Handling Hair Loss
One of the well-known side effects of chemotherapy is hair loss. For some, losing their hair during treatment is barely an inconvenience. But for most kids, it’s a physical and emotional challenge.
While nothing can fully prepare you or your child for their experience, these are some of the frequently asked questions about hair loss and resources for dealing with it.
When does hair loss start?
Some kids don’t lose their hair from chemotherapy. But if it does happen, it usually begins within 2-3 weeks of starting treatment.
Usually, the hair loss is gradual. Only a few people experience sudden hair loss.
It’s important to prepare your child for the fact that if their hair does fall out, it will likely be all of it. That includes all body hair, like eyebrows, eyelashes, and leg hair.
But the hair grows back, right?
Almost always, hair grows back after stopping chemotherapy. Some kids are surprised to find out that it may grow back a different color or texture.
Most of the time, within a year of stopping chemo, your child’s hair has resumed growing at its normal rate.
Should we just shave it off?
Because the hair loss is gradual, for some people, dealing with a little bit of hair here and there is emotionally draining. They would prefer to have it all gone at once.
In those instances, shaving does make sense. But we encourage you to get it shaved professionally and take measures to prevent minor cuts. This helps with comfort and also prevents infection.
Wigs, Hats, & Scarves
For many kids, having some kind of head covering helps them deal with losing their hair. In addition to letting children control their self-image, they also offer benefits like protection from the sun, cold, and rain. This can help kids have a better overall sense of well-being.
Because it’s so important, many organizations offer services and support for children dealing with pediatric cancer-related hair loss.
If your child feels a hat or wig would help them, there are resources available specifically for them. You can reach out directly or ask your child’s social worker to help.
This program originated in Virginia, and provides free hats year-round to kids with cancer.
Provides a cap autographed by the athlete, entertainer, or other notable celebrity of your child’s choice.
Provides private in-home wig consultations for girls and women going through cancer treatment.
Provides free non-surgical hair restoration for children battling hair loss because of an illness.
Provides hats, turbans, and wigs for hair loss and cancer patients.
Partial, breathable wigs made of real hair that can be worn with caps matched to hair color, length, and texture. Financial assistance available to help with purchase.
Provides hairpieces to children younger than 18. Accepts hair donations.
Provides free wigs to children with physician referral. Shop online. Contact a social worker for details.
A nonprofit organization that provides wigs and accepts hair donations.