Hair Extensions after chemo

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Anyone get hair extensions as your hair is growing back in?  I'm 3 weeks pfc and losing my hair has been the worst part of this whole ordeal for me.  I have a great wig but I am sick and tired of wearing it.  I just want real hair!!   From what I've read so far, hair only has to be 1"-1.5" inches long. 

Thoughts/tips/advice anyone?

Comments

  • Racy
    Racy Member Posts: 2,651
    edited February 2012

    Hi MadisoninMD, I know how you feel.



    I have hair extensions but I couldn't get them until my hair was about 2.5 inches long which was eight months after chemo. It grows slowly!



    There are several methods of extensions so there may be one that can be done when the hair is really short. But you have to consider the top of the head, where the short hair is hard to cover with extensions.



    I am in Australia and the type of extensions that I have was developed here. I have two rows/layers/wefts secured at the back plus a small toupé piece that covers the crown. I also had to get my chemo curls straightened (you are likely to get curls in your new hair) as they kept poking through the extensions.



    I am very happy with my extensions. They look and feel very light and natural. But they are not cheap. I paid over $1000 plus the cost of straightening. Also, the extensions need to be moved every eight weeks or so as your hair grows, which is a further cost.



    I hope you find a solution that works for you.







  • Alibeths
    Alibeths Member Posts: 656
    edited June 2013
  • LW0919
    LW0919 Member Posts: 196
    edited June 2013

    I would be willing to pay at least that if not more. It's so hot already and the wig is starting to frizz in the back. I have a long ways to go though...I'm only 4 days out from my last chemo. Very impatient!!

  • Alibeths
    Alibeths Member Posts: 656
    edited June 2013
  • melmcbee
    melmcbee Member Posts: 1,119
    edited June 2013

    Just a thought... my daughter bought hair extensions from the beauty supply store and she had fun with them. But I dont know how they would look on short hair. Good luck

  • fd1
    fd1 Member Posts: 239
    edited June 2013

    There is a very nice man that does hair extensions on women after chemo.  Your hair only needs to be an inch long.  If you google the Jon Richards Salon you will find his contact information.  He is in St-Paul.  He can refer you to the few people who can do this properly in the US.  Note that the extensions have to be curly to blend properly with your hair.

    I would be wary of any hair salon that is saying they can do this on hair less than 3-4 inches long.  I'd definitely ask to at least see pictures of what they have done.  :)

  • figuredancer
    figuredancer Member Posts: 3
    edited October 2015

    Hi Racy,

    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 City or Long Island 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?

    Do you know the kind of method they used for your extension?

    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.

  • debiann
    debiann Member Posts: 1,200
    edited October 2015

    image

    I considered hair extensions, but then worried they would damage my new delicate hair. Once my hair started growing I didn't cover my head at all, I didn't want to break off any new growth. I actually got lots of compliments on the super short hair.

    I was surprised to find my hair grew back faster than expected. Last year at this time I was one month post chemo and had only peach fuzz. This picture was taken today after my fourth haircut this year.

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