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My First Haircut Post Chemo

My First Haircut Post Chemo
Maxi Dress (old), but love these styles (almost similar) here, here, here, and here

My First Haircut Post Chemo


It is no secret that last week I had my first haircut post chemo. I immediately shared my haircut in my Instagram Story. What most of you don’t know was how much of a big deal this haircut was to me.

Aside from last week, it’s been almost two years since I got my haircut. I shared this story before as well, and my last haircut was when I decided to chop my long locks to donate to cancer patients. A few short months later, I was diagnosed with cancer. So having a haircut was almost a symbol of a poignant point of time in my life.

The funny thing was that when I started losing my hair from chemo, I didn’t mind at all. In fact, I cared more that I lost my lashes haha. I didn’t care as much because I was just too annoyed of constant chunks of hair falling out and leaving a trail everywhere that after a few days I asked my husband to shave it off. I was also too focused on the finish line, beating cancer, for it to sink in that I lost all my hair. Admittedly, I was embarrassed about being bald at first, but after a week or so I got used to it.

My First Haircut Post Chemo

It wasn’t until my hair started growing back after finishing my last round of chemo that it sunk in I lost my hair.

It was growing in odd patches and different lengths, and I became impatient with the growth. I was also ambitious with the growth. I really wanted my hair to be chin length after 3 months of chemo. And I wanted my hair to be ready for my brother-in-law’s wedding. It tore me apart knowing I only had half an inch of hair growth.

As each day, each week, and each month progressed I became self-conscious about how I looked with my hair. It was growing in different lengths and it was hard to maintain. I would constantly be getting bedheads and that would mean I would always have to shower each day to try to tame it. And I’ll be honest, I don’t always want to shower each day. But to look ‘normal’, showering was the only option. Thank goodness for headbands to also tame the look of my hair! It was my saving grace.

Even though the length was odd, I refused to get it trimmed to even it out and remove the dead ends. To me, it meant all that hard work and progression would set me back. I grew to be really attached to my hair. I really wanted my long locks to come back. Getting a haircut would mean it would take even longer to get to my desired length.

Some of you highly recommended I get a haircut (and thank you so much for that!!) and that it would be healthy in growing my hair.

It is not that I didn’t want to take your advice, I was just really scared to. In this recovery process, I am working hard on working on myself and trying to get myself back and I was afraid that haircut would take it all away.

Getting a Haircut Post Chemo

More recently, my hair started to bother me.

I couldn’t style it the way I wanted to and the uneven lengths became more apparent. That is when one day I decided I should go for it. In my mind I kept thinking, I know I’m afraid of losing my confidence when I get my haircut but what if I gain more confidence too. I kept weighing the two opposite thoughts. And then, I just booked it. And you know what, I am so grateful I did! Lavender Park was so patient with me and took the time to listen to my concerns. They knew without me admitting to it, that I was afraid a haircut would be a setback.

So you know what, they decided to thin it out (haha my hair is too thick!) and tried to blend in the different lengths. And you know what?! I left feeling so good about myself! Lavender Park did an amazing job. In case you were wondering, they’re my go-to hair salon and it was the last place I had my haircut before diagnosis. It was as if I had a boost of confidence injected.

I guess to sum it up, getting this haircut was one of my hardest decisions and I am glad I went through with it. It taught me two things:

Hairstyle Post Chemo

 

1. Do something when you are ready.

Even though in the end it resulted in me feeling better about myself than when I did walking into the salon, I honestly didn’t think I would have had a great reaction to my cut if I wasn’t ready to walk in. It is all about listening to your body and doing what feels right.

2. Sometimes you have to move back to move forward.

I was afraid all that progress in my hair growth would be set back if I got my hair cut. But that’s not the truth. If anything, I felt I just reached a milestone in my recovery.

Sorry for the long post. It has been awhile since I’ve been personal and since this haircut was a big deal to me, I definitely wanted to share it with you all!

I wish you all a wonderful Memorial Day weekend!

xo RD

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Comments

    • Rach DiMare says

      Thank you so much for taking the time to read this! I probably took my hair for granted too. Sometimes we forget how something is worth until we lose it. I hope you have a wonderful weekend!

      Reply

  9. Kim says

    Wow thank you for trusting us with something so personal. You are truly a warrior! A lot of us take our hair for granted, so it's nice to have read this and put things in perspective. Hope you have a wonderful memorial day weekend with your new hair style!

    Simply Lovebirds

    Reply

  10. Jackie Goldhar says

    I think I commented on your story already to tell you that I love the new haircut! I also really appreciate your rawness and honesty in this post. I completely understand why you were hesitant to get it cut, but it really does look great. Also, I LOVE how amazing your salon is. That makes a huge difference!

    Jackie of Something About That

    Reply

  20. awhite says

    You continue to be so brave, lady- I totally understand how your hair becomes such a big deal. (Much of my beauty identity is wrapped up in my hair, so I can only imagine how much of an effect it would have on me.) You are, as usual, handling everything like a champ and being so honest in the process. And the new cut looks great! Super fresh!

    -Ashley
    Le Stylo Rouge

    Reply

  21. Anouk says

    Your hairstyle looks great! I can somewhat relate to how you felt regarding your hair as I have had alopecia for the past 10 years. At some point, I put off a visit to the hairdresser for ever. Recently it has got better (smaller patches, easier to hide) but it's not fully gone yet. But anyway, enjoy your new look. You can be proud of it.

    ANOUK

    Reply

  22. Laura Yoder says

    This brought tears to my eyes and I am SO SO happy for you friend!!! Congrats on the new 'do…it looks amazing being shown off by an equally amazing strong and resilient woman. Happy weekend love!

    Reply

  26. What Nicole Wore says

    You are so beautiful! Your hair growth is a sign that you kicked cancer's a** so I'm sure that deciding to get a cut was so emotional. Thank you for being strong enough to share this.

    Reply

  29. According to Kiki says

    Such terrible irony in the story of how you donated your hair to those who have lost theirs, only to discover you would be one of those in need of a wig in the months to come. Your story is so beautiful and I applaud you for always being forward with us in this hard time of your life. Your hair looks so sweet and suits you and the new "you," a survivor, so well!

    Reply

  30. Janet McCausland says

    It’s been five months since I finished chemo, and my hair looks like a Brillo pad! Doctor said my hair would grow back in a different color and texture, but I think even she is surprised by this wooly mess! I have a circular cowlick in the right front that is new. The hair in the very front refuses to grow beyond 1/2 inch, and I believe it’s the cause of the hair on the top standing straight up. My ears are covered with white wings, and the back bottom looks like Florence Henderson on The Brady Bunch! On one hand, if I get it cut and styled, I feel it might be a step towards normalcy, but on the other hand, I DON”T WANT TO!!!! As you said, every hair was hard fought for. Oh, and my eyelashes have yet to grow back! Cancer, the gift that keeps on giving! (It’s either laugh or cry, and I much prefer laughter!) Keep up with all the posts, please. I need that positive thought that this too will pass.

    Reply

    • [email protected] says

      Hi Janet! Congrats on finishing chemo! And you are not alone in this. OMG, the hair growth pains are real haha! For awhile, I was rocking a mullet until I bit the bullet and decided to go for the haircut. I’m glad I did because I think it helped with my hair growing faster and growing out a little less awkward. I recommend telling your hairstylist, you just want to give your hair some shape and do as less trimming as possible. Mine was amazing and totally understood what I looked for. She pretty much just tried to blend the uneven layers so it doesn’t look too choppy. But give it some time. I promise you that your hair will grow back. It’s been a year since this haircut and my hair has grown significantly longer! Sending you so much love!

      Reply

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