How to care for your hair and scalp with cancer?
The adverse effects of cancer treatments on the hair and scalp vary from one treatment to another. Hair loss is not systematic but is common during chemotherapy treatments. The hair may also be weakened, and its texture altered by other types of treatments. There are solutions for this difficult stage. A few simple tricks can help to limit the negative effects on the scalp and hair and stimulate healthy regrowth.
5 simple daily rituals
Take
care of yourself
Why?
- To make it through the treatment period more serenely
- To continue taking care of yourself, which is important for your self-image and morale
How?
See a socio-esthetician specifically trained to give advice and help you reclaim your body and self-image
Treat
your hair gently
Why?
To avoir further damage
How?
- Use a mild shampoo formulated for fragile hair from the beginning of your treatment. You can use an anti-hair loss shampoo to encourage regrowth.
- Avoid hairdryers, straightening and curling irons, dyes, perms and curlers, etc.
- Limit braiding and use of hair accessories that can damage hair (barrettes, clips, elastics, etc.)
Nourish and hydrate
the scalp
Why?
- To protect exposed scalp from external damaging factors (pollution, cold, wind, etc.)
- To soothe itching caused by the adverse effects of treatment and/or by wearing wigs, turbans or scarves
How?
- Use a mild, soap-free cleanser
- Apply a suitable emollient daily after showering, like that used on the face
Massage
the scalp
Why?
- To relax. Scalp massages have a relaxing effect, whether you’re losing your hair or not
- To stimulate hair regrowth
How?
Gently massage the entire scalp daily with the fingertips
Protect your skin
from the sun
Why?
To protect exposed scalp from the harmful effects of the sun
The scalp is no longer protected by hair, and can also be weakened by the treatment or by wearing a wigHow?
Apply sun protection when bareheaded or wear a hat or scarf when exposed
Cleanse
with a mild cleanser and pat dry. You don’t need to use a shampoo, a face cleansing product is more suitable.
Use skin care
during treatment, for example a massage oil developed specifically for skin weakened by cancer treatments or a nourishing vegetable oil (such as sweet almond oil, argan oil, shea butter, castor oil, etc.).
1 month after stopping treatment, you can use an anti-hair loss lotion for the massage.
Massage
gently with the fingertips in slow circular motions on the top of the head, then on the temples and behind the ears. Finish by pressing gently on the nape.
How to combat hair loss caused by cancer treatment?
Gently cleanse during the treatment phase with an anti-hair loss shampoo or a mild shampoo
Discuss the benefits of using a cooling helmet to limit hair loss with your medical team
Choose alternative hairstyles best suited to your lifestyle and expectations while waiting for hair to grow back (natural, scarf, turban, hair complement, wig, hat, cap, etc.)
Stimulate regrowth by massaging an anti-hair loss lotion into the scalp after completing your treatment. You can combine this with a dietary supplement to receive the nutrients necessary for healthy hair growth.
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