How To Embrace Losing Your Hair During Chemotherapy

"Coping is one thing, but you're suggesting I embrace going bald!?"

Yes, I am, and I understand the disbelief. For many women (and men), hair loss is one of the hardest aspects of chemotherapy. But there are ways to ease into it rather than have it be a traumatic experience.

See this as a time-limited experience with a look you've never tried. Your hair will regrow. Consider that some women shave their heads as a fashion statement and get enjoyment out of accessorizing with beautiful scarves and earrings. Think of celebrities Natalie Portman, Demi Moore, and Sinead O'Connor--all women who have been beautifully bald. You don't have to be strikingly beautiful to exhibit your own beauty during your temporary baldness.

As soon as I knew chemotherapy would be part of my treatment regimen, I searched the Internet for the most beautiful scarves I could find. Whereas I had previously had frightening images of terrycloth turbans and other head garb, I was pleasantly surprised to find some scarves that I would be proud to wear with or without hair. I also purchased some special earrings. When all of these things arrived, I tried them on and then set them aside as special, only to be worn once I had lost my hair.

You may find that a wig suits you better than a scarf. If so, contact your cancer center and ask for recommendations on wig makers. Most likely they'll have a full packet of several possible wig shops to contact. And know that wigs can look like they're a natural part of you! I have been surprised to learn that some women I've met were wearing wigs.

After you have some ideas and maybe a few scarves or a wig you love, it's time to decide on your hair loss strategy. Will you shave your head before or during the hair loss, or will you hang onto the hair to the last moment. With the latter know that it's just a matter of time til you see hair on your pillow, hair in your hairbrush, hair in the shower. If taking things into your own hands is your choice, read on!

Ways to Ease into Your Hair Loss

1. Get a transition cut (or two). This is the cut to get you used to no longer having your tresses about your shoulders or down your back. Go midway, then very short.

2. Consider doing something crazy. Fact: Your hair will grow back, and you're going to lose it in a few weeks. Wouldn't it be wonderfully absurd to actually have fun with it in the meantime? I'm a relatively conservative looking person, so my hair stylist laughed when I came in and told her I wanted my hair cut in spikes--and turned blue. We both laughed through the cutting and coloring process, and I laughed every time I looked in the mirror. My crazy hair reminded me of my courage and fighting attitude I was bringing to this situation. An added benefit was that it made me accustomed to people looking at my head, something I'd soon enough get a lot of experience with.

3. Shave it. Why wait for the inevitable? If you know you'll lose your hair around a certain date, pick a day a few days in advance and throw yourself a party. I threw myself an anti-breast cancer party complete with cupcakes with frosting nipples and a t-shirt that friends could decorate with supportive words. At the end of the party, we shaved my head. It was my choice, and I took the first swipe.

There is something very empowering about taking the initiative when it comes to hair loss or cancer in general. Doing so puts you at an emotional advantage of feeling like you're in control in a journey that can sometimes feel like a rollercoaster ride. And always remember hair will grow back. In the meantime, give yourself the right to step outside of societal norms and view yourself as beautiful, with or without hair.

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About Liora Hess

Freelance writer and breast cancer survivor who is determined to see the glass half full. Liora Hess's profile Liora Hess's blog