Useful Information For Cancer Patients in Orlando
The Bonne Vie Cancer Salon has your best interest in mind. We want to encourage cancer patients in Orlando, Fl to understand what is happening to your hair as you go through cancer treatments, and how to manage medical induced hair loss. As one of the leading cancer recovery salons in Winter Park, FL, we take into consideration all of your personalized needs. Cancer safe cosmetics, organic color systems hair dye, and stylized wigs are all options for you as your body changes. Along the way, lets take a look at some useful information that will help you in every transition period.
What’s happening when my hair begins to thin during my cancer treatment?
Cancer treatments create extreme damage to your hair follicles. A hair follicle is the skin organ that produces hair on your scalp. Thinning is primarily due to the hair follicles becoming damaged. As you begin cancer treatments, you may notice that you experience more thinning at the top of your head, and less on the sides. This is because the hair follicles on the top of your head grow from weaker hair follicles. As your body takes harsh treatments, the weaker follicles will be damaged quicker then the stronger ones. Hair regrowth is also affected by the stronger hair follicles versus the weaker ones. You may notice that your hair grows back thicker on the side of your head, compared to the top. Remember that this is natural, and that your hair will eventually fully grow back to it’s fullest once the cancer treatment is completed, and you begin recovery.
Why is the texture of my hair changing so much during my cancer treatment?
Cancer treatments often cause severe damage to the sebaceous glands within the scalp. These glands create the primary production of a light oily liquid known as Sebum. This oily liquid is what gives natural moisture to your hair. The damage caused to the sebum is why cancer patients often experience dry hair. Another common unfortunate side effect of cancer treatment is weak and brittle hair. This is often caused by your body’s inability to produce different proteins. Your hair consists of a balance of proteins and moisture.
If your hair feels like it is too firm, and has become prone to breakage, then this is an indication that the hair is lacking moisture and has a high percentage of protein. On the other spectrum, if your hair is weak, or difficult to manage because it is so soft, then your hair is lacking protein and has a high percentage of moisture.
If you’ve had straight hair your entire life, and are noticing a curl in your hair after beginning cancer treatment, understand that this is a common side effect. A curl happens when there is uneven damage to the hair follicle, which in return makes your hair grow at an angle. This angle is what causes the curl.
What Products Should I Use to protect my hair during my cancer treatment?
If your hair is deficient in protein, it should be treated with Power Build shampoo, reconstructor, conditioner, and a thorough revamp treatment.
If you are experiencing weak and brittle hair, treat it with Revamp and Aqua Boost reconstructor. You should also try Status Quo Shampoo and Conditioner. At Bonne Vie Cancer Recovery Salon, we can perform a wet stretch test to determine which type of hair treatment is right for you. A west stretch test consists of separating 10 strands of hair and spraying them with water. Then a stylist will gently tug on your hair and examine how the hair stretches and returns. This test will give us a better understanding of how to treat you personalized hair condition.
Paying Special Attention To Ingredients to Ensure it’s Cancer Safe
As a patient goes through cancer treatments, they are advised to watch what they eat and how each harmful ingredient may cause distress to their body. As researchers dive into the world of cancer versus cosmetology, they discover the importance of keeping a close eye on the ingredients in your cosmetics. Whether you are dying your hair, or wearing makeup, chemicals that enter your blood stream through your pores and hair follicles can harm your fragile state.
Avoid phthalates and parabens which can be found in the most common makeup, shampoos, lotions and other personal care products. A simple and highly effective way of knowing what’s bad for you and what’s good for you is reading the ingredients and understanding what’s in the product. If you can pronounce it and have heard it before, like lavender and ginger, then it is more reliable then unknown chemicals.
Use only USDA organic products. Avoid terms like, “made with organic ingredients” or “made with natural ingredients” because this still leaves plenty of room for harmful synthetics. Use Organic Color Systems, which are ammonia free hair dyes used for cancer patients. These hair dyes are safe for a weak immune system, and contain 100% organic ingredients.
During this crucial time, everything you ingest through your mouth, pores, or follicles can truly make a difference in your health, so pay special attention to ingredients.
Things To Avoid During Your Cancer Treatment that are Not Cancer Safe
- Anti-aging creams with lactic, glycolic, AHA and BHA acids
- Hair dyes, especially dark permanent dyes
- Liquid hand soaps with triclosan/triclocarban
- Nail polish and removers with formaldehyde, DBP or toluene (which can be contaminated with benzene)
- Skin lighteners with hydroquinone
- Heavily scented products
- Moisturizers, ointments and skin creams with petrolatum (which can be contaminated with PAHs)
- Fungicides, shaving creams, hair gels and hair coloring containing nonylphenol
- Hair spray, gel, mousse or shaving cream that contains isobutane, a propellant that can be contaminated with 1,3-butadiene
- Sunscreens with UV filters that mimic estrogen
