Working with chemo patients: A Journey of healing and purpose.

 

Working With Chemo Patients: A Journey of Healing and Purpose

Working with chemo patients has been one of the most deeply fulfilling parts of my career. My journey began with my mother—a retired salon owner and hairstylist—who was diagnosed with multiple myeloma. When she started chemotherapy, I was overwhelmed and heartbroken. Yet that moment became my greatest motivation to learn, research, and ultimately transform my purpose in the salon industry.

As I explored her particular type of cancer, I uncovered unsettling connections between certain beauty chemicals and health conditions. That discovery shifted my mission entirely—to bring awareness, healing, and holistic care into the salon world.

Through my mother’s experience, I gained a profound understanding of the emotional and physical journey of hair loss during chemotherapy. I will never forget the day we decided to shave her head after her second round of treatment—her hair had become so fragile that it began to crumble and drift away. That moment represented more than loss; it marked the beginning of renewal and resilience. As a hairstylist, it was deeply unsettling to find myself on the other side of the chair, watching someone I love face what so many of my clients have experienced.

Hair represents more than beauty—it’s tied to womanhood, strength, and confidence. When that is stripped away, it can feel like a part of your identity is gone. But healing takes time, patience, and self-care. With the right approach, the scalp can regenerate, and your natural radiance can return.

In my salon, I’ve supported countless women navigating hair recovery after chemotherapy. Some are still rebuilding scalp health and cell function, while others are celebrating the first signs of regrowth. Based on this journey, here are essential steps I recommend for nurturing your scalp and spirit during and after treatment:

1. Partner With a Skilled Barbering Professional

Find a hairstylist experienced in clipper cutting and scalp care. Shaving your head is an emotional moment, but when done with compassion and precision, it becomes an empowering step toward healing.

2. Reconnect With Your Scalp Through Specialized Care

Seek out a scalp spa, scalp specialist, or trichologist. Gentle exfoliation helps remove chemical buildup from past treatments—such as color, relaxers, or keratin strighten—and restores your scalp’s natural pH balance. This process reawakens skin cells and prepares the foundation for healthy regrowth.

3. Calm and Nourish the Scalp

Use soothing, pH-balanced products that comfort irritation and sensitivity from chemotherapy. Look for calming botanicals and clean ingredients that promote balance without harsh chemicals.

My Take on Scalp Cooling

Scalp cooling, or scalp hypothermia, is a method used to help reduce chemotherapy-induced hair loss by lowering the scalp’s temperature and slowing blood flow to the hair follicles (de Barros Silva et al., 2020). Studies have shown that scalp cooling can help some patients retain part of their hair, improving confidence and emotional well-being during treatment (Nangia, 2018).

However, from my professional observation, I’ve seen that even with scalp cooling, many clients still experience eventual shedding. When the body is under immense stress—coping with fatigue, malnutrition, and cellular change—hair often reflects that internal imbalance.

In my view, scalp cooling can offer temporary reassurance—an appearance pleaser—but it’s not always a long-term solution. True restoration begins within: nourishing your body, strengthening your scalp, and embracing self-care throughout your healing journey.

Research supports that the effectiveness of scalp cooling can vary greatly depending on chemotherapy type, scalp temperature consistency, and individual health factors (Wikramanayake et al., 2023).

A Final Word of Hope

Healing is both a physical and emotional journey. Though the process may take time—often up to two or three years—remember that beauty and confidence are never lost; they are simply waiting to be renewed. With care, love, and patience, your hair will grow again, and your inner light will shine brighter than before.

Discover restorative scalp treatments and holistic hair solutions at
🌿 HealthyHairBar.com

References

de Barros Silva, G., Costa Silva, M. C., & Farias Lima, L. L. (2020). Scalp cooling to prevent chemotherapy-induced alopecia. International Journal of Trichology, 12(5), 200–208. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7563013/

Nangia, J. (2018). Quality of life matters: It is time to integrate scalp cooling for hair preservation. Journal of Oncology Practice, 14(7), 437–439. https://doi.org/10.1200/JOP.18.00033

Wikramanayake, T. C., Rodriguez, R., & Jimenez, J. J. (2023). Prevention and treatment of chemotherapy-induced alopecia. Frontiers in Pharmacology, 14, 1130. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10137043/