Chemotherapy Hair Loss Options & Solutions

At the onset of hair loss, (the very first hair fall), some patients choose to shave the total scalp. Their reasons are the following:

  • The elimination of uncontrolled hair fall and embarrassing shedding.
  • Some feel that total baldness is more attractive than the spotty hair loss (especially males). Many believe that after 25-50% hair loss, males or females look healthier with no hair at all.
  • Shaving facilitates prosthetic hair security and comfort (i.e. vacuum bases, two way tape and other adhesives for hair prostheses. What may seem extreme to some, may not be for others.
  • Attractive head coverings are available from a variety of manufacturers as an alternative to wigs.

HAIR PROSTHESIS & MEDICAL WIGS

  • Insurance sometimes covers a wig or hair prosthesis.
  • Assume you will lose all of your hair when you begin chemotherapy treatment. By doing so your advance planning will assist you considerably. (Custom made wigs and hair prosthetics may take from 6 weeks to 4 months to be delivered and made for you).
  • Your first wig or hair prosthesis should duplicate your hair as closely as possible. (Be conservative in color, length, thickness and style.)

In chemotherapy related hair loss avoid the following: weaves, hair extensions, hair integration and hair intensifiers. You will require a full prosthesis and not a partial hairpiece.

HAIR REPLACEMENT OPTIONS

To find out more about hair replacement options while undergoing Chemotherapy or other medical treatments which cause hair loss, please Contact the American Hair Loss Council for consumers guidelines to finding qualified hair replacement specialists.

Chemotherapy Hair Loss Options & Solutions

FIND A HAIR RESTORATION
SPECIALIST NEAR YOU

Although the American Hair Loss Council does not endorse or recommend any individual firm, we can supply you with a list of AHLC specialists in or near your specific area.

All AHLC members sign a statement that they will honor our Code of Ethics which is centered around the protection of you, the consumer. Request the American Hair Loss Council Source Book.