Hair loss and cancer treatment

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Depending on your treatment for cancer, you may experience hair loss. Learn about ways to deal with hair loss.

Key points

  • Hair will grow back when treatment is finished, but it can still be difficult to adjust to hair loss.
  • You may choose to cover your head with a wig, scarf or hat, or not.
  • Wigs can be expensive; ask your health-care team about affordable options if this is something you are considering.

If you’re in treatment, you’re probably concerned about hair loss. For many teenagers, even though you know your hair will grow back after treatment, adjusting to hair loss can be difficult.

Luckily there are ways to deal with it. For instance, you may choose to cover up with a wig, scarf or hat.

Many teens say that they are comfortable with being bald most of the time and only wear a wig when they go out. Whatever you decide to do, just be sure to cover your head if you will be out in the sun. One of your friends or a family member may even show their support by shaving or cutting their hair too.

If you’re thinking of wearing a wig, remember that wigs can be expensive! Some hospitals or local organizations run wig banks to make getting a wig more affordable. Ask your health-care team if there is a wig bank in your area.

You can explore ways to be creative and feel more comfortable with hair loss in the Head Way section of the 2bme web site.

Last updated: September 3rd 2019