We spoke to Jean, whose mixed afro hair needed specialist consideration when she began her Scalp Cooling experience. Jean has a regular scalp cooling check-in, every three weeks with our Cancer Hair Care team.
Jean’s mixed afro hair is a considerable part of her identity.
Kindly sharing her experience and photos with Cancer Hair Care, Jean hopes to provide guidance that may be helpful for people with mixed texture; afro or curly hair. Our charity founder Jasmin has collated some tips below:
Here are some tips and ideas about Scalp Cooling to consider:
- Ask for extra cooling time
Most people with afro or (thick) curly hair may need to request additional pre- and post-cooling time to ensure the temperature of the follicles has been fully reduced. For example, the Scalp Cooling brand Paxman provides guidance about extended cooling timeframes for people with afro hair. Speak to your nurse about this and make sure they are up-to-date with the latest protocols.
- Don’t give up too soon!
Whilst Jean has lost some hair, it’s the hair that’s left on her head that’s important.
- Expect some thinning
Jean has shared an image of her hair brushed out midway through her chemo cycle. Whilst chemo has meant that her hair is thinning, Scalp Cooling is providing a way to retain lots of her hair. This is giving her confidence in daily life.
- Surgical Cap
If you have hair-free areas, you will need to use gauze or wear a surgical cap to keep your scalp protected during Scalp Cooling.
- Shea Butter
Hair can become more dry and brittle during chemo and Shea Butter is a fantastic conditioner for brittle hair types.
- Gentle plaits
Consider gently plaiting your hair to avoid matting and tangles – especially if hair is falling often.
- De-tangle
Every day, try to brush or run your fingers through hair to gently ensure loose hairs do not get matted and cause tangles. Whilst this may be distressing, try to make it a part of your self-care plan.
Jean’s Scalp Cooling journey has been supported by the Cancer Hair Care team. We are here to help you as well. For further resources, you can visit our dedicated Scalp Cooling section on our information website: https://www.cancerhaircare.co.uk/scalp-cooling/
You can also speak to one of our advisors by phone or email: support@cancerhaircare.com
https://www.cancerhaircare.co.uk/support-services-overview/contact-us/
Thank you so much Jean for sharing your experience.
Together, we can help to make hair loss one less worry.