Haircut Day

While I'm trying to save my hair with cold capping, there is still hair maintenance to consider.  Off to see my stylist today for a scheduled trim.  And when I say 'trim', I mean 1/8" at the most.  My hair isn't really growing since chemo started, but hair maintenance is important with cold capping.

Off to the salon I went with the Paxman "Information for Hairdressers" booklet.  It basically says:

  • my scalp will be dry and my hair will be brittle
  • be as gentle as you can
  • do not put any tension on the roots of my hair
  • do not rub or make circular motions with my hair either in shampooing or drying
  • avoid products with sulfates and parabens
  • do not use heated styling tools (gentle, cold hairdryer is ok), blow dry burshes, hair products that make hair sticky, use dyeing or chemical processes
What does that leave me with?  My stylist, a wide tooth comb, a spray bottle of water, and her scissors.  My poor stylist was nervous.  I was anxious. I explained that we could wet my hair, comb gently and just trim it straight across, to keep the ends of my hair clean cut.  

It took all of 5 minutes.  I don't think any hair came out while she was working (bonus!) and we hugged just out of relief when it was over.  

The best part of the entire appointment was booking future appointments.  Another 5 minute trim in early December.  Another 5 minute trim at the end of January, which will hopefully be a few weeks after chemo ends.  And the best?  A cut and color in mid-March!  Paxman says to wait 3 months after chemo for any hair dyeing and my stylist will need to 'patch test' on my hair in advance to see if my hair is more reactive to chemicals.  (Yikes!)

But I'll take it - a light on the horizon of this!  I have a real, honest-to-goodness hair appointment booked!  In 2025, but I'll take it. xo J

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