Chemotherapy Related Hair Loss

Chemotherapy consists of the administration of drugs that destroy rapidly reproducing cancer cells. Cancer cells are some of the most rapidly reproducing cells in the body, but other cells such as those which contribute to the formations of hair shafts and nails are also rapidly reproducing. Unfortunately while chemotherapy drugs preferentially destroy cancer cells the drugs also can destroy those cells responsible for the normal growth of hair and nails. Cancer patients sometimes shed the hair and nails during treatment. Chemotherapy drugs are poisonous to the cells of the hair root responsible for the hair shaft formations. Usually the hair is lost rapidly in large quantities during treatment. NO HAIR GROWTH STIMULANTS, SHAMPOOS, CONDITIONERS OR OTHER COSMETIC TREATMENTS CAN PREVENT OR RETARD THE HAIR LOSS.
THE GOOD NEWS, however is that once chemotherapy is completed the hair grows back. We also volunteer for American Cancer Society for over 10 years. For more information about the Look Good Feel Better program Please call 1-800-ACS-2345

HOW AND WHEN HAIR GROWTH OCCURS

Adequate hair growth may take six months to one year.
-Returning hair may be different from the hair that was lost. Due to the absence or alteration of pigment the hair may grow back white,gray or a different color. Eventually as the pigment cells return to normal the original color should return.
-It is common for the new hair returning to be finer in texture initially. But like color the texture should return to its original thickness.

It is sometimes difficult to be patient. but as the body is returning to normal and getting over the significant insult, time is a necessary ingredient.

THE CUSTOM EXPRESS OVERNIGHT and THE CUSTOM EXPRESS

Reallusions, a company we represent has created a new alternative for the client suffering from alopecia areata or undergoing chemotherapy or radiation from our experience as hair replacement specialist. We have learned that the clients foremost concern is looking as naturally as possible. We can either recreate how you looked before hair loss or give you a whole new look. However that has been one problem.

THE TIME FACTOR

Handmade wigs normally take 8-12 weeks to be manufactured. A client suffering from alopecia or undergoing treatment normally starts to lose hair rapidly. In an attempt to save time they would settle for a machine made department store wigs which tend to be detectable, bulky, unattractive and irritating to the scalp. The Custom Express Program allows us to fit the client with a custom hair replacement in as little time as 24 hours to 4 weeks. The materials used for full cranial prosthesis are especially made for the clients tender and more sensitive scalp. That is why the Custom Express Program is so wonderful for clients as well as for the hair replacement specialist. The Custom Express may be partially or fully covered by your insurance company. (See "Tips for Obtaining Insurance Coverage for Hair Replacements"). Preice $1000.00, Longer hair is slightly more.