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Hair Loss

Losing your hair during treatment can be tough, but you’ve got options. Check out these easy tips for taking care of your scalp, picking head coverings, and deciding if a short cut or shave feels right for you.

Dealing With Hair Loss During Cancer Treatment

For some people, losing their hair can feel even harder than getting a cancer diagnosis. And that’s totally valid. Your hair might feel like a big part of who you are—it’s how you express yourself, feel confident, or just feel like you. Since hair loss is a visible sign of illness, it can mess with how you see yourself and how others see you. You might feel anxious, vulnerable, or just off.

But here’s the good news: Hair loss is temporary

And there are lots of things—like wigs, hats, or even totally new looks—that can help you feel more confident while your hair takes a break.

Whether you want to keep things feeling familiar or try something bold and new, we’ve got a few tips to help you through it.

Before Your Hair Starts to Fall Out

Not everyone loses all their hair, but depending on your treatment, your hair might thin or fall out completely.

Ask your team

Your oncology team can give you a heads-up on when it might happen.

Buy Before

If you’re thinking about getting a wig that looks like your current style, it’s a good idea to start shopping before treatment begins.

Take some pictures of your hair from all angles to bring with you when you’re picking one out—it helps with finding the right colour and style.

Thinking About Shaving Your Head?

Watching hair fall out in clumps can be really tough emotionally. That’s why some people choose to shave it before it gets to that point.

If you decide to shave, don’t go all the way down to the scalp—it can irritate your skin. Instead, cut your hair to about 1/8 of an inch.

A super short cut can help reduce scalp sensitivity and make the process feel a little more in your control.

Dealing With Thinning Hair

If your hair’s starting to thin, here are some ways to take care of it:

Don’t dye or bleach it—your hair is more fragile right now

Use a moisturizing shampoo and conditioner to help soften brittle strands

Try going shorter—it can make thinning hair less noticeable and puts less stress on the roots

Avoid heat styling tools (like blow dryers and curling irons), hairsprays, and products with alcohol

Sleep on a satin or silk pillowcase—it’s way gentler on your hair and scalp

When You've Lost Most or All of Your Hair

Hair usually falls out gradually and your scalp may start to feel sore or sensitive.

– You can cut your hair to 1/8 of an inch at this point to avoid the emotional stress of watching it fall out in chunks.

– A soft sleep cap (worn day or night) can help catch hair as it falls and keep your head warm and comfy.

When your hair’s gone, your scalp might feel dry or itchy. Take care of your scalp.

You can:

– Gently massage your scalp with facial moisturizer to help with dryness and improve circulation. This helps reduce itchiness and makes it easier (and more comfy) to wear a wig, hat, or scarf!

but remember, it’s not forever. You’re still you, with or without hair. And whether you rock a wig, scarf, beanie, or go totally natural, the most important thing is feeling good in your own skin.

Not everything has to change during treatment.

Get tips about nails, skincare makeup and hair in our Teens Workshop.

More Resources to Explore

Teens – Selecting a Wig Hair Loss & Scalp Care FAQ Wigs FAQ

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