Hair loss can be one of the more visible and emotional parts of cancer treatment. I’ve gathered some of the products, services, and resources that helped me along the way, as well as a few that have helped people I’m connected to. I’ve tried to make it clear which resources I’ve personally used and which ones were recommended or used by others. Because hair-loss and hair-growth options may not be appropriate for everyone, particularly during or after cancer treatment, please discuss medications, supplements, treatments, and other products with your medical team before trying them.

Hair Loss During Treatment

Some of my friends, but not me personally, used cold caps during treatment. Some of my friends used cold caps during treatment, although I did not use them personally. Others recommended using the blueberry bar soap shampoo/conditioner , although I did not use them during treatment. Honestly, except for wearing a wig, or a soft, bamboo cap, I didn’t really focus on my hair during treatment.

Wigs, Toppers & Head Coverings

The wig shown below is attached to a soft headband and I was able to braid the hair too. I got that one at Ribbons Boutique.

I’ve ordered from Ribbons Boutique at their Doylestown Hospital location, Amazon & Manes on Main in Dublin, PA (ask for Pat/wig shop). I ordered one hair topper from a small shop in Skippack, PA, called “Alternative Hair Solutions“. I highly recommend Gwendolynn’s Salon near the Philadelphia Premium Outlets, but it takes almost 2 months to get in. If you have a script/documentation referencing hair loss from your doctor, Gwendolyn’s works with an organization called Wigs & Wishes that will give you the wig for free. I’m not sure if this will be ongoing, but was the case when I needed one in Fall of 2024. There are other locations that work with them too. For my wigs, I also needed a cap to go underneath, so it wouldn’t be so itchy and so the wig would be secure. My favorite cap was the “Dreamlover“. It’s adjustable, soft and I found success with this one. Currently, my hair is growing back in unevenly, so I toggle back and forth between using my favorite wig (from Ribbons/shown below), a hat, or a soft hair band (both shown in our family vacation pics below). I have a topper (not shown), but currently, my hair is not strong enough to use it. I find that my favorite hat or a boho hair band is more comfortable if it’s a warmer day/climate. And, if you need any other recommendations for your hair/wig, I booked an appointment with “David” at the Center for Hope and Healing in Quakertown, PA. When I booked, he was only seeing patients on Wednesdays. He confirmed that he liked my current wig, and even trimmed it a bit! I was able to donate some of the Amazon wigs I don’t wear anymore and he told me which of my other wigs to keep…and why. One additional observation he shared, was that my hair was growing and he showed me how to easily tell where the new growth was located!!! David offered so many other helpful tips, so for now, I’ll just share that he is an amazing resource!

Hair Growth After Treatment

Divi Serum: I used it for a while and felt that it may have been helping, although people I know have reported more noticeable results than I experienced.

Kérastase: I’ve used their serums, oils and leave-in products. I especially like the smell, and my hair has seemed somewhat stronger and less “straggly” while using them.

I’ve also experimented with rosemary and other essential oils. I happen to use Young Living products, although many brands are available.

Blueberry bar shampoo & conditioner This is a newer product for me, but so far it seems to be a good fit. I also purchased the “snuggle tray” that the bars rest on.

A quick note about shopping: Links may take you directly to a company’s website, but that doesn’t necessarily mean it’s the least expensive place to purchase the product. For example, I purchased Divi serum from Ulta when it was on sale.

Prescription Treatment

Oral Minoxidil: My dermatologist prescribed 2.5 mg oral minoxidil about a year after treatment. In my case, I discussed its use with my oncologist and cardiologist as well.

(My dermatologist also discussed options such as red-light caps, Nutrafol and pumpkin seed oil with me. I haven’t personally tried these, so I can’t speak to my own experience with them.)

Eyebrows/Types of Tattoos

I do have a favorite tattoo artist who was recommended by a friend and she is in Doylestown, PA. She trained in Los Angeles. I had my eyebrows quickly done before starting treatment but just haven’t gone back to have my them filled. She gave me eyebrows that lasted through the first part of treatment but the color faded pretty quickly for me. Between the starting the process and having the color filled periodically, this can be a little pricey over time. Also, doctors and friends shared that this wouldn’t be a good solution while in active treatment, due to the risk of infection, so I decided not to go back. Since my eyebrows haven’t grown back, I found a temporary solution, but might consider this again one day.

In addition to eyebrow work, “Heather by Ivy Studio” was recommended for the breast/areola tattoos, should the decision be made to replace this area post double-mastectomy. Apparently there are “stick ons” too but I can’t remember who shared that information. I’ll make an update when I find it.

In place of this, I’ve found success with My Two Brows. Jason, who I think is the owner, has been great with email communication and trying to help me find the right brows. He sends you a variety pack to try out different shapes, colors, styles. They look real and are easy to put on/remove….like 2 minutes once you get the hang of it. I switch them out one or two times a week, depending on my level of activity. If I’m swimming and/or outside a lot on hot/humid days, it’s more like two times a week. Again, super easy and realistic-looking and for me, beats having the eyebrow pencil come off in the middle of the work day and bypasses the expense associated with the microneedling.