Hair question (how soon can you relax after chemo)?

Options
Chrys23
Chrys23 Member Posts: 291

Hi Ladies,

I will be starting Chemo sometime in August, but was wondering what most of the African-American ladies did with your hair before and after Chemo.   I plan to cut my hair really, really short before Chemo or shave it -- whichever I have the nerve to do! LOL

Do you know how soon you can use chemical relaxers after Chemotherapy treatments?

Any info would be helpful!

Thank you Sealed

Comments

  • Chrys23
    Chrys23 Member Posts: 291
    edited July 2011
  • rogam
    rogam Member Posts: 197
    edited July 2011

    Chrys 23 welcome to the board. We are here to offer support which is a key to healing. I got a nice hair cut and color before since I was going to lose my hair. Afterwards my hair grew in baby fine. I kept it natural for 1.5 years..then went back to the relaxer. I can tell you that I missed my natural hair and don't plan to ever go back. 

  • sharont68
    sharont68 Member Posts: 124
    edited July 2011

    Chrys 23--I think I relaxed my hair after chemo six months after my hair started to grow back in. My hair grew back really thick and wavy and I couldn't keep a handle on it.

    I think i shaved my hair three weeks after my first chemo tx. If my hair had not have came in so thick, I don't think i would've relaxed it. It was very soft and pretty...bu, oh well.

    Rogam--How are you? looking good as always!

  • Bren-2007
    Bren-2007 Member Posts: 6,241
    edited July 2011
  • CoolBreeze
    CoolBreeze Member Posts: 4,668
    edited July 2011

    I'm not African American, but saw this in the active topics.  I relaxed my hair when it got about two inches all around soaking wet.  It was a mistake though, it started breaking off in some places and it was very stiff.  My hair came in with a super tight curl that I couldn't manage.  

    Fortunately, because it was so short, the effects didn't last long.

    Now, weirdly, my hair is straight, (1 1/2 years post first chemo)  which it never was before.

    I know there is some differences between our hair and my experience might not be valuable, but your hair when it comes in is virgin hair and should be treated with care.  :)

  • Claire_in_Seattle
    Claire_in_Seattle Member Posts: 4,570
    edited July 2011

    Hi Chrys,

    No, I don't have the same hair as you either, but I can say that it has taken about 15 months after my final chemo for things to get to a stable state.  My take is that you will know when this happens, but not until at least 6 months.  First of all, you need hair to relax.  The first hair will be very odd.  I colored mine immediately as looked like a "pelt of deceased rodent".

    And it doesn't grow out evenly.  I found that a trip to a salon where I could work with a stylist to be very helpful.  Talk about one time in life when the investment was worth it!

    Right now, I am just letting it grow as the last time my stylist put it into a shape where it would look OK for a long time.  I think though that I am ready for another visit.

    Anyway, good luck with this journey.

    As for the hair, you will know when you are ready.  I would suspect not until at least six months past your final chemo.  You will be so glad to have hair that you won't care either.

    One final tip is that I used this experience to re-create a look that reflects who I am at this moment in my life.  I had seriously outgrown my old look.

    And did I mention how great I am with eye make up!  At least as important as the hair.

    So here's to the new re-imagined you.....  Something to celebrate, and something to look forward to.  You will be just great.  Good luck. - Claire

  • OtraVez
    OtraVez Member Posts: 82
    edited July 2011

    I had shoulder-length relaxed hair when I was diagnosed.  I was advised to cut it short before chemo, because it would be less traumatic to see short hair falling out rather than lots of long hair.   The short hair was traumatic enough, so I'm glad I followed the advice.  I was told that my hair would be gone about 3 weeks after my initial infusion of adriomycin - I started shedding about 10 days in, and by day 22, I ony had  few clumps left on my head.  . 

    I ended up shaving my scalp because not quite everything fell out (and yes, I pulled out those last few clumps!).   Both the nurses and my hairdresser told me not to put any chemicals on my hair for six months after treatment . . . my hair grew back in half gray, so it was quite a challenge. . . but then, I was used to it being natural, so I just kept it that way.    

  • Chrys23
    Chrys23 Member Posts: 291
    edited July 2011

    Thanks everyone! I'll be looking for wigs soon as I'll be shaving my head and  my sister is shaving her head in support of me as well.  I've already ordered some free scarves off the net and will get 2-3 wigs to wear each day, especially for work.

     If anyone knows of any sites that have great lace front wigs at reasonable prices, send me the links! My insurance pays for up to $500 in wigs/accessories, so I'm going to take full advantage of that!

    Many thanks for the responses!  Laughing

    Chrys

  • Sable43
    Sable43 Member Posts: 91
    edited August 2011

    I finished chemo in Dec. 2009. My hair initially came in curly but returned to its natural 'fro state after 6 months. The length was short with thinning on top. The texture became coarse and difficult to manage. So after getting a barber to shape it up, I put a texturizer in it just last month. Soft and Beautiful Botanicals. Only left it on for 5 minutes, shampooed with the neutralizer, conditioned it and it gave me the curl definition I was looking for. I still use a bit of gel on it but I feel that I have more control over it now.

    Best of luck to you!

  • Claire_in_Seattle
    Claire_in_Seattle Member Posts: 4,570
    edited August 2011

    Chrys...... Can't help with wig sites, but a reminder to have fun with them.  You may discover a totally "new you"!  My own plan is to add in clip-on red streaks once my hair grows out a bit more.

    You will be happy to know it is growing like a week this summer.

    I did the wigs at a local hairdressers and bought the $29 models.  Just don't open an oven door wearing them or you will be serving "friend wig".

    I didn't do scarves as I like to wear scarves as accessories (see picture) and thought that I might never wear again if I wore on my head.  I did put a beret over to keep everything on while doing my winter chemo walks.

    I can say that although I looked great rocking uber short, my preference is longer.

    Good luck and remember what I said about "wigs and ovens" which I think also applies to "wigs and grills". - Claire

  • BabyRaye
    BabyRaye Member Posts: 2
    edited September 2011

    I waited till 1 year had passed before processing my hair.  My hair had always been soft whether natural or relaxed, but now since chemo ended in September 09, it is very coarse (again whether natural or relaxed).  My hairdresser and dietian have no solutions for me since I'm 'doing everything right'.

     Does anyone have advice on how to treat with this?  My hair no longer keeps curls - whether roller set, by flat or curling iron.

  • Fighter_34
    Fighter_34 Member Posts: 834
    edited September 2011

    I haven't relaxed just yet, but my texture is so nice that I may not have to. When I blow it out it looks like silk hopefully that will last.

    Or you doing protien and deep conditioning treatments?? It does help. Try some of Miss Jessie's products. What type of curls are you looking for rollerset type curls or wavy curls.

    Hope this helps.

  • WarriorPrincess24
    WarriorPrincess24 Member Posts: 22
    edited September 2011

    It's funny you mentioned Miss Jessie's products. I went to an expo in Atlanta 2 weeks back and just finished washing my hair with the Creme De La Curl Cleansing Creme and Curly Pudding. I finished chemo in May and just ditched my wigs this past month. I've been going to a barber to get it edged up for the last 3 weeks now but I'm finding that the curls up top are cute, but the sides tend to just frizz. My dillema is that I don't want to keep cutting my hair b/c I'd like to go natural/curly, but the sides just tend to frizz instead of keeping the cute curl pattern like at the top. Any suggestions???

  • shorfi
    shorfi Member Posts: 791
    edited September 2011

    Can't remember exactly, but I think I colored my hair when it was about an inch all around. It was so cute. Maybe relaxing came about 6 months later???? But my hair has never been the same. It came in coarser, even though it is thin on top. But whatever, I'm happy to have hair back.

  • rogam
    rogam Member Posts: 197
    edited September 2011

    Hello Ladies...WarriorPrincess24 I was just in Atl for the natural hair showCool. We had a blast! So I have been natural for quite some time and I would like to suggest aussie moist or hello hydration conditioner as a leave in to help keep the sides all smooth and nice. 

    Shorbr you mentioned thin hair on the top mine was not before bc but now it is not as thick. I am using a growth solution in the top to help speed things up. 

  • shorfi
    shorfi Member Posts: 791
    edited September 2011

    I do relax my hair. The texture is ok, but I like to have the relaxer in my hair. I also color it black which tends to make my hair appear thicker.

    Rogam...your hairstyle looks adorable!! I remember the days when my hair started to grow back and I would take showers with joy knowing that I could shampoo my hair everyday and just gel it down. I loved it. In hindsight, I don't even know why I went back to relaxing. I am 57 years old and did not want long hair again. I starting cutting my hair and wearing it short since about the age of 40.

    What are you using to speed up growth in the top?

  • rogam
    rogam Member Posts: 197
    edited October 2011

    Shorbr I am using the camille rose growth oil. I have only been using it for a few week. I will keep you posted.

  • lisa645
    lisa645 Member Posts: 61
    edited October 2011

    Ro   Im not sure how long after you can relax. but girl your hair looks super cute in your profile pic! I saw it over on the nola thread

    cheers

    lisa

  • rogam
    rogam Member Posts: 197
    edited October 2011

    Hello Lisa645. I love my curls..thanks. Are you a nola patient?

  • Chrys23
    Chrys23 Member Posts: 291
    edited March 2012

    Hi Ladies -- I'm now 6 months past rads and my hair has grown in, but its definately getting somewhat course. It's soft, but I want to relax it. It seems the growth has really stopped. Perhaps I should texture it instead to soften it up.  The middle seems to not grow as fast as the top and sides and is growing really, really slow.

  • croney
    croney Member Posts: 2
    edited February 2013

    My hair is short and thin in the top as well. How did you get yours to grow, and get thicker. My hair came back curly as well. It have not changed yet. I am so hurt that it is so thin and short. It seem as if it just stop growing. Thank you for your help.

  • croney
    croney Member Posts: 2
    edited February 2013

    My hair is short and thin in the top as well. How did you get yours to grow and get thicker? My hair grew back curly as well, but it have not changed. I am still hurt that it is so thin and short. Do you know what can help me? Thanks

  • Malika79
    Malika79 Member Posts: 11
    edited June 2013

    How long did it take before your hair began falling out? Mine hasn't started falling out yet. Wednesday will be mu second round of adriamycin amd cytoxan. I am waiting to see it fall out before I cut it off. My hair is to my bra strap right now.

  • ehop337
    ehop337 Member Posts: 9
    edited June 2013

    My hair fell out after 3 weeks after my 1st round of adrianmycin and cytoxan .  It started growing back I have had two rounds of Taxol . I have 2 more . chemo treatments I am so happy ... I hope to never relax my hair again .. but I will wait and see what texture it is

  • pumba
    pumba Member Posts: 2
    edited March 2014

    My last chemo was 1/16/2014. Although my hair is growing back it is very thin on top and in the crown.  Anyone know of a product that can help the top catch up with the rest of my hair on the sides and back?  By the way my oncologist told me not to put any chemical in my hair until after 6 months, I figured by that time I will be use to looking at whatever color and texture that is coming in.

  • pumba
    pumba Member Posts: 2
    edited March 2014

    Fighter_34,

    Your pixie is gorgeous.

  • minnielee
    minnielee Member Posts: 9
    edited June 2014

    I to will be starting chemotherapy in August I have locks mix color and grey am a fly 68 help

  • minnielee
    minnielee Member Posts: 9
    edited June 2014

    I to will be starting chemotherapy in August I have locks mix color and grey am a fly 68 help

  • 2timer
    2timer Member Posts: 590
    edited June 2014

    Minnielee:

    Sorry you are going to have to have chemo.  Most chemo that is used for bc causes hair loss.  The good news is that it will grow back.  I lost all my hair this past winter when I was getting chemotherapy but it started sprouting a month after it ended.  I have a head full of short curls 4 months later.  Good luck.

  • BIOT
    BIOT Member Posts: 1
    edited July 2014

    Hi all - May last chemo treatment was March 20th and my hair is now growing back. I used to relax before chemo but would like to try something less harsh. Has anybody done the keratin treatment? If yes, how soon after chemo? Thanks

Categories