| Q. |
Why will I lose my hair when undergoing
chemotherapy treatments? |
| A. |
In
chemotherapy drugs are administered to destroy
rapidly producing cancer cells. Cancer cells are
some of the most rapidly reproducing cells in
the body, but other cells, such as those which
contribute to the hair shaft and nails, are also
rapidly reproducing. Unfortunately, while
chemotherapy drugs preferentially destroy cancer
cells, the drugs can also destroy those cells
responsible for normal growth of hair and nails.
Chemotherapy drugs are poisonous to the cells of
the hair root responsible for hair shaft
formation. |
|
| Q. |
Will I lose all of my hair? |
| A. |
The
amount of hair loss depends upon the type of drugs
and the dosage prescribed. Not all chemotherapy
drugs cause hair loss. For further details regarding
the extent of expected hair loss, please consult
with your physician. |
|
| Q. |
When will hair loss begin once I start my
chemotherapy treatments? |
| A. |
Typically, hair loss begins approximately 1-3 weeks
after your first chemotherapy treatment and total
hair loss generally occurs in about 1-2 months. |
|
| Q. |
Will my hair eventually grow
back? |
| A. |
In most cases, hair loss from chemotherapy and
radiation treatments is temporary. You can expect
normal hair growth to return approximately 3-4
months after your final treatment. |
|
| Q. |
Will the new hair growth be like my original
hair after the chemotherapy treatments? |
| A. |
New hair may be different from the hair that was
lost. Due to the absence or alteration of pigment,
the hair may grow back white, gray or a different
color from hair that was lost. Eventually, as the
pigment cells return to normal, the original color
should return. Many men and women find that the new
hair is thicker in texture and sometimes curly. But
with time it will return to its original thickness. |
|
| Q. |
Will I also lose my eyebrows and eyelashes? |
| A. |
Some
individuals do lose their eyelashes and eyebrows,
but, in most cases, early management and proper
application of our exclusive eyebrow solution has
been effective in preserving your natural eyebrows
during treatment. |
|
| Q. |
What are some of my options once
I begin to lose my hair? |
| A. |
Depending on the nature and the extent of the hair
loss, you have several options available. Some
people choose designer headwear such as scarves,
turbans, and caps, while others opt for a
fashionable wig or custom cranial prosthesis. |
|
| Q. |
When should I come in for a
consultation? |
| A. |
Advanced Hair Solutions offers complimentary
consultation and expert assistance in selecting and
fitting of wigs and prostheses. We know that the
prospect of losing your hair is scary, but
scheduling an appointment as early as possible will
mean that you will get the best results because the
best color, style, and length can be determined.
This way, you will have already made preparations
for impending hair loss and will be able to manage
it at the time of your choosing. We think you will
be surprised at our ability to make you look
beautiful in a soft, natural way. |
|
| Q. |
Do the wigs look natural? |
| A. |
Happily, fakey-looking "wigs" are a thing of the
past. Technology has advanced to the point where
natural- looking wigs are worn by many women of all
ages simply for lazy hair days, or to wear different
fashionable hairstyles. Advanced Hair Solutions
offers a wide selection of wigs which were designed
to provide beautiful hair solutions for today's
woman. They have been carefully handcrafted to
ensure a natural look and feel. Each individual
design offers beauty, comfort, rich colors and
distinctive highlights. You can look the way you
would like. And you can actually enhance your
self-image. |
|
| Q. |
Won’t a wig be hot? Itchy? Uncomfortable? |
| A. |
No. You’ll be surprised at how comfortable a wig is to wear.
We carry a large selection of wigs that have been
handcrafted and specially designed using the
softest, lightweight materials to ensure the
ultimate in comfort, style, and natural appearance.
|
|
| Q. |
How can I be sure my wig won’t shift or fall off? |
| A. |
Your wig should fit both comfortably and securely. Most wigs
come with an adjustable elastic band; however, if
additional security is needed, specific clips, tapes
and adhesives can be used. Our specialist will
discuss your preferences and security needs during
your consultation. |
|
| Q. |
Could a wig cause damage to my scalp, or slow my own
natural hair growth? |
| A. |
No, absolutely not. Wearing a wig will not harm
your scalp or inhibit regrowth. In fact, a wig will
make you feel better and more confident about your
appearance, while helping you to maintain body heat
and prevent overexposure of sensitive skin during
this time. Many women choose to wear their wig
until their own hair has grown in enough to style
and shape. |
|
| Q. |
What is the difference between human hair
wigs and synthetic wigs? |
| A. |
Human hair wigs tend to be more expensive and need
more servicing. Synthetic wigs are less expensive,
easier to style, wash easily, dry quickly and need
less care. Both can look very natural. A
comprehensive evaluation is required to determine
the best hair replacement option for you. |
|
| Q. |
What is a cranial prosthesis? |
| A. |
A
cranial hair prosthesis is a hair system
designed specifically for those suffering from
hair loss due to medical conditions. Prostheses
contain a combination of fabrics and compounds
that are used to recreate natural hair growth
patterns and the look of the scalp. All
materials in the prosthesis are treated to
resist dirt, oils and body acids while providing
maximum comfort. Cranial hair prostheses are
different than department store wigs in quality,
performance and service. Prostheses are made
with specialized material based on the needs of
the individual. They come in a variety of colors
and styles. The fit is adjustable to each
person's size and is also custom cut and styled.
A department store wig has a set style - what
you see is what you get. Often, they don't fit
correctly and have a heavy, fuller appearance. |
|
| Q. |
Are there different types of prostheses
available? |
| A. |
There are variations on the types of styles, but
basically three categories of prostheses are
available: Machine-Made, Hand-tied Pre-Designed and
Full Custom. At AHS your hair replacement technician
is dedicated to assisting you in making the best
choice for you. |
|
| Q. |
How long will a prosthesis last? |
| A. |
This depends on a number of variables: a person's lifestyle,
occupation, their activities and proper care. Our hair
professionals will provide instructions on how to get
the most wear and the very best look possible from
your hair prosthesis, as well as recommend the
proper hair care products to use. Hand-tied
prostheses are usually more durable than
machine-made wefts.
|
|
| Q. |
How much will a wig/cranial prosthesis cost? |
| A. |
Several factors influence the cost of your
wig/prosthesis: the type of wig (synthetic
or human hair) and wig construction
(pre-designed or custom.) As a general
rule, cost increases as we customize the system.
Detailed prices will be discussed during your
consultation. |
|
| Q. |
Will insurance cover the cost of my cranial
prosthesis? |
| A. |
Increasingly, insurance companies are realizing that cranial
prostheses are a necessity for those suffering from
medically related hair loss. We will discuss the
extent to which your insurance may cover all or a
portion of your expenses during your consultation. |
|
| Q. |
What is a sleep cap and why should I have one? |
|
A. |
A
sleep cap is a soft cotton cap that you can wear
every night. Once hair loss begins, some women wear
one to keep hair fall under control. A sleep cap is
recommended to maintain body heat and keep your
scalp protected. |
|
