Hair loss caused by chemotherapy

Cancer cells are known to divide frequently. This is what causes cancer to spread and to travel. Chemotherapy is designed to target frequently dividing cells and to inhibit their dividing mechanism. Simply stated, chemotherapy inhibits the reproduction of cancer cells. Hair cells are also known to divide frequently. This is what makes hair grow. Unfortunately, chemotherapy does not differentiate between frequently dividing cancer cells or frequently dividing hair cells. Therefore, chemotherapy is as effective at arresting the development and reproduction of hair cells as it is with cancer cells resulting in significant hair loss. Most people receiving chemotherapy will begin seeing a limited amount of thin, fuzzy hair a few weeks (2-3 weeks) after their last treatment. Real hair starts to grow properly within a month or two of the last treatment. After 5 months some 2-3 inches of hair may have grown. People with very short hair may be able to wear their previous hair style at this time.

Today, there are a variety of options available to those who experience hair loss due to chemotherapy. The choices range from doing nothing, wearing a stylish headscarf, or utilizing a wig to either mimick your current hair style or to transition into a hip new hair style. The medical brochure will further focus on this third option and how to decide what wig will work best for you. The variety of wigs available today includes almost every hairstyle and color. In order for a wig to perform properly it must appear natural, it must be comfortable and it’s attachment must be secure. Hair replacement specialists have the knowledge and experience to fit you with a wig that will meet all three criteria. When choosing a hair style for your wig, you should consider the styling and maintenance required to keep it as fresh and new looking. As a rule, the longer the hair, the greater the care requirements. Another major factor to consider is whether the hair should be synthetic, human or a mix of both (Platinum hair). Platinum and particularly human hair requires more care to keep it styled properly. Hence, wigs made of synthetic hair are typically recommended for temporary hair replacement. Moreover synthetic hair has almost the same appearance as human hair does due to vastly improved fibers resulting from state of the art technology. For this reason this brochure focuses on synthetic hair wigs. Of course Platinum hair as well as human hair wigs are a viable alternative. Subject to good care they are a class by themselves and can thus meet individual emotional needs. Give yourself time to prepare for hair loss before you begin chemotherapy treatments. Therefore, the best time to schedule a consultation with an alternative hair specialist is when your hair is still growing normally before your treatments begin or after your first treatment at the very latest. The alternative hair replacement specialist works with you to find a style that is right for you. Then your wig will be customized to your own individual requirements by either cutting it, restyling it, or possibly by doing both to make it truly a part of you. Finally, you will be educated on how to care and handle your wig to get the most satisfaction out of it for as long as possible.

The medical necessity of hair replacement is initially decided by the attending physician. Your cost for a wig depends on the quality of the wig along with your budget. In turn, your budget is often determined by what if any health insurance benefits apply. In addition to the type of hair, whether synthetic or human, the quality of the base (i.e. lace, monofilaments or lace front) as well as the amount of work involved to produce a particular model (machine made or hand tied) are all contributing factors as to how a wig is valued. A synthetic wig from our stock line is naturally lower in price than a custom made wig. There are nevertheless many different price ranges for both because of the various types of production and type of hair used. By and large, chemotherapy patients for the most part choose wigs from our stock line since custom made wigs usually takes between 10-12 weeks to produce. In many cases, the costs for a hair replacement are at least partially reimbursed by your health insurance providor. The amount covered is mostly dependent on your individual contract with your providor. Typically, your insurance providor will take into account the type and duration of treatment you undergo including the condition of your head and possibly other factors as well. Hair replacement specialists can advise you regarding costs. They will gladly provide you with information and offer you any kind of support you need.