Taking Care of Your Hair on Breast Cancer Medications

Why not color your hair? I had few people message me yesterday after my comment. As a former hairstylist and aesthetician, I will explain why I feel it's best to 'embrace your natural hair color' especially when living with metastatic breast cancer. Also, note that I have included links to products on Amazon. I am an Amazon Associate. A portion of what I receive goes to Moxie Breast Cancer Foundation.

Frist, the medications we take will come out through our hair follicles, hair strands, pores, urine and poop. For the sake this I'm going to focus on the hair. it took some time before I noticed a true difference in my hair. The texture was different. It was thinner. Frizzier. These medications are very dehydrating to the body as a whole. That is why drinking a lot of water is important.

When you color your hair. No matter what coloring chemical you use will contain some amount of an agent to open up the follicle so the color can attach. Yes, even those salon that call themselves "organic" must have a alkaline chemical to open up the cortex of the hair. Either hydrogen peroxide or ammonia. In traditional chemical coloring, its the use of both. In the 'organic' or ammonia free they use an agent called MEA (mono-ethanolamine). The second part of that word, is one of three organic compounds derived from ammonia. Google it. But in all actuality there is ammonia in the catalyst (developer), it's just under the amount that is required for them to legally disclose. "Ammonia Free" color still has .5% ammonia. Even this small amount can cause breakage with the medications we are taking.

I've always had curly hair. So working with curly hair is a given for me. It's important that we nourish the scalp, hair follicles and hair strands the best we can. When we do this it will help promote and seal in hydration that is desperately needed. I am going to share with you some great professional products you may want to try. These are in my arsenal.

Neuma Beauty on Amazon
I love this line. First, they smell AMAZING. Second, they are free of all the bad stuff like parabens. Neuma beauty products are carefully formulated with a selection of high-quality ingredients that offer numerous benefits. These ingredients are chosen for their unique properties and their ability to nourish and improve the health of your hair. One of the key ingredients found in Neuma products is organic extracts, which are derived from plants and provide natural moisture and hydration to the hair. These extracts also help to protect the hair from damage caused by environmental stressors. Additionally, Neuma products contain essential oils, such as lavender and peppermint, which not only provide a pleasant scent but also have soothing and calming effects on the scalp. Another beneficial ingredient found in Neuma products is plant-based proteins, which help to strengthen the hair and promote its overall resilience. With the combination of these carefully selected ingredients, Neuma beauty products deliver exceptional results for healthy and beautiful hair. ⬅️⬅️ Yeah, I know it sounds a little salesie, but I did repeat that quite a bit when I was in the salon 😁

Here are my favorite Neuma products:
Neuma Volumizing Shampoo
Neuma Hydrating Conditioner
Neuma Re Neu Shampoo & Conditioner It has a vanilla and peppermint smell

TRY before you buy the larger sizes:
Neuma Neu Moisture Conditioner 1 oz is just $6.65
Neuma Volume shampoo 1 oz is just $7

Lanza is my other favorite. My salon was a Lanza Healing Center, which meant we used all Lanza products in our salon including color. They have some amazing repair products. Lanza beauty products offer a wide range of healing ingredients specifically formulated for the hair. These products are carefully crafted to provide nourishment, repair, and rejuvenation to even the most damaged hair. With a focus on natural and effective ingredients, Lanza ensures that your hair receives the best care possible. The healing ingredients found in their products work to strengthen and protect the hair from daily environmental stressors, leaving it healthy, shiny, and more manageable. Whether you are struggling with dryness, frizz, or breakage, Lanza has the perfect solution for your hair needs. Say goodbye to dull and lifeless hair and hello to beautiful, healthy locks with Lanza beauty products.

Check out the Lanza store on Amazon. My recommended must-have from Lanza is either the Healing Oil or Neem Plant Silk Serum. The Healing Oil has Keratin and 6 different nut oils that penetrate, lock in moisture, and repair. The Lanza Neem Plant Silk Serum is lightweight, helps reduce drying time, and leaves your hair incredibly soft. I use both. Think of it like this. Serums are boosters, just when doing a facial you apply serums first for deeper penetration, and your moisturizer seals and locks in the moisture. Same with these two products. Oh and if you braid your hair. The Neem helps to create that clean-looking braid.

I am in the process of renewing my Florida cosmetology license. Once that is done I will have a beauty shop on the Moxie Breast Cancer site that will allow me to direct sell professional products again. Until then, I have vetted the suppliers on Amazon. Speaking as a professional, just because it's cheaper doesn't mean it's from a reputable source. Professional products cost more because you aren't paying for water. You are paying for active, quality ingredients. Since we have many factors working against us as it is, why not use great products? I don't wash my hair every day. Shampoo and conditioner last me about 3 months. That's $1.25 for each use. I know I'm worth $1.25. The healing oils last a little less because I will use a touch of them on the days in between to get my shine back and tame fly-aways.