Hair loss and breast cancer

Breast cancer survivor's hair begins to return
afterchemotherapy (Photo credit: iStockphoto)

Many breast cancer survivors fight hair loss along with cancer. According to the American Cancer Institute over 3 million women have survived or are living in with breast cancer in the United States. I wanted to use Breast Cancer Awareness Month as an opportunity to discuss options for women managing hair loss.

Between chemotherapy and other medications, it is common for survivors to deal with thinning hair or complete hair loss. Hair salons that specialize in hair loss or hair restoration services can be a great resource for women braving cancer treatment regimens.

As a hair loss specialist, I have been working with clients battling cancer since 1992. For some women, suffering the loss of their hair can be quite devastating. I enjoy helping them in even a small way to regain some self-esteem.
I counsel clients who are concerned about their appearance to take some control over their hair loss. One way to do so is to plan in advance about how to handle any dramatic changes in appearance. Clients can schedule a consultation with me before they start experiencing hair loss. If a client would like to keep her current hairstyle, I take a "before" picture so that I can match the style and color. This enables me to create a custom hair unit (or system) that makes each person feel more like their old self.

One of the best compliments that I have received from a client is that “it [the custom hair unit] did not feel like a wig.” That really should be the goal for any custom hair solution. When women lose their hair suddenly due to cancer, women may need help and encouragement to feel like their beautiful selves.

Client with medical prosthesis solution with hair loss

In honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, I chose to highlight Sisters Network, a group that supports African American women to fight breast cancer. According to the American Cancer Society, African American women are more likely to deal with a more aggressive form of tumors than their counterparts of other races.

A medical reason, such as breast cancer, is only one cause of hair loss. Many women who suffer from hair loss notice a gradual change in their hair over 6-8 years before taking action.

Here are some questions that you should ask yourself to determine whether you should see a hair loss professional:

• Does your hair appear to be thinning without evidence of fallout?
• Are there bumps and/or soreness on your scalp?
• Is your hair lifeless and dull?
• Do you have other family remembers that have hair loss?
• Are you having itchy, redness and dry scalp?

Have questions about your own personal hair loss? Contact us for a consultation.