pink ribbon haircuts

Anthonys wife Bonnie; also a barber of 25 years is now a breast cancer thriver (living with residual Cancer) who is devoted to helping others while currently in active treatments herself, battling an aggressive stage 3+triple positive cancer. 

As such Anthony knows and sympathizes with the outward and inward toll that losing your hair on top of an already stressful diagnosis takes and is experienced with the very best way to ease the initial stress of the process and give tips to maintain shorter hair until it grows back again, which it will… 

Bonnies hair started growing again even during her active treatments!

If you do not have your own scissors and/or clippers on hand and would prefer the assistance of a caring professional to help you through the transition, Anthony is offering several options from a short style to a buzz cut. which are available to both ladies or gentlemen, provided in the comfort of your home or his studio…

It is a personal choice how to handle chemo hair loss, however it can feel very powerful to have some control over managing it by taking control of your situation even before the first strands fall sporadicly. Losing your hair is hard, but having to visit a hair salon or barber to have your hair buzzed down in public with the prying eyes of others can maybe add to the stress. A shorter haircut in the comfort and privacy of your own home can relieve some of the initial stressors of this change and give you time to accept the temporary loss. Some clients choose to include others and make and share as a memorable bonding moment or even host a small party together and this at home service accommodates having your complete privacy or having family and friends there for support if you so choose to.

Let safety and sanitation be of no concern… Anthony works very professionally, is fully licensed, insured, and follows all of the strict health department personal service protocols. He has a clear record and obtained a copy of his VSC vulnerable sector check that is available upon your request. All of his tools and instruments are completely cleaned and sanitized between clients… shears, scissors, clippers, combs. He changes into indoor only shoes, has received his Covid-19 vaccinations, arrives with clean sanitized hands and additionally wears a mask wherever one is preferred. There is no mess left behind to clean afterward up as he provides all the tools needed to clean the workspace as part of the full white glove service. Anthony prides himself on our attention to detail and excellent customer service, and is committed to building lasting relationships with all of his clients.

A Few Chemo Hair Tips From a Caring Pink Sister: 

The best thing you can do... is take control in whichever way ”you”feel most comfortable. 

Don't let chemo force your hair to fall out in clumps within the first three weeks, do it for your peace of mind and cut it down ahead of time. Do not worry your pretty head, I know It’s a hard thing to when having so much stress thrown at us all at once, but hair grows back... remember that and getting rid of this poison trying to hurt us and take up residence in our bodies comes first! 

You have options…

-You or a close family member could use a pair of clippers with a #1 or #2 clip to cut it down yourself at home or in stages starting with the longest clip with week or so in between if you’re more comfortable. 

-Do not “shave” your head yourself too closely if you've already started chemo as there is more risk of infection if you happen to nick your scalp.

-Choose to cold cap, ask your oncologist if its an option for your chemo. (It does not always work for everyone or their type of treatment)

-Wear wigs…f ind one that reminds you of your natural hair colour and style if possible or go crazy and get a pink one or be a blonde for awhile, or don't wear a wig at all! (I have not worn my wigs nearly as often as I thought especially while in active treatment.) If interested in purchasing a wig somewhere however budget does not permit please note that the Canadian Cancer Society lends out wonderful real hair wigs for free or check your cancer centre for what has been recently donated. 

-Get a temporary, henna, (or real) tattoo on your head, wear scarves, hats... maybe have someone to teach you how to do some of the scarf wraps that have become so popular... wear a baseball cap... 

Personally, I love to wear slouch beanie caps as they are very comfortable and over the winter my head got cold even inside. Sometimes when going I put on some extra makeup and big earrings... or a colourful wig under my beanie cap, many other days I do neither and simply slouch around in my beanie cap.  

Do nothing! Do what feels right and what works for you!

A lint roller is a very handy item to have on hand to catch the loose hairs as the hair sheds no matter the length. Sometimes you may feel your scalp is sensitive from the hair loss, Aveno baby shampoo is an excellent choice to use on it every other day as is rubbing your scalp with rosemary mint oil. I have also found sleeping with a silk cap or silk pillowcase is very comforting. 

Just remember no matter what you decide: hair does grow back, it can feel really slow one day, then seemingly the next your in awe of all the hair that has already grown back, try to take it one day at a time and not think too far ahead. The break from shaving daily or maintaining facial hairs was a real treat for me. Headbands are a great accessory that work fantastic in the odd in between stages of regrowth or even as a trick to hold your wig on a lil tighter if you so choose! I used a colour depositing shampoo to add some pink highlights to my hair as it’s growing back in a bit whiter then it once was… a little colour (if permitted) can instantly lift and brighten your mood whether its a wig or your actual regrowth! 

Bottom line: Give your self some grace and remember you do not need to impress others by covering up your hair loss or how you feel …and do not be afraid to ask others for help when you need it! If any of you are like me, there will be times during your cancer journey that may be truly reflective and or triggering in many ways as well. I just want to encourage you through this time of healing during and after the effects of treatment so you can experience more inner peace. 

Wishing each and every one of you the same type of empowering moments along your journey in whatever you decide. Remember every one of us is different and what ever you do is right. Hugs💗