This article was inspired with thanks to the attendees of the Ovacome on-line workshop ‘Hair care and scalp care during and after treatment’ held on Wednesday 8th April 2020. This blog includes product tips, recommendations and links mentioned during the session by Cancer Hair Care Clinical Director – Jasmin Julia Gupta.
When it comes to taking care of hair during and post chemotherapy there can be many questions that come up. Here at my charity Cancer Hair Care we have dedicated our expert knowledge, clinical practice and experience of thousands of women to bring to you some clear guidance and product recommendations. During a conversation with women at the above mentioned Overcome event we took some notes of key topics that commonly pop up around hair care. Why not make a cuppa and take some time to take a look at some tips and recommendations.
Firstly you are welcome to use our free Hair Loss Help at Home service to speak with one of our advisors and receive your FREE support pack.
https://www.cancerhaircare.co.uk/hair-loss-help-at-home-coronavirus-support/
New Growth
Product recommendations:
Key ingredients to look for:
Aloe Vera – Light weight cell rejuvenating properties. Ideal for new hair growth of any texture.
Coconut oil – The amazing qualities of the coconut fruit offer dry, curly, afro, colour treated and any dehydrated hair optimum moisture. As well as using it in hair treatments, conditioners, and styling products you can drink coconut water to help internally hydrate your hair and scalp.
Video: Hydrate Dry Hair Using Coconut
Rosemary – Rosemary is great ingredient to help with new hair growth due to its stimulating abilities. Also good for circulation as the hair follicle needs the blood supply to promote growth. As an essential oil it needs to be diluted so added to water.
Video: Benefits of Rosemary for Hair Growth and Irritable Scalps https://youtu.be/yzuLUp2FqV0
Rosemary shampoo & conditioner – Faith in Nature- For normal/oily hair
– https://www.faithinnature.co.uk/
Irritated scalp shampoo & conditioner – Green People – Oily/itchy
https://www.greenpeople.co.uk/
Volumizing Rosemary Shampoo & conditioner – Avalon Organics
https://www.avalonorganics.com
Take a look at our extensive website for more in-depth information about New Hair Growth.
https://www.cancerhaircare.co.uk/new-hair-growth/
Colouring
During treatment it is advisable to avoid colouring your hair during this time if possible. However temporary colours (ones that can be washed out with one wash) can be used to help disguise any grey hairs or regrowths and don’t have a detrimental affect on your hair.
L’Oreal have a root touch up spray and also a hair mascara. Below are some recommendations from our experts and panel:
L’Oreal Magic Retouch Instant Grey Root Touch Up 75ml. A temporary spray product to blend in roots. Available on-line and at chemists and supermarkets across the UK. Available in 8 shades.
L’Oreal Magic Retouch Precision Instant Grey Concealer Brush. A mascara style of product to blend in grey/white roots. Available on-line and at chemists and supermarkets across the UK. Available in 8 shades.
Post treatment it is possible to consider a more permanent colour choice as long as you follow our check list:
- You have at least 1 inch of hair growth
- Your hair growth is stable, meaning that you are not still shedding hair
- Your scalp is in a healthy condition
- You perform the manufacturers sensitivity test
The following brands have colour products with a higher level of natural or organic ingredients. However you should still carry out a sensitivity test.
Naturtint
HerbalTint
Tints of Nature
All three companies can provide consultations to help you make your colour selection.
For more colour ideas take a look at our in-depth website:
https://www.cancerhaircare.co.uk/colouring-new-hair-growth/
Styling & scalp care tips:
Hair mousse is a good product to use once your hair is long enough to style. The ingredients, which are often activated by heat, will protect your hair from the heat of a hairdryer and help prevent static.
Hair straighteners should be used on a lower heat and a heat protection product used prior to use.
Thinning Hair
Hair fibres are a temporary product which can be used to blend existing hair with the exposed scalp area.
Nanogen is a brand that make hair fibres, in different hair shades that will intermingle with your hair and set with a fixing spray. They are easily washed out of the hair and scalp.
Eyelashes
Eyelure make a large variety of false eyelashes to suit everyone’s needs. They have natural, volume and various other longer lengths and styles. They are easily removable and reusable up to 6 times. All packs come with a clear adhesive but you can also purchase a black adhesive which will give you the look of an eyeliner. This adhesive is very gentle for the the delicate eyelid area.
Video: Hair loss How to put on natural looking fake eyelashes
Sun Protection
Boots sun-care range Soltan make a small sized Head and Neck sun protection spray. Designed for low density or hair free areas. It is a light non oily, easily absorbed spray.
Nutrition
Healthy eating is important for your general health as well as new hair growth. A good breakfast, daylight and keeping hydrated are all beneficial. You might like to try Coconut water it has electrolytes to help you keep hydrated.
Biotin, zinc and other supplements are all helpful and can be continued after your hair has started to grow. Holland and Barrett have their own range which are equally as good as some of the more expensive brands.
Holland & Barrett Skin Hair and Nails Formula 60 Caplets
For more in-depth information and support call us for a one to one consultation with one of our experienced Cancer Hair Care Specialists and Clinical Experts. For information about how we gather our sources and recommendations please see below:
https://www.cancerhaircare.co.uk/how-we-compile-our-information-and-sources-used/
Warm regards to everyone who attended and thanks to the team at Ovacome.
Ovacome is the national UK ovarian cancer charity focused on providing support to anyone affected by ovarian cancer. This includes women who have either been diagnosed with the disease or think that they might be at risk, as well as their friends and family and healthcare professionals.