Cancer hair care

Even if you do not lose your hair, you may find your hair is dry or brittle. This could happen during or after your cancer treatment.

Here are some helpful tips for any type of hair. We have included further information for people with Afro hair, as this hair type naturally gets damaged more easily.

• Be gentle when using a towel to dry your hair. Do not rub hard, as this can damage the hair.
• When your hair is wet, use a wide-toothed comb, as these cause less damage than brushes. There are also brushes designed for use on wet hair. Start combing or brushing from the ends of your hair to reduce tangles.
• Try to keep your hair free from tangles. Combing your hair every day with a wide-toothed comb will remove any loose hairs. You may prefer to use a brush, depending on your hair type.
• If you use a brush, use one that does not get caught in, or pull on your hair. This may cause damage.
• Avoid too much heat from hairdryers or heated rollers. These can cause the hair to split and break. Use a hairdryer on a low heat and hold it at least 15cm (6in) away from the hair. Avoid using hair straighteners or curling tongs too often.
• Avoid tying your hair up with a tight band, as this can cause damage and breaks. If you plait your hair, braid it gently.
• If you want to use chemicals such as perms or colours on your hair, make sure your hair and scalp are in good condition first. If you are having chemotherapy, you may have an allergic reaction to strong hair chemicals. It is important to do a sensitivity test before a colour or perm.

It is important to take care of the skin in areas where you have hair loss. It may be more sensitive or tender than skin on other parts of your body.

• If you are having radiotherapy, talk to the radiographers about which deodorants, soaps, perfumes and lotions you can use. If you have a skin reaction, such as soreness or a change in skin colour, let the radiotherapy team know as soon as possible. They will advise you on the best way to manage it.
• Unless your healthcare team tells you not to, wash your scalp every day, even if you have lost all your hair. This is especially important if you wear a wig, which can make your scalp hot and sweaty. Use a gentle shampoo or a facial wash.
• If your scalp gets dry, flaky or itchy, you may want to use a gentle fragrance-free moisturiser.
• If your skin develops red spots or a rash, tell your healthcare team. If the hair follicles become inflamed, you may need antibiotic treatment.
• You may find it helps to use pillowcases made of natural fibres, such as cotton, silk, bamboo or linen. Man-made (synthetic) fibres, like nylon and polyester, can irritate the scalp.
• Use a sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 30 on your scalp whenever you go out. Even if you have black or brown skin, you need to protect your scalp. You could also wear a hat.
• When it is cold, cover your head to protect your scalp and keep it warm.
• If you wear a wig, take it off sometimes. It is good to let your scalp have some air.