Preventing Hair Loss During a Cancer Journey
- Catherine, the Princess of Wales, otherwise known as Kate Middleton, 42, was recently photographed in Southport, England, showing off her glamorous long hair and looking more confident than ever—following the chemotherapy treatment she underwent in her cancer battle.
- Middleton first announced earlier this year that an abdominal surgery she underwent in March ultimately revealed that cancer “had been present,” in her body, however, she has not yet specified the exact type of cancer she was diagnosed with.
- Chemotherapy, like Middleton underwent, and radiation therapy can cause hair loss. It usually begins about three to four weeks after chemotherapy and continues throughout treatment. Most people can expect regrowth four to six weeks after treatment.
- In addition to not knowing what type of cancer she battled, it’s also unclear what Middleton has done to preserve her hair, understand that if losing your hair is a concern for you before cancer treatment, know you have options like wigs, hats, wraps, and scarves, among other things, to maintain your self-esteem.
- If patients are concerned about hair loss from treatment, they can talk to their doctor about scalp-cooling caps, wigs or head coverings, or other methods that may help. Scalp-cooling devices constrict the blood flow to the scalp; the caps limit the amount of circulating chemotherapy that reaches the hair follicles, protecting them from some of the chemo’s damaging effects.
Middleton and her husband Prince William visited the British town on Oct. 10, to pay tribute to children who were killed in a mass stabbing over the summer—the event marking her first work event after concluding cancer treatment.
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The Sun’s Fabulous Magazine spoke with Celebrity Hair Stylist Katie Allan about her incredible locks, in response to her new longer-than normal hairdo. Allan told the news outlet, “Kate Middleton is known for its glossy, voluminous look, and recently it seems longer than it’s been in a while.
“Her hair is typically styled in a soft wave or bouncy blowouts, accentuating her hair’s natural shine and health.”
Additionally, Majesty Magazine’s Editor-in-chief Ingrid Seward told Fabulous, “I think it looked longer and very carefully curled, which is very much the look of the moment.
“This long, thick, curling hair isn’t something you can just walk out of the house with; it requires a lot of rollers, blow drying, and styling.”
Regardless of whether Middleton woke up with her hair like that or put in some effort to achieve her gorgeous hairstyle, it’s important to remember that hair loss is often a side effect of chemotherapy, and it is certainly, at time, most difficult to experience.
Luckily, it seems Middleton hasn’t endured such a loss of hair. However, it’s still unclear the exact type of chemotherapy she underwent and if she did anything to prevent hair loss, and various ways to preserve one’s hair amid treatment do exist.
Middleton’s recent appearance comes about a month after it was revealed on social media via the Kensington Palace that she finished up chemotherapy.
The Instagram post, which featured a lovely video of Middleton and her family, caption, reads, “A message from Catherine, The Princess of Wales. As the summer comes to an end, I cannot tell you what a relief it is to have finally completed my chemotherapy treatment.
“The last nine months have been incredibly tough for us as a family. Life as you know it can change in an instant and we have had to find a way to navigate the stormy waters and road unknown. The cancer journey is complex, scary and unpredictable for everyone, especially those closest to you.”
She continued, “With humility, it also brings you face to face with your own vulnerabilities in a way you have never considered before, and with that, a new perspective on everything.
“This time has above all reminded William and me to reflect and be grateful for the simple yet important things in life, which so many of us often take for granted. Of simply loving and being loved.”
Middleton is now doing whatever she can to remain “cancer free”
“Although I have finished chemotherapy, my path to healing and full recovery is long and I must continue to take each day as it comes. I am however looking forward to being back at work and undertaking a few more public engagements in the coming months when I can,” she explained.
“Despite all that has gone before I enter this new phase of recovery with a renewed sense of hope and appreciation of life. William and I are so grateful for the support we have received and have drawn great strength from all those who are helping us at this time. Everyone’s kindness, empathy and compassion has been truly humbling.”
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Middle ton concluded, “To all those who are continuing their own cancer journey – I remain with you, side by side, hand in hand. Out of darkness, can come light so let that light shine bright.”
Hair Loss Amid Cancer
Losing hair or thinning hair while undergoing chemotherapy is a common side effect. And while hair loss is not a medically significant or dangerous side effect of chemotherapy, for many women it can be a blow to their self-esteem.
“It can have implications about how they feel about themselves,” says Dr. Renata Urban, a gynecologic oncologist at the University of Washington in Seattle.
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Hair loss during treatment occurs due to the drugs targeting quickly dividing cells throughout the body. Both cancer cells and hair cells fall into this category. Women may also lose their eyebrows and eyelashes, too. All of this hair loss can have a big effect on your self-esteem.
For most cancer patients, the hair will start growing back shortly after treatment, and in the meantime, some cancer patients choose to embrace their new look.
While hair loss can be very difficult to deal with, many women eventually consider it an empowering part of their cancer fight. Thinking of hair loss as a temporary setback rather than a permanent problem can help some women, and men, make peace with it.
SurvivorNet has tips and resources for anyone facing this side effect and struggling to manage it.
“For cancer patients, losing one’s hair can be unbelievably stressful. To start with, the dread of losing one’s hair can lead to some sleepless nights and feelings of anxiety,” Dr. Samantha Boardman, a New York-based psychiatrist and author, told SurvivorNet.
Managing Hair Loss During Cancer treatment
- If You’re Looking For Ways To Deal With Hair Loss During Cancer, You’re Not Alone
- Preventing Hair Loss During Chemotherapy: Scalp-Cooling Devices
- How to Slow Hair Loss During Chemotherapy for Ovarian Cancer
- Chemotherapy Side Effects – Hair Loss
- Living With Cancer: Coping With Hair Loss & the Anxiety it Brings
- Not Your Parents’ Chemotherapy: New Solutions for Nausea, Hair Loss, and Other Chemo Side Effects During Ovarian Cancer Treatment
Chemotherapy can cause hair loss. It usually begins about three to four weeks after chemotherapy and continues throughout treatment.
Radiation is another treatment that can lead to hair loss if the hair is in the path of the tumor being treated. For example, radiation for a brain tumor may cause hair loss on the head.
“If you do lose hair, it will regrow several weeks or months after treatment,” radiation oncologist at GensisCare Dr. James Taylor previously told SurvivorNet.
“Fortunately, for most patients, hair loss is not a concern when having radiation therapy.”
WATCH: Hair Loss During Chemo
Most patients can expect regrowth four to six weeks after treatment. However, it is possible when your hair grows back, you may notice some changes in its color and texture.
Dr. Boardman suggests connecting with others experiencing cancer treatment like yours and asking them for first-hand advice.
“Talk to people who have been through it, get their advice, voice your concerns to your caregiver, and see what they can do,” Dr. Boardman added.
If losing your hair is a concern for you before cancer treatment, know you have options like wigs, hats, wraps, and more.
Understanding Scalp Cooling Devices
Some people choose to wear a cold cap during infusion to help protect their hair follicles. Scalp-cooling devices have been approved by the FDA recently, first for breast cancer and then several other cancers.
That means wearing cold caps or special cooling caps before, during, and after each chemotherapy treatment.
The caps, which are tightly fitting and strap-on helmet-style, are filled with a gel coolant that’s chilled to between -15 to -40 degrees Fahrenheit.
WATCH: What is a scalp-cooling device?
Essentially, the caps “cause vasoconstriction, or a narrowing of the blood vessels bringing blood to the scalp,” Dr. Renata Urban, gynecologic oncologist at the University of Washington, explains.
By constricting the blood flow to the scalp, the caps limit the circulating chemotherapy that reaches the hair follicles, protecting them from some of the chemo’s damaging effects.
The cold also decreases the activity of the hair follicles, which slows down cell division and makes the follicles less affected by the chemotherapy medicine.
Dr. Julie Nangia, a medical oncologist at Baylor College of Medicine and a lead author on one of the major studies of the device, says 50% of women were able to keep their hair after four rounds of chemotherapy, and added: “Without the devices, 100% of patients lost their hair.”
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There have been some safety questions when it comes to scalp-cooling, but Dr. Nangia says that when given to people with solid tumors (like breast, ovarian, colon, and lung cancer), the devices are safe.
Choose a Wig or Other Head Covering
Some women choose to cut their hair very short or even shave their head before their hair starts falling out, and then buy a wig or other type of head covering.
If you’re thinking about buying a wig, consider buying it before your treatment starts, or soon after. Cancer.org suggests asking if the wig can be adjusted as you might need a smaller size as you lose hair. To match your hair color, they recommend cutting a swatch from the top front of your head, where your hair is lightest or try a completely new hairstyle or color.
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Wigs and other scalp coverings may be partially or fully covered by your health insurance. If so, make sure the prescription says “cranial prosthesis.” (Don’t use the word wig.) Someone on your cancer care team can likely recommend wig shops in your area.
Hair Loss Is Temporary
Losing your hair can feel overwhelming in the moment. Experts tell SurvivorNet that being aware of the timing can help you better cope. Hair loss typically begins about three to four weeks after you begin chemotherapy for ovarian cancer and will continue throughout treatment. Most women can expect regrowth around four to six weeks after they complete treatment, though you may see some changes to color and texture.
But it’s important to remember that your hair will grow back after chemotherapy ends.
Coping With Chemo-Related Hair Loss
Questions to Ask Your Doctor
If you’re going through cancer treatment and experiencing hair loss, here are some questions you may consider asking your doctor:
- Are there any treatments to help manage or minimize my hair loss?
- What are scalp-cooling devices, and how do they work?
- Do you recommend scalp-cooling devices?
- What other options are available to help me cope with hair loss?
- Can you recommend a wig maker?
- I’m struggling mentally with my hair loss; can you recommend a therapist to talk to?
- How can I find a local support group with people going through similar things?
How Ovarian Cancer Survivor Teri Chow’s Wig (& Humor) Helped Her Cope With Hair Loss
Contributing: SurvivorNet Staff
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