Tips for Hair Care During Breast Cancer Treatment

[martinaser]

Hi, I’m 60 years old and have been undergoing treatment for metastatic breast cancer for a year. I’m taking Kisqali (ribociclib) and Letrozole (hormonal therapy), and thankfully, the treatment is working well. However, for the past six months, I’ve been struggling with serious hair problems – it’s falling out a lot, and it’s weak and brittle. I know this isn’t the most important issue, and I’m truly grateful that the treatment is effective, but you know how it is... I’d like to ask if anyone has any specific tips on how to help with hair care in this situation. Thank you very much for any advice!

[Mardy72]

I'm on Ibrance and Letrozole. I live in the US and found a shampoo and conditioner by Hask it says hair and skin kidness. Tea tree oil & Rosemary. Its distributed by Inspired Beauty products Inc. New York, NY. You'll have to Google it. Its vegan. I've been using it for a year. My hair feels thicker. The shampoo comes in a brown bottle and the conditioner a green bottle.

[Yogams47 in reply to Mardy72]

Same treatment,same concern! Even purchased a wig, ( which I have yet to wear) Am using different brands of products that are “ miracles” for such issues..none are working so far.I had truly great hair, slightly curly,easy to maintain, lost about 60% of it and have no curl, no body whatsoever and it’s so thin I cannot do a thing with it. My oncologist is referring me to a dermatologist for possibly a hair grow medication. She did mention that it’s not only the Kisqali but stress of the diagnosis?.Whatever it is, I don’t like it 😩

[bikebabe]

my unruly hair since chemo and palbociclib continues to frustate. Can’t grow it so it lies flat but being short it looks a messy mess every day despite expensive cuts and products. Hope you find something that works.

[marldives in reply to bikebabe]

Hello bikebabe, Same problem, I didn`t lose my hair, it just broke off got very thin, was looking a nightmare short curly, dry and wild, I was recommended Monat products they have worked well over 12 months my hair is a lot thicker and better condition. I am on 125mg Ibrance and 1mg Anastrozole now over 2 years. I haven`t put any color in my hair for 2 years now and this summer its gone back to my childhood color of reddish honey blonde. I am in Australia but the Monat products are world wide

[bikebabe in reply to marldives]

thank you marldives - i shall look out for them - my hair is super thick but short and wild and my scalp hurts a lot - not sure why.

[Celloing53]

Hi, although I do have a different cancer, I belong to the Facebook cold capping support site which is so helpful for tips on hair care. I believe it’s called Facebook chemo cold capping support group. You initially have to ask to join which may take a few days. I did use cold capping but many people on the site are taking the same drugs as you and may be of help. Everyone on this site are extremely supportive and usual respond very quickly. Good luck. Personally, I take the pure encapsulations hair skin nail ultra supplement which helps with strengthening your hair. I would guess that supplements could help you if your oncologist approves of them. I also take a multivitamin and try to eat lots of protein and drink lots of water. I know of someone who has had success using women’s Zenagen revolver shampoo, but J haven’t used it myself yet.

[Celloing53]

The name of the Facebook group is “Chemo cold cappers support group”

[Celloing53]

I just checked my support group site and someone with same drugs as you said they took oral minoxidil and have much less shedding on it. Their oncologist prescribed it for them. They break a 2.5 mg tablet in half and take 1.25 mg per day. Apparently there’s some research for people with breast cancer taking hormone drugs that minoxidil will help your hair. Good luck!

[Lakhota]

I’m new to this site and truly appreciate the posts. It’s very much reassuring that I’m not alone. Thank you.

[SKoter]

I am having the same hair problem. I understand how you feel. It’s like add insult to injury…. I have gotten a lot of good advice here and bought myself a nice wig, just in case and I am exploring other options such as scarves, turbans, etc. I think that Olaplex shampoo and conditioner helps a little with dry and brittle hair. I also use pre-shampoo oil and massage my scalp then wash my hair. You might also want to try some supplements. To be honest, I really don’t know what works. I just know that this hair problem is very frustrating and causes a lot of stress! We already are dealing with a major health crisis and this…. Hope you will find something that works for you and please let me know your fundings!!

[Liessie]

hi , I know exactly what you mean , I have very thinning hair due to meds , Ibrance and Letrozole, I have been buying hair toppers off Amazon , they do all colours , make sure you check sizes , I customise mine , I cut the fringe , the fringe is called bangs for some reason , you can get them with or without a fringe , they are far more better than a full wig , I got Extra clips with it and sewed them in to make it more secure , I have a few of them now , I can wash and straighten them , I always have a best one for special occasions , It did take me a while to get used to them , and to get the right colour , so read the reviews first and check length , I feel lost without mine if I go out , nobody noticed I was wearing one , they do need to be washed and conditioned carefully , I don’t blow dry them , i leave them dry naturally , then spray with a hair protector, , not too much , leave a few minutes and then I straighten it , I know this sounds like a lot of work , but honestly it has made me so much more confident when I go anywhere. They are only for hair thinning and a few bald patches on the top , some hair at the back and sides of head is needed for the grips to grip onto,

[Mimiholl in reply to Liessie]

what brand hair topper do you use I looked it Amazon but too many companies

Thanks

[Liessie in reply to Mimiholl]

hi , the Topper I get is called Emmor. I get the 14 inch with a fringe , I have tried a few , but I find the Emmor is the best for me ,

[Gracieber]

Same meds, same problem. I have been taking oral minoxidil, prescribed by my oncologist. Hair is growing in and getting thicker. No more shedding.