proactive

[Cazy1010]

any tips on how to cover my head if I do lose my hair with chemo , I’m not a hat person , so what are your opinions on scarfs , wigs etc or just show it all x

[0462County]

I got ready made up chemo head scarfs from Amazon, came in a pack of 3. They have all sorts of styles on their website. X

[OrdinarySoul]

Hi, once my oncologist said I would pretty much definitely lose it, I decided to shave my hair off before it came out. I went to grade 2 and I still found it quite stressful (and it got sore too) when it fell out. I had loads of friends buy me hats and scarves and really enjoyed learning to tie them (if you’re on Instagram check out Bravery Co for fab tutorials- although their scarves were way too expensive for me) I got a wig on prescription but ended up never wearing it. In the end I mostly went out with no covering or hat or anything. It worked for me but I know others who have always worn wigs etc and rocked them. You do you. If you can find the fun in new accessories go for it! xx

[Mommoo65]

Being bald didn’t bother me a bit but when I had to go out, I would wear loosely woven beanies or a baseball cap. I worked from home so that freedom was available to me. I had tried a wig for about 1/2 hour before I wanted to rip that thing off!

😀

[Marie101]

Would you not consider using the cold cap? I have used it twice now and it saved my hair. Yes, the first 10 minutes are painful however I found it worth it as it helped me psychologically and it helped my daughter.

[Rosiemd in reply to Marie101]

I used it too and definitely worth it.

[Demelzatheseagull]

Hi Cazy1010. I've tried to have some fun with the hair loss. I have a couple of wigs, some butcher boy caps, various soft beanies and a bunch of scarves. My favourite at the moment is a scarf tied retro style on the top of my head (dead easy to do unlike some scarf styles and reminds me of stuff I used to wear in my 20s). I've also got a fringe hair piece which is great to tuck under a scarf or beanie to give the illusion of hair. Good luck with it all x

[Morini]

I bought a wig, but rarely wore it. I lost my hair in the summer and worried about burning my head so went for scarves. I picked some up in charity shops and looked for inspiration to tie them on the internet. I quite liked having the loose ends just to one side like a ponytail.

[Trickysite]

I had my hair cut really short and a week or so later got someone to clipper what remained off. I had lost my hair before with breast cancer and had worn a wig then. I don’t look good bald or in a scarf. I found the best websites are Simply Wigs and Valentines (last very price competitive). I now have 3 different colour wigs and swop them from day to day to go with my clothes. Red, blonde, and grey with whitish fringe. Wigs with high or lowlights are most natural, otherwise you get a blocky colour effect. Non heat resistant fibre are the easiest type to manage. They just jump back to the style after washing. Straight long hair , the style of most wigs, doesn’t suit me so I always buy shortish with lots of movement. I wear a net cap underneath. And use four grips around my head to pin the wig down. I lacquer the wig with a really powerful lacquer called Honeybee mint or something like that. From Amazon. As long as the spray does not contain alcohol it is ok on a wig.

The websites will take back and refund if you don’t like the style and you do have to be prepared to send some back. I always say you have to learn to love your wig in the first week and it has to learn to love you! I have trimmed some, too.

The main thing is to do what feels right for you, wig or no wig.

.

[TTbatty in reply to Trickysite]

where can I find “valentines” ? Google comes up with stuff with hearts on 😂

[Trickysite in reply to TTbatty]

Valentinewigs.co.uk. Emma x

[Atai]

Hey Cazy! If you lose your hair, the scalp can become tender, so although I didn’t mind being kind of bald, I wore soft , jersey/cotton beanies or scarves, to help my head feel more protected, especially when outdoors, and definitely in very cold or warm weather!

I was prescribed a wig and chose quite a funky style, but it felt heavy and hot, so for me it didn’t work, I preferred the scarves etc

Xx

[Guilane]

If you’re not a hat person, you’re not a hat person. I was never, I tried, I have a whole drawer full of varying scarves, hats and turbans! My Oncologist said you’ll definitely lose your hair, oh your lovely hair (not helpful! 😂) and you can’t have a cold cap. I had a bob and thought I’d try a short wig for something different. BIG mistake! When I actually lost my hair I felt like I’d lost my identity, all I wanted to be was my old self, the one BEFORE. I got a wig that made me look the same. I didn’t love it, why would I? I tolerated it and it made me feel a bit more normal. I got it from a hairdresser who had been on Trevor Sorbie’s mynewhair training programme. She was so sympathetic and empathetic, got my wig as close as she could to my old hair. It was expensive, £300, but how many haircuts is that! I wore it for over a year in that very hot summer and it was fine, better than the alternative! I left it off when I was more or less happy with my new growth. I have a backup of an NHS wig, £72, which isn’t half bad and you can even get those free if you are on benefits. They are nothing like what you will have imagined. So much better! Good luck Cazy 1010, it will grow back! Love GillX

[Hidden]

Hi Caz, I wear turbans and scarves. Lots of tutorials on YouTube how to tie them. I've ordered a wig but not sure if I will even wear it.My head does get very cold so unless I'm home I wear something on my head when I'm out x

[Tulips66]

Hi, I started to lose my hair after my second infusion, so got my hairdresser to come to my home when my husband & daughters were there. We made a laugh of it together rather than it been a shock to me & them. I got myself a wig which was identical to what my own had been like, it had highlights and everything. I wore it when I went out shopping or to the hospital as I didnt want people looking at me & having pity wrote all over their face. At home I wore nothing unless it was very cold I wore nice coloured beany hats which I ordered on line. Everyone has their own preferences but I definitely found the wig ok to wear. Good luck & maybe you will be lucky & not lose to much of it X

[wendydee]

One of our lovely members raised money by having a sponsored braveshave. She swore by having a bare head, found it which more comfortable but she had a wig for going out (dressed up) occasions. She wore a hat to protect her head from the sun.

[Doglover1410]

I had wigs for work/going out and bald at home (with wig close by incase anyone came round!)

We had some fun calling them names, the first one was blonde and was called Cousin It (Adams family) second was auburny colour and we called it Cliff (Cliff Richard 🤣) it seemed to take the rawness off it all, and Cliff especially just became part of the gang and I would get texts like ‘do you and Cliff fancy doing lunch’ 🤣

I was ‘lucky’ as both times were in the Winter/Spring so bobble hats were also a thing! Then when I had a covering I just discarded Cliff and off I went!

Cliff was last seen in the garden having been found and stolen by my puppy….so he was still making us laugh!

Probably haven’t helped much, but I do think a sense of humour about it really helps. Sending you hugs and good luck xx

[Mammi]

I’m with tricky site! Went to a wig specialist shop with my daughters at beginning of first chemo & told them that I wanted to look as I was so nobody would notice I was wearing a wig.Used the nhs discount & was thrilled with the results after my hair fell out 2weeks into treatment. Colours & styles were a perfect match & with a little of the sticky tape under fringe & nape of neck it was secure, life felt normal asi don’t suit scarves or hats but each to their own, just go for what makes you feel comfortable to get on with your life 🥰big hugs DeeX

[Summergold2]

all of the above lol. Whatever works for you! Bandanas scarves baseball hats with braids or even the guy fiere visor with the fake hair in the middle had that one too

[Lucylockpocket]

Just show it all! It’s quite liberating not hiding your lack of hair. No fussing with coverings or an itchy , uncomfortable wig. I have worn mine a handful of times. I have lost my hair twice now and had very thin hair more recently which I just had number 2 all over and it’s been fine. Until my first chemo I was a long haired blond so quite a change! 😎

[OvacomeSupport Partner My Ovacome Team]

Hi there Cazy1010

Thank you for your post. I can see that lots of members of the forum community have shared their experiences of hair loss and head covering with you which I hope you have found useful.

I just wanted to let you know about two charities that may be of interest to you at this time:

- cancerhaircare.co.uk/ - Cancer Hair Care is the UK’s leading hair loss support charity and they provide lots of free information and tips about hair loss including guidance for covering the head in a variety of different ways – or not covering your head depending on your preference.

- lookgoodfeelbetter.co.uk/ - Look Good Feel Better offer a range of free workshops, including one all about hair loss, scalp care & new growth and headwear, wigs, brows and lashes.

We’ve had some really positive feedback about the services these charities provide.

Please don’t hesitate to get in touch if there’s anything you would like to talk through with a member of the Ovacome support team. You can message us through this forum, email us via [e-mail] or give us a call on 0800 008 7054. We’re here to support you Monday – Friday, 10am – 5pm.

Best wishes

Annie – Ovacome Support

[Frags4]

I found this headband wig very convenient and flattering. headcovers.com/media/catalo...

[PlantPower]

Hi Cazy,

On my first line of chemo I had the cold cap. It wasn't as bad as you might have heard. I had one fitted very tight to my head was warned I might get a headache for about 20 mins from the cold and to make sure i had paracetamol with me just in case. I didn't need it. The cap was cold so you need a blanket on you, I took in an extra throw and felt comfortable. Problem was the nurse took the cap off too soon as it ought to have been left for 90mins post infusion. It was taken off as soon as the infusion finished. The next cycle I had the same cold cap and it was fine but alas I lost my hair anyway due to the first cycle error. I had a wig but find turbans easy to wear and stylish. My hair grew back in 3 months but i am now on my second line chemo and have not bothered with the cap this time. I like my turbans and have several colours to match my outfits. Lots of choices on Amazon, make sure they are your correct size before ordering, some can be too big. It was trial and error with me but I love the ones with the plaited roll as it gives height to the head and they fit me well. Good luck and best wishes xxx

[Trickysite]

the website address for Valentine wigs is Valentinewigs.co.uk. Emma x

[LesleyGB]

I just went bald. Had a hat for when it was cold but that was it. I had been in the middle of growing my hair so tried the cold cap but got a bad headache andgave up after about ten minutes. I cut it off as short as I could with kitchen scissors when it started falling out and that was it. Being bald never bothered me. Finally gave up the mascara when i realised I only had six eyelashes left, all on one eye! Rock your baldness!

[Lirene]

I completely agree, ‘rock your baldness’. I’ve lost my hair twice now including eyelashes and eyebrows. Absolutely go for it, I found it nowhere near as bad as I thought. No one commented, people couldn’t care less - they are more interested in themselves. Rock it girls and good luck to you and everyone Lx