You will probably lose some or all of your hair during your stem cell transplant.
Hair loss often starts within a few weeks after you finish high dose chemotherapy, but it is short term, and your hair will grow back. You may also lose hair on areas of your body other than your head. Your hair will start to grow back one to two months later.
Some patients like to wear a wig or headwear (e.g., hat, scarf). Here are some ways to prepare for hair loss:
- Consider cutting your hair short, before the chemotherapy. Longer hair comes out easier and makes hair loss more noticeable.
- Wearing a wig or headwear will keep you warm after your hair comes out.
- If you go outside in the sun, wear a hat and use sunscreen
- You can bring your own hair trimmers, and a nurse can help you while you are in hospital.
To get a wig that is right for you, you can visit the Verspeeten Wig and Turban Boutique located on the first floor of the Verspeeten Family Cancer Centre, Volunteer office Room A1-901. It is open Monday to Thursday afternoons from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. depending on volunteer availability. Hours subject to change. You can contact the Boutique at 519-685-8112.
If you have private insurance, some plans will pay the cost of a wig for hair loss caused by chemotherapy. If you plan does cover it, ask your transplant doctor for a prescription for a wig.
