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Knotted/matted hair

All.about.eve
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Hi, I’ve had my 2nd cycle of FEC T chemo for breast cancer. I have been using the cold cap to try to minimise my hair loss. The problem I’m having at the moment is my hair texture has completely changed and I have a massive knot in my hair. It’s not like a normal knot. Apparently this is something that can happen with chemo. Does anyone have any tips how to get this knot out? I’ve been trying for 2 days (around 8 hours)using coconut oil. Washing  my hair made it worse. X

  • Hi all.about.eve, 

    I'm so sorry to read about the troubles you're having with getting the knot out of your hair due to the texture of your hair changing since starting the cold cap.

    I wanted to share another member's experience of using the cold cap with you as you'll find quite a few handy tips on there, so do have a look when you get a chance. Feel free to join in on this discussion as they're usually pretty good at replying to anyone that has asked them a question.

    Our cancer nurses are just a phone call away if you'd like to chat to them about this. You can call them for free on 0808 800 4040, Monday - Friday between 9a.m - 5p.m but it may be worth getting in touch with your medical team as they should be able to give you some advice about this as well.

    I hope you're able to remove the knot soon Eve and that you're able to find easier and more manageable ways to look after your hair during chemo.

    Kind regards, 

    Steph, Cancer Chat Moderator

  • Offline in reply to Moderator Steph

    Hi Steph,

    thanks for the reply. I ended up going to the hairdressers and saw 2 very helpful ladies and I ended up having my hair cut as it couldn’t be saved.  I’m now coming to terms with wearing a wig. Xxxx

  • in reply to All.about.eve

    I'm glad the two ladies at the hairdressers were really helpful although I'm sorry that your hair couldn't be saved on this occasion.

    It can take a little while to adjust to wearing a wig as quite a few members on the forum, including the lovely [@Dizzle82]‍, have found out and hopefully some of them will be along soon to offer their support and advice. We have some information and advice about hair loss and wigs on our website just here if you'd like to have a look as well.

    All the best Eve, 

    Steph, Cancer Chat Moderator

  • Offline in reply to All.about.eve

    Hi Eve (? I’m making an educated guess)

    I refused the cold cap outright due to already having hemiplegic migraines.

    I’m so sorry that you were worried about losing your hair. I feel lucky that for me I saw it as a sign that the chemo was working (I’m stage 3 and need it to work) so I was happy when my hair started going. I hope that you are able to see it like that.

    I do have a wig but because this summer is so hot (I’m not a sun girl) I’m going out bald a lot, or wearing scarves, it helps keep me nice and cool.

    I really hope you can find a way to get some fun from it (get a few different wigs or make the most of trying make-up colours that you couldn’t use before).  If not then all I can say is that the time feels long when you’re going through it but in years to come when you look back it will feel like you were only without your hair for a short time (my mum’s and cousin’s grew back very quickly).

    Best wishes,

    LJxx

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