Going through chemotherapy treatment to cure cancer is a very hard process physically and emotionally. Our body changes and we feel weak to do things and to cope psychologically with the disease. Hair recovery is one of the aspects that can help the most to start the process of overcoming the situation, that is why we are going to talk about hair treatments that favour its care and regeneration.

Before chemotherapy treatment, your doctors will have informed you of the physical (tiredness, dizziness, vomiting and hair loss) and psychological (sadness, fear) repercussions you may experience and told you that these effects may be different depending on the individual, their previous health and the type of chemotherapy treatment being given.

When your chemotherapy treatment is over you will be looking forward to seeing your hair looking healthy and beautiful again.

Based on the recommendations of the Spanish Association Against Cancer (AECC) a period of about one and a half months should be allowed to elapse before deeper treatments can be used. for the skin. In addition, it is recommended to start treating the scalp and incipient hair with products that give it vigour and strength.
 

Precautions before starting hair treatments

The excitement of seeing your hair start to grow back should not stop you from taking a series of precautions to make your hair grow stronger and more evenly. The first thing you need to do is shave off the initial fuzz that grows on your head, so that your hair grows evenly and more strongly. The products to be used during this growth stage should be as gentle as possible so as not to damage this sensitive area of skin and allow the hair to grow. The un sulphate-free shampoo is made with natural and non-toxic elements, it is ideal for when the scalp is sensitive and you are looking for a product that is pleasant to use.

It is important that you adapt to the new image you will have, your hair may be different from the way it was. It may be curlier, thicker or become darker, for example.

If you have been wearing a hairpiece you will have to adapt it to the new situation so that it does not affect the new hair that is being born and remove it more often. If you have chosen not to wear a wig, remember that the skin on your head is not used to the sun so you will need to protect it with treatments and a scarf. There are specific scarves for cancer patients that allow for perspiration and to which hair can be sewn to simulate hair under the scarf.

In any case, you should always facilitate scalp perspiration and give yourself massages to stimulate circulation in the head.

What do I do to get my hair back after chemotherapy?

Generally, hair grows back 30 days after the end of the last chemotherapy cycle. The hair is usually fully regained, unless you have received chemotherapy treatment on your head. In these cases, the hair may not appear or it may take about six months.

To help hair grow healthily after chemotherapy, you can follow these steps recommendations:

  • Use a very mild shampoo and wash your hair with lukewarm water.
  • Do not use a hairdryer, dry excess moisture from the hair with a towel. and leave to air dry.
  • Choose soft brushes to brush you.
  • Get your hair cut in a way that you feel comfortable with.
  • Use moisturising and regenerating products as the Argan and Keratin shampoo its composition with a base of vitamin E with important capacities that will help your hair to regenerate strongly, achieving an appearance of vitality and shine over time. Go to a specialised centre to get advice for the different stages of hair growth and apply the specific treatment that is most appropriate.
  • Avoid prolonged exposure of the hair to the sun or cold.

Generally, healthy hair grows by one to two centimetres every monthbut after chemotherapy, hair growth may be slower until it returns to the way it was before cancer treatment. In addition to hair treatments, there are other things that can be done to strengthen hair, such as proper nutrition with advice on how to follow a healthy diet. healthy hair diet.

As mentioned above, moisturising and regenerating products are advisable, and as far as anti-hair loss products are concerned, it is necessary to be careful The use of these products is not recommended because they tend to contain aggressive chemicals that could damage your scalp, which will be very sensitive after chemotherapy.

In the event that you wish to dye your hair because you have grey hair or it has appeared with chemotherapy, you should look closely at your scalp to see if it is dry or irritated. It usually takes four to five months for your scalp to fully regenerate. When colouring after this time, use gentle products that protect your hair.

In any case, it is always advisable to consult your doctor if you have any questions about your hair care. and be patient to get your hair back after chemotherapy. With a little time you will surely have a beautiful mane again or maybe you feel more beautiful and fresh with short hair.