Coping with hair loss

Hair loss is a deeply personal and often emotional experience that affects millions of people worldwide. Whether caused by genetics, medical conditions, or stress, the impact of losing hair can take a toll on self-esteem and confidence. However, it’s important to know that you’re not alone, and there are ways to cope with hair loss while regaining your sense of self.

This guide will walk you through understanding hair loss, managing its emotional impact, and exploring effective solutions for those in Chennai, Hyderabad, Coimbatore, and beyond. 

Many People experience hair loss as a side effect of their treatment for cancer.  Some men and women find this to be the most distressing side effect that they have, particularly because it is so visible.  Some men can also be distressed by losing their facial hair.

The way you choose to style and colour your hair is often an important part of your personal identity.  This is why hair loss can affect your self-confidence and your personal self-esteem. 

It is very important for ladies to remember even though they are having chemotherapy to remember to continue making themselves beautiful in every way that they can to improve their self-confidence.

Having helpful information and support may help to make things a little easier to cope at such an emotional time.

The information provided in our next handful of posts is aimed to help answer some of the questions you may have.

Hair loss due to chemotherapy is caused because the drugs given to help kill the cancer may also affect healthy cells, in particular cells that are dividing rapidly.  Hair loss occurs because chemotherapy temporarily damages the cells of the hair follicles in the skin and the follicles are unable to make new hair. 

Hair loss following chemotherapy is usually only temporary but nevertheless devastating for the patient.  Patients can take some comfort in the fact that when treatment has finished, the hair will start to grow back.  In a few cases the hair can start to grow back even before treatment has finished.

Although many chemotherapy drugs used in the treatment of cancer do cause hair loss, not everyone will loose their hair.  Sometimes hair can just thin rather than fall out completely.  Your doctor should be able to inform you about any possible hair loss before your treatment begins. 

If you have been told that your treatment will make all your hair fall out rather than just thin, you will be unable to prevent this from happening.  But there are alternatives to help improve the patient’s confidence like wearing a wig.

Although it is upsetting thinking about these things, knowledge of what to expect gives you a better understanding, so that when it happens it isn't such a shock.

The amount of hair that patients will lose will vary, but generally people having chemotherapy will lose all the hair on their head but some people will only have partial loss and others no loss at all.

Hair can also be lost from the eyebrows, so when it rains you won't have eyebrows to stop the rain running down your face.  But you can use a waterproof pencil to draw in eyebrows to help again with your appearance and build your confidence.  You may also loss your eyelashes, which can make your eyes feel more sensitive so try wearing sunglasses that can provide some protection. You can also use eyeliner for a better appearance.  You may also loss hair from your under arms and pubic area.  Avoid using perfumed deodorant as this can irritate the under arm.  Shaving may not be necessary but it is best avoided.

Some men may lose hair from their beards and moustaches as well as their heads and many men feel just as anxious as women about loosing their hair but if they prepare by shaving their facial hair before treatment begins to give them and their families time to come to terms with the hair loss and get use to it, it will seem less of a shock when they start their treatment.  He can also by a wig if he wishes or go with the fashion with the appearance of a shaved head. 

Hair usually starts to fall out a week or two after treatment starts.  Again ask your doctor what you can expect.

If you are going to lose your hair and want to get a wig, it may be a good idea to look at some before you start your treatment, especially if you want to match your own style and colour.  However a lot of ladies take this as an opportunity to try a completely new style and a complete colour change that they didn't have the courage to do with their own hair, this can help to give them a lift and a confidence boost.  

Anything that you can do to help yourself to have a positive attitude and will help to lift your mood will help reduce some of the trauma and aid your recovery.  Think of your treatment as a necessary temporary phase that you have to go through to kill all the cancer cells in your body so you will be able to recover.

It will help your recovery if you do everything you can to help yourself look better & you will definitely feel better. 

After your treatment your hair will begin to grow back and may be very fine at first or it may grow back curlier or even a different colour. This is normal.  It does usually return to how it was before treatment began.   Although it can vary from person to person, It will probably grow back to a full head of hair from between 3 to 6 months after your treatment has finished. 

Hair loss due to radiotherapy is caused because radiotherapy uses high-energy rays like X-rays but given in higher doses that destroy cancer cells.  The radiotherapy rays cause changes to lymphoma cells, which stops the malignant cells from dividing.  Thus the radiation can also stop hair follicle cells from dividing and making hair.

If you receive radiotherapy it is delivered to a precise area of the body.  Hair will only be lost from the area being treated.  If appropriate a hairpiece could help to give you your self-confidence back and be able to cover the hair loss, depending on where the hair loss is. 

Hair loss with radiotherapy usually occurs towards the end of the treatment and may take 6-12 months to grow back after the treatment has finished.  A few people experience permanent hair loss in the area treated but this depends on the dose of radiotherapy given.  Always ask your doctor what you should expect.

Once treatment starts try not to brush or comb your hair too hard.  If the hair is longer use a wide toothed comb to avoid pulling on the hair. Or a very soft baby brush may be more comfortable if the hair is short and the scalp is tender.

Only use gentle products like baby shampoo, as these will not cause the hair to become too dry or irritate the scalp.  Wash your hair gently using tepid water; avoid rubbing the hair dry as this will put unnecessary strain on the strands.  Try patting it dry instead.

If you are having chemotherapy avoid having any chemical treatments such as hair dyes or perms as residual chemicals may still be present in the hair strands and may react to the treatment.

Heat can cause hair to become dry and then break so avoid using heated rollers hair strengtheners, tongs or hairdryers etc. and allow the hair to dry naturally.

Do not use rubber bands in your hair or elastic bands or rollers at night, which might damage and pull on the hair.  Plaiting can also cause unnecessary strain.  If you need to tie your hair back use a soft scrunches or use a hair net or toweling turban.  A turban will also help to keep your head warm.

Hair is indeed the crowning glory for every women and therefore plays an important role in her personality and how she feels about herself within.

However, hair loss is another reality of today's life-style.

One has to learn how to manage it with the latest options on hand

Wig-O-Mania specialises in exclusively designed hair pieces for all kinds of hair loss situations -

Baldness due to Chemo

Scanty Hair - Bald Patches due to Alopecia

Hair Fall due to age or hair treatments, medicine or hormones

Wigs, closures, toppers, extensions are broad categories of products designed by us. These are made from the finest quality of Remy Human Hair that looks and fits naturally on the area. They are easy to manage, and maintenance is minimal. They do not damage the hair too. 

They are indeed AN INSTANT SOLUTION to hair problems

Connect with us at our Hair Studio for Free Consultation and demo

Continue to make yourself beautiful this will also help your loved ones.

Wigs these days come in all styles and colours and look so natural it is very difficult to actually tell if someone is wearing one.  There is no longer a stigma about wearing wigs which used to be -  but, then the products are so superior to many used years ago.  So be proud and enjoy wearing one and you will feel much better.

Wig-O-Mania: A Trusted Partner in Coping with Hair Loss

For those in Chennai, Hyderabad, and Coimbatore, Wig-O-Mania provides high-quality hair solutions that cater to both necessity wearers and fashion-conscious individuals. The brand offers:

1. Natural-Looking Wigs

Wig-O-Mania’s wigs are designed to look and feel like natural hair, helping you regain confidence.

2. Customized Solutions

Whether you need a full wig, a topper, or extensions, Wig-O-Mania provides personalized consultations to ensure the perfect fit.

3. Affordable Options

With direct manufacturing and no middlemen, Wig-O-Mania offers premium products at competitive prices.

4. Expertise and Support

Wig-O-Mania’s team is experienced in helping individuals navigate hair loss, offering compassionate guidance and expert advice.

Conclusion

Hair loss can be a difficult journey, but with the right support, resources, and mindset, you can navigate it with confidence. Whether you choose to embrace your natural beauty, experiment with wigs and hairpieces, or explore medical treatments, remember that you’re not alone.

For residents of Chennai, Hyderabad, and Coimbatore, Wig-O-Mania offers a range of solutions to help you cope with hair loss while looking and feeling your best. Visit a store or consult with their experts to find a solution tailored to your needs