Yes, that's me! I was 12 years, old and confidently bald from Adriamycin treatments. Look! I've got my smile on! Does that look like the face of a kid who was phased by her lack of hair? I had bigger things to worry about than losing my hair. It was only temporary! I mean really people...it DOES grow back!
I do understand that for some it does seem to be an issue so let's have a little fun here and see if we can make some of those negative feelings go away.
To begin with, it's the easiest hair style you'll ever have! Just wash your scalp with a little baby shampoo, towel dry it, and you're good to go! It takes women forever to do their hair! I dry it after I wash it then use a flat iron on it a section at a time. I don't have eyes in the back of my head so doing the back often tests my patience. I often find myself reminiscing...Hmmm...just a little baby shampoo... But don't worry, I'm not gonna pull a Brittany Spears number!
At home or at the hospital I went au naturel. I didn't really like wearing anything on my head then, and I still don't unless it's cold. But chemo made me very sun-sensitive so when I would go outdoors I opted for a scarf or a bandana. It was cool and breathable, and didn't make me too hot. I was also fond of wearing my Houston Astros baseball cap even though I was once mistaken for a boy! It was funny! What do I care? GO STROS!
I did have a wig, but I think I wore it a total of 2 times. That thing was just too hot for me. I live in Houston, Texas remember? As humid as it is here it's a wonder it didn't just melt onto my head! Ok I was kidding...but it's hotter than Hades here! If you live in Alaska or Northern Canada or some place like that then a wig might be a nice option. They make really great looking wigs now! They are of a much better quality than what we had in 1982. They make them with real hair instead of synthetic materials.
I did a bit of research and found a list of places/websites that are recommended by The American Cancer Society to purchase wigs and other head covers. They are as follows:
Wigs and Hair Loss Accessories
The following companies supply wigs, hair loss accessories, or other items as noted.
Classy Sisters Wigs
15620 North 35th Avenue, Suite #4
Phoenix, AZ 85053-3892
Telephone: 602-993-8090
Designs For Comfort, Inc.
PO Box 761044
Marietta, GA 30066
Telephone: 1-800-443-9226 or 770-565-8246
Internet Address: www.headlinerhats.com
Doma Designs
426 East Bissell Avenue
Oil City, PA 16301
Telephone: 1-888-603-1206 or 814-676-5033
Internet Address: www.domadesigns.com
Headcovers Unlimited
35B Tiffany Plaza
Ardmore, OK 73401
Telephone: 580-226-5871 or 580-226-9447
Internet Address: www.headcovers.com
Ida Joy Shoppes
24800 Chagrin Boulevard, #105
The Gunderson Building
Beachwood, Ohio
Telephone: 1-888-551-1017
Internet Address: www.ida-joy.com
Look of Love International
555A North Michigan Avenue
Kenilworth, NJ 07033
Telephone: 1-800-526-7627
Internet Address: www.lookoflove.com
Secretly Yours Enterprises, Inc.
771 Village Boulevard
Suite 213
West Palm Beach, FL 33409
Telephone: 561-697-8818
Internet Address: www.secretlyyours.com
Wittman Textiles
11570 SE Dixie Highway
Hobe Sound, FL 33455
Telephone: 1-800-890-7232 or 772-546-4656
Internet Address: www.wittmanntextiles.com
You can visit the website for The American Cancer Society at www.cancer.org. You may qualify for a free wig or head cover. Patients at M.D. Anderson Hospital can visit the Beauty/Barber Shop provided by Volunteer Services for free services including shampooing, shaving, haircuts, and/or a wig or head cover. It is located in the Main Building basement near Elevator E and is open Monday - Friday from 8am-5pm. For more information about the M.D. Anderson Beauty/Barber Shop call (713) 792-6039 or visit www.mdanderson.org. There are many more websites online where you can purchase head accessories as well.
I hope this has helped you pretty baldies feel better about your lack of hair. The insecurity you may feel initially is normal, but it will get better. When you think people are staring at you try what I did for a good laugh. Reach up as if you are about to scratch your head...then suddenly yank your head cover off! Anyone who was staring will jump 10 feet and look away...BUSTED! You get to have the last laugh because the joke is on them! You are comfortable with your baldness. It is the people who are staring who have issues! :D
If you are going to be outdoors I recommend that you cover your head with at least a scarf or a ball cap to keep it from burning. When indoors take it all off and love your bald and beautiful head! You're still the same wonderful you! Enjoy it before you have to break out the blow dryer and styling irons, and endure bad hair days again! Seriously...it really does grow back!
