Some lung cancer treatments can result in side effects that are emotionally difficult to manage, such as hair loss. It is completely normal to feel upset about losing your hair. A change in appearance like this can feel like the first outward sign of sickness and can be hard to handle on top of the other challenges you face.
There are steps you can take to help ease the emotional burden of hair loss. Patients in our community offers tip to cope and manage hair loss. Some even found empowerment through taking control of their loss.
Avoid Appearance Changes with Wigs
Wigs come in a variety of styles, colors, and textures. Find one that matches your current hair color and style before you even begin to lose your hair to avoid appearance changes. If you’d like to match your natural hair color, it’s best to go shopping while you still have hair so you can match the wig to your current color.
Some patients also use this opportunity to try new hair colors and styles. One even alternated between a blonde wig and a brunette wig to “mix it up.” Trying a completely new hairdo that you couldn’t have with your natural hair can be a silver lining of hair loss.
A survivor’s experience: “I lost most of my hair on the top and the rest got really thin. I got a wig and it looks great; I call her Wendy. A lot friends don’t realize it’s a wig and think my hair just looks amazing. My hair is no longer falling out and feels thicker, but it’s slow growth, so I still enjoy Wendy.”
Note: Some insurance might cover the cost of wigs; be sure to ask about “cranial prosthesis.”
Rock the Bald
While it might take some getting used to, shaving your head can be one of the easiest ways to manage and even get ahead of hair loss. As one survivor in our community said, bald is nothing to be ashamed of it; she sees it as a badge of courage and sign of tenacity for what you have lived through.
If you do opt to shave your head, be sure to use an electric shaver to avoid nicks on your scalp.
A survivor’s experience: “My first time in treatment, I wore a wig or hats. The next time, it was summer in Louisiana and the wig was uncomfortable. I decided to just rock the bald head. It was the right decision. I had some wonderful conversations with folks sharing their experiences. Strangers offered prayers and good wishes. It was a really positive experience that often gave me a boost when I most needed it.”
Try Headwear
Headwear like hats, bandanas, and scarfs can work double duty for you. First, headwear is versatile; you can wear something cute one day, sensible the next, striking the third; you can really let you personality shine with your choice of headwear.
Second, headwear protects your scalp from the elements. In the summer, headwear can help protect your skin from sun and heat, and in the winter, it can keep your skin warm. Some patients report sensitivity in their scalp after losing their hair and find headwear like scarfs softer and gentler on their skin.
A survivor’s experience: “I started wearing cute hats and actually loved it. It was kind of liberating; I felt in control of the situation instead of cancer.”
Use Your Hair Loss for Good
Your loss can be someone’s gain. If you expect to lose your hair as a result of your cancer treatment, make the most of it by donating your hair before it begins to thin or fall out. Someone in need will be grateful to have the wig your donated hair creates.
A survivor’s experience: “I was NEVER going to let cancer take anything from me. I had hair to my waist. I cut it to my shoulders and donated it to Wigs for Kids. One week later, I went pixie. One week after that, I shaved it. I hated it, but I did it. Cancer met its match with me!”
Focus on the Benefits of Hair Loss
Hair loss is a harsh reality of several cancer treatments. However, some patients and survivors found it helpful to focus on the treatment aspect of the hair loss; to some, hair loss became associated with tumor shrinkage. If their cancer wasn’t being treated, they might still have their hair, but the cancer could be growing.
A survivor’s experience: “It was very unnerving to see my balding self, but I also got better scans because of it…I am thankful every day for my current regimen and am able to just be my normal self.”
The good news is that this side effect is usually temporary and the hair typically begins to grow back a few months after the treatment is over. In the meantime, however you choose to manage your hair loss, be sure to protect your scalp.