How fast did your hair fall out?

JennH8 · October 2013

I'm curious for those who have lost their hair already, once it started going, did it just all go pretty quick? Was it gradual? Trying to get an idea of what to expect. I know some just shave it off once it starts going but anyone kind of hang on for a bit if they could?

JennH8 · October 2013

Also on that note, for those who wore scarves on their heads, is there a certain material you like more than others? There seem to be a lot of options.

jenjenl · October 2013

mine came out 13 days after my 1st infusion. i did chemo through winter and spring so i wore a ski hat most of the time.

jenjenl · October 2013

It started really at day 10 - lot's of strands itching me...so we shaved it day 13 and it made it surreal.

badger · October 2013

hi JennH8, I did six rounds of TC (taxotere and cytoxan) chemo from March-June 2010. My hair started coming out 14 days after first infusion. It started coming back in September.

Before starting chemo, I donated my long hair to Locks of Love and got a cute short bob. That lasted two weeks then I started shedding, all over my clothes, down the back of my chair at work, on my pillow, in the shower etc. I remember taking a walk on a breezy Spring day and my hair floating away like dandelion fluff in the wind.

Soon after that, I got it buzzed ultra-short at my salon. Stylist recommended against shaving to avoid nubs. Although most of that half-inch hair fell out, I wasn't completely bald. My head was covered by a downy peach fuzz like a newborn baby. I went commando at home and at work but wore a baseball cap to the store and when walking so I didn't sunburn my head. That's also less conspicuous around here than a scarf.

BTW, if you can afford a small indulgence, get a satin pillowcase. It'll feel good and won't pull or tug on yr tiny hairs. Best wishes! ♥

JennH8 · October 2013

Thanks everyone! Just wondering if I'd be able to pull off a hat for a while with a little hair sticking out or not. Badger - I will look into the satin pillowcase. Hadn't thought of that. I'm doing the same chemo as you had although 4 rounds instead of 6.

badger · October 2013

Jenn, be prepared for ALL of yr hair falling out - not just head but entire body... nose hairs, eyebrows & eyelashes, arms & legs, and groin. Yes, you will probably lose yr pubic hair. The thing to watch out for there is peeing sideways instead of straight down until it grows back. (where's that blushing emoticon when you need it?) Bring facial tissues everywhere 'cuz yr nose will run with nothing to stop it.

Did you know you can buy hats with hair? I'm not endorsing TLC but here's a link to their website so you can get an idea of what it looks like. http://www.tlcdirect.org/Hats-with-Hair-for-Cancer-and-Chemotherapy-Patients-Hair-for-Hats-American-Cancer-Society-TLC-Direct

KBeee · October 2013

I am also on TC. I shaved my hair prior to the start of chemo so I would not stress about it, but the stubble started coming out huge on day 13.

jancie · October 2013

Badger - I totally forgot about the peeing sideways!

Yes, my hair left me down south - all but on the panty line where you wax and shave. I did not get my brazilian wax job that was the only positive thing for me about losing hair.

I lost my hair on day 15. On day 14 my scalp really hurt - very tender and sensitive. I guess it was the hair folicles trying to push out. That very next day I ran my hand through my hair and it was coming out in clumps so I ran to a friends house that evening with a bottle of wine and she took her dog clippers and she sheared me. I too worried about having painful bumps using a razor. I think it is wise to use clippers instead. You can wear a sleeping cap to bed which would catch all of the other short hairs as they fall out.

Camillia · October 2013

I had a short pixie cut done about a month before starting chemo so that my kids would get used to it instead of going from long to bald within a couple of weeks. 9 days after my first chemo, my hair started falling out quite easily so I had my kids give me a short buzz cut- around 3/4".

A couple of days after that, I went into the shower and ALL of my hair fell out at once. It was a very bad experience for me, I remember crying and freaking out about all the hair everywhere. If I would have known that it would fall that easily in the shower and all at once, I would have shaved it to a 1/4 inch the day my kids gave me a buzz cut.

As for hats and scarfs, I personally tried quite a few things. It made me feel better to have the options of playing with scarfs, hats and all. I was lucky, it was winter.

Good luck.

IamNancy · October 2013

mine started about 12-13 days after the first chemo treatment - I will say, it was so upsetting taking a shower with clumps of hair everywhere.. especially in my hands - I had my husband buzz it all off at that point and wore a wig.. but it hurt to lay my head on a pillow with the stubbles so I had him shave it and I was glad to get it over with... there are organizations that will send you free knitted caps - I actually forget the site but one may have been http://www.heavenlyhats.com/ and it was wonderful the day the hats came .. believe me your head gets cold in the house and you'll need a cap.. shop for a wig as soon as you can so you'll be ready.. oh and for scarfs I bought abbey caps-ruffly scarfs that were easy to wear..I bought them at amazon.com..

LW0919 · October 2013

At around day 12 my scalp felt weird and tingly. Then within a day it was really sore. I remember being at work and seeing my hair lying on my desk. When it started it happened fast. The shower was where the real shedding happened. It was traumatizing for me, like someone had died. I think for me it was the worst part of the whole journey. I never shaved. I cut my hair to about chin length and let nature take its course. I still had a little on the sides and bottom and it would stick out from under my hat. I held on to it as long as I could. It's tough, my thoughts are with you.

annika12 · October 2013

day 13 and it was nasty messy.......super short cut and wore scarfs to not shed everywhere !! I prefer cotton scarf....a BIG dew rag style get compliments on it all the time. I never lost all my hair had crazy side hair non on top but I liked the feeling of a little hair...bald sure loojs better but I never go top less. ..don't even sleep without!! Just me...dont like the feeling. Now Im almost done and I have 1/8 inch of even beach blond fuzz and I love having some.....

mcgis · October 2013

Badger, that is so funny about the peeing. I was wondering if I was the only one. LOL.

JenH8, day 13 mine started to come out. I ended up just shaving with an electric shaver. I prefer cotton hats. I bought a couple at a wig store that I like. I also wear handkerchiefs (like Aunt Jamima). I've found that I get cold more than before and I'm assuming it's because of not having hair. So, I have a hat I keep up in my room for night time.

Sept. 10 was my last chemo and my hair started growing in right away. It's got a LONG way to go! I think it's maybe 1 cm now.

JennH8 · November 2013

Thanks everyone for all your hair stories. Mine is pretty much gone now. I had my hubby shave what's left down to about an inch. I do still have some but it's still falling out. Right now I'm finding bandanas are the most comfortable. Not sure if I'm going to go the wig route.

mcgis - Funny you mention being cold. I went out of the house for the first time yesterday and was saying how cold my neck was! Don't know how people with short hair do it. Brrrrrrr

How fast did your hair fall out?

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