Before treatment

The hair and scalp should be washed as normal with a moisturising shampoo and conditioner. This helps to prevent drying of the scalp.

During treatment

Your scalp will sometimes become tender prior to hair loss. This cannot be prevented or treated, but it subsides when the hair loss has occurred. The scalp can also be dry, flaky and itchy during the course of the treatment so a daily application (if possible) of baby oil or almond oil should be applied, preferably at night and removed the following morning by shampooing. It also helps to massage the scalp gently while applying the oil.

After treatment

Most patients will find that their hair grows back quite quickly with the appearance of re-growth two to three weeks after the last treatment. The hair can come back looking very different to that which was there before, with variations in both colour and texture. As the new hair is generally curlier and finer, it needs regular trimming as this will help to strengthen it more quickly. Do not use any harsh treatments such as permanent colour or perm lotion for at least 12 months and a vegetable colour may be used after 6 months. It is very important to use products suitable to hair type e.g. if the hair needs moisturising or protein enrichment, appropriate products should be carefully chosen. As far as colour is concerned, our advice is to go grey gracefully!

Practical tips

• Avoid nylon pillowcases as they can irritate the scalp.
• For those with sensitive scalps, hairpieces can be lined with a cotton fabric and this can help ease discomfort.
• Avoid excessive heat from hairdryers on newly re-grown hair as it is easily damaged.