.png)
Hair Loss/ Beauty with Cancer
Paclitaxel (i.e. Taxol) is the first-line chemotherapy drug generally given for ovarian cancer that causes sudden hair loss. Other chemotherapy drug agents may also cause hair loss or thinning. Many women choose to shave their heads before chemo begins. Others choose to cut their hair very short. And others want to hold on to what they have for as long as they can. There is no right answer. Only you know what is right for you. Based on your treatment protocol, your doctor can give you an idea of when hair loss is expected to happen. When that time arrives, wear a shower cap or tight fitting cap to bed so you don’t end up with hair all over your pillow in the morning. Take a brush or comb into the shower each day and gently comb or brush your hair as you rinse it. Also take a plastic bag into the shower with you for holding the hair that does fall out. Celebrate when treatment is over and your fuzzy hair appears! Remember – you will likely lose your eyebrows and eyelashes as well.
​
Cold Cap Therapy to Reduce Hair Loss
It may be possible to reduce the loss of your hair by using a “cold cap” during chemotherapy treatment. Ask your doctor if it is okay to use one while undergoing your chemotherapy drug.
http://rapunzelproject.org/ or https://penguincoldcaps.com/
​
*Also, some insurance companies consider Cold Caps medically necessary as a means to prevent hair loss during chemotherapy and may reimburse the cost of Cold Caps. Check with your medical insurance provider to find out more information.
​
Hair To Stay
Hair to stay is a nonprofit organization that offers need-based grants to offset the expense of scalp cooling systems for chemotherapy patients being treated in the United States. Scalp cooling minimizes chemotherapy- induced hair loss by continuous application of precisely cooled caps (either individual caps or using an automated scalp cooling machine) to the scalp beginning just prior to each chemotherapy infusion and continuing during and immediately following the infusion. Currently, most insurance companies do not cover the costs of scalp cooling. To receive a subsidy from Hair to stay, you must meet the following requirements and provide supporting documentation as described in the Scalp Cooling Subsidy Program Application.
​
​
Wigs, Hats, Caps, Scarves
Wigs at The American Cancer Society (ACS)
See ACS wig program locations here, or call 303.758.2030 for more information.
​
ACS produces the “TLC - Tender Loving Care” catalog that features many wigs, hats and caps at reasonable prices.
EBeauty Community
EBeauty's Wig Exchange Program’s simple premise has a powerful impact on women undergoing treatment for cancer. Women who have completed cancer treatment donate their used wigs, which are then refurbished and distributed free of charge to women newly undergoing treatment.
​
​
Good Wishes Scarves
"Our mission is simple: to provide free of charge, one beautiful It's a wrap or Good Wishes scarf to anyone experiencing the thinning or loss of hair as a result of illness or treatment. Our goal is to, in some small way, ease their journey, provide a small bit of comfort, and share the power of positive thinking and good wishes with these individuals on their path to healing and recovery."
http://www.goodwishesscarves.org/
​
Headcovers Unlimited
“We are here to empower cancer patients and individuals with hair loss by providing quality products that allow individuals to feel like themselves again.”
​
Knots for Hope
“It’s our wish that our resources on how to tie a head scarf will help women who have experienced hair loss feel confident and beautiful.”
https://www.scarves.net/blog/knots-for-hope/
​
Hana’s Designs
Wig Studio and Hair Salon
229 West Littleton Blvd., Littleton, CO, 80120
303.351.5818
​
Hana’s specialty with wigs grew out of her work with the oncology departments of numerous Denver area hospitals, including: St. Joseph’s Hospital, Boulder Community Hospital, and Rose Medical Center.
https://www.hanadesigns.com/cancer-wigs.html
​
Hair Unlimited
7535 E Hampden Ave., Building 2, Suite 502
(303) 868-1977
Call for Appointment
​
Wigs, turbans, hats, hair secrets, bangs and hair accessories of all kinds. Call for appointment.
​
“Feel More Like You" offered by Walgreens
Feel more like you, a first of its kind pharmacy, health and beauty service to help people living with cancer manage changes associated with treatment. The service features pharmacists and beauty consultants who are specially trained to help people better manage internal and visible side effects from cancer treatment. This new service is now available at select stores and it's free-no appointment needed.
https://www.walgreens.com/topic/specialty-pharmacy/feel-more-like-you.jsp
​
​
​