My hair is like fuzzy cotton candy!

[SushiLife]

I struggle with the whole hair issue since unexpectedly jumping on Ibrance/Anastrozole when MBC returned. I am so thankful to be alive, to have an incredibly supportive tribe around me and I feel a little guilty about being sad over the weird state of my hair. But looking at its thinness, seeing it constantly shed, admitting that it looks like dull brown cotton candy (yuck) makes me sad. The longer I’m on the meds (3+ yrs) the worse it gets. It pulls me back into the emotional heaviness that comes with what we are all battling. There are days I’m ok with it, bc I’m here I’m loved I’m fighting a good fight. So - anyone out there found 1) a way to stop the shedding that isn’t $600 a month 2) any hair products that tame the frizz and fuzz and 3) any shampoos and conditioners that bring back a little healthiness? And all safe for cancer patients? A lot of boxes to check. I would love to find some kind of organization that helps with the peripheral issues that come with treatments. Love and prayers to all of you!

[Nocillo]

Often the social services at the hospital where you are treated have suggestions for resources. Or maybe try a wig? My hair is turning frizzy as well. So far I’m putting up with it only because I live in a warm climate and a wig would probably make me even hotter than I am most of the time. Good luck!

[8576]

Yes, do check with your local and national service to see what they offer. I am sure they have run into this before.

Cheers, June S.

[LDR1]

Hi SushiLife, I’m glad to hear you’re doing well and have strong support, but can imagine the hair issue is discouraging. It’s such a visual signal of health and beauty in our society. During 18 months on Ibrance I had hair issues as well (shedding, dullness, frizz) but those seemed to calm down over time. I stopped coloring and blow drying my hair which greatly reduced ongoing damage / dryness. I use all-natural Aveda products (including shampoo & conditioner and leave-in conditioner that you put on afterward) which are helpful. After my hair dries, I also use tiny amounts of Jojoba Oil smoothed over and through my hair to reduce frizz and provide a little shine, which works great (use very sparingly and rub evenly onto your hands, then run those over/through hair). Overall I found these small steps to reduce damage and use gentle natural products have helped. Here’s a photo of what I use. Best of luck!

Bottles of hair products

[love2golfwell in reply to LDR1]

Thank you for recommending these products for your hair. I also use Aveda products, although I have not tried the botanical repair. Definitely going to ask about that next time I go in. I have also heard that Jojoba Oil or Argon Oil are good to use.

[SushiLife in reply to LDR1]

Yes thank you for the product recommendations. I will try the jojoba oil and I’ve been told lavender oil helps as well. The photos help too. Best to you!

[Sharon0122]

I’m on the same drugs. My hair was always so thick I had enough for three people. No I’m loosing in on both sides of my crown from my bangs to about two inches and it’s thinning and also seems to stop growing. I’ve been on the drugs for nine months. Im thinking of a wig. I also have gotten a colick on each side where I’m loosing my hair so it looks not so good to say. Maybe shaving it and a wig is the best idea? Bless you and good luck!

[SushiLife in reply to Sharon0122]

now you mention it I’ve developed a colick too! Isn’t this journey crazy?! I’m embracing it, trying to laugh at the strange things that come up and sometimes I know it’s ok to just cry a bit and then pick up and keep going. So thankful we’re all here to talk about it and live and fight. Best to you!

[love2golfwell]

I struggle with the hair issue, too, but am also doing well otherwise. I had very thick hair and it has been reduced to about half the volume. I keep it very short and my hair stylist knows about my dilemma so she tries to cut my hair in a way that is flattering and makes it look like more volume. I do still get it colored but go about 9 or 10 weeks between as my hair does not grow that fast. I also use Aveda shampoo and conditioner which are supposed to be more natural. I have been on the Ibrance/Letrozole combo for almost 2 years but the shedding has decreased and I feel a little better about my hair. I also bought 2 wigs to wear when I go out, even if it is just to the doctors. It makes me feel pretty and I have had lots of compliments on my hair when I. wear them. One is a synthetic and reasonable pixie cut wig through Wigs.com and one is human hair and a bit longer. It makes me sad when I look at old pictures and see how thick and cute my hair was, but I try to focus on the fact that the medicines seem to be working to keep me stable. Best wishes to you. Stay strong. Sending hugs.

[SushiLife in reply to love2golfwell]

I have thought about wigs as well and great to hear your positive experience with them. My shedding tapered off after about 2 years but has recently really ramped up. I’ve use Olaplex and Aveda as well. Thanks for your encouragement and best to you!

[morty87]

Stick it out - I've had the same problem. I've been on Ibrance/Letrozole for nearly 5 years with excellent results. Initially I had hair issues - frizziness, thinning of hair, pine straw texture etc. Over the past several years, it has improved. I also stopped coloring my hair (I have new Covid hair!) I'm sure the hair issue is a variety of things, but I will say it will likely improve. I had Covid in May and was taken off Ibrance for 2 months. I am going through the same process I did 5 years ago with my hair, but I'm seeing a quicker "bounceback" this time. I do switch up hair products, don't style with a brush, maintain 5 week haircuts and keep my hands out of my hair once it is styled. My hair is short and grows fast. Good luck to you.

[SushiLife in reply to morty87]

Thanks so much for the encouragement! Hadn’t thought about Covid effecting it as well; I went through that in May. Best to you as well!

[Lakincaid]

I am having similar issues too. Lost a lot of hair in my temple area and the shed I pick up daily off of my bathroom floor is quite disturbing. I asked my onc about rogaine and he just said I need to see my dermatologist. I’m going to follow up with her and see if she has any other ideas. Sorry I don’t have any answers but just know I feel your pain. The ladies on here are wonderful and have provided some great product suggestions. Best of luck ❤️

[Shafight]

I understand. I feel guilty complaining about my hair when that is minor in this journey. I hate to touch my thin hair. It made me feel better going to my 50th college reunion. Lots of the women had thinning hair and not from cancer treatment. Part of it is aging.