Emotional support to cope with hair loss

 

Many people see their hair as a very important part of their appearance. Some worry about how their different appearance will affect their relationships with family and friends. You may also feel uncomfortable about socialising and feel less confident if you look different.

Other people find that their hair loss can act as a constant reminder to them and others that they have cancer, and this can make them feel vulnerable and exposed. It can also be a shock if your eyebrows, eyelashes, beard or moustache and pubic hair| fall out. You may feel even more vulnerable and this can affect the way you feel about yourself. 

Nowadays people are much more aware of the effects of cancer treatment on hair, but some people find they are still surprised by other people’s reactions to their hair loss.

Family and friends may be upset and find it hard not to show this. If they don’t know the reason for your hair loss, they may wrongly assume that you’ve chosen to have your hair or beard shaved off and wonder why.

For some people, learning that you may lose your hair may seem like the final straw, while others find that it isn’t as bad as they expected.

All these reactions are completely normal. It may take a while for you to come to terms with your hair loss and to talk with others and deal with their reactions. Most people find that their family and friends are very supportive and that it can help to talk through their feelings about losing their hair.

Getting support

At the hospital you’ll probably meet other people who’ve had hair loss and they can often give helpful advice and personal hints on how they’ve coped. You can also meet people whose hair has fallen out at cancer support groups|. We can give you details of support groups in your area. Some people find it easier to talk to someone they don’t know, such as a counsellor.

In some cultures, hair is seen as a symbol of fertility and desirability, or a sign of health and status. Some cultures believe that hair gets rid of impurities from the body. If hair has a special significance for you it can be even more difficult to adjust to losing it.

You can talk to our cancer support specialists if you find it difficult to cope with hair loss or other aspects of your cancer and its treatment. We can give you information about counselling and how to contact a counsellor in your area.