MEDICALLY RELATED HAIR LOSS SOLUTIONS

At Eldorado Hair Replacement Center in Baltimore, we offer a complete solution to clients throughout Maryland and the Eastern Shore who suffer  hair loss due to medically related hair loss and Chemotherapy.

Chemotherapy consists of the administration of drugs that destroy rapidly reproducing cancer cells. Unfortunately, while chemotherapy drugs preferentially destroy cancer cells, the drugs also can destroy those cells responsible for normal growth of hair and nails. Chemotherapy drugs are poisonous to the cells of the hair root responsible for hair shaft formation.

HOW AND WHEN DOES HAIR GROWTH OCCUR

Adequate hair growth may take six months to one year.

• Returning hair may be different from the hair that was lost. Due to the absence or alteration of pigment, the hair may grow back white, gray or a different color. Eventually, as the pigment cells return to normal, the original color should return.  

HAIR CARE TIPS FOR NEW HAIR GROWTH

Shampoo hair twice weekly with a mild shampoo such as those intended for dry or damaged hair.

• The scalp should also be thoroughly massaged to remove any scaling.

• Follow shampoo with a conditioner for fine or limp hair.

• Avoid high heat from blow dryers to the hair and skin.

• Keep hairstyling to a minimum due to the new hair being prone to breakage. 

CHEMICAL CURLING OR PERMANENT WAVING
Chemical treatment of the hair is best avoided until the hair is at least three inches long. For best results, use a mild body wave with short processing time.

WARNING! Many patients cannot tolerate the permanent wave solution on their scalp for up to one year following chemotherapy.

HAIR COLORING
Hair coloring may also be irritating to the sensitive scalp and should be avoided until the scalp sensation returns to normal. 

BLEACHING to lighten the hair color should not be attempted at this time. 

CHILDREN
A word of caution to parents with children under­going chemotherapy. The absence of hair can be used in a positive manner. It can signal to others “handle with care.” While undergoing chemo­therapy the child has a low blood count and can be bruised easily.

The insistence of parents, although well meaning, for a child to wear a wig or prosthesis can signal the message “YOU’RE NOT O.K. THE WAY YOU ARE!” A child should have all of the options but the choice should be his or hers. 

Prepared for the American Hair Loss Council by Zoe Draelos, M.D. and Mike Mahoney, AHLC Executive Director, and member of Transitions International Group.

TREATMENT OPTIONS AVAILABLE FOR FEMALE PATTERN BALDNESS

At the onset of hair loss, (the very first hair fall), some patients choose to shave the total scalp, for the following reasons:

• The elimination of uncontrolled hair fall and embarrassing shedding.

• Some feel that total baldness is more attractive than the spotty hair loss (especially males).

• Shaving facilitates prosthetic hair security and comfort (i.e. vacuum bases, two-way tape and other adhesives for hair prostheses. 

TRICHOTILLOMANIA - COMPULSIVE HAIR PULLING

Lots of people have nervous habits, but people who pull out their hair compulsively can suffer overwhelming emotional and even physical impact. Psychiatrists estimate that 4 million Americans have what is called trichotillomania (trick-o-till-o-main-ee-a). 

HAIR PROSTHESES FOR HAIR LOSS

• Insurance sometimes covers a wig or hair prosthesis.

• Assume you will lose all of your hair when you begin chemotherapy treatment. By doing so, your advance planning will assist you considerably.

• Your first wig or hair prosthesis should duplicate your hair as closely as possible. Be conservative in color, length, thickness and style.

• In chemotherapy-related hair loss, avoid the following: weaves, hair extensions, hair integration and hair intensifiers.
   

IT'S EASY TO GET EXPERT ADVICE AND ANSWERS to your particular hair loss questions and concerns. 

Live life the way you want, without embarrassment, without being self-conscious, with a full head of hair again.

Book your free, confidential hair loss evaluation today. Just click here.