Getting Your Hair Back After Chemotherapy

Breast cancer is one of the most common types of cancer among woman in the United States. Each year approximately 192,000 women are diagnosed. Depending upon which form of treatment you undergo, most patients will suffer some form of hair loss from either radiation or chemotherapy drugs. The side effects of treatment vary from case to case but for those who are affected with more comprehensive hair loss, the emotional repercussions can be profound. Our hair plays a vital role in our image and self esteem. During the treatment phase, a woman is left with few choices regarding the display of her hair loss. But what happens following the cancer treatment, when your hair begins to grow back?

Quite often, the color and texture of the new hair growth are different from your natural hair. What was once thick, straight hair may grow back in “chemo curls” that are thin and wispy. Chemo curls are a result of hair follicle roots that are still being affected by the chemotherapy drugs. This may last for several months following treatment. Generally the first new hair growth will be much finer and more fragile than your natural hair. Be patient during this time and treat your hair with tender loving care (TLC). You will want to use a shampoo that adds strength and vitality to the hair. There are also botanical treatments available which protect the follicles and extend the life of the new hair. With your doctor’s approval, adding a dietary supplement to strengthen and fortify your hair and nails will help to promote healthy hair growth. Put away the hot rollers and irons while you still have chemo curls. Use of a leave in conditioner and gentle style techniques will keep the new hair more manageable.

During the first 6 – 12 months it would be wiser to avoid any chemical hair treatments due to the fragile nature of the new hair growth. If you do want to color your hair, ask your hair care professional about natural products such as henna, semi-permanent, or vegetable based colors. Once the final traces of the chemotherapy drugs have left the system, your hair should begin to return to its natural texture and color. Be aware that in rare instances, the effects of cancer treatments can become permanent.

What ever the circumstances of your specific situation, be sure to seek out a qualified professional hair stylist to help you make the right choices when it comes to regaining your precious locks.

~ Mona Harb, Curlyologist^SM

The hair care professionals at Lofty Salon and Wellness Center are focused on giving you finest treatments available for Fine Thin Hair. We carry a complete line of products for fine thin hair and our stylists understand the nature of cutting and styling thin hair. We prefer to let our customers speak for themselves.

Lofty Testimonials:

I first visited Mona at Lofty a couple of months ago. She was introduced as someone who works with thin and fine hair, it is so nice to find someone who truly knows how to cut fine hair. She listened to what I needed and gave it to me. She has made such a difference in my hair, I have always had baby fine hair and as I have gotten older it has been more of a challenge. Mona has given me a cut that makes my hair more manageable, more attractive (fits my face and life style) and is much easier for me to work with everyday. I feel so much more confident, feeling more attractive and worry free that my hair looks good all day. Mona is truly gifted and loves what she does.

~ Thank you again Mona, Gladys

Mona Harb is truly a Fine, Thin Hair “Guru”!!! I always get a Fabulous haircut!! Every time I leave Lofty Salon, I feel like a new person. I have very fine, thin hair that has absolutely no body. Mona first cut my hair back in the 80’s and she was great then. A few years later, I moved to Pennsylvania and lost touch with her. Two years ago a friend of mine told me about Mona opening the Lofty salon. I scheduled an appointment right away. I still have family and friends in the area. I cannot express how grateful I am to have found her again after all these years. I don’t know how she does it, but you can’t even tell I have thin hair. It actually looks “Full”, and I get tons of compliments. Now I have a great excuse to come to Northern Virginia on a regular basis! Everyone thinks I’m crazy to drive 3 ½ hours for a haircut!! They just don’t understand how hard it is to find someone who is great with my type of hair! Let me also say that Mona is also one of the kindest and most genuine people I have ever had the pleasure to meet. She really cares. I’m sure you will adore her

~ Kelly from Pennsylvania

Tips for Fine Hair

• Use products that add density and volume. Consult your hairstylist for the best product for your type of hair.
  
  
• Blowdry the hair against the growth pattern and cool the roots to set the volume.
  
  
• Minimize the use of a brush. When using a brush, make sure the hair is 80% dry before you begin styling.
  
  
• Wrap the hair straight up on a brush and roll down to the roots.
  
  
• Apply heat then a blast of cool air to set the curl.
  
  
• With Fine Thin hair, less is more. Best results are achieved with a minimum of hands on styling

Think Lofty today! Lofty Salon & Wellness Center is located at 354 Maple Avenue West in Vienna, VA. Please call 703-242-0609 to schedule an appointment or visit www.loftysalon.com for Online Booking.