Childhood Cancer and Hair Loss
When people think of hair loss from cancer, rarely does a child come to mind. But childhood cancer affects millions of children around the world every year. Many of these kids lose their hair because of life-saving treatments like chemotherapy.
Hair loss for children can be particularly traumatic, which is one reason to consider preparing your child in advance for what might come. In addition to discussing hair loss from treatment, getting a wig that closely resembles your child’s natural color, style, and texture, can ease the anxiety that might accompany hair loss. Helping your child to feel and look “like their normal self” can be critical to their mental health and physical recovery.
Riviera Hair Replacement offers free consultations for children who are experiencing or anticipating hair loss from chemotherapy or radiation treatments. Call us today at 516-364-0110 to schedule a visit with our hair replacement specialists. We serve all our clients with compassion, professionalism, and respect with one goal: to help clients of all ages feel confident and comfortable with their hair replacement.
Talking to Your Child About Their Hair Loss from Cancer Treatments
Talking to a child about their own hair loss from cancer can be challenging. There is not necessarily a “one size fits all” approach that works for everyone. Some factors that might be relevant to any discussion can include the child’s age, the expected outcome of treatment, the type of treatment, and the overall emotional maturity of the child.
You know your own child better than anyone, and your instincts will most likely be sufficient to get them through this difficult conversation topic. Cancer Care, an organization of oncology social workers, offers some tips to consider when trying to help your child understand their hair loss from cancer treatments.
- Speak to them about ways to adjust to this unique challenge. You can do this by reassuring them that the hair loss is likely temporary and that it will grow back when their chemotherapy treatments end. Encourage and assist them in exploring other ways to adapt, such as wearing a wig, scarf, or hat. Remind them that their emotional and physical comfort is most important and be sure to support their decisions regarding how to best adjust to their hair loss.
- Give your child a safe space to express their feelings about their hair loss. Children often want to fit in, and losing their hair can make them feel angry, embarrassed, anxious, sad, and self-conscious. Encourage your child to talk, write, draw, or otherwise share these feelings and provide reassurance that their emotions are natural.
- It can also help to let your child know that hair loss can signify that their cancer treatments are working hard to fight their illness.
- Consider what is age appropriate when discussing your child’s hair loss. Answer their questions accurately, clearly, and simply. Be aware that they might not want you to embellish.
Again, there are not always clear “rules” when it comes to cancer, treatments, or conversations about hair loss. Do your best, put your child’s needs first, and don’t be afraid to seek help navigating these difficult circumstances.
Is your Child Facing Hair Loss from Cancer Treatments? Call Riviera Hair Replacement Today
Helping a child cope with cancer is daunting for every parent. Your child’s hair loss may be the last thing on your mind. But, for your child, hair loss might be something that scares them more than cancer itself.
At Riviera Hair Replacement, we provide compassionate hair replacement services for children facing cancer. We can design and create a wig for your child that helps them feel comfortable and confident as they embark on their cancer journey.
Call us today at 516-364-0110 to schedule a free consultation. You and your child will be glad you did.
