13 Styling Must Haves for Hair Growth After Chemo

It’s been nine months since I finished chemo, and my hair has gone through more phases than I expected. I never had a bare scalp but I did have a soft fuzz. Watching it progress from that point to where it is now was filled with frustration and hope for looking like something that finally felt a little more like me.

Along the way I leaned on a rotating cast of products, some that earned a permanent spot in my routine and some I tried once and shelved. Here’s everything I used, organized by what it actually did for me.

The Nine Months, Briefly

The week it started coming out in clumps, I knew it was time to shave it off. Since that point, it was all about how to feel good in a situation that wasn’t. As the hair started to fill in, it was almost all gray, and it was curly!

I also want to share that I watched so many Youtube videos and read so many blog posts trying to get an idea of where my hair volume and length would be at any given time during my journey. My goal was to do what I could do to get back to feeling like myself. While everything I’m sharing is based on only my experience, I do hope you find it helpful.

Helping It Grow

Minoxidil

I asked my oncologist for permission before starting this one, but minoxidil was the beginning of my journey. I committed to using it for six months and waiting until I was done with treatment to start. Foam is the best option because it stays put where the serum can drip.

Pros: I do think it helped my hair grow back fuller and more uniform, but I don’t know if it made it grow faster. According to a lot of my research, it wasn’t going to make it grow more rapidly, minoxidil was going to have more follicles grow.

Cons: Initially, I had a lot more fuzz on my face and back than I was used to. Since stopping the minoxidil, that fuzz has gone away.

Nutrafol

Initially, I was on the fence with the investment of this one, but I was gifted five months worth from someone. That was the start of something that I’m still using.

It’s four capsules daily, and I’m not a fan of the taste, but I do think it’s giving my hair the nutrients that it needs to grow health and have fewer breakage. My doctor was also one who recommended it, saying that they’ve only heard positive feedback. I plan to commit to at least twelve months on this.

Sauna and Red Light Therapy

These were not an everyday use type product, so I don’t know how much they moved the needle. Between the two, I used the infrared sauna more often (about three times a week for many months). With so many gyms now having them, it’s not so hard to gain access to one, if you want to try it.

Styling It Once There Was Something to Style

Hair Wax

I was a fan of my Kitsch hair wax before my chemo, but now, I can’t live without it. Hair wax holds your hair flat where you want it to stay. It’s so helpful for the awkward short-hair stage.

I love it because I can provide the illusion of fuller bang length hair by pressing it down. I started using it when my “bangs” were starting to pop up and have been using it since. When I don’t use it, my front hair just stands up wherever it wants to go. This helps me control the awkward length.

Pros: The stick is easy to use and works all day.

Cons: You need to commit to the style you want because it’s a wax and will leave your hair stiff.

Hair Dye

Much of my research said to wait until six months before dying hair. Since what was growing in was mostly gray, I wore a hat until I was able to put color in my hair. Yes, I’m that vain. Every time I saw myself in the mirror, I was hard on myself because I didn’t know the girl staring back at me.

With that said, dye can be damaging, so I went with one that had fewer chemicals to protect my baby hair. I also go longer in between dye sessions to give my hair a little more time and protection.

Pros: You can feel a little like yourself again if you’re used to having a certain hair color.

Cons: While it does cover grays, it doesn’t cover all the gray.

Jojoba oil

This is a lightweight oil that people often use to soothe the scalp and add shine/softness to new hair growth. My doctor suggested I use it, and I’m glad I listened!

I use it primarily as a styling product. After the shower, I use it daily to keep my curls from looking frizzy, and it makes my hair so soft!

Pros: It’s natural and nourishes my hair.

Cons: If you put too much in, it’ll make your hair greasy.

Hair Root Touch Up Powder

If you’re struggling to tame your grays, this root touch-up is a must! Since hair after chemotherapy is delicate, it’s important to give it a little time between dye sessions, and this powder helps you do just that!

Hair Straightener

Chemo curls got me! Many women have curly hair when it grows in. Mine were very tight initially, making it difficult to style. I tried to use my regular straightener, but it was too big for the tiny amount of hair I had.

When I found this .5 inch iron, I was able to style my hair! I love it. Plus, it’s perfect to travel with because it’s so tiny.

Keeping It in Place

Bobby Pins and Creaseless Hair Clips

These are essentials for pinning back shorter regrowth or securing headwear without leaving marks or pulling on delicate new hair.

I love the creaseless hair clip because it helps create a smooth look in the front of my hair, making it look longer than it really is.

Headbands

When you’ve got very little to work with, putting something in your hair will help you create style and personality. Here are some of my favorite types of headbands that I use daily.

Hard/structured headbands are perfect for a dressier style and will keep your hair where you want it to stay.
Soft headbands are usually thicker and add a nice pop of color to your style. They’re also very comfortable to wear.

man and woman — Using my handkerchief as a headband.

Covering Up, On the Days That Called For It

Wigs & Hats

Early in my growth phase, I wore wigs or hats. To be honest, I hate wearing a wig. That doesn’t mean I didn’t do it, but I looked forward to something more comfortable and less itchy. That’s where these two items helped a ton.

A Hat wig was perfect for a quick run to the store. It was inexpensive and not itchy like I found wigs.

A Bamboo hat is the best for a breathable, natural-fiber option. I started wearing this daily once I grew tired of the wigs.

Handkerchiefs

Satin handkerchiefs slid off my head, so finding these cotton options was my game changer. They don’t slide off and have so many styling options.

I first wore my handkerchief as a head covering when it was too hot to wear a hat, but I didn’t like the length of my hair.

As my hair grew in, I wore them tied into a headband style for a pop of color and personality. Here is my favorite 4 pack, and I love this floral print and this floral print. The satin scarves I purchased worked better in this capacity as well.

Where I’m At Now

My hair is growing, and I’m looking forward to the time where I can gather all of it into a ponytail! Sure, I miss my long hair, but each day that I have my health and see my hair returning to normal, I know I’m blessed. It’s not the whole story, it’s only a chapter.