Hair Loss Treatments Available For Women

Hair loss treatments for women do exist. However, for many menopausal women, hair loss is a gamble depending on the hormonal and genetic factors existent in their bodies. For the millions of women affected by cancer who must go through chemotherapy, chances are that at least some hair loss will occur. In addition to the crippling effects of cancer, the loss of her hair can be emotionally ravaging to a woman. From all the hair loss treatments available, what is the best way to go for those in chemotherapy?

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The reason chemotherapy causes hair loss is that it damages healthy cells along with cancer cells, especially targeting the hair follicles. Hair follicle cells multiply in a similar way to cancer cells and the drugs have trouble telling them apart. Some women will only suffer from thinning hair while others will lose it all. It is tempting to try hair loss treatments available at drugs stores or advertised in infomercials to get rid of this terrible side effect.

Unfortunately, while minoxidil (Rogaine) may work on hair loss caused by hormones, it will have absolutely no effect on chemotherapy patients. There are no medications, creams or shampoos currently in existence that can possibly regrow the hair lost in the process. By the same token, once chemotherapy stops, hair will definitely grown back within six to eight weeks of cessation. Despite the lack of hair loss treatments for cancer sufferers, there are still some options in how to cope.

The most popular choice for women undergoing chemotherapy is a wig. The great thing about a hairpiece is that you can get one that looks just like your natural hair or experiment with a different colour or style that you have always wanted but never had the courage to try. Also, since chemotherapy affected hair loss happens in clumps rather than mere thinning, the best option is to cut your hair short. This will help if you do choose to get a wig and will look less noticeable even if you do not. Some women choose to shave their heads bald for a beautiful natural look that tends to make an empowering statement of confidence.

If you do not want to go as far as getting a wig and are not comfortable with a shaved head, why not try accessories? Hats, scarves and bandanas are common fashion items that can completely hide hair loss and render hair loss treatments unnecessary. They are extremely popular among all women, not just those undergoing chemotherapy, and there is so much variety in style that you can definitely find something that suits you personally.

There are also some essential steps you can take to preserve the hair you still have during cancer treatment. While head coverings of all sorts are suitable, any chemical alteration of hair such as dyeing or getting a perm is not advisable while in chemotherapy. Not only will it damage your scalp, it will probably not come out as intended with strands out of place or missing colour. Try to keep your hair as natural as possible by protecting it from sun damage, heat damage from blow-dryers and environmental pollution.

Most importantly, remember what chemotherapy represents. It signifies a fight against cancer. Although it may feel like it is weakening your body or having a negative effect on your looks, in reality it is a shining ray of hope that will hopefully end in a successful and happy recovery. Try to keep a positive attitude about the process by exploring different options. Remember, also, that hair grows back thicker and more luscious than ever after chemotherapy treatments are stopped, so there is always that comforting thought of the future.