Finished chemo in DEcember, so thrilled that my lovely thick hair was growing back. Ihad shortish straight hair, I’ve always spent money on a good cut and it was my crowning glory.
I know I should be happy that its growinng when others are facing the trauma of losing their hair or it’s growing back in patches.
But I didn’t expect chemo curl.
Ihate my tight curls, will they go or am I curly for ever. I’d put my wig back on but it’s too hot.I look in the mirror and I don’tsee me.
Has anybody else got my problem, am I being stupid(probably) and any advice?
Hi katekate
This can be an after effect of chemo as the 1st lot of hair that grows back has still got all those nasty chemicals in it. I think that once it has grown for a while it goes back to how it was before but can be grey, if you are older. I must admit I expected to be grey and curly, just like my mum, but this didn’t happen. I hope that you get some other more helpful comments and also that this stage in the hair growing passes soon for you. I know what you mean about being ‘hairproud’ but, as you say, it has grown back and that is a start. Well done for finishing chemo and look after yourself, it takes a while for things to get back to normal.
Nicky
Hi Katemate
I finished my chemo 6 months before you and my hair came back with tight curls but no grey. My GP told me as the hair follicles repair themselves the hair will start to grow through straight again.
Wanting to get some length I have only had the fringe and top cut which is now much straighter but the back and nape is still very curly. I think the secret is either keep cutting it short or have long curly hair. Mine is getting looser now (it popped through my scalp exactly 1 year ago) I have invested in some ghd’s which pull it out straight and havent damaged it yet.
It will improve Kate, its like all these beastly BC things it all takes time 
Wishing you lots of luck from Judy x
Hi Katemate , I finished my Chemo in April 09 , 4 x Epirubicin , and 4 x Xeloda , and my hair started to grow back before I finished the Xeloda regime. It is grey and very curly !!! I feel as if I have had a Granny perm…I have usually worn my hair longer and coloured it Blond up to now.
It doesn’t seem to get any longer…just bushier…wouldn’t mind if I had long flowing curls…instead I look as if I am going to audition for " Hair " LOL.
I am also not sure when I can colour it again…I have read conflicting advice on this.
It is a slow business this recovery thing…
Hugs, Jill
I had the curl for 6 - 9 months after my hair grew back. I bought a tube of Paul Mitchell straightening gel from the hairdressers and used it every time I blow dried it. It smoothed the curl right out. I also used a cheap set of straighteners I got in Boots for about £10 until the curl went.
Hi Katemate- I finished Chemo in Dec 09 and still have very little hair - curly or otherwise!
I’ve always worn it quite short - and quite wavy- now it is just very short - and fluffy!
I keep hoping for some real improvement as I hate it - but think I will be wearing my wig for at least 2 more months. My hairdresser ‘tidied it up’ for me last month but said not to come back for another 3 months- not very encouraging!
Thanks for all your comments.
What a relief the curly look won’t be for ever.
I know I’m so lucky with the rate of growth, if it were straight I think I would be content. I have got straighteners, they’re in storage in Somerset but hoping to get them next week.
I feel so guilty being so vain and centred on my appearance when others are having such awful problems.
Topsymo, my chemo was 3xFEC and 3 TAX. Apparently on this regime, the hair can start growing back on TAX, although it wasn’t noticeable until the day after my 6th chemo. Its really odd because if you just have TAX, you lose your hair!!! I did wear my wig for a couple of months after.
Thanks, Cherub, for the Paul Mitchell tip. I’ll give it a try.
Lavendersblue, Iwas told no hair colour until 6 months after end of chemo. But I believe you can get an organic dye that’s perfectly alright to use. I think Holland and Barrett sellthem. My friend who is having chemo colours her hair( different cancer, no hair loss).
Judy, there is noway scissors are going near my hair, I have to be patient!!!
Nicky, being “hairproud” the frustration is unbelievable. If I had more I’d be pulling it out!
Thanks for the reassurance,girls. I promise I won’t start a thread about my ridged nails!!!
Kathy