What to Do When Your Client Experiences Cancer-Related Hair Loss

Sensitivity and kindness are helpful for those dealing with cancer-related hair loss.

Cancer-related hair loss can feel hopeless for clients facing this inevitable reality when going through chemotherapy. It’s a sensitive subject for them and a difficult situation for their stylists who often feel helpless. However, there are options to present to the client as alternatives to their natural locks.

Here’s everything you need to know.

Option 1: Can their hair be saved?

New technology has emerged that prevents, or dramatically reduces, hair loss. This new technology is called cold capping. The cold cap is worn during chemotherapy to cool the scalp. The way it works is that chilling the scalp actually constricts the blood vessels in the hair follicle, which restricts the amount of chemo exposure. The cold temperature also slows the rate of cellular metabolism. Since chemo targets fast-growing cells, cold capping will make the follicle less vulnerable. If you have a client who is in the beginning stages of cancer treatment, suggesting they try cold capping might be the right move. Of course, they need to talk to their doctor since cold capping may not be covered by insurance and it is expensive. As their stylist, letting your client know about this option at the right time, could save their hair.

Option 2: Finding a wig

Talk to your client about wearing a wig. Tell them about the plethora of options. Show them images and discuss what you think would be the right choice for them. Natural is always best. Since cost will also come into play here, make sure you discuss with your client how important it is to take care of their wig. The wig will need maintenance from you, as their stylist, from time to time, so make sure you educate yourself on how to shape the wig or color it. Your client will look to you for guidance.

But, really, what are their options?

As their stylist, you could be quite influential on their cancer journey in many ways. Perhaps you will be the one that makes them feel better about themselves. Perhaps you will be the one who reassures them that they look beautiful — hair or no hair. That deeper connection with your clients is a privilege. Since these options are expensive, many clients might feel they have no options because they can’t afford them. That’s where you can swoop in and save the day, once again. Start a fundraising campaign. Your other clients know how important it is to look their best — a sign about your client who is losing their hair and needs financial assistance could go a long way. Get creative: donate tips for a day or proceeds from a particular product.

There are also some organizations out there that may help your client. See if there is a local nonprofit in your area that offers support for hair loss. HairToStay and Back To You are a couple of national organizations that assist women in their cancer-related hair loss journeys. If all else fails, as their stylist, just be there for them. Listening to your clients as they navigate this new normal could be just the support they need at that time.

MOBILESTYLES supports women and men who experience hair loss, whether it’s naturally or due to a treatment or condition. The right stylists are here to help navigate the process, while maintaining their desired look. Speak to a PRO about your options. To find a stylist that is right for you, download MOBILESTYLES now: https://mobilestyles.com/download.