Top tips

For coping with hair loss and regrowth

Some lymphoma treatments can affect the hair, causing thinning or loss of hair on your head and body. This doesn’t happen with all treatments, and not everyone is affected in this way. However, losing your hair during treatment can be really tough and cause a great deal of anxiety.

We asked members of our Facebook group for their ‘top tips’ for hair loss and regrowth. Here is what they told us. Thanks to everyone for sharing their tips.

Losing your hair

“ Take the plunge and brave the shave if you know you will definitely lose your hair - it’s easier than seeing it gradually fall out.

Harriet

If you are cutting long hair, consider donating it to a charity that makes wigs for children.
When hair starts to come out, the scalp can be painful. Having it cut short does help relieve the pain.
Your scalp may become dry, sore or itchy. Avoid using harsh shampoos or products with alcohol.
Wash your scalp with baby shampoo and use moisturiser to keep your skin in good condition.
Don’t be afraid to touch your bald head, I put off touching it for a while but the more I did, the easier it was.

“ A head shave at the Turkish barbers feels incredible, lots of steam and citrussy smells!

Rebecca

Consider a silk pillowcase as it is kinder to the skin. You can also get vegan non-silk alternatives.
Hair loss can be ‘everywhere’ [not just your head] so keep tissues handy for that runny nose!
Cool eye masks help when hay fever strikes in spring/summer and you have no eye lashes.
Talk about your hair loss, and share your feelings with your support network.

“ I knew my hair was going to fall out so I took the decision to fully shave before it happened. I found that having that bit of control over the situation empowering and reduced the potential upset of watching it fall out over time.

Troy

Photo of Jan smiling outdoors with a pink wig

“ I’ve always been a bit useless and unadventurous when it comes to styling my hair. When it started falling out, I booked myself a wig consultation at a professional hair loss salon. I had a blast trying on lots of wigs and ended up choosing a lovely pink one that was so far away from my own hairstyle, but made me feel confident. I’m still wearing it now while my hair is at that awkward growing out (and upward) stage!

Jan

Headwear

Turbans are your best friend!
Slouch hats will keep your ears warm.
Headbands are a great accessory and look good with wigs too.
Have a selection of scarves and hats to change your look every day.

As your hair grows back

“As a Sikh and Punjabi lass, my hair was uncut and hip length so I cut my hair in stages before the final shave and my scalp was tender and sore. I have been using castor/almond oil and shea oil twice a day since and its now growing back nicely – albeit a fuzz.

Sukhi

Rosemary oil for regrowth has been a game changer for me.
I have used vegetable dyes since being diagnosed many years ago: no parabens or ammonia and much kinder to my hair and scalp.
When your hair starts to grow back, seek advice from a hairdresser. Even at a very short length, my hairdresser styled it differently and he gave me tips as it grew back.
Be prepared for curls to grow back where you had straight hair before. The texture and colour may also be different. In my experience, barbers understand short hair.

“ Losing my hair was a really big thing for me as I’ve always had a thick head of hair. I’m now in remission and have a full head of curly hair where it was straight before.

Scott