Hi,
I popped my chemo cherry yesterday so am now popping my forum cherry- so many cherries :smileylol:
I used the cold cap yesterday. The nurses provided the conditioner and in my ridiculously over nervous state I forgot to ask them what shampoo/conditioner I should be using between treatments and how to best care for the hair.
Can am anyone help??
thanks xx
Hi jo. Welcome to the forum. Sorry you’ve had join us.
I had my 5th chemo yesterday (2nd T). Hence the reason I’m up at 4am (steriods)
There’s a whole thread of tips on here if you search ‘cold cap did it help keep your hair’.
I been capping and haven’t lost any hair off my head. Lost it from everywhere else. ?
My hair is growing and I’ve got new growth coming through. I know of two other ladies who started at the same time as me who have also kept all of their hair. Even if you don’t, apparently using the cap helps your hair to grow back quicker once treatment ends.
I use the paxman shampoo and conditioner. It’s not cheap, £25 for the set. I take the conditioner to chemo with me. Contrary to what you might read, you only need a coin size amount once your hair has been dampened with water.
For my first 3 fec I only washed my hair 3 times per week in Luke warm water (never washed it after chemo, although the advice is that you can, I always feel better leaving it to settle for a day). I did use a hair dryer on a low heat. I didn’t use any other hair products.
Now I’m on T I wash it most days in the shower as usual. I only do this because I’ve been lucky enough not to lose any and apparently T is not as harsh as fec on hair. When you brush, use a wide toothed comb. Some people swear by using night caps and silk pillow cases, but these just made me sweat so I gave up after a couple of nights.
I had my long hair cut into a pixie before I started chemo and also had it layered. It was quite thin any way (but lots of it). I’ve moaned about this all of my life, but in this situation I think it’s been my saving grace. Make sure you get a really good fit with the cap. Going by what others say; you should have a good idea of how much ( if any) you’re going to lose by about day 15 or 17.
Good luck with everything. I hope the SE’s are not being to harsh on you.
Have you joined the September or October going through chemo thread? You’ll get lots of support there from others who are at the same stage of treatment. Xxx
Angela . X
Hi Angela
Thank you so much for the advice. I’ll look into the Paxman products. And have a look in the threads you mentioned (am new to this forum so still getting my bearings) ? Do you leave the conditioner in on your day of chemo? I rinsed mine out with lukewarm water a few hours after I returned home. I’ve not used a cap at night as I’ve had hot flushes. But fingers crossed it’ll help with reducing the hair loss.
Thank you again 
Hi jo. Yes, I leave the conditioner in. As it’s only a small coin size amount it’s not too bad.
To be honest, I think I’ve just been lucky and haven’t kept my hair because I’ve been careful with it. I think whatever we do, if it’s going to fall out even using the cap I don’t think there’s a great deal you can do to stop it. There are ladies on here who have looked after theirs a lot more than I have who have still lost it. I really hope you’re one of the lucky ones.
Xxx
Hi Jo,
I have so far had thirteen weekly chemo treatments and I am using the cold cap, I use sulphate free shampoo and conditioner which I brought from Superdrug. I wash my hair gently once a week (the day after treatment!) and I have lost a very small amount of hair.
Another tip is to handle your hair with care and not to style/brush too much.
Good luck
T x