Why will I lose my hair?

Some, but not all patients of chemotherapy or radiotherapy will experience hair loss. Your doctor or nurse will discuss this with you in detail.

When will I lose my hair and will I lose it all at once?

If you're going to experience hair loss, it usually starts on the sixteenth day after the first chemotherapy treatment.

Sometimes the first indication is a tingling sensation on your scalp and you may notice that your scalp will become very tender. When you brush your hair, you will experience some hair loss.

You won't wake up one day with no hair - it will be gradual, getting finer and finer. Having your hair cut shorter at this stage will help to relieve any tenderness.

What should I do when my hair begins to fall out?

When your hair does start to fall out, you should make a second appointment to allow us to cut off the remaining hair and to fit your custom hair piece.

When will my hair start to grow back?

Regrowth starts after you have finished the treatment that affects your hair. But for the first four to six months, the hair that grows back will be different from the hair that you have now. It will be very soft in texture, maybe straight where it was curly, or vice versa.

We will trim your hair approximately every eight weeks until the texture is normal. Then we will start to shape your hair and six months later, you will feel confident enough to take off your hair piece.

How long will I be wearing my hair piece for?

You will wear your hair piece for approximately one year.

What is the hair piece made of?

The hair piece is made of synthetic material which looks and behaves like human hair.

Will it be secure?

Your hair piece will be custom fitted to ensure that it is secure and undetectable.

Can I wash and style the hair piece?

The hair piece can be washed and styled and no special skill is required in maintaining the shape.

What should I wear if I am not wearing the hair piece?

You can wear your hair piece as often as you like, however many clients wear a scarf or turban at home and wear the hair piece when going out/meeting with other people.

Is this covered by my health insurance?

Chemotherapy and radiotherapy patients can offset some or all the cost of a hair piece through VHI, BUPA or other similar schemes. Patients who have, or are entitled to a medical card, can get a subsidy or the full cost of the hair piece, through the medical card scheme.