extensions on very short hair

Hi people,

I'm currently undergoing chemotherapy but my course finishes in two weeks. I was told that, after about a month, my hair SHOULD start to regrow. I used to have really thick hair down to my waist, and I would like to get it back as soon as possible. However, because hair only grows 2.5cm per month, it will be at least 3 years until I regain so much length.

This is why I am considering to get extensions in about half a year, when my hair is approximately 2inches long. Does anyone have experience of attaching extensions to "chemo hair" (very short, new hair, possibly like baby hair) or has any advice? Which method should I use? Or even is it safe at all to get extensions? Will it pull out my new hair or make my scalp bleed or whatever? Common sense tells me to wait a year when my hair starts to grow back, but after 7 months of having no hair, i can't wait to get some back, and I'm sick and tired of to wear wigs!

Any help?

congrats to you on getting ready to finish what im sure has been a long ordeal!   the extension pros are here somewhere, hopefully they show up soon to give you advice based on their expertise

i do know that your 'fresh' hair may at first be quite a bit finer than your usual hair (not ALWAYS, but quite a possibility)....i have seen some amazing install pictures on VERRRRY short hair, but the reality is that it is difficult to keep the bonded areas hidden on a day to day basis when your hair is just a few inches long....that's not to say it cant be done, but also for blending purposes my opinion is that when the real hair is really short the extension hair looks better if its kept around shoulder length

would you be looking to go to a salon extensionist, or do these yourself?

Edited by nursie - April 21 2007 at 6:45pm

Congratulations on getting through this rough time in your life. It must be such a relief to be able to go back to thinking about how long you want your hair rather than more life-and-death matters!

I know nothing about post-chemo hair, but I know a lot about having fine, thin, fragile hair. I got mine genetically. I spent most of my adult life wearing very short hairstyles because I thought I had no other choice. Then I discovered this hair board and realized I could have longer, thick hair with extensions. Wearing them over the last year has changed my life. My self-confidence when I walk out the door has improved 100%.

If you'll go to my FOTKI link below you can track how I grew my hair out in the last year-and-a-half from a 1 1/2" pixie to its current below-the-shoulder length using wefts attached by glue and/or tape. If I had to do a grow-out again (and I think about needing chemotherapy one day... I'm 51 and cancer is a reality as we get older) I'd go to a hair extensions professional or two and explore all the options. I used a wig to get my own hair to about 2" and then was able to pull off extensions adequately. I'm sold on sew-ins now and would think that it might be a good method to check into to keep your hair healthy as it grows out.

Good luck to you! I've known a few people who actually had better hair when it grew out after chemotherapy. I hope you reach your goal of long, thick hair in record time!

Good idea Bella, I would recommend a lace front wig.  I know you siad your bored of wigs pocky but youd be amazed at how amazing some lace front wigs can be.  It all depends where you get them from.   A good example of lovely lace fronts is Tyra Banks.  Hers always look real...perhaps a little too glam for everyday wear!?  If your hair comes through fine then I would personally say to stay clear of bonded hair extensions.  My site offers clip in hair but again, im not sure they would be a good idea either as your hair needs to be longer for the clip ins.  My friend has a longish bob but still wears lace fronts because they are ready styled and always look so nice.

Good Luck xx

I agre with corioliss and Bella.. A lacefront wig is a great natural looking option for you.. Lacefront wigs can be found for as little as $200, and there are some other low/no cost options.. Some companies who sell lacefront wigs also offer discounts to chemo patients. 

Edited by Divavocals - May 03 2007 at 3:00pm

thanks pooks11, and everyone else :)
now i have many things to consider :)

Kimmy, do you have a website?

an update:

I had to go through another course of chemo, but soon it is finished and in the middle of August I'm getting an integration piece! I took your advice and bought two lace front wigs; they are amazing and only one person guessed they are wigs, but I can't wait to have hair on my hair all the time now.

Also I have another question: I cannot afford to keep the integration piece for more than 6 months, so in addition to the wig, I thought I would like to make some clip in extensions for when my hair grows back, because I have surmised these will cause less damage to my new hair. Where are the best places to buy Russian wefts?

thanks again!