Hi everyone. I had my first chemo 3 weeks ago and was dreading my hair coming out in clumps. Everything was grand until Christmas morning when my scalp became exquisitely painful and handfuls of my very thick hair carpeted the shower tray. Nothing can truly prepare you for that. One of my daughters volunteered to shave a no 3 buzz cut while the other two plied me with wine, tissues and dodgy “slap-head” jokes:smile:. I thought that was the worst of it over but that brings me to the point of my long winded post (sorry 
!). I hadn’t factored in the 1/4 inch of hairy stubble left on top as I plonked on my wig abd headed off to chemo. Well - it was agony! It felt like an army of demon acupuncturists had been let loose on my scalp and were drilling for oil. Do any of you good folk know how long it takes for stubble to fall out? If all else fails, I might have to pluck each remaing hair out one by one - and I’m only half joking. 
I shaved my head to a number two at the end of November. There is still a smattering of hair across my head. I don’t wear a wig but the skin is still irritated by the end of the day by the head covering I use. I have been wondering about using the clippers on the lowest setting (like shaving the back of the neck) to remove the last bits. Interested to see what others advise you.
I had my hair cut with the shaver to the last possible setting 3-4 weeks ago. It has left a very soft ‘stubble’ covering most of my scalp. My biggest issue with discomfort was itching under the scalp with lots of spots that look like they are fed up and reacting to sudden exposure 
. I found a scalp treatment cream and scalp oil that I have been using daily, both have helped sooth and repair my scalp irritation (expensive though at £20 for treatment and £30 for oil both by Jennifer Young beauty despite cancer) I have not worn my wig yet as I feel this will only antagonise my scalp. I wear a cashmere chemo sleep beeny (Amazon) at night and through the day if I’m at home it’s light and v comfortable. Hope that can be of some help xx
Thanks, gerry22. I’ll try something similar. 
I had been gearing up for a shave last Saturday or Sunday but bottled out. Like you @craicin-up my thick pixie cut was coming out by the handful. I had been warned about prickly head after shaving. Showering on Christmas Eve I put a plug strainer thing over the plug. Just my wet hand wiping down my wet hair was enough to remove 95% of my hair. I wasn’t expecting that! I might have got a bit cross and rubbed a bit more out too. I decided not to shave the rest off. I thought I’d cherish my last bit of fringe to poke out from the front of my hats. Not much left of that now either. Annoying when it’s falls down my face.
But on the positive side, I have lovely smooth armpits 
I’m wary of shaving too closely in case I nick my scalp and end up with an infection… I can definitely live without that😄
Hi, I shaved my hair to a number 2 , two weeks after chemo started as it started to fall out. I did a look good feel better online course and they recommended washing with a foaming face wash. Also using Aloe Vera gel with tea tree oil to soothe it. And also Re Gen oil to moisturise . I’ve been doing all that and it’s helped . I received Jennifer Young scalp products for Christmas and they are lovely but no better I don’t think than the cheaper alternatives .
Also it gets less prickly as time goes on and I use a sleep cap at night. Have some floof growing back now 
and I’ve just finished chemo last week .
Hi had my chemo back into June i shaved my hair off after the first chemotherapy it wasn’t long after my second chemotherapy I was bald I didn’t even notice it falling out. I carried on for a few months using Faith in nature rosemary shampoo and conditioner and I didn’t have any problems with my scalp . I bought the shampoo and conditioner from Holland and Barrett
Hi - i had a no 2 and never lost my fuzz. its the scalp losing the hair that is the painful bit. persevere with your buzz cut and wig and im sure your scalp will calm down soon. It is a really weird sensation though when you’re losing it. I used Moo Goo scalp cream to prevent any rashes
I had a No 2 two weeks after first EC chemo when hair started falling out in handfuls. I couldn’t sleep that night as it was so prickly. I left it and it did gradually get softer after a few days, no more hair fell out (strangely) and it became much softer. I rubbed Bio Oil into scalp each evening and put a soft head wrap or sleep cap over it to sleep.
I’m still doing that after 4 ECs and one Docetaxel and hair is still growing. Hmm! I have been told though that it will probably all fall out a couple of weeks after the Docetaxel ie in a few days time. So looking forward to that!! x
Thank you all so much for your replies and suggestions. The top and back of my scalp is less painful today - just the temple areas, so I’m hoping it’s starting to ease off now. It’s all so individual, isn’t it?
Hi lovely , I shaved my hair due to chemotherapy an I wanted to take a little control rather than it coming out in clumps , I had number 3 cut, but didn’t actually loose it all which was a surprise, also I didn’t have the pain your describing, I felt itchy an a little sore , maybe mention to nurse when you go for treatment, I wish you well , stay strong and good luck lovely xx
You too, Nikks. Happy New Year 
I had mine buzz cut at the hairdressers, then wet shaved once or twice weekly until the end of chemo. My husband shaves his head so he did it the first few times and taught me how to do it myself. Felt so much nicer and also it looked better. I chose not to wear a wig, just hats for the cold and I embraced the full shaved look. 18 months post chemo, hair now shoulder length.
Congratulations on finishing chemo. It must be a huge weight off your shoulders. Celebratory hugs all round:hugs: