New member- coping with hair loss?

Hi Binky

Firstly I'm really sorry that you are having to go through this miserable time, but you have definitely come to the right place for help and support, we are quite a friendly bunch here at What Now!!

This time last year I was in precisely the same situation as you. I did have a wig, which never came out of the box, but instead decided to go with scarves and hats. I also found silk scarves impossible to keep on, but I managed to get hold of some cotton bandana types, and bought some nice trendy hats from surf shops, which did the job nicely. I think you can get some kind of cap which goes under your wig to anchor it if necessary, but it really is your show and you must decide what is best for you - even if that means biting the bullet and going "commando"!!!!

Also, it really is not forever, and once it starts to re-appear it grows back thick and fast, which in itself can be quite a challenge!

With my very best wishes,

Jayne

Hi binky, Its interesting how we all deal with things differently.I hated the nausea and the couple of days at the beginning of each chemo when my mouth tasted foul and nothing seemed to quench my thirst.the hair loss however didnt really worry me after the initial shock because, as it didnt hurt,it didnt bother me.When i was at the stage that you`re at i shaved it smooth! You can, as jayne said, get little skull caps, rather like pop sox to put on under the wig.I wore mine at first but soon changed to scarves as they were cooler in the summer.When my mum was having chemo last year she wore towelling turbans, its whatever you feel more comfortable in.only last night i went to see my daughter in a singing concert and her teacher who is currently being treated for breast cancer has decided `bare is best`. Best wishes for your treatment. Lesleyxx

I know how you feel i cried my eyes out at first but it will grow back. Just had chemo 3 of 8 and found the wig with a headscarf or hairband around makes it look less wiggy. I use the indian cotton scarves that dont slip, Hennes and monsoon and marks and spencers have a fine range of great summer colours. You soon get used to it but scarves over the wig are great and only those who know me know its a wig. Take heart love, it will soon grow back. I took comfort in knowing it had been over dyed for years and i had split ends and at christmas it will begin to grow nice and new so i can start all over again next spring!!! You will get used to it but its not much fun i agree.

Take care and keep well whichis more important xxxxxxxxxx

Hi Binky

I have not yet had my second session of chemo but already my hair is going fast. I do feel less womanly, who wouldn't, one boob and no hair wasn't the look I'd hoped for at this stage of my life!

I bought some great flowery bandana's, found at a local craft fair, but I've seen similar in the high street chains. Have you tried the internet sites that sell wigs? As most also offer scarves / hats / turbans.

It's defintely a testing time for all us 'girls' but at least knowing that support is available here helps me cope.

My friends, who all want to help, are scouring the local shops for nice head attire - this makes them feel useful too.

I hope you find something that you feel comfortable with and it's not forever is it? I'm hoping for a new growth of thick curly hair - well a girl can dream.....

Hugs and best wishes

hi,i wore bandannars all the time ,as wigs made my head itch like mad but every one said i suited being bold so it wasnt bad my hair grown back now so thick and curly thinking off you

Hi there,
I did buy a wig but I haven't even got it out of the box! I mainly wore zandana's which are basically bandana's but have three little bits at the back so it's easy to tie! They are sooo handy as I can't tie bandana's at all. I got mine from amazon.co.uk for something like £3!
Hope this helps,
All the best,
Hayley

Hi Hayley - I thought that was such a brilliant idea I went straight to Amazon. They had photos but absolutely everything was unavailable. However, they did say the zandanas were supplied by Girlyshop so I went to their website and they have masses of them, at £3.99 each. Here's a link to the website.

http://www.girlyshop.co.uk

I'm just about to place an order!
Best wishes
Kate xxx

I started to really lose my hair after my 1st chemo session, and it was driving me nutty - so, I got my angel Mick to give me the shortest crew cut you've ever seen. I bought two "cheapish" wigs, as I didn't want to spend a fortune on one of them. You can get a kinda skull cap thing that fits over your scalp, under the wig and that helps to secure it, plus they have little things at the back of the wig where you can adjust the fit. I took them to my hairdresser, who kindly styled them a bit to suit me more. I intend only to wear them on special occasions, but for every day wear - I bought a couple of children's sun hats (as they seemed to fit better, having no hair) then I got different Beanies in the market, then baseball caps. If you put a beanie on first, then pop on a baseball cap, there's no unsightly gap at the back. I hope things are going ok for you Binky, and if you feel like dropping me a wee note, feel free.

Not an easy thing to accept in the beginning. My wigs were too big for my head so i never wore them. But what i did find excellent were muslim prayer caps which can be bought on line. they come in different colours and if you are into sewing you can put things on them such as sequins, little flowers, butterflies etc., they are comfy. They are handy to throw on your head if unexpected knock on the door!!!!
Also escoffier wears chef bananas (as she is a chef) and thay look great. much smaller than the head scarf type. Do send her a private message, I know she will be only too glad to point you in the right direction to obtain one. She is wearing one in her profile pic.
Just keep telling yourself that its only temporary and when the chemo finishes you will have a lovely new growth quite soon after.
Wishing you lots of love and (((((HUGS))))))

Debbie and April xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Zandanas? amazon? how fantastic i am so going to buy some now, thanks girls xxxx

Thank you so much for your wonderful and practical replies. I logged on immediately to Zandanas and a bright red one is on its way to me now.

I have bought two very expensive wigs for work/social wear that I feel confident in wearing ( confident in that they look like real hair and are nearly my own style) but the anchoring is a problem. I have to put my hand on my head in blowy weather, so not exactly stress free.

I will keep you informed about the other suggestions - a muslim prayer cap for instance. Scarves around the house are certainly more comfortable but make me feel ancient and scruffy. I'll look out for some nice sun hats as well - I've got straw ones in my wardrobe but I bet they scratch a bald head!

I am so pleased to hear you are getting sorted. You sound very upbeat about it all. Best wishes with everything.
Keep us posted.

Lol and hugs

Debbie and April xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

To keep you posted!

I now have a small collection of nice soft hats, mostly bought in the summer sales, so a bargain for me. I got a gorgeous squashy black corduroy baker's boy cap in Belgium for 1 euro - must be the deal of the year.

Also got two wigs from the dreaded Ebay. Going on a picture alone is not really good enough - I think you need to try on then buy. I look like Tina Turner in one of them (all hair, no head!) and that's scary on a middle-aged white lady.

The zandanas are very good - two thumbs up for that recommendation.

Hiya Blinky.
I too started loosing my hear - after just one session of chemo. I got most of my scarves from ASOS.com, in the clearance sale for £3 each. Went into Monsoon and looked at the price tag and then looked online! I worried that even the cotton ones would fall off, and went out and purchased some lycra and silk hair bands and these add more detail and keep scarves securely on your head. You can even get them with ties and a harband sewn into the back of them and these are fab!
I am struggling with the hair loss and am not the sort of girl who can easily wear a wig, I prefer looking casual. Hope this tip helps and let u know how you get on!
Natasha x

Hi, my hair is falling out at a rapid rate now. I have only had one dose of chemo. I use beanie hats and scarves most of the time, but I do have a wig which I dont like very much but have a hairdresser friend who is gonna restyle it for me. It does get u down and I hate looking in the mirror now but I try to focus on other things and why it is falling out.

Hi Binky - I started losing my hair shortly after my first chemotherapy session, or was it my second? I honestly can't remember for sure now. I know what you mean about silk scarves just sliding off - so, what I did was buy scarves in the same colour or contrasting with baseball caps or hats. I then wound the scarf around, and plonked the cap or hat on top. Seeing a glimpse of the scarf at your ears, softens your face a little bit - well, I think so anyway. I'm just waiting to have my fourth and final chemotherapy session, and my hair is SPROUTING UP all over the bleedin' place, hahaha. I look like one of those potato things you used to see with grass springing up all over the top. Maybe the "SPRINKLER" from my shower every morning has helped, hahaha. Have no fear, Binky, it will return. Keep fighting the good fight - always. with love from kate xxxxxxxxxxxx

yes take heart Binky i am on chemo 6 of 8 and the egg head has turned into peach fuzzz so it does start to grow a bit before the end of chemo sessions. By christmas we will all look like GI Jane whatever colour it grows back, mine is looking white at the moment but who cares, it hair hoooray xxx

keep well which is the most important thing and dont worry look forward to end of treatments and hair again.

best wishes to you and everyone going through this pointless disease.xxxx

My hair has started to grow slowly back! Although, I have to say, that I look more like Boy George than the glamorous GI Jane.

Anyway, the chemo's been a bit of a trial with the hairloss and sickness, but as others have said, it means the therapy is working..and the wigs can be fun too. I quite like my wig wardrobe - hubby never knows which look he's coming in from work to. (Excuse my terrible grammar!)