How Long Can You Keep Your Shaved Head During Cancer Treatment and Beyond?
Choosing to keep a shaved head during and after cancer treatments can be a deeply personal decision. Some individuals, like myself, have found that maintaining a shaved head is a practical and permanent solution, while others chose to shave during treatment and let their hair grow back afterward. The duration and reasons for keeping a shaved head can vary widely depending on individual circumstances and preferences.
Personal Choices and Experiences
I have a brain tumor, and my experiences with cancer treatment have led me to a permanent shaved head. In 2010, my hair remained normal following my first surgery, requiring no action on my part. However, after undergoing a second surgery in 2017 followed by radiation, the hair on the side where treatment was administered began to die off significantly. To avoid a "half hairy" look, I decided to shave my entire head to maintain a uniform appearance.
Post-radiation treatment, followed by chemotherapy, the hair on the side where treatment was given started to grow back. However, the texture of the new hair is notably different, presenting as short, twisted wire rather than the flat, straight hair I had prior. This change in texture has led me to shave my head on a regular basis to keep a consistently neat and tidy look. I am comfortable with a couple of weeks' worth of new hair growth before I opt for another shave, as the wire-like texture becomes visible and uncomfortable.
Shared Experiences
Others have had similar experiences. My mother and I both chose to keep our heads shaved until we could see definitive signs of regrowth. Our decision was based on the uncertainty of hair regrowth after treatment and the desire for a consistent appearance. For some, this period can last for several months, providing a temporary solution while awaiting hair regrowth.
Some individuals, like my mother, may opt to shave their heads during the period of hair loss and regrowth. This can be a personal choice, offering a level of comfort and consistency until the hair begins to grow back. As the hair regrows, the decision to maintain a shaved head can also be re-evaluated based on the texture and overall appearance of the new hair.
Individual Cases: No Universal Duration
Others have reported different experiences. Unique cases of cancer treatment have resulted in no noticeable hair loss. As with my mother, my hair never fully fell out during and after undergoing massive chemotherapy, radiation, and surgeries for stage 3 lung cancer. As such, the duration one keeps a shaved head can be highly individual, varying based on the specific treatment response and personal choice.
Deciding whether to keep a shaved head during and after cancer treatment is a deeply personal choice. Some individuals may need to keep a shaved head for extended periods, while others can allow their hair to regrow and may even return to their pre-treatment appearance. The duration can depend on the specific experience of the individual, as well as the effectiveness of their treatment and personal preferences.