Chemotherapy / Radiation Q & A

Battling any illness can be tough, especially when you are faced with cancer.  One thing that is common for people undergoing treatment for cancer (generally called radiation or chemotherapy) is hair loss. While some of the newer, more targeted chemotherapy drugs will not affect hair, the majority do cause hair loss. Unfortunately, there’s nothing you can do to prevent it.

Most people who come to Advanced Hair solutions have questions about potential hair loss before and after their scheduled treatment. We are more than happy to spend a thorough  amount of time to not only answer your questions about chemotherapy but to put you at ease and in control regarding your hair loss. Some of the typical questions we receive about radiation treatment and hair loss are below. In the event you need additional information or have specific questions please click here to contact us.

Hair loss depends on the person, dosage of drugs, and types of drugs. For more details regarding hair loss, and your treatment, please contact your physician.

Here are a few examples of different chemotherapy drugs and how they might affect your hair, this does not cover all the chemotherapy drugs available to treat cancer, but these are just a couple common ones.

• The breast cancer drug Cytoxan (cyclophosphamide) causes hair thinning but not complete hair loss.
• Adrucil (fluorouracil) does not cause hair loss.
• Adriamycin (doxorubicin) causes hair to thin during the first three weeks of treatment, then all hair falls out.
• With Taxol (paclitaxel), there is very sudden hair loss; you will likely wake up one morning with your hair on your pillow.

Again the amount and time that hair loss will occur depends largely on the type of chemotherapy drug you are taking.  However, typically hair loss will take place 7-21 days after your first treatment. Total hair loss generally occurs in approximately 30-60 days.

Chemotherapy drugs are prescribed to stop the cancer cells. A side effect from this treatment is, cells responsible for hair health can be destroyed. These drugs are toxic to the hair shaft and root.

Typically chemotherapy and radiation treatments are temporary in nature. It is common for regrowth of hair to return to normal in 90-120 days after treatment ends.

The new regrowth of hair may vary from the hair first lost. Hair pigment, altered during your treatments may regrow white or grey or a shade not comparable to the hair lost.

Your options depend on the extent of the hair lost, however multiple options are available. Casual head wear to conceal hair loss, like scarves or caps suffice for some people. While wigs and custom non surgical hair restoration are the norm for many people facing chemotherapy treatments.

The technology of today has made “wiggy” wigs a thing of the past.  New designs and materials coupled with a carefully hand crafted product ensures a natural look and feel of beauty. Look the way you want to look abd actually enhance your self image!

Human hair wigs can be more expensive and more to maintain. Synthetic materials used in todays wigs are less costly, and easier to wash and style. A complimentary consultation is required to evaluate the best hair replacement option for your specific situation.

We measure and custom fit all of our wig products which separates us from the rest. Custom styling and fit with soft lightweight materials ensures the ultimate comfort in style and natural look and feel.

Not at all.  Wigs will not harm your scalp or interfere with hair regrowth. A wig typically makes you feel good about yourself and instills confidence about yourself and your look. It also helps maintain body heat in cold weather and prevents over exposure of your sensitive scalp to the harmful effects of the sun. It is common to where your wig until your hair has made enough recovery to style and shape.

Our wig products fit securely and comfortably. While elastic bands are the norm for securing your wig, additional attachment methods are available in the form of clips, tapes and adhesives. If this is a concern to you please discuss this subject with our specialist at your consultation.

Many factors are considered in pricing of your wig or Hair Replacement: Types of wigs (human or synthetic), Wigs/Hair Replacement design and construction and Length of hair, to name a few. In general, the cost increases with the length of hair and degree of customization. Detailed pricing will be provided at your consultation.

More and more Insurance companies are realizing that Wigs and Hair Replacement are a necessity for those individuals suffering from medical and hereditary hair loss. We will be happy to discuss what is covered by your insurance policy at your consultation.

At Advanced Hair Solutions we know that the notion of hair loss can be frightening. Scheduling an appointment early on will often result in the best out come possible. Determining your hair length, style and color in advance of your treatment will give you peace of mind and allow you to control your situation at the time of your choosing.