Hair Loss
Hair loss is common during treatment and it can include eyebrows, eyelashes and beard, depending on the type of treatment you receive. Learn about caring for your scalp, hair regrowth and tips on how to manage the temporary loss of eyebrows.
Hair and Brow Loss During Cancer Treatment
The loss of hair and brows can be just as distressing for men as it is for women, especially for men who have always had a full head of hair. Although it is currently a style statement for some men to have shaved heads, this may not be your personal preference. Hair loss or thinning may or may not happen depending on your specific cancer treatment.
Remember, hair loss is almost always temporary.
Managing Hair Loss
Always comb hair gently and use a mild shampoo (but not a baby shampoo).
As hair starts to thin, consider cutting it short or even having it neatly trimmed by a professional stylist. This can help if your hair becomes thin or patchy.
Don’t shave your head to the scalp. This can cause irritation and potentially cuts or nicks that could lead to infection.
When you’ve lost your hair, your scalp may become drier. Gently massage your scalp with your facial moisturizer to make it feel more comfortable and increase circulation to your stressed hair follicles. Caring for your scalp will greatly reduce sensitivity and itchiness.
There are many hat and cap styles today for sports, sun, cold, rain, wind, etc., to help you find something to cover and protect your head.
Eyebrows
Follow these steps:
- Hold a pencil vertically along the outside of your nostril and inner corner of your eye. Make a dot above your eye at this line, right on the brow bone. This is the inner edge of your brow.
- Hold the pencil vertically across your iris (the coloured part of your eye) and again make a dot above the eye, just above or on the brow bone. This is where your natural arch occurs.
- Hold your pencil at an angle beginning at the outside edge of your nostril, lined up with the outside edge of the eye. This is where your brow should end. Draw another dot.
4. Connect these dots with a series of gentle, arching, feathery strokes to mimic the look of hair. Concentrate on fullness closer to the inner edge, thinning as you go outwards.
Another option to consider, particularly suited to men who wear glasses, is to opt for a thicker framed pair that’ll give the illusion of a fuller brow.
Hair Regrowth
Depending on the type and duration of your treatment, your hair will start to reappear at a rate of about ½ of an inch a month. Once your hair grows back, it may be different than before your treatment due to the absence or alteration of pigments. As the pigment cells return to normal, hair should go back to its original colour and texture.
Experiencing side effects?
Learn how to minimize and manage them in our Shaving & Men’s Skincare Workshop.
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