Taking care of new hair

Taking care of new hair

At Cancer Hair Care we really do understand that once you have lost your hair you really do want to try and take the very best care of your new hair. Whilst it may take some time for new hair to grow, once it does it’s yours to nurture and style. As long as you look after your hair and scalp as your hair gains more length and stability you can start to play around and change your style.

Let’s start by looking at ways to take care of your new hair:

• Shampoo and conditioner – what is the best type to encourage new growth?
• Helpful essential oils and natural extracts
• Scalp problems
• Natural verses other products
• Will specialist hair growth products work?
• Does massaging the hair really encourage new hair growth?
• Does wearing a hat or scarf prevent new hair from growing as fast?
• Can I use heated appliances?
• Do nutritional supplements for new hair growth really work?
• Will colouring new hair damage it?

Shampoo and conditioner – what is the best type to encourage new growth?

At Cancer Hair Care we are always asked for recommendations of hair products including shampoo’s and conditioners. With so many products available we have worked together with leading hair care experts, companies and many women who have themselves experienced hair loss, to provide you with some ideas for how to select products that may be appropriate for you.

Firstly, how people select their products is a very individual process. There are many factors to consider from budget, fragrance, size, look, feel and desired result. The following ingredients may be helpful to new hair growth and may help you look for appropriate products to encourage a nurturing environment for new hair to grow. There is an abundance of products available for new hair growth and thinning hair. However, when it comes to taking care of new hair growth after chemotherapy we encourage you to use products that best suit your current scalp and hair type. This may be using the products that are familiar to you or perhaps trying something new. The choice is yours.

Helpful essential oils and natural extracts

Some essential oils and other ingredients that can help rejuvenate new hair growth and encourage a ideal platform for hair

Aloe vera – cell rejuvenating properties

Coconut oil – moisture and rejuvenating

Rosemary – helps to increase circulation to the scalp that can encourage new hair growth

Tea tree – Helps to aid an irritable scalp as it has antibacterial, antiviral and antifungal properties

Scalp problems

If you are having any scalp problems such as dry scalp, dandruff or other issue look for a product that is appropriate. If you are wearing a wig or head covering and experiencing an irritable scalp it might be that your head is sweating from the combination of your new hair and another layer. Washing you hair daily and keeping your wig/headwear clean can help reduce this.

Natural verses other products

It is a personal choice to decide what type of products you use. However, we are often asked for suggestions of products that are free from harsh chemicals, natural, organic and environmentally friendly. The list of helpful essential oils and natural extracts might help you when looking for products that meet your wishes. If you are looking for hair colours that contain less harsh chemicals and more natural ingredients please look at our Colouring hair section.

Will specialist hair growth products work?

There are many ranges of products specifically designed to encourage new hair growth, however, it can be helpful to look at the words written on the pack carefully. For example, some product regimes are designed to help a particular type of hair loss issue, such as thinning hair due to age related hair loss or products targeted at male pattern baldness. When it comes to new hair growth after chemotherapy, treatment products that will clean your scalp and help to rejuvenate the scalp and hair are ideal. But you don’t have to buy a specialist product. The key thing is to choose products best suited to your scalp and hair and that YOU feel are best suited to your needs.

Does massaging the hair really encourage new hair growth?

Gently massaging/shampooing your scalp can help the circulation of blood that flows to the hair follicle and helps to aid in stimulating the hair growth cycle. Use the pads of your fingers in gentle circular movements around your scalp to encourage dry skin to be removed from the scalp and encourage new hair.

At Cancer Hair Care we recognise that other cancer charities and organisations give different opinions about massaging the scalp. Our specialist charity services mean that we are one of the few cancer charities within the UK with hands on experience of hair loss and new growth after chemotherapy treatment. We have cut, coloured, styled and observed thousands of heads of new hair growth. It is our experienced opinion along with our expertise gathered from reliable technical sources that gentle massaging/shampooing hair is not only beneficial to your scalp but also helps you to emotionally re-connect to your new hair and move on from cancer treatment.

Does wearing a hat or scarf prevent new hair from growing as fast?

No, there is no evidence to suggest that wearing a wig or head covering over new hair growth will prevent new hair from growing.

Can I use heated appliances?

If you want to start using tongs, straighteners and other heated appliances it is important to ensure that you protect your new hair. Use heat protection products and be sure to not over use heated appliances whilst your new hair is still fragile.

It is our recommendation that you minimise the use of high temperature heated appliances e.g. straighteners, until your hair is a few inches long and in good condition. This is because regular use of heated appliances can cause the hair to be damaged.

Do nutritional supplements for new hair growth really work?

Many people like to take a supplement alongside a balanced and healthy food intake to give an extra boost to their system and help to internally encourage new hair growth. There are many supplements available aimed at better growing hair (nails and skin). You may find that a consultation in a health food shop, pharmacist or venue with a nutritional advisor can offer you ideas on a supplement that best meets your needs.

Many people have shared with us that they liked to take a supplement as it was an additional way they could actively encourage an ideal platform for new hair growth.

If you have any medical concerns about taking nutritional supplements consult with your medical team.

Will colouring new hair damage it?

It is important to take care of new hair growth. There are plenty of colouring techniques, tips and options that won’t compromise the condition of your hair. Take a look in Colouring new hair growth for ideas and guidance.