Hair Care during Cold Cap
Hi! I'm just starting my chemo journey with six rounds of TCHP chemo. I'm using the Amma system by Cooler Heads for cold capping. During training they give you washing and brushing instructions, all to help you save hair by reducing strain on the follicles.
Here is where my personal catch is. I have naturally wavy hair that requires heat styling to straighten, or curly girl product to make it have a pleasant non-frizzy texture. Both of those are discouraged. As are baseball caps, claw clips, anything that would put strain on the hair or hairline. Drastic cutting is discouraged by the company to prevent stress on the follicles. And I understand why. I am allowed to re-wet and use leave in conditioner and comb gently with a wide tooth comb. I came home from chemo yesterday after wetting my hair to prep for the cold cap and it was a lumpy mess.
So, even though it's a more cosmetic question, the hair loss portion has been the biggest hurdle of this all for me. It's emotional, and one visible sign that I'm "sick." It's always been an important part of my identity. I do have a wig prescription and I will get one, but at home I probably won't wear it so I can be comfortable. I'd like to avoid buzzing it altogether. I'm not a proficient curly hair girl, and when my hair is not straight it tangles something fierce. I'm worried about tangles contributing to more hair loss, especially when sleeping. I can wear low ponytails and loose braids (no French braids). Water and leave in conditioner are OK. Individual strands are thin but I have a lot of them. My hair falls just past my shoulders now. What do we do to prevent tangles, and look or feel as nice as we can during all this?