| Q. |
Why will I lose my hair when undergoing
chemotherapy treatments? |
| A. |
Chemotherapy consists of the administration of drugs
that 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 also can destroy those cells
responsible for normal growth of hair and nails.
Chemotherapy drugs are poisons 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 and
dosage of treatment 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. However,
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. |
The returning 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. Eventually, as the pigment cells
return to normal, the original color should return.
Many men and women experience the returning hair is
thicker in texture and sometimes curly. But, like
color, 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 we
find that, 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 to replace their head
entirely with 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 suggest that you consult with
our hair replacement specialist before losing your
hair so that 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.
|
| 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 just to be
fashionable. 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 maintain body heat and
prevent overexposure of your 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 re-create 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 sensitive to 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. Your hair replacement technician will
assist 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. A hair
professional 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.
|
