Your Hair And Cancer

Most of us know someone who's life has been affected by cancer. We know of its wrath but many of us also know brave loved ones who overcame it.
Those who have survived cancer are left with immense gratitude, knowing they have a second chance with their loved ones. But there are still ongoing struggles to deal with. One area where women and men sometimes feel helpless is with hair loss.

So often I've had clients in my chair as their hair starts growing back and they are frustrated with the new texture they are given. Some had stick straight hair and now it's curly and fine and others had curly hair and now it's straight. It's a sensitive situation and should be approached with love by your hairstylist.

If you're reading this and it sounds like you're in this situation, here are some valuable tips on what to ask for and what to stay away from. Remember, find a stylist that's sensitive enough to take the time to give you options.

1) Always start with a consultation. This allows you to figure out if you're in the right chair. See it as a relationship in the making..

2) You will want to grow your hair, but you do have options on how best to approach it.

3) Bring your products into the salon so your hairstylist sees what you were using before you underwent treatment. You'll be needing some help in this area...choosing the right products for your new hair and style.

4) You may want to use natural products. If so here are my recommendations: Hamadi Beauty products offer a wide range of shampoos, conditioners and styling products which boast that they are tested on actresses, not on animals.

 The rejuvenating pure oil by Naturina is an amazing oil that helps add shine and luster to hair. You can ask your hairstylist to add a little to your color if your scalp is sensitive.

 And the Gaia natural baby shampoo is one of the gentlest shampoo I know of, its a nourishing baby shampoo that is pH neutral, low foaming and gently cleanses hair and scalp without stripping it of its natural, protective oils. And it's certified organic!

5) If natural products are not giving you the results you want, here is a wonderful non-natural option. Kerastase Age recharge all the way baby! The shampoo and mask are amazing!!!

6) When getting your haircut, avoid thinning shears and razors. There's absolutely no need to make your hair any thinner.

7) If you're used to coloring your hair, ask your stylist to use colors that are low in ammonia. The less stress your hair endures, the better. If you're covering gray, use Herbatint.

 It covers well and is more gentle than others. You can find at your local health food store. And if you're not covering grey, but want to add some tone and shine to your hair, I highly recommend cellophanes. It will not cover grey, but is an ammonia and peroxide-free glaze that's a safe way to go. It's applied to clean, damp hair and then left to sit under a dryer for 20 minutes. It lasts for up to 8-10 shampoos. Ask your salon if they use it not ask them to get it, they can purchase a few tubes.

And lastly avoid metal hair brushes. Instead use boar bristle brushes or a Mason Pearson.

Please share this article with anyone you think may benefit.

Love to all!