October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month and it always causes me to reflect on loved ones specifically impacted by cancer. We have all been touched
by cancer. Personally, I’ve lost my father, grandmother and aunt to cancer in the past 15 years. Like so many others, I also have family and friends who are winning the battle against breast cancer each day. So, it’s extremely important to me to support women in their breast cancer journey.
Cancer patients can lose hair after chemo because — while chemotherapy is effective at killing rapidly dividing cells — it can’t tell the
difference between cancer cells and normal cells, like hair follicles.Chemo treatments not only cause hair loss, but they also change the texture of the hair and can cause hair to grow back more slowly. When the hair begins to grow back in, women often witness curlier, darker hair.
During hair shows, I often get asked by women who are either in or post-chemo treatment how to care for their “chemo hair”. They are unsure how to manage either the thinner hair as it grows back in. Or maybe they have chosen a chemical-free path for their hair post chemo and are new to the natural hair world. Here are a few strategies I share with women on managing through the post-chemo transition:
- Hair regrowth after chemo is weak and low in protein, so avoid bristle brushes or heat drying
- Use sulfate-free shampoos, such as our Squeaky Clarifying Shampoo or Rich & Funky Moisturizing Shampoo. Both are free of sulfates and are fused with comfrey and willow bark to promote hair growth
- Use products supplemented proteins such as Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein, Hydrolyzed Keratin and Wheat Amino Acids which have a protein structure similar to that of the naturally occurring keratin in our hair
- Massage the scalp regularly with a light oil such as Coconut Oil. Scalp massages promote sebum production and increases blood flow to the scalp. Both of these result in increased hair growth.
- Expose your hair to daylight. It has been shown a scalp covered for extended periods of time experience slower hair re-growth
- Continue to give your hair — regardless of length or density — periodic trims to promote growth
- Avoid hairstyles that create stress or pull on the edges of the hair
In honor of the many women who are winning the battle against cancer, and those who have lost their personal battle, Uncle Funky’s Daughter is supporting breast cancer awareness month. For every purchase over $35 made on the website, Uncle Funky’s Daughter will give a 2 oz of Rich & Funky Moisturizing Shampoo to the purchaser and donate a 2 oz of Rich & Funky Moisturizing Shampoo to a non-profit focused on supporting women in their breast cancer journey. In 2016, we will host a series of workshops across the U.S., specifically for women post-chemo, to share some of the above strategies among other facts and tips on managing your hair post chemo.
If you ever have any questions about your hair, don’t hesitate to reach out to us. We’re always here to help!
4 comments
I just happened to open your email Re post chemo hair. I had a second stem cell transplant 1 yr ago and my hair is growing back with a different texture from my original hair and even different from the hair I got back after my first transplant. I have been wondering how to care for this new hair so I was very happy to see your email. My hair now has ‘Indian’ texture which I have no experience with. Very light but dry without hair products. I will try the shampoo you recommended. What other moisturizing product can I use that won’t weigh my hair down? Thank you for talking about these issues.
Lisa,
Use our Good Hair Conditioning Style Creme for a light moisturizer on your hair. It contains ingredients such as silk, safflower oil, oat extract, and wheat protein to strengthen and protect your hair without weighing it down.
Also, our Midnite Train Leave-in Conditioner will be a great enhancement for additional moisture. It is water-based (so it will be light) and contains aloe, olive oil, sunflower seed oil, lavender, sage as well as other natural extracts. Use it at night before you go to bed.
Feel free to give us a call if you have any more questions. 1.844.65.FUNKY (3.8659)
Hi my cancer metestized in April 2014 and I am an uncle funky user (super curl, extra butter and curly magic) but my hair is growing slowly and shedding. I have read the tips given for chemo hair and post chemo hair and many of these I use. However, I still have the shedding. Do you have any tips for me on how to stop the shedding and increase hair growth? I know you mentioned using products containing keratin or hydrated protein, does uncle funky make such a produce? Thanks.
Shirlean,
Your hair shedding is likely driven by your treatment plan. As your body processes the chemicals to fight the cancer, your hair density will likely change. If your hair is shedding and getting thinner, I would recommend you use light products such as Shining Star (for scalp massages), Good Hair and Supercurl post shampoo.
If you are going through chemo, it may be challenging to stop the shedding. Allow your body to process the change. Go simple during the time period of hair loss and recovery as your hair will be extremely delicate (e.g. use Shining Star only for scalp massages and limit use of heavy cremes). Instead, use Midnite Train for a leave-in conditioner while you are wearing protective styles (e.g. wigs). Once your hair begins to thicken again, then you can re-introduce your traditional stylers such as Supercurl.
I hope this is helpful to you. We will keep you in our prayers as you move through your recovery.