Medically Related  I  Chemotherapy Q&A
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Hair loss is often an unavoidable side effect with chemotherapy treatment. Here are answers to some of the most commonly asked questions.

Q: Why do people lose their hair?
A: While not all chemotherapy results in hair loss, many women do lose some or all of their hair in 10-14 days after their first chemotherapy treatment. The reason for this is that the chemicals used to combat cancer cells also weaken hair follicles, inhibiting hair growth. It is important to know that most hair loss is not permanent and that the hair usually grows back after the treatment ends. The rate of hair loss can vary from person to person. Some women lose their hair gradually, while others lose it all at once. When and how much hair will be lost is somewhat predictable based on the type of chemotherapy administered.

Q: What can I do prior to my treatment to decide how I will manage without hair?
A: Prior to your treatment, you should spend some time becoming familiar with your options. For many women, a cranial prosthesis (custom wig) is the way they are most comfortable in responding to hair loss. Other options are available with hats, turbans, and scarves. There is no "right" option-just whatever makes you feel the most comfortable. The earlier you begin thinking about what you would like to do, the smoother your transition will be.

Q: Where do I look for help?
A: Visit a hair replacement specialist like Allusions. Call ahead and make an appointment. Allusions offers free consultations to help you make an informed decision about which option will be best for you. We offer a full range of human and synthetic hair prostheses (wigs), as well as a large selection of hats, turbans, and scarves to fit your special needs. All of our consultations are in a private room, and take about one hour. Visit our website to view an impressive photo gallery of "before" and "after" pictures of actual clients. Allusions specializes in replicating our clients pre-chemotherapy appearance through our extensive custom approach to hair replacement.

Q: What should I expect during the consultation?
A: Our experienced staff at Allusions will walk you through all of your options. It is important for us to see how you wear your hair, what your natural color is and what you feel is the best choice. Your life style is also important in making the right decision; some of the hair prostheses can be "attached" with a medical grade adhesive allowing you to never go without hair. Many women bring a friend to give them support and help with the decision making process. In order to make the transition from your own hair into a hairpiece less detectable, we recommend that you only cut your hair prior to the loss if you prefer to change your style. Allusions can style the hair any way you prefer.

Q: Should I cut my hair right away?
A: It is not necessary for you to cut your hair before your treatment. Allusions hair prosthesis is so natural, that it can be styled very similar to your own hair. Allusions will also give a complimentary hair cut when you are ready. We try to have your hairpiece prepared as close to your desired look as possible before your hair loss, so that after we cut your hair, you will be ready to start wearing your hair prosthesis and not have a big transition.

Q: Will insurance cover any expenses of my hair prosthesis (wig)?
A: You will need to call your insurance company and ask them what they will cover for a "cranial prosthesis" due to medical hair loss as well as determining the procedures for submitting a claim. At Allusions, we have the patient pay us for their hair prosthesis and we will submit all of the insurance paperwork for you. Any amount that the insurance covers will be sent directly to you, the patient.

Q: Will my head be sensitive after my hair falls out?
A: Your head will be tender and sometimes sensitive after your hair releases. Without the insulating factor of hair, you will lose body heat through your scalp at a faster rate. Use sunscreen anytime your head is exposed to the sun. It is also a good idea to keep a scarf or hairpiece on your head to keep you from losing body heat. Take extra special care of your scalp during this time. We recommend special gentle shampoos and conditioners to keep your scalp from being irritated.

Q: When will my hair grow back?
A: You will start seeing hair growth 4-6 weeks after your last treatment. It may take from six months to a year for your hair to grow back completely. At first, it will grow back finer and more fragile than your hair was prior to treatment, sometimes even in a different color, such as white or gray. In time, both hair color and texture may return to normal. Hair normally grows at a rate of about ½ inches a month. To help stimulate re-growth, we recommend special shampoos that will help the process.

Other special tips:
Spend time getting comfortable in your new hairpiece or headwear. Start by wearing it around the house. You will be surprised how supportive everyone will be. As soon as you are comfortable, so will everyone else be.

There are many resources available to you today that will help get you through this difficult time, including support groups where you can talk to other people who are also undergoing treatment. Seek out professional assistance, as well as friends and family, to help you maintain your strength and positive attitude. Maintaining your appearance is critical to your self-confidence and can affect both how good you feel and how easily you interact with others.

Allusions is devoted to meeting the needs of people experiencing hair loss due to chemotherapy treatments. Our experienced staff will guide you and assist you throughout your treatment. Call us today to set-up your free consultation. Discover why so many women have already chosen Allusions for their hair replacement needs.