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Receiving a cancer diagnosis is a frightening and bewildering experience.
When braving the arduous journey of cancer treatment and therapies and enduring the brutal impact on the body, losing your hair can feel like an additional blow. It serves as a tangible reminder of the challenges you face and the visible transformation your body undergoes. Your hair can become a casualty of the battle you’re fighting.
As you navigate through the complexities of your diagnosis and treatment, finding a solution that addresses the impact of hair loss may become crucial in preserving your sense of self and regaining a semblance of normalcy.
As a company dedicated to creating world-class human hair wigs and toppers, Daniel Alain understands the profound impact that hair loss can have on individuals undergoing chemotherapy and radiation treatments. Over the past 20 years, we have had the privilege of working closely with people facing hair loss and assisting them in finding the perfect hairpiece that not only restores their appearance but also helps them reclaim a sense of identity and confidence.
In this article, we aim to share our expertise and knowledge about the best alternative hair solutions, gained through years of experience serving those affected by hair loss during cancer treatment. We share the experience of one of our real-life customers, Kelly, who suffers from hair loss due to radiation therapy used to treat skin cancer. Our goal is to empower you with the knowledge and information necessary to confidently embrace alternative hair solutions, if you so choose, and allow you to focus on healing and reclaiming your own self.
Common Causes of Hair Loss during Cancer Treatment
Chemotherapy
The powerful medications used in chemotherapy target rapidly dividing cells, including hair follicles, which can lead to hair loss. The specific drugs used, dosage, and treatment duration can influence the extent and timing of hair loss.
Radiation Therapy
Depending on the area being treated, radiation therapy may cause hair loss in a specific region. For example, patients undergoing head and neck radiation may experience hair loss on the scalp.
“I lost my hair due to having radiation therapy for squamous cell carcinoma,” explains Kelly. “I had surgery which didn’t remove the cancer entirely so I had radiation and I was left with a bald patch on my head where the hair won’t grow back.”
Hair loss during cancer treatment can have a profound emotional and psychological impact that transcends the physical change in appearance. It can deeply affect body image and self-esteem and it’s common to feel self-conscious or experience a loss of confidence.
“It was very difficult to lose my hair. I looked so different and I didn’t feel like myself,” Kelly recalls. “It was a difficult time.”
Alternative hair solutions for hair loss
While we subscribe to the idea that people should choose whichever path feels best for them, we know that alternative hair solutions can play a vital role in restoring confidence, empowering individuals, and promoting emotional well-being during the treatment journey.
Kelly turned to hairpieces on the advice of the hospital where she was undergoing her treatment. Hospitals are commonly a first stop for information as they strive to offer comprehensive support to address hair loss during treatment. They often have specialized programs and dedicated staff who can guide patients through the process and offer advice, and practical solutions.
“When my hair fell out, there was a tremendous amount of support at the hospital,” says Kelly. “They provided people who talked to me about my different options, gave me ideas about what I could do with my hair, and they gave me information about wigs.”
On the hospital’s advice, Kelly purchased a synthetic wig but her initial hopes were crushed when it proved to be uncomfortable and unnatural-looking. Though she persevered for a few months, her synthetic wig never felt like a part of her and she returned to the hospital determined to find a better option.
“The hospital told me about The Salon at 10 Newbury in Boston, and said they had alternative solutions including real human hair pieces,” she explains. “So I made an appointment to talk about options that might be a better fit for me than a synthetic wig.”
The Salon at 10 Newbury is one of many authorized Daniel Alain retailers and is one of the most prestigious and highly respected salons and hair replacement centers in the US. Their professional staff showed Kelly Follea human hair toppers by Daniel Alain, something she didn’t even know existed.
“When I first saw the topper, I wasn’t convinced it would stay on my head,” Kelly recalls. “I only have a thin line of existing hair at the front of my head which I didn’t think would be enough to hold a topper in place. But when the stylist put it on my head and clipped it in, I was shocked that it fit right into my hair and stayed there.”
Kelly was immediately taken by the idea of having a hairpiece that looked completely natural. She was also excited that it provided coverage exactly where she needed it. “It felt really good on my head. It blended with my existing hair and it looked natural. I was immediately thrilled with how well it fit on my head. I loved it from the very beginning.”
Finally discovering a solution that blended seamlessly with her existing hair and stayed in place all day, was a game changer for Kelly. “I felt a thousand times better!” she smiles. “I was back to my normal self and I felt confident and happy.”
Looking back on her search for the perfect hairpiece, Kelly laments that she hadn’t been aware of alternative hair solutions that could look and feel like real hair.
“If I had known that toppers existed, I might have pushed for a more natural solution instead of trying the synthetic wig,” she explains. “When I first got the synthetic wig, I figured that was my only option. I didn’t think to question it. I wish I had known more.”
When it comes to dealing with hair loss, it’s crucial to invest time in researching things to consider before buying a hair topper, reading reviews, and seeking out real-customer testimonials. Your hairpiece should make you feel like yourself, look like the person you recognize in the mirror, and restore your lost confidence. If your current solution doesn’t meet these criteria, it’s okay to explore alternatives.
“If you’re going through a difficult time and are experiencing hair loss due to cancer, know that it will get better,” advises Kelly. “The best alternative hair solution is the one that truly makes you feel like yourself again.”
Is a hair topper the best option for me?
Amidst the challenging journey of a cancer diagnosis, the added burden of hair loss can intensify the emotional impact, fear, and uncertainty you may be feeling. If you’ve been looking at alternative hair solutions such as synthetic wigs, you may be feeling despondent that nothing looks and feels like a natural part of you. This can often exacerbate an already difficult situation.
By reading this article, we hope you’ve been inspired by Kelly’s experience to seek alternatives if your current solution is not meeting your expectations. Knowing that there are human hair options that look and feel like a real head of hair can give you hope of rediscovering your self-image and confidence.
As you continue your journey toward finding the best alternative hair solution, we want to assure you that there is hope and support available. We understand the emotional significance of restoring your appearance and regaining your confidence. If you feel ready, reach out to our compassionate team who can provide personalized guidance and recommendations tailored to your specific needs and preferences. Alternatively, we invite you to download our new and comprehensive ‘Topper Buying Guide.” This guide is designed to equip you with essential knowledge and insights, helping you make an informed decision that will transform your experience with hair loss.