Looking after your hair

If your hair is dry or brittle during or after cancer treatment:

• Use only gentle hair products, such as mild or baby shampoo, to prevent dryness of the hair and scalp.
• Brush your hair gently – using a soft baby brush, for example – especially if your scalp feels tender.
• Use wide-toothed combs.
• At night, wear a hairnet, soft cap or turban around your head to collect any loose hair.
• Don't use excessive heat from hairdryers or heated rollers, as this can over-dry the hair and make it break.
• Avoid plaiting your hair or wearing it in a tight band, as this can damage and break your hair.
• Avoid sleeping in hair rollers.
• A poor diet, stress and alcohol can make the condition of your hair worse. It is important to eat as well as you can (with plenty of fruit and vegetables), drink alcohol in moderation and avoid stress, if possible, to keep your hair in good condition.
• Gently massaging the scalp may improve the blood supply to the hair follicles.
• Avoid perming your hair as this can make the hair even more dry and brittle.
• Only use tints or hair dyes made of natural colourants.