Hair Loss After Breast Cancer Treatment: Coping and Styling Tips

See if you can find a hair stylist who deals with cancer patients. I had a lumpectomy 4 years ago, underwent radiation and thought I was ok. I wear my hair short anyway. However, little over a year ago I found out I have stage 4 metastized breast cancer. Ibrance has caused my hair to thin really bad. I now wear it really short. I do think a wig is really the way to go.

Carolyn, I required aggressive chemo for aggressive triple negative BRCA that metastasized to one node that was necrotic. I lost my long hair within 3 weeks of weekly intravenous chemo. I’m wearing wigs from a cancer boutique and people recognize me and don’t realize it’s a wig. I would recommend you get a decent acrylic wig in a specialty shop with stylists who work with cancer patients. My Oncologist was so caring and sensitive to how I felt, directing me to purchase a wig asap, before hair loss. My hair kept falling out as I combed it and honestly, the wig was and is wonderful. My hair is already beginning to grow back and I’m on oral chemo now… a full year of treatments. 7 months IV, pause for node removal surgery, and oral chemo 3 months to be followed with PARP inhibitors. I cannot receive immunotherapy because of autoimmune concerns and risks, but there were the other options. You will be fine:)

Cut it, take biotin and collagen. But of course ask your doctor first. That helped me

I am on anastrozole which causes hair thinning, have thin, baby fine hair anyway. I am seeing some regrowth with minoxidil twice a day. It is over the counter. My oncologist says to make a dermatology appt as there are also prescription medications that can help.

I take biotin for my hair,have for many years. I started using Cibu shampoo and conditioner. I have long hair but during treatment I wore it in styles that were gentle on the hair.

You could try Nutrafol vitamins and use the shampoo and conditioner. I sell it at my office if you want to try it. Also, don't wash your hair too much and be as gentle as you can when brushing. I only use the wet brush when brushing my hair.

I love the " wet" brushes. They are at Walmart,Kohls, Marshall's. They come in some cute designs. I have long hair. I literally have like 8 of those brushes.

Im on tamoxifen, my hair has thinned, but using batana oil has helped and using a shampoo with castor oil in it will help. I wear mine short any way, but missed the volume from hair shed. These have helped, i also take black seed oil, moringa powder and sour sop oil every day. These have helped me. They are all natural herbs.

I used Hair & Nail Gummies every day when I started 5+ years ago. It really helped and I’ve continued since ordered to stop Tamoxifen in December. My hair thinned a little but I’ve kept it short and only wash it every other day. I have curly hair so I use Argon Oil on it occasionally or a regular conditioner. I think the gummies work! My nails look great.

Carolyn P ~ I am also taking Moringa and drink Sour Sop Tea and Bitter Melon teas all day long.

We will be better for it. Do yoy use the sour sop teabags or do you brew the leaves. I have been taking the sour sop vitamin oil. But i do both.

Trish C and Diana H where do you get your sour sop tea and vitamin from?

Hi. Your hair is falling out and thinning due to radiation? That’s my concern. I thought radiation doesn’t cause changes in hair on head, just hair under arms, maybe. Will start radiation next week after December 2024 lumpectomy and no chemo. How about a pixie cut or a bob? Easy to manage. Good luck w/ the rest of your recovery.

Sometimes anesthesia can cause mild to moderate hair loss too. I’ve had several surgeries and noticed when brushing hair I’d be shedding like a puppy dog after each one, lol!!

I didn't lose hair under arm. I have some scraggly hairs under that radiated one and can't get rid of until the skin is healed.

Theresa P , i take a soursop vitamin, i get it off the internet. 100% sour sop Awakensupps .com i also use the tea bags i get them from Amazon.you want at least 1750 mg of sour sop fruit and 350 ftom leaves for the vitamins. There are alot of fake’s selling it . Be aware!

Theres P You want it to be organic also.

Hair thinning after cancer treatment is incredibly challenging, and these feelings are completely valid. Many community members have found success with shorter, layered cuts that can help create the appearance of fuller hair, and a good stylist experienced with post-treatment hair can offer personalized suggestions for styles that work with current texture and thickness. Consider reaching out to other members here who may have creative styling tips or product recommendations that have helped them through similar experiences.