Chemo Curls…

Hey Everyone! Thought I would share a little about chemo curls. First of all, yes they are real! Prior to breast cancer I had long blonde hair. Every 6 – 8 months I would have highlights put in but my original color was definitely blonde.

I lost most of my hair during chemo and finally on July 1st my husband shaved my head. I had finished chemo and we were starting to see just a bit of peach fuzz. The few strands I had left looked awkward. We wanted a fresh start with the new growth and starting with a shaved head was the most efficient way to do that.

This is the growth after 6 months. Different color, different texture, and much curlier! It’s funny that things change like this. I’ve read a lot on the topic but it seems that there is no guarantee on how your hair will come back. Or when it will come back.

Science sometimes says that when chemo kills your hair follicles they grow back slower. This gives them time to pick up more pigment which causes the color to change. Another possibility is for them to pick up no pigment at all so the hair comes in gray.

The time it takes to grow back also varies. Normal hair is supposed to grow around a 1/2 inch per month. Mine has grown a tad bit slower than that but it’s close. I have seen some women whose hair has come back quicker and some that came back slower.

For me, I am grateful I have hair. I know inside of me that hair does not define a person. I know I’m the same inside. But I will tell you honestly, being a bald woman is horrifying. I tried to be the girl that “rocked it” with her bald head but I just couldn’t. I tried so hard to be brave. I read articles on how to wear scarves but I never could get them to work as good as the the article showed. I even bought a wig. That didn’t work out so well either. It was hot and I was afraid it would slip – or fall off completely – while I was wearing it. So I basically suffered through being bald, wearing scarves that somewhat worked and hoping that my hair actually did come back someday (I forgot to mention that the fear of it never coming back was always with me also).

Now that it is coming back, I am learning to adjust. I’m trying very hard to take good care of it. Biotin is supposed to be good for it. I use Biotin shampoo and I take Biotin supplements. I very seldom use a hair dryer. I have my first appointment at the hair salon next week. My stylist knows what stage my hair is at and will take good care of it I’m sure. She has been instructed not to cut it though!

I hate to admit that I am vain but I have learned that I am. Hair is important. At least to me. It doesn’t define me, but it’s important. And by the way………. I don’t like curls!

For all those going through anything similar….. hang in there!

Peace and love to all!

#chemocurlscancersucksnomorecancercurls