best on you…or wear something new every day! Whether hood-like square wraps or “rosette” turban scarves, there are many ways to wear a scarf and make it match your personality or outfit perfectly. (Click here for more information.) Make sure to pick soft fabrics that will not irritate your sensitive skin, and wash scarves frequently using toxin-free detergents (like Seventh Generation laundry detergent).

In the end, learning to embrace the feminine fashion behind scarves and head covers can help build a newfound confidence, even when dealing with cancer. Cancer fighter YuYu (shown at top) shares a meaningful encounter with a fellow friend: “I went to a support group, and one girl told me that she likes going out with just a scarf on her head because it made her feel like it is a badge of honor as a cancer fighter. She said she does not feel the need to cover up the fact that she is in treatment, but rather proud of it.” Whether you are proud of the courageous battle you’re fighting or simply want to find a comfortable way to cover your head, try out a scarf. You just might love it!

For more information on picking a cancer-related scarf, click here, or learn more about hair loss during treatment with, “Not My Hair! I Love My Long, Shiny Locks“.

* What do you wear: a scarf, wig, or hat? Please share your opinions or advice on wearing scarves!

Photo courtesy of Yu Yu’s Blog For a Cure weblog.

“Your eyes are the most identifying facial feature,” says makeup artist MidoriLei. “Now think about it, your eyebrows frame your eyes. That’s why they’re so important.”

Unfortunately, chemotherapy damages fast-growing cells, and can rob you of your eyebrows at the same time that it steals the hair on your head. Suddenly you’ve got naked eyes—and that can make a big difference to your look.

“As they fell out,” says survivor Jana Rosenblatt, “I began to lose the healthy expression of my face and began to look sick. This was NOT okay with me.”

Powders, pencils, and stencils abound in the makeup aisles, but without a little guidance, you can end up with one eyebrow higher, wider, or longer than the other, and you may find yourself frustrated after spending an hour in front of the mirror. That’s what we’re here for!

First, you need to determine the eyebrow shape that’s right for your face. (Eyebrowz.com has a great chart to help you determine your face shape.) Women with round faces, for example, should choose a more angular brow shape. Rounded brows are great for those with large eyes or a wide forehead. The standard arch shape is flattering to most women, as it helps open the eyes, and the low arch helps give the illusion of length to those with small foreheads.

Once you’ve determined the shape you want, choose a stencil. The stencil will guide the application of makeup, sort of like a cut-out eyebrow. Bobbie Brown offers five different stencils in four different widths, and eyebrowz.com offers many stencils inspired by celebrity looks. ChemoChicks has developed their own eyebrow guide that actually fits on your face like a mask, leaving both hands free to apply makeup.

Now it’s time to choose your eyebrow makeup. (Go for shades that most closely match your natural hair color.) Of course, we advise you to use non-toxic formulas to protect yourself from dangerous chemicals and avoid taxing your already sensitive skin. It may be easiest to find an eyebrow kit. (We like Jane Iredale.) Most come with two shades of powder, to help you get a realistic look, plus a highlighting pencil to mark the beginning and end of your brows, perhaps one to use as a base before you apply color, the stencil to establish the shape, and powder to set the makeup when you’re done. As for the actual application, stay tuned—we’ll be posting video tutorials on how to do your eyebrows.

What about the semi-permanent makeup that’s becoming all the rage? Some patients have chosen this option—particularly if they have 4-6 weeks to plan before treatment starts. (DON’T do it if you’ve already started treatment—the risks of infection are high and you won’t be able to heal as quickly.) It’s like a tattoo, so if you’re thinking about it, don’t plan to change your look anytime soon. You’ll need 2-3 applications to make it stay for 4-5 years, but one should be enough for a year, which could get you through treatment totally brow-full. Headcovers.com also has synthetic eyebrows for both men and women to try.

If you go for it, have fun, and give yourself the time to learn, you may find yourself fooling everyone. “I was telling one of my sisters how pleased I was when my eyebrows started growing back,” says survivor Liz G. “She said, ‘Oh, did you lose your eyebrows?’”

Have any tips for creating great brows during treatment? Please pass them on!

Photo courtesy of Snap Village.

Headcovers Unlimited suggests visiting a stylist or wig professional first, and letting them work closely with the hair to reshape and style your look. Many cancer survivors advocate the importance of having the wig styled in an intimate setting. One breast-cancer fighter explained, “[My stylist and I] joked and laughed. He told me about other cancer clients and their wig woes. I relaxed, grew more comfortable. Looking in the mirror and seeing myself bald became less difficult.” (Read more here). She added, “The intimacy of the hair stylist-client relationship is legendary; quadruple its intensity when the client is newly bald and the hair stylist is one of the few privy to that knowledge.” Finding a stylist or salon you trust is imperative to perfecting the look of your wig and growing more comfortable with styling techniques. It can also promote emotional healing.

If you’ve purchased a wig made from human hair, styling it at home is not that different from dealing with your previous locks. Human hair wigs can generally be blown dry, straightened, or curled as normal (although it’s important to check with the manufacturer or a stylist first). A cancer fighter from The Cancer Blog explains: “[My human hair wig] can be washed, dried, curled, styled, and cut. It looks so real that some people didn’t even know chemotherapy took my hair. It was the perfect disguise for me.” Nevertheless, it’s crucial to handle all wigs using the appropriate tools, including products (shampoo or conditioners), combs, and brushes designed specifically for wigs.

How do you style a wig made from synthetic materials? A recent article from Love to Know author Theresa Halvorsen explains the benefits of low-maintenance synthetic wigs: “They can be easier to maintain, hold a hair style longer, dry faster after washing and are cheaper than human hair wigs.” However, it’s extremely important to avoid any heated styling tools when dealing with synthetic fibers—you may melt or destroy the hair.

Overall, styling your new wig from home can be easier than you think. It just takes patience, practice and the proper tools…and you’ll be feeling great in no time!

*What is your favorite way to style your wig? Did you visit a stylist or prefer to learn techniques yourself? Please share!

Photo courtesy of Snap Village

No matter how confident you are, cancer rarely leaves you feeling sexy. But do we really need to feel hairy too? Despite the long list of negative side effects that can impact self image during cancer treatments, many women continue shaving or waxing so they can feel as groomed and gorgeous as before. Many men, as well, keep up their usual shaving habits. It’s important, however, to take some precautions. (Read our post on The Tough Guy’s Guide to Shave During Treatment.) Even after you’ve learned how to be safe, there may be a few habits you’ll need to change during treatment.

For many patients, hair loss is a natural consequence of treatment. An article from the Mayo Clinic explains: “Chemotherapy may cause hair loss all over your body—not just on your scalp. Sometimes your eyelash, eyebrow, armpit, pubic and other body hair falls out.” If you’re actively undergoing chemotherapy- or radiation-related treatments, it’s best to stop waxing and shaving altogether, and take proper care of the skin with toxin-free moisturizers. (Read about the benefits of organic creams here.) For example, if radiation therapy causes your skin to become red, irritated or inflamed, resist the urge to wax or shave until the skin is completely healed.

As long as your skin has not been negatively affected, proceed with hair-removal techniques, using caution. Some patients find that they don’t have to shave at all during treatment since they have lost most of their body hair anyway, or since it has dramatically thinned out. Now that’s a bonus if you are a woman! If you’re not that “lucky,” however, make sure you’re watching out for infection. As the article “Beauty Treatment Therapies For Cancer Patients” states, “Cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy and/or radiotherapy are at a higher risk of infection because the treatments suppress the body’s immune system.” Use tools that have been properly sanitized and sterilized—preferably disposable razors that should be tossed after each use. Lather the skin with toxin-free shaving products like fragrance-free formulas by Avalon Organics (specifically made for sensitive skin) or Hok2′s organic shaving cream with aloe vera and green tea. If waxing, avoid salons or spas that may put you at risk for additional germs.

If your body or muscles are increasingly sore from cancer treatments and fatigue, skip procedures that will increase sensitivity, like waxing or plucking. Remember to always moisturize to prevent additional cracks or rashes. Try a toxin-free product like California Baby Calming Botanical Moisturizing Cream, and always protect exposed skin with toxin-free mineral sunscreen like Solar RX Broad Spectrum SPF.

An article about chemotherapy recently explained the importance of using caution during hair removal, by avoiding cuts and scrapes (which can lead to infection), using electric razors instead of standard blades whenever possible, or even wearing gloves. If you’re preparing to shave your head in preparation for impending hair loss (or the fitting of a new wig), remember that the experience can be different for everyone. As the blogger from “Breast Cancer and Me” explained (after publicly shaving her head), “I opened my eyes and cried…But in that instant, a funny thing happened. I opened my eyes and expected to see a stranger… but I didn’t. I saw me. It was me looking back from the mirror.” Although shaving and waxing your body during cancer should always be handled with care and caution, dealing with cancer on a daily basis is truly different for everyone.

* Let Us Know: Did you shave, wax or pluck when dealing with cancer? How did your protect your skin and body during hair removal?

Photo Coutresy of Snap Village

So, you’ve finally chosen a brand new wig, but you’re having a hard time coping with it in your morning routine. Remember, you’re not alone! The writer of My Breast Cancer Blog explains, “I feel naked without my shoulder-length, blond hair,” adding, “I wish I could see this time in my life as a new beginning, with a new look. But instead I feel self-conscious and hesitant to unveil [my wig].”

It’s important to discuss your fears and concerns with other cancer patients (at websites like Cancer Forums) to help you feel more comfortable with this extreme life change, but keep in mind that wigs are surprisingly simple and easy to maintain. A cancer fighter from The Cancer Blog admits that although it was difficult losing her hair, “I found great human-hair wigs and learned to enjoy my shower-and-go morning routine. I could get ready in an instant…It was all kind of liberating really.” Although caring for a cancer wig might be easier than you think, it’s important to know what you’re doing before getting started.

The first question many patients ask is, “Do I wash my wig?” In general, try washing both synthetic and human hair wigs every 10 to 15 uses, but be careful to use the appropriate products and techniques. Purchase specialty shampoos, combs and conditioning sprays for wigs beforehand, so you’re always prepared. “How To Care For Your Wig” suggests gently brushing your wig first, then immersing for one minute in cold water with wig shampoo (gently “swirling” throughout the mixture), and rinsing and blotting the wig afterward, allowing it to air dry. Avoid rubbing, teasing or scrubbing your wig (or brushing it when wet), as you may damage the hair completely.

If you’re worried about how to comb or handle your wig on a day-to-day basis, try to always use the appropriate tools and methods. Wig experts at E-how suggest removing tangles with a specialty spray conditioner designed for wigs, and combing and brushing wigs with a wire brush starting at the ends (instead of the roots). Remember to never use heat-generating styling tools (like curling irons or flat irons) on synthetic wigs, and use care when dealing with human-hair varieties.

We love some specialty wig boutiques that have a focus on cancer-related hair loss and caring for wigs. Check out Mimi’s Wig Boutique in the Texas area, City Wigs and boutiques in the Fresno, CA, area, and The Ellen H. Lazar Shoppe in the New Jersey area.

For more information on caring for your new wig, check out “Coping With Hair Loss,” or share your opinions, concerns and ideas with cancer fighters at Online Community For Cancer Discussions. If you are just starting to shop for a wig, read our post on How to Choose the Best Wig for You.

* How do you care for your wig on a daily basis? Please share your advice and tricks!

Photo coutesy of Mimi’s Wig Boutique

Dealing with the negative side effects of cancer treatments (like hair loss) can be difficult enough, but having to choose the right wig for your lifestyle can seem even harder. Although many cancer fighters go for hats or scarves instead, wigs have helped a wide variety of patients feel attractive and confident while undergoing cancer treatments. It’s important to research all of your options before deciding if a wig is right for you.

The first step to choosing the perfect wig for your personality is deciding between synthetic or human hair. Synthetic is generally lower in upkeep and easy to maintain, while human hair can be great for a realistic feel, texture, and the ability to style on a daily basis. Unfortunately, not every woman can afford a wig of human hair (which typically costs over $1,000), and must choose a more affordable synthetic brand instead (usually $45–$100). Custom-made wigs are wonderful, personalized luxuries for those who can afford them (or tolerate the longer wait time for arrival), but many prefer a “ready-made” wig that can be purchased immediately and shaped by a stylist later. (For more information, see “Hair Care Advice for Cancer Patients.”) A cancer fighter at Cancer Chat forums adds, “I recommend monofilaments wigs [wigs where hair is weaved individually into a gauze-like fabric, instead of cloth]. The wig caps are thin, ventilated, and transparent. They’re very comfortable to wear and not itchy like other wigs.”

The Breast Cancer website suggests taking your time when choosing the right wig, and beginning the process before starting treatment (because you’ll have more energy). Try checking for available wigs at your hospital’s cancer center, a local beauty salon, or even online. If you simply cannot afford a wig, try taking the advice of “Day To Day Matters: Wigs,” and “…ask for a prescription for an ‘extra-cranial prosthesis’ [a wig] to submit to your insurer. Not every company reimburses, but you should try.” When trying on wigs, remember they should never be placed over the ears or pulled down too far over the forehead, because they’ll give an unnatural appearance.

If you prefer to maintain your previous hairstyle, The Cancer Blog suggests saving a swatch of your old hair (or taking photos in natural sunlight) before undergoing treatment. This can make the process of matching your previous hair color much easier, especially when using human-hair wigs (which can be dyed by a stylist to match). If you prefer to branch away from your old style, try something new by changing the color or cut subtlety, although wig expert Carliz Sotelo Teague warns, “Go with what you know. You want to feel comfortable first…then you can go with something a little more daring.” When in doubt, always remember to bring plenty of understanding friends and family along for support, and try to make the experience as fun and uplifting as possible.

Are you still confused about what to do with your wig after you’ve brought it home? Click here to read our post on How to Care for Your Wig and here to find a Wig Salon near you in the Cinco Vidas Wig Directory.

* We want to hear from you: How did you choose your wig? Did you prefer to change your look or keep your style the same? What is your favorite type of wig?

Photo courtesy of Snap Village.

My friend Ann and I enjoying the event.

It’s been a long but very fulfilling week for me! I was down in Boynton Beach, Florida for a great cancer fundraiser on St. Patrick’s Day called “St. Baldrick’s.” As their tagline says, “Shaving the Way to Conquer Kids Cancer” is exactly what went on at this event. Numerous men (and a few women) shaved their heads in solidarity with children fighting cancer, requesting donations of support from friends and family. In 2008, more than 27,000 volunteers shaved their heads (2,400 women!) and over $15 million was raised by St. Baldrick’s volunteers. Great job and we had such a good time!

Now I know many of you may not want to shave your heads but if you’re feeling generous and would like to make a difference, you can donate some of your locks to make wigs for cancer patients. I’m calling all the women here! Locks of Love is a non-profit organization that provides hair pieces to financially disadvantaged children suffering from hair loss due to medical reasons. There’s a step-by-step video on the site as to how the hair should be cut and all the requirements to donate. It’s a wonderful cause and an invaluable way to make a difference and give someone the gift of hair. If you’re a cancer fighter or survivor, you know the devastation that can go with losing your hair. (Click here to read my post on when I lost my hair during treatment.)

Please share your stories about hair loss, donating hair or shaving to raise funds for cancer.