Where has my hair gone?

What to do next

In the first few weeks after you discover that your hair is falling out, you are likely to be going through a range of emotions including disbelief, anger, confusion and feeling isolated. Try to remain positive and remember that you are not alone.

Do’s

• Visit your GP who may refer you to a dermatologist
• Keep a diary of how you are feeling: writing it down does help
• Remember that it isn’t only your hair that defines who you are. You are still the same person with the same personality
• Tell as many family members and friends as you want to about your alopecia. If you don’t want to do this, try to confide in one person you trust and who is a good listener
• Although it is difficult, start to try and accept that you have alopecia
• Look after your general health and appearance
• Stress is often a trigger for the onset of alopecia. Consider some counselling sessions with a trained counsellor. Counselling can also help you to adjust to your new life with less hair. Visit the British Association of Counsellors and Psychotherapists at bacp.co.uk

Don’ts

• Don’t expect too much of yourself in the first few days and weeks after the hair loss discovery; in some ways, losing your hair is similar to a bereavement, so make allowances for your emotions to surface. In time you will get used to your new situation
• Don’t underestimate the effect that alopecia has on your partner, children, extended family and close friends. They also have to adjust to your new appearance and may not know how to react and what to say
• Don’t avoid looking at yourself in the mirror
• Don’t put your life on hold because of alopecia
• Don’t stay in, continue to socialise

Practical Coping Tips

• If your hair loss is minimal, try restyling your hair to disguise the bald areas and take extra care with other aspects of your appearance; be as well groomed as you can. Start experimenting with headscarves and bandanas
• Try and do one relaxing activity each day, for example listen to music, read a book or go for a walk
• If you have extensive hair loss and your head gets cold at night buy nightwear/sleepwear with a hood attached
• The best way to clear up hair from your pillowcase/ bed linen is with a vacuum cleaner
• If your eyebrows are affected and you only have a few hairs left, remove them. Experiment with eyebrow pencils or consider semi-permanent make-up
• Treat yourself to a hat. There is a great selection available for both males and females
• Take care in the shower as warm water on a bare head can feel unexpectedly hot
• If you decide not to wear a wig or a hat, be wary of the sun and use a high factor sun cream. Stay in the shade

Hair Loss and Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy often causes thinning hair and hair loss. However the hair loss is not usually permanent and hair should grow back once your treatment has ended. When hair starts to grow back it will be very fine like a baby’s hair.

Headscarves/Bandanas/Hats/Wraps
There is a good selection of stylish headscarves, bandanas and hats available, so buy a few and experiment. They are good for the early days if your hair loss is not that substantial. Also if you have lost all of your hair, they act as a good cover up for wearing around the house and for times when you don’t want to wear your wig, particularly in the summer.

Luscious Lids specialise in beautiful headwear for ladies experiencing hair loss. Visit their site at lusciouslids.com

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