Shampoos and Conditioners
If your hair is thinning because of chemotherapy, use a mild shampoo that will be gentle on the scalp and on the hair. Doctors often recommend baby shampoo for patients suffering from chemotherapy induced hair loss. It is gentle and cleans the hair well.You may want to consider shampooing less frequently, such as every 3 to 5 days instead of everyday, to prevent possible scalp irritation from the shampoo and the actual rubbing it in. In between washing, a "no-rinse" shampoo can be used.
Styling Products
If your hair is thinning or has not fallen out, you are free to use styling products. You may want to consider using less amounts to make shampooing easier. Products that are labeled "light hold" may be easier to watch out than others.Perms and Hair Color
Due to possible scalp irritation, perms and hair coloring are not recommended.Perming is also not recommended for those who have not lost their hair to chemotherapy. Chemotherapy can still affect the follicles without causing hair loss, making the hair unpredictable to color and perming. The end result is usually sections of the hair being resistant to the perming solution and other sections being extremely vulnerable.
Cover Your Head
If hair is very thin or it has all fallen out, it is very important to cover the head with a hat or sunscreen when outdoors. The scalp is very sensitive to the sun, and protection is needed against sunburns. If you choose to wear a wig, sunscreen does not need to to be applied to the head, of course.Sources:[
"Hair Loss." Treatment Topics and Resources. American Cancer Society. 13 Aug 2007.
"How Do I Deal With Losing My Hair?" American Cancer Society. 17 Aug 2007.
