Among the things that we take for granted, our hair is at the top. We don’t actually realise the value of our hair until it’s gone. The luxury of having perfect hair or preventing hair loss is not available to everyone. People suffer hair loss due to various reasons such as genetic hair loss, loss with age, stress, or illness but one of the most dreadful reasons for abrupt hair loss is chemotherapy.
It has been found that hair loss is one of the most-feared side effects of Cancer. Men and women diagnosed with cancer and going through chemotherapy are highly likely to suffer hair loss. When they realise that they might survive this frightening disease but may end up losing their hair in the process, it breaks their spirit. People often feel like this hair loss will be a constant reminder of the worst days of their life or it will shout out to the world that they suffered at the hands of cancer but there is a solution for every problem.
Why does hair loss happen with Chemotherapy?
Along with the cells that cause cancer, the cells responsible for the growth of hair in your body are also affected by the medication used in chemotherapy. This medication is so powerful that it attacks the root of your hair. Chemotherapy is different for every person and the difference in dosage leads to different effects. Therefore, a patient might suffer from thinning to complete baldness including hair loss at eyelash, eyebrow, armpit, pubic, and other parts of the body.
Once chemotherapy starts, the hair loss can be very quick. You may observe clumps of hair on your pillow or in your shower drain. The hair loss may continue even after the treatment is over.
But, the treatment of such diseases is not the only area enhanced through innovation and advancement.
Reducing the impact of hair loss during Chemotherapy
During Chemotherapy, keeping your head at a cool temperature could reduce and even prevent hair loss. This works by cooling the scalp in order reduce the blood flow so it minimizes the effects that chemotherapy drugs have on your hair. The 2 main ways of doing this are through Cold Gel Caps which need to be changed every 20 – 40 minutes or through a Refrigerated Cooling System which keeps the cap cool consistently although the downside for this usually means there’s less mobility.
Unfortunately, there are certain types of cancer that this method isn’t suitable for and scalp cooling only works with certain types of chemotherapy drugs. It’s a sad reality that hair loss can not always be prevented which is why before the treatment starts you should take extra care of your hair. If possible try to avoid bleach or colour as this can weaken the hair.
Your diet and the food you eat can also play a significant role to strengthen your hair. Protein rich foods like chicken, turkey, eggs and fish can help prevent your hair from becoming dry and brittle. Vitamins and supplements like Iron and Biotin can provide nutrients that help prevent natural hair loss, while Vitamins A, C, and E are important in supporting healthy hair growth and development.
Remedy for hair loss
It is estimated that 1 in 2 people will get cancer at some stage in their life. Research shows that each year, there will be 27.5 million new cases of cancer worldwide and out of these, over 15 million people will undergo chemotherapy. A major percentage of these patients undergoing chemotherapy will suffer from hair loss although this is not always permanent and hair may regrow after treatment.
While the rapidly increasing number of cancer patients has made hair loss a common dilemma, hair loss specialists in Ireland like Enhanced Hair Studio are working tirelessly to rectify this situation as well as promote awareness in order to remove the stigma of female hair loss. We recognise the extensive treatment undergone by a cancer patient and provide non-surgical solutions in a calm, relaxing and private environment for females suffering from thinning and hair loss.
Enhanced Hair Studio isn’t like your typical salon, we operate by appointment only, offer free consultations and can even provide private treatment rooms when requested. As hair loss specialists in Belfast and Newry, we are here to provide hair solutions for people across Ireland. It’s important to consider all options and solutions available whether it’s a head scarf or the Enhanced Hair Integration System. Our Enhanced Hair Loss System acts as a bespoke mesh hair integration system which can be attached to any remaining hair or also when there is complete baldness and is unlike most products you may find in a wig shop. Our innovative Enhanced Hair Systems are all custom made from breathable materials which allow for natural regrowth and we can see the progress of this through regular maintenance. Our services also include remarkable hair toppers as well as hair extensions that can add both great length and volume to your hair. We are well stocked with a huge variety of shades in high-quality human Remy hair which allows us to provide a custom-made solution perfectly fitting with your own hair or style.
Summary
Selecting the remedy for hair loss is entirely up to you. But, a key consideration should be that you beat this dreadful disease not let hair loss stand in your way. There is lots of help and support out there for people going through cancer from organisations like Action Cancer and Macmillan.
If you’d like to know more about the products and services we provide, you can book in for a free no obligation consultation to see how we can help. For hair loss support, we are proud supporters of Alopecia UK which acts a support group for those suffering from Alopecia, Thinning Hair, Telogen Effluvium, Anagen Effluvium, Trichlomania and many more.
