I first came across Cancer Hair Care in 2021 through their hair loss advisory workshops with Look Good Feel Better. I took part in one of the pilot Cancer Hair Care workshops, which are now attended by more than 100 women a month. 

I’m living with Stage IV Neuroendocrine Cancer and I’ve had surgery. Unfortunately, the metastasis has progressed, so I have recently started on targeted internal radiotherapy treatment in conjunction with hormone injections to hopefully slow it down.

I’m so glad these workshops have been so successful because the advice from Cancer Hair Care was so good. Taking their time to explain everything in detail, the charity’s advisors empowered me to then colour my hair about two months after the workshop. Now, one year later, I have recoloured it in an even more vibrant colour! 

Cancer Hair Care also gave me the confidence to use a home colour kit. The colour is a permanent ‘Vibrant Red’ and there’s no harsh smell or feel – it actually makes my hair look much healthier too!

Being able to colour my hair has made me feel ‘alive’, even when I am not feeling at my best. I also cut my hair which makes me feel sassy, confident and vibrant, just like the colour!

I have since joined Cancer Hair Care at both panel events and workshops. I support Cancer Hair Care to continue sharing their knowledge as it can empower so many people to love themselves during a difficult period. There are lots of myths and misinformation out there, but Cancer Hair Care’s team care deeply and expertly understand how to look after your hair whilst living with cancer.

How did you make a decision about cutting your hair?

My story is slightly different. My hair loss started just prior to the diagnosis of cancer. I went through a 2-3 year phase of my hair falling from the root which was deeply distressing. I had been wearing a very short hair cut for years but, when I decided to grow my hair, I uncovered an issue. A biopsy diagnosed it as Lichen Planopilaris with no cure. Alongside cancer treatment, I became very worried about how to manage my hair in the best possible way. 

I then met the most amazing Dermatologist at an NHS hospital who would not give up on me. She took me through a series of supportive consultations and medication which not only slowed the hair loss but it started to grow! I had mild thinning whilst on the hormone injections and apparently I may experience the same with the internal radiotherapy treatment. As you can see from my photos, I have coloured my hair myself and had a good cut. It was all about having the confidence to work with the hair that I have. 

What was your most challenging hair free moment?

Together with the scalp pain, seeing my hair falling out into the shower was tough. However, my mum was really supportive. I would ring her after each hair wash and share updates, especially when I had any progress.

We have a project called ‘Courage Crowns’: what was your moment of hair loss courage?

My moment of ‘hair loss courage‘ was in January 2021 during the online Cancer Hair Care workshop. It was when friendly, supportive professionals reassured me that colouring my hair was OK. I felt hopeful and really empowered to be courageous!

Jasmin’s Tips:

Colouring hair is daunting for any one who has faced hair loss. 

It’s important to spend some time considering the health of your hair and scalp and working out what shade and product will work best. 

The timing of when to colour hair can be very important – especially if, as in Cheryl’s case, you will be having ongoing treatments for cancer. 

There are many myths surrounding colouring hair. Our experts are here to help you work out the best options for you. Take a look at our Colouring Hair Guides and do please contact us for a consultation. 

You can also come along for a FREE hair loss advisory workshop. You can book by following the link below:

https://www.cancerhaircare.co.uk/live-online-workshops/

Inspiration:

Cheryl has formed a fantastic support group called ‘Cancer Creativity’. Below Cheryl tells us all about it:

“Cancer Creativity was birthed during the pandemic in 2020. Being concerned about the isolation and fears of people living with cancer, I decided to start the online group. The sessions offer exercise and mindfulness led by qualified practitioners. The sessions are free and are available to anyone who is living with cancer, in remission and/or they care or previously cared for someone with cancer (Carers need TLC too!)” 

To join the sessions please email: cancercreativitygroup@gmail.com

The post Cheryl’s hair loss story appeared first on Cancer Hair Care.

It was both daunting and overwhelming when I was trying to get to grips with what was happening to me.
Especially in terms of my cancer diagnosis and coping with the potential hair loss. My long, thick hair was such a big part of my identity.

I felt really special after my first visit to Cancer Hair Care.
They really listened to me and I walked away from my first visit feeling more confident and really supported about how to manage my hair loss. To have a charity that was so compassionate, understanding and informed about all aspects of hair loss was incredibly special.

I decided to try and minimise my hair loss through Scalp Cooling.
Cancer Hair Care had lots of great advice about how to prepare for each session and what to expect. They gave me a simple, fabric hairband to protect my forehead from the cold – although a tissue works too!

Some of my hair started falling out after my third chemo cycle.
On a salon visit, they suggested I cut my hair into a bobbed style, which would make it look neater and thicker. As my hair was washed, a giant matted knot formed with the loose hairs tangling with the remaining hair. But the team patiently combed my hair through before they could cut and style it – I would never have coped with that at home.

Cancer Hair Care means a great deal to me.
They helped me to take control by understanding the options. Their care and advice was exceptional. I was supported by the charity throughout my treatment, into recovery and my hair growing back – this time curly!

I’m honoured to have since been asked to be a Trustee.
as a charity in these challenging times and I’m looking forward to all the exciting plans we have for 2022 – and beyond

THREE QUESTIONS:

How did you make a decision about cutting your hair?
Cutting my hair was a really positive step as it was really annoying me – from my hair tickling me as it fell out to getting hairs in everyone’s food! Whilst I loved my new bob, it was a drastic haircut for me as long hair had previously been a big part of my identity.

What was your most challenging hair free moment?
I had one particular session where the longer bits of my hair were falling out and making some of the rest of it matted. When I went to Cancer Hair Care’s salon, they patiently combed my hair through and it took such a long time. I know I couldn’t have coped with that at home. At each point in my journey, Cancer Hair Care gave me confidence. This permeated into the rest of my view during my hair loss journey and how I faced the world. They helped me to be bold.

We have a project called ‘Courage Crowns’: what was your moment of hair loss courage?
I’m in a band called Punk Rock Karaoke Band and, before my diagnosis, we’d been booked to play at a festival in Derbyshire. I was really worried my hair would fall out when I was onstage. After my second chemo cycle, I still had my hair but my roots weren’t great, so I wore a scarf and still did the gig. It was amazing and I really enjoyed it. It felt like a powerful thing to do.

Jasmin’s Top Tips:

Adjusting a haircut can make a huge difference when hair starts to thin
If your hair is falling out, the next step isn’t necessarily to cut it short. Like Julie, cutting off the length into a bob or another style can be just what’s needed.

Chat with one of our team about your hair cutting options.
As Julie found, it can be so helpful to have an experienced professional hairdresser offer support. We can also chat with your hairdresser if they are unsure.

The post Julie’s hair loss story appeared first on Cancer Hair Care.

Our unique ‘topsy turvy’ dolls help children to gently understand hair loss during cancer treatment through play. 

The dolls ingeniously turn inside out, with hair on one side and no hair on the other. Each knitted dolly comes in a variety of skin colours and is supplied with little hats and scarves, or children can let their dolly be bare. 

Whether you are a Mum, an Auntie or a carer and are looking for a way to explain why you are going to lose your hair, or perhaps a young child needs to understand why they will lose their hair during treatment, these dolls are a huge benefit to help children comprehend hair loss. 

Our dollies are sent all over the UK to offer support and comfort to young children, as well as nurses; mummies; aunties; cancer support play therapists; carers; alopecia organisations and schools. 

Each doll is hygiene and safety checked and is supplied completely free of charge.

If you would like to knit for us, please email our service provider Margherita to become a Cancer Hair Care Registered Knitter and then we can send you our dolly pattern. The email address is: support@cancerhaircare.com

Thank you!

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Meet the Cancer Hair Care Specialists who will be delighted to offer you expert guidance with hair loss, scalp & hair care. Suitable for male & female – all ages, hair types & ethnicities supported

FREE Hair loss scarves, hats & accessories
FREE Wigs
FREE Funky hats
FREE Fake eyelashes
FREE Hair Care Products

11am at the Macmillan Centre, 2pM at T12

Contact your youth co-ordinator or support@cancerhaircare.com for times and locations.

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