Hair Extensions??

kimmy62

I hope I don't sound vain but losing my hair has been the most difficult.  Not only losing it but waiting for it to grow back.  It has been 6 months since my last chemo and I still only have about 1-2 inches of hair.  Has anyone ever used hair extensions?  I don't know anything about them.  Is it possible to put them on 1 -2 inches of hair?  Does anyone know how much they cost?  I am impatient and am tired of wearing wigs.  Thanks! 

ChemoSobby38

Hi Kimmy -  You don't sound vain.  We all struggle with this.  So let me first say, I am not a hair expert - but  I think that it's still too short for extensions. I don't know if this helps but I finished chemo about 4 months ago and I have about a half an inch of hair and I plan on going into work this week without my wig.  I'm not bald, it's just VERY short. So I will buy a few hoop earrings, wear mascara and blush and work the super short hair.  It's not my preferred look, but anything is better than the wig.  Besides, people will know when they see you that you've had chemo - but so what?!  You've gone through a lot of hard times and honestly -- we deserve the right to do whatever the heck we want to do.  And if some jerk off makes a comment then you put them in their place and walk away with your head held high.  And remember, it's only temporary -- give it a few weeks and you'll have so much hair, you wont know what to do with it.

PammyNoFL

I think you can get extensions, the prices vary depending on the quality of the hair.  Talk with a hairdresser.  Good luck!

chainsawz

You are not vain - it is hard to lose hair and I just can't bring myself to wear a wig!  I just came from a hairdresser and was asking about extensions.  I finished chemo 12/31/08 and I still only have 1-2 inches of hair, and she said it was too short - it should be 4-5 inches because they have to braid it.  Oh well!  I did ask my onc for Latisse RX and I started that 3 days ago.  I hope better lashes will help me feel better :>  Best to you!!  lisa

lexislove

Yes, I got hair extensions last October . My hair was about 2 inches. I still have them.Today... My hair is 20 inches long, half way down my back(extensions).

It was the best thing I could have done for myself. It has helped me move forward, and I don't look in the mirror everyday and be reminded of what I went through.

chainsawz

Lexislove - I am so glad to hear you can get extensions with such short hair!  I was told no today, but now I know to go somewhere else :>  My hair is still thin from the herceptin which is hard because I always had long hair down to my waist.  I really miss hair!  lisa

lexislove

Yes you can. I had the extensions put in October18th 2008 and I finished Herceptin Nov 17th. BTW, my real hair grew faster when I finished the Herceptin.

With 2 inches of hair you will need what they call a "piece". It is kind of like a mini tupe(sp?) that sits at the crown of your head. To give you bangs ect.

I have real hair hair extensions. I did NOT get the glue in kind.They ruin your natural hair. I got the "weave" technique. The basically make cornrows and then sew in the extensions. A lot better and more natural looking.

lexislove

http://i684.photobucket.com/albums/vv210/absolute_k_os/DSC01227.jpg

http://i684.photobucket.com/albums/vv210/absolute_k_os/DSC01226.jpg

Here are the extensions...

Sparrow

Wow, Lex, you look amazing!  :O

I would love to learn to do hair extensions for people who have had chemo, just as a volunteer thing.  I have seen some videos about how to do it and it seems pretty simple- just time-consuming. It doesn't have to be expensive if the work is done on a volunteer basis and if you carefully cut off your hair in 1/4" ponytails about an inch from your scalp and save it that way, you wouldn't have to buy the hair, just reattach your own.  Human hair for extensions is expensive.

This salon uses the 'ring' method of attaching extensions.  It doesn't require heat or glue, is easily removed and there is no braiding required, so you can have very little regrowth to do it.

http://www.wiggin-out-salon.com/HairExtensionsAfterChemo.html

If you have ever made jewelry, it's like using crimp beads to start and finish off a necklace. 

I don't want to go to beauty school as I'm only interested in doing extensions, not coloring, cutting, makeup, and only as a volunteer.  I wonder if I'd have to be licensed.

kimmy62

Thanks for your replies.  I have called around in my area but have been told I need at least 4-5 inches of hair before they can do extensions.  I wish wiggin out salon was closer for me.  Kim

kimmy62

Lexislove-is it difficult to maintain the extensions?  Someone told me it is alot of work.  Also, does your hair get damaged with the weave extensions?  Thanks!  Kim

lexislove

When you ask maintain, do you mean washing? No, I wash my hair normal, blow dry,curl, or flat iron. I do have to go every 2-4 months to have them removed and retightened.

with the weave technique there is NO damage. There is no glueing involved or clamps/clipping.So no damage.

figuredancer

Hi Lex,

I finished my chemo two months ago and underwent surgery too a month ago, and will begin radiation for 6 weeks soon.

I made an appointment with Jon Richards in Minneapolis, MN for mid December since I couldn't find anyone in NY who does it on 1 inch length hair. I'm a bit nervous though, and want to know more form you since you had it done before. I was told by the other hairdressers here on Long Island and NYC to avoid extensions until my hair grows at least 3-4 inches. They said otherwise extensions will be too heavy, will break off, and also will hurt and damage my roots, and will cause permanent baldness or bald spots.

Would you please let me know if those dressers' concerns are valid?

Did you lose length or volume of your hair because of extension?

How was the feeling of having it on? Did it bother or hurt you at all ? Were you able to make pony tail?

Finally, if you VERY KINDLY, PLEASE let me know if it caused any bald spots?

Thank you so much.