Cancer Cervical Cancer Diagnosis & Treatment 6 Ways to Prepare for Hair Loss During Chemotherapy By Lisa Fayed Lisa Fayed Lisa Fayed is a freelance medical writer, cancer educator and patient advocate. Learn about our editorial process Updated on January 07, 2022 Medically reviewed Verywell Health articles are reviewed by board-certified physicians and healthcare professionals. These medical reviewers confirm the content is thorough and accurate, reflecting the latest evidence-based research. Content is reviewed before publication and upon substantial updates. Learn more. by Doru Paul, MD Medically reviewed by Doru Paul, MD Doru Paul, MD, is board-certified in internal medicine, medical oncology, and hematology. Learn about our Medical Expert Board Print If your healthcare provider has prescribed a chemotherapy drug that is known to cause hair loss, make the decision to prepare yourself for hair loss before treatment begins. Cancer already does a number on a person's self-image, and hair loss can be a seriously devastating side effect. Early preparation can help you cope when your hair begins to fall out. 1 Buy a Wig Rob Atkins / Getty Images If you plan on wearing a wig after you lose your hair to chemotherapy, try to buy one before your hair begins to fall out. Purchasing a wig before hair loss is ideal because it allows you to choose a wig that matches your hair color best and you'll have it on hand when hair loss starts. You may want to consider buying at least two wigs. That way one can be worn while the other is being washed or styled. Many insurance companies will cover the cost of a wig, too, so be sure to check with your provider before you make the investment. 2 Opt for a Short Haircut Before Treatment Begins Linda Raymond / Getty Images Many women choose to cut their hair short or shave their heads entirely before hair starts to fall out. It's a lot less shocking to have short clumps of hair fall out in the shower or in your hands, rather than a handful of long strands. Plus, hair tends to come out in uneven patches, and short hair can help to temporarily mask this. Best of all, short hair is in style. 3 Go Hat Shopping Krzysztof Dydynski / Getty Images Even if you buy a wig, you will need some type of head covering for when you are not wearing your wig, especially during chilly weather. Your scalp will most likely be sensitive when not covered, not to mention cold. Hats also provide excellent protect protection against the sun and wind when outdoors. If you're feeling crafty, learn how to knit a hat. If not, learn where you can find beautiful, fashionable scarves that offer a taste of luxury. 4 Stock up on Sunscreen Image Source / Getty Images If you venture outdoors without covering your head after your hair has fallen out, you will absolutely need to wear sunscreen to prevent sunburn. An already-sensitive scalp, combined with a sunburn, can be extremely uncomfortable. Learn how to properly apply sunscreen—yes, there is a right way—and how to choose the best sunscreen for your skin. 5 See a Cosmetologist TEK IMAGE / Getty Images Because chemotherapy can cause hair loss all over the body, some people consult with a cosmetologist about what to do when eyebrows and eyelashes are gone. A lesson with an experienced cosmetologist will teach you how to pencil in eyebrows and apply false eyelashes. 6 Find a Support Group Steve Debenport / Getty Images Most people are not as emotionally prepared to lose their hair as they thought they were prior to chemotherapy. This is why having someone to turn to who has experienced chemotherapy-induced hair loss is helpful. Support groups for those undergoing chemotherapy are ideal places to learn how to cope with hair loss during chemotherapy. Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Limiting processed foods and red meats can help ward off cancer risk. These recipes focus on antioxidant-rich foods to better protect you and your loved ones. Sign up and get your guide! Sign Up You're in! Thank you, {{form.email}}, for signing up. There was an error. Please try again. What are your concerns? Other Inaccurate Hard to Understand Submit 5 Sources Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy. InformedHealth.org [Internet]. Cologne, Germany: Institute for Quality and Efficiency in Health Care (IQWiG); 2006-. Hair loss in chemotherapy: Overview. 2019. Sotelo Teague, C; Hutchison, M. Wigs. Breastcancer.org. Qi J, Garza LA. An overview of alopecias. Cold Spring Harb Perspect Med. 2014;4(3):a013615. doi:10.1101/cshperspect.a013615 Watanabe T, Yagata H, Saito M, et al. A multicenter survey of temporal changes in chemotherapy-induced hair loss in breast cancer patients. PLoS One. 2019;14(1):e0208118. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0208118 Suwankhong D, Liamputtong P. Physical and Emotional Experiences of Chemotherapy: a Qualitative Study among Women with Breast Cancer in Southern Thailand. Asian Pac J Cancer Prev. 2018;19(2):521–528. doi:10.22034/APJCP.2018.19.2.521 Additional Reading "Caring for the Patient With Cancer at Home: A Guide for Patients and Families." Treatment Topics and Resources. American Cancer Society.