Hello all,
I finished my chemo end of September 2022 and radiation end of November. My hair is growing back, however, I have chemo curls/waves and was wondering what products can I use to manage this short hair as I have never had such short hair before. Thanks.
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@rtama I've got natural curls and have had it short and long. I'm not sure how the chemo changes it (been a caregiver) but I've used hair wax and I like it. Look for it in the shampoo/conditioner section of your fave store. If you want to control the curls, look for one with maximum hold. If you want to accentuate and let them do their thing, go for light hold. You can go for gel instead, but it usually hardens, and I didn't like that. I've also used plain old coconut oil (yep, the one you cook with) but that's just for shine. Use sparingly. Try to buy the smallest amount of whatever it is you try and watch out for the smell (open it in-store to see if you like it). I've thrown out a lot over the years - it really is trial and error. Good luck!
Jen.
@rtama
Before chemo I had long thick curly hair. When it grew back in it was poker straight and then went to tiny pin curls on very short hair. I could do very little with it but to will it to grow ha. Since then it has been every texture and length. I have some wave back but certainly not the curls I had, nor can I get it to grow out longer again without getting frustrated. I ended up with a cupboard full of every kind of product you can imagine for the ever changing hair. As @JenG mentions, try to get small portions as you may only use a couple of times and move on to something else and it can get expensive. Also, check in with your hairdresser to see if they can either recommend something, or give you samples, which mine did. You can even bring your own small container and have them share a dollop or 2 with you.
It can also be fun to try a bunch of new styles as you work your way back to something close to pre-chemo.
Best of luck
Lianne
@rtama Hi. sounds like I am at the same stage with hair issues. Finished my last treatment the end of October. Currently dealing with lots of curly dips and do‘s. Like the other comments I am using a curling cream and trying to go with the look. My hairdresser said the plan is to let it grow out for a couple of months and then she will even the ends on top for more texture and keep the sides trimmed. My hair had some curl and waves before but really curly now. Most people say they love the look, but I think they are just being kind. 😉
@Lianne_Moderator
thank you Lianne. I have read that products and shampoos should be paraben and sulphate free. Do you recommend going for natural products or the common household brands.
@rtama
once treatment was completed and my hair started to grow back, it too was very curly. as it grew, my hairdresser recommended blow drying it using fingers and utilize the curly hair for volume. you can rock some really great short hair do's as it grows in. keep it styled and you may just love it.
glad you're treatment is done.
@rtama
I aim to use products without parabens but that is my preference. Here is what CCS says about parabens: A few studies have suggested that parabens act like estrogen in the body, which can speed up the growth of breast cancer tumours. We need more research to understand this association better.
You can definitely find less expensive, off the shelf brands without it. Just means reading the labels a little more closely.
Lianne