Coping with hair loss after treatment has ended

Hair products Back to top

As your hair grows back, you can use a shampoo that suits you and your hair/scalp condition. Most shampoos can be used on a regular daily basis without any problems. However, if you notice that your scalp becomes irritated or the condition of your hair changes, seek professional advice.

Tinting, colouring and perming Back to top

Once your hair is long enough, you can have it tinted or permed. It’s always best to seek professional advice when you have your hair first tinted or permed after radiotherapy| or chemotherapy|. A professional hairdresser can check that any colours, perms or tints used on your hair do not damage it or cause an allergic reaction. They can also advise you about how to care for your hair after colouring or perming it.

You should not use any chemicals such as perms or tints on your hair without seeking professional advice if:

• your scalp is scaly, sore, or irritated
• your hair is drier than usual
• your hair is very rough to the touch
• your hair is lighter in colour than before your treatment
• your hair appears to be breaking or not growing normally.

If you want to colour your own hair, ask your hairdresser for advice on natural products such as henna or vegetable-based colours. If you use a henna product, be aware that the colour the henna produces may be more intense after chemotherapy treatment. Before choosing a vegetable-based colour, check the label to see whether any other chemicals have been added. Many products that claim to be natural actually contain chemicals which may very occasionally cause an allergic reaction.

To make sure that any colours will not damage your hair and that you won’t have a reaction to them, you should always try the colour on a small, hidden area of hair and scalp 48 hours before applying it to the rest of your hair. If you don’t experience any increased sensitivity or problems with the colour test within 48 hours, then it’s safe to apply it to the rest of your hair.

Hair extensions Back to top

Hair extensions can thicken fine or wispy hair and can be clipped onto your hair. This isn’t suitable for weak or thin hair so isn’t advisable for people who’ve just had chemotherapy or radiotherapy. Hair extensions are not available on the NHS.