Your post-chemo hair?

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Fearless_One
Fearless_One Member Posts: 3,300

Wasn't sure where to post this, but since I am single and it affects my appearance and dating, figure I would put it here.

First of all, I am grateful to be alive, so I am not complaining.   But not sure what to do with this mop of curls on my head?   Is frizzy and curly.   Did you have this?   How long does it last?  Do you flat iron it or anything? 

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  • Karen09
    Karen09 Member Posts: 320
    edited September 2010

    Me too!!!  I bought a headband yesterday to at least keep the curls a bit contained instead of up and all over the place but I don't think it's really working.  If you find out what to do with yours let me know! 

  • Fearless_One
    Fearless_One Member Posts: 3,300
    edited September 2010

    I colored it for the first time today (been 6 months since chemo).   Color looks nice, but so frizzy and bushy looking.   I want to start dating, maybe go on Eharmony, but I don't want to wear a wig. 

  • ruthbru
    ruthbru Member Posts: 57,235
    edited September 2010

    Try to find a beautician who specializes in working with curly hair; or if you can, someone who has worked with post-chemo hair, and get a really good cut. Also have them recommend the right products to use and how to use them. My hair was curly, curly for about a year (I had a beautican at the salon where I bought my wig do my cuts at first), and then, just in one month it turned frizzy; I got a good, short, layered haircut and it was back to being straight. Wierd!

  • msphil
    msphil Member Posts: 1,536
    edited September 2010

    Hi, I too had a stylist cut my hair down and it was nice. msphil 

  • jenn3
    jenn3 Member Posts: 3,316
    edited September 2010

    I formally had thick brown hair, with good body (no curls) with red highlights - naturally, no grey. I was one of those who liked my hair.  I now have curls all over the place (the picture on my avatar needs updating - it's about 4 months old).  It is so thick and ringlets all over.  Because I had always brushed my hair and had straight hair products I was making it "fluffy" trying to fix it.  I went to the salon and the hairdresser thinned it out, evened it out and showed me how to handle curly hair and the products to use.  It did make a difference and I actually started getting compliments from strangers on the street.  Ohhhh, I almost forgot.  The hairdresser told me that curly hair is naturally drier and that it shouldn't be brushed, except when you have conditioner in it in the shower and to use dry hair products for curly hair - it helps the frizzies or as I called them the fluff. If you dry your hair with a blow dryer, use the diffuser and don't dry it all of the way, only enough to get the dampness out. If you want to lift your hair off of your scalp (without frizzies) turn your head upside down with the dryer (and diffuser for a few minutes).  Good hair spray also helps keep the frizzies/fluff in control along with the curly products I use when I get out of the shower.

    Good luck - an experienced hairdresser should be able to help you work with the curls or if you want cut them so that you have a really short sassy look.  I also think the products we use and learning to work the curl help. 

  • squidwitch42
    squidwitch42 Member Posts: 2,228
    edited September 2010

    I use American Crew pomade, medium hold with high shine, from Target.  If I washed my hair the night before, I rewet it, then run the pomade through, probably 3 dime sized tempered with water to help it mix in evenly.  I make sure I create girly sideburns with the pomade, so it looks like I got a cut from the salon.  You will end up with little curls in the back, and it will help your hair lay over too (side part.)  It can look wet or dry.

    otherwise I have to wear a scarf to matt it down :)

  • Cowgirl13
    Cowgirl13 Member Posts: 1,936
    edited August 2013

    My last chemo was Nov 09.  Before chemo i had fine straight hair, blond--highlighted, and a bob.  Imagine dealing with the curls when my hair grew and grew in darker.  This is what i did--when my hair was like an afro, i got it trimmed.  then last week I went to my old, old hairdresser, Scot.  He is really good and a cut is expensive.  I had him style it all which meant cutting a lot of hair, but now i can go 4-5 months until the next cut.  (I liked that part!)  he explained to me that curly hair is ususally dry and coarse so i popped for a good shampoo with a conditioner in it. I was ready to do the good shampoo if it would help.  He also said wash your hair every other day or every 3 days because your scalp will really itch.  It has been itching!  and now its getting better.  He also recommended a product like a gel but it isn't strictly a gel-its called "BOING" Curling Cream.  It put this on so my hair doesn't frizz and my curls are soft.

    I kow this is long and drawn out, but I am so happy with my hair and i've had lots of compliments on it. And there's nothing like sharing it with you gals who understand!

    Good luck and i'm looking forward to hearing about your hair.

    Lizzie 

  • Fearless_One
    Fearless_One Member Posts: 3,300
    edited September 2010

    Sounds like I need a good cut to tame this mane.    I wish I knew of someone who specialized in this in my city, but I will just go to a good salon, I guess.    I just wish the curls were not quite so tight and small.

  • Morgan513
    Morgan513 Member Posts: 664
    edited September 2010

    I had my last chemo back in Aug 08.  In my former life I had long think straight blond highlighted hair.  I now have long, semi-curly, darker hair.  I'm not sure but I think the curls are relaxing.  It's always a challenge to style but I actually love the curls.  It's key to moisturize your hair and I find not washing it everyday is helpful for "control" too.  

    As it grew out, I wore a headband which I love the look of the curls in the headband.

    Lorrie 

  • Fearless_One
    Fearless_One Member Posts: 3,300
    edited September 2010

    I do hope the texure changes - is very frizzy/bushy.   Not flattering, like that Maura Tierney actress who had chemo - her short hair looks adorable....not crazy, out of control....but more soft and polished.

  • Daree1982
    Daree1982 Member Posts: 1
    edited October 2016
  • Sharazhad707
    Sharazhad707 Member Posts: 37
    edited April 2017

    The GHD hair straightner has become my new best friend! I love how thick my hair is now, but I can't bare the curls!!

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