Cooling Caps and Head Coverings Are Options
- Chemotherapy treatment for ovarian cancer commonly includes the two drugs carboplatin and paclitaxel (brand name Taxol). If your chemo regimen includes paclitaxel, it's more than likely your hair will fall out
- Cold caps and scalp cooling systems can help women keep some, or quite a bit, of their hair
- Wigs are also an option and are often covered by insurance
It's completely normal to feel upset about losing your haireven when you know that your hair will usually grow back after treatment stops. In the meantime, there are steps you can take to make the experience less distressing.
Read More"This has been shown to reduce hair loss by 50 percent," Dr. Urban says. "I do try to let patients know it’s not a 100 percent prevention strategy, and it’s not been studied in all hair types, but it is at least an available strategy for patients to try."
Keep in mind, though, that it does take commitment to tolerate the cold. Some women find the caps give them a headache. And they can make you really chilled, so if you want to tough it out, dress warmly and bring blankets.
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 lightestor try a completely new hairstyle or color.
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 a 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.
Learn more about SurvivorNet's rigorous medical review process.
