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Cancer
Related Hair Loss

Chemotherapy Can Cause Hair Loss

While you are undergoing Chemotherapy, Wigs or Toppers made from human hair are usually the way to go. Most Oncology centers will offer their patients Wigs and Toppers made from synthetic hair. If you have never experienced a properly fitted, high quality human hair wig, you have no idea what you are missing and how good it can make you feel. It can be life changing.

“After losing my hair from chemo, Starr helped me pick a wig that made me feel beautiful. Her kindness and compassion made a horrible situation tolerable. I highly recommend her and Ageless Medical Spa.”
-Cathy M. Cancer Survivor

A properly fitted human hair wig or topper will help you look and feel like yourself during this difficult season of your life.

Please come in and see for yourself what a difference a properly fitted human hair wig can make for your emotions and confidence

Cancer Related Hair Loss Charleston

Human Hair Wigs VS Synthetic Wigs

Buying a wig or topper can be overwhelming and there is so much information out there. Hopefully this article will help you understand the differences between the two. There are many types of human hair wigs. The most common being made from Asian or European hair. Asian hair accounts for the 98% majority in the marketplace, and only about 2% of human hair wigs use premium European hair.

European Human Hair

European human hair comes from the ponytails of European women. During the 1980s-90s, many Eastern European women donated their hair for a money. However, as socioeconomic status improved over time, collecting European ponytails has fallen out of practice. That’s why authentic European hair is scarce. What makes European hair premium is that the cuticle is intact, creating a beautiful natural flow, shine, and direction of movement, making it appear very natural. Due to their rarity, European human hair wigs fall into the luxury wig category because they look the most natural, last the longest with proper care, and have strict quality control, manufacturing, and processing standards.

Asian Human Hair Wigs

Asian Human Hair Wigs

The main sources of Asian hair wigs are China, India, Vietnam, and Mongolia. China contributes about 90% of the human hair wig, topper, and extension market, and there are two primary methods for collecting Asian hair:

  • Floor hair: The donor collects hair from shedding or brushing, saves it up, and sells it to a manufacturer who then sorts and processes the hair.
  • Remy ponytails: These are typically collected when Indian women donate their hair at a temple in a ritualistic offering to the gods. The temple then sells the hair to manufacturers. Alternatively, manufacturers buy Remy ponytails from local women who sell their hair for a profit.

There are several advantages to choosing a human hair wig over a synthetic wig.

  1. Natural look and feel: Human hair wigs look and feel more natural than synthetic wigs as they are made from real human hair. They can be styled and colored just like your own hair.
  2. Longevity: Human hair wigs are more durable and can last up to a year or longer with proper care, whereas synthetic wigs have a shorter lifespan and can easily lose their shape and texture.
  3. Versatility: Human hair wigs offer more styling versatility as they can be heat styled with curling irons, straighteners, and other tools. Synthetic wigs cannot be heat styled as they are made from synthetic fibers that can melt or become damaged.
  4. Comfort: Human hair wigs are lightweight and breathable, making them more comfortable to wear for long periods of time compared to synthetic wigs.
  5. Realistic appearance: Human hair wigs have a more realistic appearance as they have natural movement and shine, mimicking the look of real hair more closely than synthetic wigs.

Synthetic Wigs

The appeal of synthetic wigs is that they’re ready to wear out of the box, and they tend to be more affordable. However, they have limitations with styling and a shorter lifespan than human hair wigs. You’ll also notice that synthetic wigs have a high sheen, which looks less natural than human hair, especially in the daylight.

Synthetic wigs contain a variety of fibers like polyester, acrylics, and PVC (polyvinyl chloride). The type of synthetic fibers used influences the wig’s sheen. For example, low-quality synthetic fibers will have the highest sheen and lack a natural-looking texture and movement..

For those not wanting to draw attention to their coverage, synthetic wigs may pose a higher risk for looking unnatural. However, not everyone can invest thousands of dollars into a premium hair wig, but keep in mind buying multiple synthetic wigs over time can get pricey too.

Once you decide what type of hair is best for you, do your due diligence, particularly with wearing human hair. Unfortunately, there is misleading information and false claims in the marketplace because the industry is unregulated. That’s why a buyer beware approach is best when researching brands online. It is best to make an appointment with a professional, so that you can try the hairpieces on and make sure you are getting a proper fit.

Cancer Related Hair Loss Charleston

Facing a cancer diagnosis is a challenging journey that often involves chemotherapy treatment. While these treatments play a crucial role in fighting cancer, they can bring about a side effect that many patients find distressing, Cancer related hair loss.

Chemotherapy drugs target rapidly dividing cells, which unfortunately include hair follicles. This leads to hair loss, but it's important to remember that this is a temporary side effect hair. Hair typically begins to regrow a few weeks after treatment is finished. Understanding the science behind this process can help navigate some of the anxiety you may be feeling about hair loss.

Once you're done with Chemotherapy there are many options to help you regrow your own hair.

  1. Alma TED Trans Epidermal Delivery or TED uses non-invasive ultrasound based technology to drive nutrient rich serums into the scalp. Treatments with the TED can increase the number and thickness of your follicles
  2. Microneedling is an effective technique that triggers the production of collagen and stem cells promoting hair growth. It can increase the number and thickness of your follicles.
  3. PRP Injections work by using the growth factors present in your own blood to increase the number and thickness of your follicles
  4. Laser / LED treatments work by triggering a healing reaction and increasing blood flow to the scalp. Studies show they can increase the number of follicles on your scalp

Studies show that each of these treatments has about a 75% chance of increasing the number and or thickness of the follicles on your scalp. Not every treatment works on everyone and there are some patients that none of these treatments work for. Some studies show that using these treatments together can get even better results. Depending on what is going on with you, some, all, or none of these treatments might make sense for you.

Everyone is different and cancer only complicates things. Please book a free private one on one consultation to go over your specific situation, goals, and preferences. It's not one size fits all.

Coping strategies dealing with cancer related hair loss

Dealing with hair loss can be emotionally challenging, but there are strategies that can help you cope.

Education

Learning about the side effects of your specific chemotherapy drugs, and knowing what to expect, can reduce uncertainty and anxiety.

Hair care during treatment

Use gentle shampoos and avoid harsh treatments. You may want to consider cutting your hair short before treatment starts so the transition is less dramatic.

Scalp Care

Treat your scalp with care, use mild, organic products, and avoid excessive scratching.

Patience

As your treatment concludes, your hair will start to go back. This process can vary from person to person. Your new hair might have a different texture or color temporarily. Be patient and gentle with yourself as your hair grows back.

Managing hair regrowth expectations

The right wig can help you go through the entire hair loss, and regrowth cycle that is typically experienced by someone undergoing cancer treatment. It is normal to find confidence and security in a wig, as you wait for your hair to grow back to a length that you are comfortable with. Here is what you should consider when deciding on a wig.

Materials

Human hair wigs, provide the most natural look and feel, and can be customized and styled to your preference. Synthetic wigs come with a fixed style that maintains shape and style after washing.

Style, Color, and Fit

Choose a wig that matches your preferred hairstyle and color. Most wig salons offer customization services. You want to make sure that the wig fits properly and is comfortable. Here at Ageless, we will take accurate measurements and consult with your needs and lifestyle, and make professional recommendations based on that.

Emotional Support and self-care

When dealing with cancer related hair loss Charleston patients may find it emotionally challenging, and seek support from loved ones or consider joining support groups for cancer patients. Engage in self-care activities that boost your self-esteem and well-being. Practicing meditation can help reduce stress and help promote emotional healing.

There are so many ways now to improve the look of your skin and hair. From simple self care hacks to the latest medical procedure and everything in between. It all depends on your goals. We offer custom solutions to fit your needs, budget and preferences. When you make an appointment at Ageless Medical Spa & Hair Restoration you're going to work with a passionate caring expert. Who is going to know what is going on with you and offer you a range of solutions to meet your goals. Please book a free 15 minute in person or video consultation today.

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