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Macmillan and Cancerbackup merged in 2008. Together we provide free, high quality information for people affected by cancer through our publications, website and phone service. Find out more|.
Find out how we produce our information|
This section gives information and advice to help you look after your hair if it’s affected by cancer treatment, and looks at ways to help you cope emotionally with hair loss.
This is Bengu's story of coping with hair loss. Cancer experiences vary and this is only one person's story. To hear others visit our online community|.
You can watch this video with a British Sign Language translation|.
Tell us what you think of our videos.|
Some people having cancer treatment find that it doesn’t affect their hair at all. However, chemotherapy| or other medicines can affect the condition and growth of your hair. Some people find that their hair becomes thinner and in some, it falls out completely. People who have surgery or radiotherapy to their head may find they have areas where their hair doesn’t grow back.
The information in this section explains how to get, pay for and look after a wig or hairpiece|, and mentions alternatives to wigs| such as hats, headscarves and turbans.
Find out about our partnership with TONI &GUY hair salons on Strength in Style|, a scheme to help improve the quality of hair care on the high street to people affected by cancer.
If you have any further questions you can ask your doctor or nurse at the hospital where you are having your treatment or speak to one of our cancer support specialists.
Cancerbackup's| founder, Dr Vicky Clement-Jones (1948–1987), following chemotherapy for her ovarian cancer| , in one of the hats that became her trademark
For answers, support or just a chat, call the Macmillan Support Line free (Monday to Friday, 9am-8pm)
If you have any questions about cancer, need support or just want someone to talk to, ask Macmillan.
Order your free booklet, CD or audio cassette from our Be.Macmillan site.