Rooted in Strength

Look Good Feel Better Workshops

If you're going through cancer treatment in the UK, there's a charity you should know about. Look Good Feel Better runs free workshops that help people manage the visible side effects of treatment, and they've been doing it here since 1994. Ask anyone who's been to one and you'll get the same two responses. First, that they nearly didn't go. Second, that it was one of the best afternoons of their whole treatment. What they actually do Look Good Feel Better runs group workshops led by trained beauty and wellbeing professionals who volunteer their time. The sessions cover the practical things that fall through the cracks in cancer care; How to look after skin that's changed, what to do about eyebrows that have vanished, and how to feel like yourself again. What's more, they're completely free. The charity works hard to keep it that way, funded by the beauty industry and by donations. The sessions on offer There's a decent range of sessions available, so it's worth looking at what suits you: •      Skincare and make-up, the flagship workshop, covering how to care for changed skin and create a natural look •      Wigs, brows and lashes, which is the one to book if you're dealing with hair loss •      Hair loss and scalp care •      Hand and nail care, since nails take a real battering during treatment •      Styling for confidence, led by style experts, covering colour, shape and dressing a body that's changed •      Gentle exercise and mindfulness •      Men's wellbeing sessions, hosted by barbering experts, covering shaving, sore skin and scarring •      Young adult sessions, aimed at a younger crowd who often feel out of place elsewhere The goody bag Let's talk about the bag, because it's genuinely lovely and it's the thing everyone remembers. Go to an in-person workshop and you'll be given a bag of full-size skincare and make-up products to use during the session and take home. Not samples. Proper products, donated by the beauty brands that support the charity. The bags are pre-packed, so you can't choose what's in yours, and supply depends on what's been donated. If you have allergies or you're particular about what goes on your skin, you can bring your own products to use in the session, nobody will mind. The bag isn't really the point, mind. It's just a very nice extra on top of an afternoon where someone treats you like a person rather than a patient. What actually happens on the day The workshops run for up to two hours. In-person groups are small, usually eight to fifteen people. Online groups are bigger, and the hair sessions and exercise classes can run to eighty or so. You do your own make-up. The volunteers are there to guide you, show you techniques and step in if you're struggling, but nobody is going to give you a full makeover while you sit there. That's deliberate. You're learning skills you can use at home on a Tuesday morning when nobody's watching. Most people arrive nervous and almost nobody stays that way. The thing everyone says afterwards is that it was the first time in weeks they'd been in a room where nobody talked about cancer. You're allowed to leave it at the door. Who can go Anyone with a cancer diagnosis. Women, men and young adults, and the workshops are open to everyone regardless of gender identity. The skincare and make-up, hand and nail care and styling workshops are a one-off, one per person per diagnosis. That does mean you can't book a refresher a few months later, though the charity has a library of free tutorials on their website you can use any time. If your cancer returns, get in touch with them directly rather than assuming you can't come back. In person or online Both. In-person workshops run in hospitals, cancer care centres and partner venues across the UK. Virtual workshops run over Zoom, so you can join from your sofa on a day you don't fancy leaving the house. The trade-off is the goody bag, which comes with the in-person sessions. If you're well enough to travel, the in-person version is worth the effort for the room full of people as much as the products. A few practical things to know •      Book in advance through the Look Good Feel Better website, and you can also ring them on 01372 747 500 •      Turn up on time, as sessions start promptly and there's only a short grace period before the door closes •      Everything is provided, though you can bring your own foundation and concealer if you have shades you love, plus your own brushes if they're clean •      Bring a pen and paper if you like taking notes, and you'll be given a leaflet covering what was taught •      You can't bring a friend or family member, since the space is kept for people with a diagnosis, so ring ahead if you need a chaperone for a specific reason like translation •      Tell them about any accessibility needs when you book and they'll do their best What they can't help with They're upfront about this, and it's worth knowing. Look Good Feel Better aren't medically trained, so they can't tell you which products are safe for your particular treatment. That's a question for your oncologist or cancer nurse specialist, who can look at your history and advise on anything you should avoid. They also can't recommend wig shops, hairdressers or microblading artists. For hair specifically, they point people towards Cancer Hair Care, who offer one-to-one support. Where we fit in We're not connected to the charity in any way. We just think more people should know they exist, because the number of customers who tell us they'd never heard of Look Good Feel Better until someone mentioned it in passing is frankly too high. If you go to a brows and lashes session and come away wanting to practise what you learned, we stock false eyelashes and eyebrow pencils chosen for people going through treatment.  Go, if you can The most common thing we hear is some version of "I almost didn't bother". People talk themselves out of it because they feel too rough, or too self-conscious, or because putting on make-up feels frivolous when you're seriously ill. It isn't frivolous. Recognising yourself in the mirror does something for you that no amount of good advice can. And a couple of hours in a room full of people who understand exactly where you are turns out to be worth a great deal. Look Good Feel Better is a registered charity, number 1031728. Find workshops and book at lookgoodfeelbetter.co.uk.   Frequently asked questions Is Look Good Feel Better free? Yes. All workshops and classes are free for anyone with a cancer diagnosis, funded by the beauty industry and donations. Who can attend a Look Good Feel Better workshop? Anyone with a cancer diagnosis. There are dedicated sessions for women, men and young adults, and the workshops are open to everyone. What's in the Look Good Feel Better goody bag? A selection of full-size skincare and make-up products donated by the charity's partner brands. Bags are pre-packed and given out at in-person workshops, so the contents vary depending on what's been donated. How do I book a Look Good Feel Better workshop? Book through their website at lookgoodfeelbetter.co.uk, or ring 01372 747 500. Your cancer nurse or treatment centre may also be able to point you to a local session. Can I go to more than one workshop? The skincare and make-up, hand and nail care and styling for confidence workshops are a one-off per person per diagnosis. Free tutorials on their website are available any time.

When to get your hair cut after chemo

You've finished treatment. Somewhere around week three or four you run your hand over your head and feel something soft that wasn't there before. It's a genuinely lovely moment. Then comes the awkward bit. The fluff arrives at different speeds in different places, it may be a colour you've never had, and you have no idea whether to cut it, leave it, or hide it. Almost everyone asks the same question at this point. When can I get it cut? The short answer is that most people book their first proper haircut somewhere between three and six months after treatment ends. But the calendar in my view doesnt matter - what matters is how you feel. What regrowth usually looks like Everyone's timeline is different and depends on the drugs you have been given, your dose and your own hair. A rough guide, based on what most people tell us is: Weeks 3 to 6: soft fuzz starts to appear, patchy and often colourless Months 2 to 3: a proper covering, still very short and very soft Months 3 to 5: enough length for a short crop or a soft pixie, and this is where most first haircuts happen Month 6: roughly three inches for many people Month 12: often five or six inches, around chin length Hair grows about half an inch a month once it gets going. That's the same rate as anyone else's, which is why it feels so slow. You're just starting from a lower baseline. If you're months in and seeing very little, or your hair is coming back much thinner than expected, mention it to your team. It's worth raising rather than worrying about it alone. The fluffy stage, and why cutting too early can backfire There's a stage most people hit around two to three months where the hair is soft, wispy and standing up in all directions. It's the stage where you're most tempted to take scissors to it. Cutting into very fine regrowth usually makes it look thinner rather than tidier. Heavy layering or a sharply defined crop needs density to hold its shape, and at this point there isn't any yet. Most hairdressers who work with cancer patients will say the same thing. Wait a bit, and let it gain some weight. The exception is a genuine tidy-up. Cleaning up the neckline, softening round the ears and taking off a few fluffy tips is a small job that can make a big difference to how you feel. That's not really a haircut. It's a tidy-up, and you can have one much earlier. Signs you're ready Forget the number of months. Book your appointment when: You've got a reasonably even covering rather than patches The hair has some body to it and stays roughly where you put it Bits are starting to stick out or curl in directions you don't want The neckline or the area round your ears looks scruffy You want to, which is honestly reason enough What a good first cut actually involves Manage your expectations, because a good first haircut is subtle work. If you turn up at four months with a couple of centimetres, the appointment might take twenty minutes and look fairly subtle to everyone else. Your hairdresser will probably tidy the neckline, shape gently around the ears, take off any wispy ends and leave the top alone to build up. That's a proper haircut. It just respects where your hair is right now. If your hair has come back thicker and faster, there's more to work with and a soft pixie or a neat crop may be on the cards straight away. Finding a hairdresser you feel comfortable with This appointment carries more weight than a normal trim, and the right person makes an enormous difference. Ring ahead and say you've just finished chemotherapy. Ask whether they've cut regrowth before. A good salon will book you a quieter slot, give you a bit of privacy, and won't make a performance of it. If you'd rather not sit in a busy salon at all, plenty of stylists will come to your home. Your cancer centre or local support group can usually recommend someone who works with cancer patients regularly. Chemo curls, and why your hair looks like someone else's More than half of people find their hair comes back with a different texture. Straight hair returns curly, curly hair returns straight, and colour often shifts too. Lots of people get more grey than they had before, at least at first. This catches people off guard. You waited months for your hair and it belongs to a stranger. It usually settles. Texture and colour tend to drift back towards your old hair over the first year to eighteen months as the follicles recover. Some people find they keep a bit of the new wave, and a few decide they rather like it. While it's settling, a light leave-in conditioner and small trims every six to eight weeks will keep it looking intentional rather than in-between. Before you reach for the colour New hair is fragile. Cancer Research UK suggests holding off on permanent and semi-permanent dye, bleach, perms, chemical straightening and extensions for around six months after chemotherapy finishes. If your scalp has been sensitive or you're still recovering, check with your medical team first, and always do a skin sensitivity test even with natural products like henna. When you do colour, a trained hairdresser is a safer bet than a home kit. Covering up while you wait The months between finishing treatment and having a haircut you feel good about can be surprisingly hard. You're well again, and you still don't look like yourself. A soft chemo beanie sits neatly over short regrowth and works with a coat and a school run. A lightweight head scarf gives you a different option on the days you want a bit more. Both are seam-free and gentle on a scalp that's still tender. Plenty of our customers keep wearing theirs long after their hair's back, simply because they've grown fond of them. One last thing There's no right moment for that first haircut. There's only your moment. Some people book it the second they've got an inch, because sitting in a salon chair feels like proof they've come out the other side. Others wait until the hair is long enough to do something with. Both are fine. You've been through a great deal. This bit is allowed to be yours. Frequently asked questions How soon after chemo can I cut my hair? There's no medical reason to wait once your hair is growing. Most people find three to six months gives them enough to work with, though a tidy-up around the neckline can happen earlier. Should I shave the first regrowth to make it grow back thicker? That's a common belief but there's no evidence behind it. Shaving doesn't change how thick your hair grows back. Most people leave it be. Why is my hair curly after chemo? Texture changes are extremely common after chemotherapy and usually temporary. Most people find their hair drifts back towards its old texture over twelve to eighteen months. When can I dye my hair after chemotherapy? Cancer Research UK advises waiting around six months, as new hair is fragile. Check with your medical team first, and do a skin sensitivity test before any colour goes near your scalp.

Wunderbrow for Cancer Patients: What It Is and How to Use It

For many people, losing their eyebrows is one of the hardest parts of chemo hair loss. The face you see in the mirror suddenly looks less like you, and that can be more unsettling than losing the hair on your head. Wunderbrow is one of the products we recommend most often, and it's stocked in our accessories range for a reason. Here's what you need to know. What is Wunderbrow? Wunderbrow is a brow gel that uses tiny fibres to create the appearance of full, natural eyebrows. Unlike a standard eyebrow pencil, which draws lines on the skin, Wunderbrow builds up a texture that mimics the look of real hair. The result is a much more natural finish — which matters a great deal when there's no actual brow hair to work with. Why it works for chemo patients Standard make-up isn't always well suited to the specific challenges of chemo. Wunderbrow has a few features that make it particularly useful: It stays in place for up to three days without smudging, which means you don't have to redo it every morning on a tired day. It's waterproof, which matters if you're getting hot or your eyes water during treatment. It works on bare skin — no natural brow hair needed as a base. It comes in several shades to suit different complexions. How to apply it Wunderbrow comes with a small spoolie brush. The key is to use it lightly and build up gradually — a little goes a long way. Use short, feathery strokes in the direction that brows naturally grow. Start from the inner corner of the brow and work outward. If you've never used a brow product before and aren't sure where to place your brows, a simple rule of thumb: the inner edge of the brow should sit roughly above the inner corner of your eye, and the arch should sit above the outer edge of the iris. You'll find Wunderbrow in our accessories section, alongside our Eylure C-Lash eyelashes — another product designed specifically for people who've lost their lashes during treatment.

How to Protect Your Skin from the Sun During Chemotherapy

Most of us know to wear sunscreen in summer. But during chemotherapy, sun protection becomes genuinely important rather than just sensible — because treatment makes your skin significantly more sensitive to UV light, and sunburn can happen much faster and feel much worse than it normally would. Here's what to do to stay protected. Sunscreen: go higher than you think Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at minimum SPF 30 — though SPF 50 is a better choice during treatment. Apply it generously to all exposed skin, including your face, ears, neck, hands and the back of your arms. Reapply every two hours, or more often if you've been sweating or in water. Look for a fragrance-free formula, as scented sunscreens can irritate chemotherapy-sensitive skin. Cover up Clothing is your first line of defence. Lightweight, loose-fitting layers in breathable fabrics like cotton or linen cover the skin without overheating you. Long sleeves and a collar help protect your arms and neck. For your scalp, a hat with a proper brim is essential. Your scalp has no hair to protect it, which means it can burn very quickly. Our wide-brimmed summer chemo hats are made from soft cotton with breathable construction. Some have a loose weave that allows air to circulate, which is particularly helpful if you're feeling the heat. Some styles are also packable, which makes them easy to carry with you. Avoid the midday sun UV rays are strongest between roughly 11am and 3pm. If you can, plan outdoor activities for the morning or late afternoon. If you do need to be outside during peak hours, seek shade wherever possible — but remember that shade alone doesn't eliminate UV exposure, particularly on bright days. Don't forget your eyes Sunglasses with UV protection are worth wearing during treatment, both to protect your eyes from the sun and to give some shade to the delicate skin around them. This matters more during chemo because your immune system is working hard and the skin around the eyes is particularly thin and sensitive. A note on hot weather generally Heat and chemotherapy can be a difficult combination. If you're struggling with temperature regulation, read our post on looking after your skin during chemo for more general advice, and take a look at our range of lightweight summer headwear if you need something that keeps the sun off without making you warmer.

Tips for Looking After Your Skin During Chemotherapy

Your skin works hard at the best of times. During chemotherapy, it has even more to deal with. Treatment can make skin drier, more sensitive, more reactive to sunlight and more prone to irritation from things that would normally be completely fine. The good news is that a few simple adjustments to your routine make a big difference. Keep it gentle Swap out any products with strong fragrances, alcohol or harsh active ingredients. During treatment, your skin doesn't need exfoliating or brightening — it needs to be calm and supported. Look for gentle, fragrance-free cleansers and wash with lukewarm water rather than hot. Brands that many of our customers rate highly include Aveeno, the Simple range (both widely available in supermarkets and pharmacies) and Faith in Nature, which is a UK-made vegan range available at Holland and Barrett and Boots. Moisturise regularly Apply a gentle moisturiser every day — ideally immediately after a bath or shower when your skin is still slightly damp, as this helps lock in moisture. Bosom Buddies Puriskin Resurfacing Formula was created specifically for people undergoing chemo and radiotherapy; it's fragrance-free and absorbs quickly. If you prefer something completely natural, a light layer of almond oil, apricot oil or coconut oil works beautifully as an everyday moisturiser. A few drops of rosemary essential oil added to a base oil can also help stimulate the scalp, but always dilute it and use sparingly. Protect yourself from the sun Chemotherapy makes your skin significantly more sensitive to UV light. Sunburn can happen much faster than you'd expect, and the effects can be more severe. Use SPF 30 at minimum whenever you're going outside — SPF 50 is better — and reapply every two hours. Cover your scalp too. A wide-brimmed hat is the kindest thing for exposed skin on your head. We have a range of summer chemo hats with wide brims and soft cotton construction that work well in warm weather. Wear soft, breathable fabrics The clothes and headwear you put on also affect your skin. Rough fabrics against a sensitive scalp or body can cause real irritation. Stick to natural fibres such as cotton and bamboo — both breathable and soft — and avoid anything with harsh seams, elastic or labels directly against the skin. All of our chemo hats and headscarves are made from 100% cotton or bamboo and are designed with exactly this in mind. Stay hydrated Your skin's health is connected to how well hydrated you are overall. Treatment can sometimes make this harder — nausea, fatigue and loss of appetite all affect how much you drink. Aim for eight glasses of water a day and keep a glass within reach at all times.

Keeping Your Head Warm at Night During Chemotherapy

One of the things people don't always warn you about before treatment starts is just how cold your head gets at night once your hair has gone. Hair does a surprisingly good job of keeping the heat in while you sleep, and when it's gone, you can feel the difference very quickly — particularly in the small hours when the temperature drops.Here are some of the simplest and most effective ways to stay warm and comfortable overnight during treatment.Invest in a good sleep hatA dedicated sleep hat is the single most useful thing you can own during treatment. You'll wear it more than anything else in your collection.What to look for: 100% cotton jersey that's soft, breathable and kind to a sensitive scalp. A relaxed fit — nothing that pulls tight at 3am, when the last thing you want is to wake up and pull something off your head. A decent depth so it doesn't slip up and leave the back of your neck exposed. Our Lucy or Molly cancer hats are made specifically with overnight comfort in mind. They're single-layer cotton jersey, with no rough seams or scratchy labels inside.Other things that helpSleep hats work best alongside a few other small measures: An electric blanket on a low setting is great for maintaining all-over warmth overnight (check manufacturer's instructions). A good hot water bottle with a soft cover tucked near your feet or against your lower back for targeted warmth. Layering a sleep hat under a soft headscarf if you're particularly cold, or as a base layer before adding a beanie during the day. A word on coloursSleep hats tend to get a lot of use, so it's worth having two or three in rotation — one in the wash, one ready to wear. Choose colours that make you smile and that work with your daywear, since sleep hats are just as comfortable around the house during the day as they are at night.If you're looking for a gift for someone going through treatment, a sleep hat is always gratefully received and genuinely useful. Take a look at our range.

It's Good to Talk: One Woman's Thoughts on Cancer and the People Around It

Sometimes the most comforting thing isn't advice — it's knowing that someone else feels exactly as you do.One of our customers asked a friend to write down how she feels when someone she loves is diagnosed with cancer. We think a lot of you reading this will recognise yourselves in her words. Even though the statistics tell us that 1 in 3 people will get cancer at some point, it still feels like a taboo subject to a lot of us — something we only really talk about behind closed doors. I've had friends who were diagnosed and survived. I've known family friends who didn't make it. And the incredible thing is that every single person I've known who faced it has been positive and inspiring, ready for the fight, even when the odds were against them. Whenever someone I know is ill, I try to put myself in their shoes. But with cancer, I find I genuinely can't. I've always had this quiet belief that I'm somehow immune to serious illness — I know it's irrational, but it's there. I can't imagine what it feels like to hear those words. The one thing I hope, if I'm ever in that position, is that I face it with even a fraction of the bravery I've seen in the people around me. — BexIf you have a story you'd like to share here, whether you're a patient, a carer, a friend or a family member — we'd love to hear from you. Get in touch at hello@chemotherapyheadwear.com.

How to Help a Loved One Cope with Hair Loss from Chemo

Hair loss is one of the things cancer patients worry about most. For many people, it can feel even more distressing than the treatment itself because it's the thing other people can see. It makes the diagnosis visible, and that can be a deeply unsettling loss of control.If someone you care about is facing hair loss from chemotherapy, you might be struggling to find the right words or know how to help. Here are some things that really make a difference.1. Do a bit of research firstThere are a lot of myths about chemo hair loss — when it happens, how much falls out, whether it always grows back. Your loved one has enough on their mind without having to correct misconceptions. Find out the facts so you can talk about it calmly and confidently. It also shows them that you care enough to do the homework.2. Help them feel in controlOne of the hardest things about hair loss is feeling like it's happening to you, not something you have any say in. Helping your loved one make a plan — whether that's researching wig options, looking at chemo hats and headscarves together, or booking a haircut before treatment starts — can help restore a sense of agency.Many people choose to have their head shaved before their hair starts to fall. If your loved one wants to do this, go with them. Don't let them sit in that chair alone.3. Listen more than you speakIt's tempting to say things like 'it's just hair' or 'it'll grow back'. Even if those things are true, they can make someone feel that their very real grief isn't valid. What helps far more is simply listening to what they say, and to what they don't say.Let them be upset about it. You don't need to fix it.4. Give practical, thoughtful giftsA few well-chosen things can mean a lot. A soft, gentle shampoo for a sensitive scalp. A fragrance-free moisturiser. A beautiful, comfortable chemo hat in a colour they'd actually choose. These things say: I thought about you, I did something about it, I'm here.If you're not sure where to start with chemo headwear, we've been helping cancer patients find the right chemo hats and headscarves since 2008 and we're always happy to help you choose something. A gift card is also a lovely option if you'd rather let them choose for themselves.5. Keep showing upHair loss doesn't happen on a single day. It unfolds over weeks, and the emotional impact tends to come in waves. Keep checking in. Keep asking how they are. The people who show up consistently — not just at the start when everything feels dramatic — are the ones who make the biggest difference.

Coping With Hair Loss During Chemotherapy

Hair loss is one of the most talked-about side effects of chemotherapy, and for good reason. It's visible, it's hard to hide, and it can knock your confidence at exactly the time when you need it most. If you're dreading losing your hair, or already in the middle of it, please know that you're not alone in finding it difficult.The good news is that hair loss from chemotherapy is temporary. Your hair will grow back once treatment is complete, and many people find that their regrowth is strong and healthy. In the meantime, here's what we've found most helpful.Get Ahead of It If You CanIf you've been told your treatment is likely to cause hair loss, you might want to see your hairdresser before it starts. Having your hair cut shorter before it begins to fall can make the whole process feel less shocking. Some people choose to have a really short crop; others go all the way and shave their head on their own terms. There's no right or wrong answer — it's whatever feels right for you.Look After Your ScalpOnce hair starts to fall, your scalp needs a little extra care. Use a gentle, pH-neutral or organic shampoo, nothing harsh or heavily fragranced. After washing, massage in a natural base oil (coconut, almond or olive oil all work well) to keep the skin soft and moisturised. A healthy scalp sets the foundation for good regrowth later on.Avoid heat styling tools entirely during this time, and protect your scalp from direct sun and cold air by covering up with a soft hat or scarf.Find Headwear That Actually Makes You Feel GoodThe right headwear really does make a difference. A hat or scarf that feels comfortable, looks good and fits well can transform how you feel about stepping out of the front door.Our hats and headscarves are made from 100% cotton or bamboo, both incredibly soft next to a sensitive scalp. Whether you're looking for something cosy for around the house, something stylish for going out, or something special for a good day, there's something in our range that will work for you. We also run free online scarf-tying sessions if you want a bit of help getting started.Think About Your Eyebrows and Eyelashes TooIt's not just the hair on your head that can be affected. Eyebrows and eyelashes sometimes go too, and that can feel just as unsettling. We stock Eylure C-Lash eyelashes, which are designed specifically for people going through chemo, and Wunderbrow eyebrow pencil, which gives a really natural-looking result even without a base of hair to work with.Be Kind to YourselfHair loss during chemotherapy is a big deal, and it's okay to feel however you feel about it. Some days will be harder than others. The most important thing is that you're comfortable and, as much as possible, able to feel like yourself.If you need any help choosing the right headwear, or just want to talk through your options, please do get in touch. We've been helping people through this since 2008 and we're always happy to chat.

Gentle Shampoo and Skin Care During Chemotherapy: Real Recommendations

When you're going through chemotherapy, your skin and scalp become much more sensitive than usual. The list of things people tell you to buy can feel overwhelming and expensive. But honestly, you don't need to spend a fortune to look after your skin well during treatment.I asked a group of customers to tell me what they'd actually used and rated during chemo. Here's what came back.ShampooThe Lush Cinnamon Shampoo Bar came up again and again. It's free from synthetic ingredients, cruelty-free, and comes in plastic-free packaging. It contains cinnamon and clove to gently stimulate the scalp, along with nettle and peppermint to soothe irritation. At around £8.99, it's great value too.Faith in Nature also came highly recommended. This UK-based, vegan brand makes affordable shampoos and shower gels that are genuinely gentle on sensitive skin. You can find their products on their own website, at Holland & Barrett and at Boots.A note on baby shampoo: a lot of people assume it must be the gentlest option, but it doesn't actually contain any conditioning agents. For a scalp that's already dry and sensitive, that can make things worse rather than better.MoisturiserFor skin that's feeling sore and irritated, Bosom Buddies Puriskin Resurfacing Formula came up as a favourite. It was created specifically for people undergoing chemotherapy and radiotherapy, is fragrance-free, and absorbs quickly without feeling heavy. It's around £13.99.If you're looking for something simpler and even more accessible, the Simple skincare range is worth knowing about. You'll find it in most supermarkets, Boots and chemists. Simple uses no harsh ingredients, artificial colours or unnecessary chemicals, and it's PETA-certified cruelty-free.Natural OilsFor massaging into dry or tight scalp skin, you really can't go wrong with a good base oil. Olive oil, sweet almond oil, apricot kernel oil and Moroccan (argan) oil are all excellent choices. If you enjoy aromatherapy, you can add a small amount of rosemary essential oil — but always dilute it in a carrier oil first and use sparingly, particularly if your skin is sensitive. Rosemary is a known stimulant, which makes it brilliant for the scalp, but a little goes a long way.I hope this gives you a helpful starting point. None of these products will break the bank, and they all come highly recommended by people who've been through treatment themselves. If you've found something that worked brilliantly for you, I'd love to hear about it.

Scalp and Hair Care During Chemotherapy

Losing your hair during chemo is one of the hardest parts of treatment. It doesn't feel fair, and it's absolutely okay to feel upset about it. But here's something important to hold onto: your hair will come back. Once your body starts to recover, regrowth begins — and how well you've looked after your scalp during treatment can make a real difference to that process.Caring for Your Scalp While You're in TreatmentYour scalp becomes more sensitive during chemotherapy, so what you put on it matters. Choose a shampoo that is pH neutral or organic. Baby shampoo is best avoided, as despite its reputation for being gentle it doesn't contain a moisturising agent, which means it can actually dry the scalp out and cause extra sensitivity.Products that have worked really well for people I've spoken to include: Philip Kingsley No Scent No Colour Shampoo — fragrance-free and very gentle. Lush Cinnamon Shampoo Bar — a surprisingly popular recommendation. Aveeno Skin Relief Shampoo — soothing and widely available. Wash your scalp twice a week using cool water. After washing, rather than reaching for a conditioner, try massaging in a base oil instead. Coconut oil, sweet almond oil and good-quality olive oil all work beautifully. The goal at this stage isn't hair care, it's scalp care. A soft, well-moisturised scalp makes it much easier for new hair to push through when the time comes.If you're using the cold cap and still have some hair, try not to rub it vigorously with a towel. Use a soft-bristled brush to gently remove any loose strands. It can be tempting not to brush for fear of making hair loss worse, but brushing actually prevents loose hair from matting with what's still attached.When Your Hair Starts to Come BackHair regrowth is different for everyone. Some people get 'chemo curls' — a wave or curl that wasn't there before. This is completely normal. As the hair grows around the follicle it tends to curl, but as it gets longer and heavier, gravity gradually brings it straight again.New hair will be very delicate. Here's how to take care of it: Brush gently with a soft-bristled brush to keep it in good condition. Keep up your scalp oil routine — this is still really important. Start using a conditioner once the hair reaches about two inches in length, and rinse well with cool to warm water. Add a drop of rosemary essential oil to your base carrier oil once a week — rosemary is a known hair growth stimulant, but always dilute it and never use it neat on the skin. Avoid heat tools completely until the hair is properly established. Hold off on hair colour or perming for at least a year after treatment ends. When you do go back to colour, your stylist should do a patch test 48 hours beforehand. Book a trim when the hair reaches 3–4 inches. It feels early, but trimming encourages stronger, faster growth. Aim for every 8–10 weeks after that. Be patient with yourself. Look after your scalp, stay consistent with your routine, and your hair will come back.Much love, Charley x

Hair Loss During Chemotherapy: A Hairdresser's Perspective

I've been a hairdresser for over 20 years. I've sat with hundreds of people and helped them through some really tough moments, but nothing quite prepares you for that conversation when someone comes in knowing their hair is about to fall out.I'm not going to pretend it's easy. For most of us, the thought of losing our hair is devastating. It's wrapped up in identity, confidence and how we present ourselves to the world. But I do know that the right advice at the right time can make a real difference — and that's what I'm here to share with you.Before Your Hair Falls Out: Talk to Your StylistYour first appointment at the salon after a cancer diagnosis can feel really daunting. My advice is to ring ahead. Ask to speak to a stylist you trust so they know what's happening before you arrive. That way, you can have a proper conversation about your options without feeling put on the spot.One thing we absolutely need to avoid is colouring your hair. No harsh chemicals can go on your scalp or hair at this stage — the risk of an allergic reaction is extremely high, and that's a risk not worth taking when your immune system is already under pressure from treatment.If you have long hair and the thought of losing it all at once feels too much, take it in stages. Have a little more length off than usual at first. Be creative with a short crop. At some point, the scalp will release all of the hair follicles — that's just how treatment works — and at that stage, I'd recommend having the remaining hair clipped off rather than letting it fall naturally. It's less distressing, and it puts you in control.Make sure your stylist uses sterilised clippers for this, and avoid a razor. Any small nicks to the skin can become a problem when your immune system is compromised.Looking After Your Scalp During TreatmentOnce your hair has gone, looking after your scalp properly is really important. Avoid anything harsh or heavily fragranced. Use natural products wherever you can, and make sure whatever you wash with has a moisturising or conditioning agent. You want to keep the skin soft, not dry it out.Don't underestimate a good head massage either. Not only is it a well-deserved treat, it increases blood flow to the scalp and that supports healthy regrowth once treatment is finished. Use a natural oil like olive oil, apricot oil or Moroccan oil which all work well. If you're into aromatherapy, add a few drops of rosemary oil to a carrier oil (never neat on the skin), as rosemary is a known scalp stimulant.Protect your scalp from the elements too. The sun can damage exposed skin, so if you're out and about in summer, a wide-brimmed hat is a really good idea. In winter, a soft, lined chemo hat will keep you warm and protect the scalp from cold air.After Treatment: Getting Your Hair BackWhen your hair starts coming back, treat it gently. It will be very fine and delicate at first — soft, a little fluffy, and sometimes different from how it was before. Some people get 'chemo curls' even if their hair was completely straight. This happens because the hair grows up and around the follicle as it comes through. Don't worry — as the hair gets longer and heavier, gravity gently pulls the curl out.My advice for looking after new growth: Brush gently with a soft-bristled brush to keep things in good condition. Continue your scalp massage and oiling routine. Start using conditioner once the hair reaches about two inches in length, and rinse with cool to warm water. Hold off on the hair dryer and any heat tools until the hair is properly established. No hair colour or perming treatment for at least a year after treatment finishes. When you are ready for colour, always do a skin patch test 48 hours beforehand. Start with a contained service like foils rather than a full-head colour. Aim for a trim every 8–10 weeks once the hair reaches 3–4 inches. Look after yourself and your scalp, and your hair will return. Take it easy.Much love, Charley x