Monday, February 20, 2012

Post Chemo Hair Extensions

Yesterday, I had my first hair appointment since I lost all my hair to chemo exactly one year ago.  My hairdresser said that my hair was finally long enough to get highlights and extensions!   As you can see in the first picture, it took a whole year for my hair to grow just enough to cover my ears, and it grew back much darker than before.  I am super excited to finally look like my old self again (the last picture was taken today).


I absolutely love having long hair again.   I am so happy that the extensions seem to blend nicely, and don't look too fake.  (Well, anything looks natural after wearing a wig for a year.)  I think that my hairdresser did a great job!  I definitely do not miss wearing a wig, hats, or having short hair. Bleh!

This time last year: no hair at all.
December 2011: trying to look less like a boy by wearing a headband with a bow.

What's even better than a new hair style?  Vacations to Florida and North Carolina!  I can't wait to relax in the warm sun.  These are all such great rewards after a rough year!

 *Update* here is my follow-up post (written 3 months later) about my extensions.



17 comments:

  1. This post really touched me. My mom battled Breast Cancer when I was a kid (she was 33 years old) and I remember her going to have wigs made. I'm 29 now and have been getting mammograms since I was 19 (I insisted, even when my Dr's didn't think I needed them). All of my Aunts on my mothers side and my grandmother had Breast Cancer. I've always referred to is as "When I get cancer" not "if I get cancer." I think your new extensions are beautiful, just like you! =)

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  2. You look gorgeous and just like you used to look!!! I am so proud of you and all that this signifies - you have overcome so much! I also really like that you posted a picture of you with short hair. While I know I will probably never see you with short hair again, now I know you can totally pull it off - it looks adorable on you :)

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  3. @The Virtuous Wife- I'm so sorry to hear that your mom and other family members battled breast cancer. I think that you are very smart to advocate for yourself, even if the doctors don't. I hope that you never get breast cancer, but it is always better to be overly cautious when it comes to your health.

    @Karen- Thank you so much for your kind words! It definitely signifies a lot for me, as far as getting back to my old self. It feels so great!

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  4. Aw, looks great, Dana! I'm so excited for you that you get to say goodbye to the wig!

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  5. You look great!!!!!! Im 15 and went through a year of chemo therapy which I ended 7 months ago. should I wait to get extensions cause I'm afraid they will fall out.

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  6. @Erin- Thanks hun! We need to get together soon and catch up. I want to hear all about your trip to Europe and see pictures!

    @Anonymous- I am so sorry that you had to go through chemo at such a young age. I got my extensions about 10 months after I finished chemo, and they did fall out a lot. I would try to wait as long as you can so that your hair will be strong enough to hold the extensions. I hope that you are feeling much better now!

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  7. Thank you for your post. This is excellent information.

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  8. I have read your post more than once. My last chemo was June 2012 my hair is 1.5 inches now.. I recently went to my salon and had Missy use a frosting cap vs foil; due to length. We have discussed extensions and I can't wait!!!!! Congratulations...you look great...
    Sincerely, ChristY Watkins

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  9. what type of extensions did you use? My hair is also about an inch and a half now and I can't wait to get extensions in another couple of months. I am in college now so it will be great to finally put away my wig!

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  10. @Christy- Congratulations on being done with chemo! That is great that your hair is already 1.5 inches just three months afterwards. I feel like mine took a lot longer to grow. You will be able to get your extensions in no time!

    @Kylie- I don't remember which type of extensions they were because the salon ordered it and attached them for me. I think that it might have been called Remy. You must be so excited to put away your wig! You will feel like a whole new person (or a new version of your old self) with your extensions. Congratulations!

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  11. dana do you know what method extensions you used? were they glued in or cold fusion, etc? thanks so much and you look awesome!

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  12. @Kylie- Thanks! They were glued in with bonds.

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  13. hi dana! first off, I love your blog! it says really helped me with this whole process. Second, I live in Bethesda, MD and was wondering what Salon you went to to do your hair extensions because it appears that we live in a similar area! Also, how long did they say the minimum of your hair had to be? and did you experience chemo curls at all? I can't wait for my brown hair to be back to blonde! Thank you so much again!

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  14. @Robin- Thanks so much! I did get my extensions at a salon in Bethesda, but the girl who did them is currently working in NYC. Please private message me (Dana520 at aol.com) if you would like her name and number. My hair was about 3.5 inches when I got the extensions. The hairdresser did warn me that they might not stay in because my hair was technically too short. I never got "chemo curls" but my hair did come back with a wave to it, whereas before it was stick straight. Now, 8 months later, my hair is as fine, thin, and straight as ever!

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  15. can you please tell me about how much they cost

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  16. @Anonymous- I'm pretty sure that hair extensions will be different prices, depending on where you go and the length of your hair. I would recommend finding a reputable stylist in your area. It has been a while since I had mine, so I honestly don't remember exactly how much I paid for them.

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  17. Hi Dana, I'm 31 y and run the blog Chemo and Beauty. My hair is started to come back now 7 weeks post chemo. I used to have very long hair just like you and I am so excited with your photos! I can't wait to have hair extensions put on! Do you remember what type they were? Hope you are well, happy and importantly HEALTHY! xx

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