The In-Between Chapter: How Chemotherapy and Hair Loss Have Changed My Hair Care

The cancer diagnosis I received last spring revealed a new chapter in my life. It's been a chapter full of challenges and insights I never expected. Chemotherapy and scalp cooling sessions to reduce hair loss became my new normal, as well as a new hair care routine. I'm deeply touched and grateful to everyone for their kind words after I shared my hair loss journey. I'm still undergoing chemotherapy, but now with new medications that are ten times stronger. I'm also learning to adjust to new side effects, listen to my body, and take each day as it comes.

The more chemotherapy treatments I've experienced, the more insight into my hair routine I've gotten. The truth is there's no such thing as a perfectly predictable day. Even with the regularity of chemo sessions, comes unpredictability. As soon as you think you've adapted, your body proves you wrong. Some days are tough, and I feel weak. Others make me think that I'm fully back to normal and ready to conquer the world. On these days, my battery is at a good 80% level: running meetings, discussing product launches with my team, and simply enjoying the sunset on the beach afterwards.

As there is no perfectly predictable day during chemotherapy, there also isn't a perfectly predictable hair day either. After some chemo sessions, I experience more hair fall, while other sessions don't affect it as much. I've learned to keep my hair routine flexible to support my evolving hair needs. For this blog, I'm sharing the tips I've found especially helpful for my thinning hair during this unpredictable transition period. As always, please always consult your doctor or care team before implementing any of them - every hair loss journey is unique, and it's always important to check with your professional team to be sure you are supporting your strands the right way.

Hair Care During Chemotherapy: 3 Things to Avoid

My hair has never felt so fragile, and some days after chemotherapy I was afraid even to touch it for fear of potential extra shedding. These days, I decided to stick with only two products and minimize tension. Number 4's Essentials Duo became saviour for my thinning strands because it fulfills my main two hair care needs. First, I use N4 Daily Clarifying Shampoo for a deep but gentle cleansing to remove medical residue. It's botanical ingredients don't strip natural moisture but safely remove buildup. Second, to strengthen and smooth my strands and prevent knots, I use N4 Reconstructing Hair Masque. It contains a rich blend of vegetable proteins and Vitamin B5 to instantly restore moisture. After use my hair feels stronger and is easy to detangle.

Some days, as I mentioned, go differently. I don't experience tremendous body changes and hair shedding isn't in an active phase. On these days, I have more energy and want to share my shine with this world. My inner glam girl is calling for a new hair color or look, but I have to put her in check and follow these three no-nos for my strands:

1. No chemicals – While a new hair color sounds refreshing, my care team recommended saving it for my after-chemo time. Unfortunately, chemical services can dramatically increase shedding of already weakened hair. In exchange for a color refresh, I occasionally switch to N4 Volumizing Shampoo. It instantly results in that big hair look, making strands bouncy with movement. It definitely gives my fine hair fresh energy, and I appreciate it as a small change without enduring a color treatment. I follow with N4 Volumizing Condition to support volume and moisturize the ends since they become dry faster after chemo treatments.
2. No heat – Chemotherapy drugs make strands extremely brittle and prone to breakage, and high heat causes them to split, snap, and shed even faster. Plus, since I started getting stronger drugs, I decided to avoid that extra stress on my strands that hot tools bring even when using heat protection. That means no iron work, or blowouts with a round brush. My care team did, however, give me the green light for gentle use of a hair dryer set to the cool or lowest heat setting. I hold the dryer at least 6 inches away from my head. I still let my hair dry naturally whenever possible, but discovered a little hair hack for drying: a couple of drops of Fluoro5 Elixer Restore & Repair Oil warmed up between my palms for faster air-drying and natural shine without greasiness. With regular use it keeps my strands smooth and less damaged even after chemotherapy.
3. No pulling and tight styling – Since chemotherapy drugs weaken hair follicles and lead to even more aggressive hair thinning, this should be avoided. During chemo treatments, the scalp becomes more sensitive and sore and harsh tension can only aggravate the pain. When my strands feel especially weakened after chemo days, I practice only my gentle detangling ritual after washing: spray strands with N4 Super Comb™ Prep & Protect to smooth and prevent pulling, and then comb through with N4 Detangling Comb. I don't have those annoying knots after, plus my hair looks well-groomed without applying tons of products.

While my hair journey continues to evolve, I've found new ways to support and treat my strands. When you and your hair are feeling vulnerable in an unpredictable life chapter, a gentle approach is a must-have, whether it comes to shampooing or planning your schedule. Give yourself grace and prioritize your wellbeing. I, now schedule more time for little indulgences: catching the sunset, taking a walk, or enjoying my home spa ritual with N4 Soothing Body Wash. The subtle scent of its botanical ingredients always immerses me in an island paradise where I can reconnect with myself.

Life keeps going. I work with my team on holiday kits, go to the farmers' market every weekend, and do the chemotherapy treatments in between. While we can't control our destiny, we can still choose our attitude, and I'll always choose to keep mine fun and a little sassy. It's this exact attitude that inspired me to launch Number 4, and it keeps fueling me during my hardest chemo days.

I'll continue sharing my progress and the lessons I learn along the way, in the hope that my experience may help women and men facing a similar hair loss journey. More to come.

With love,

Toni Wells