Hairloss 911

MerleBee
MerleBee Member Posts: 49
edited March 2014 in Breast Cancer #1
Can anyone hook me up with websites for tying scarves.....the loss is imminenet and I am in a panic. This is just scaring the daylights out of me.....

MerleBee
«13

Comments

  • CR1954
    CR1954 Member Posts: 1,390 Member
    #2
    MerleBee....
    I could not tie a scarf either! I found CJ Hats...a cancer survivor who makes scarves that are pre-tied...with elastic. You just slip them on your head. She also makes hats. cjhats.com

    Also, in the TLC catalog (or website), there are instructions for tying scarves.

    CR
  • CR1954
    CR1954 Member Posts: 1,390 Member
    #3
    MerleBee....
    Sorry...posted twicw.
  • GregStahl
    GregStahl Member Posts: 188
    #4
    Usually
    The shops that sell wigs have those as well. Wife and I went to a shop locally to look at wigs and tops, and they had a ton of scarves.
  • mwallace1325
    mwallace1325 Member Posts: 806
    #5
    you can also
    You can also google tying scarves. There are sites that'll give you step by step instructions.
    Good luck and remember you will get through all of this.
  • Christine Louise
    Christine Louise Member Posts: 426 Member
    #6
    Scarf tying
    I got some instructions from this website:

    http://www.tlcdirect.org/articleprint.aspx?art=127

    Copy that and paste it into your browser. And there are lots of other instructions on the internet. I also got some instructions from a local cancer support foundation. You might call one in your area and ask.

    You might start out with something quite simple -- just fold a big square into a triangle, put the long edge on your forehead and tie the two sides around at the back of your neck, pirate-style. Works great and you can keep it tied and just slip it off and on like a hat, with a little adjustment. Even with fancy instructions, I just do this bandana style most of the time.

    Yes, it is scary and I'm so sorry you feel panicky about it. At least it's temporary! You can do it, MerleBee! You'll be rockin' those scarves!
  • Kat11
    Kat11 Member Posts: 1,931 Member
    #7
    Christine Louise said:

    Scarf tying
    I got some instructions from this website:

    http://www.tlcdirect.org/articleprint.aspx?art=127

    Copy that and paste it into your browser. And there are lots of other instructions on the internet. I also got some instructions from a local cancer support foundation. You might call one in your area and ask.

    You might start out with something quite simple -- just fold a big square into a triangle, put the long edge on your forehead and tie the two sides around at the back of your neck, pirate-style. Works great and you can keep it tied and just slip it off and on like a hat, with a little adjustment. Even with fancy instructions, I just do this bandana style most of the time.

    Yes, it is scary and I'm so sorry you feel panicky about it. At least it's temporary! You can do it, MerleBee! You'll be rockin' those scarves!

    I also could not tie a
    I also could not tie a scarf. www.headcovers.com also has pre tied scarfs.
  • Sher43009
    Sher43009 Member Posts: 602 Member
    #8
    Kat11 said:

    I also could not tie a
    I also could not tie a scarf. www.headcovers.com also has pre tied scarfs.

    If the scarf is long, get
    If the scarf is long, get those hair scrunchees (sp). Fold the scarf to make a triangle, drape over head so you have the same amount on each side, gather ends at base of neck and tie with elastic or just the scrunchee. You can also gather it so it ties over your ear and falls over your shoulder. I found the bandanas were the most comfortable--the long scarves felt heavy. For bandanas fold to make a triangle, drape over head so you have the same amount on each side, gather the ends at base of neck and tie in a knot.
  • alexlib_mom
    alexlib_mom Member Posts: 46
    #9
    tying scarves
    I found a video called "Scarf Tying - a Fashionable Alternative" at the Cancer Center lending library that was REALLY helpful. My 10 year old and I took out the scarves and watched the video and practiced. We watched it more than once. You have to get past the fact that it was made in the 80's and the fashion is pretty dreadful. At times my daughter would look at me and say "absolutely not". It did lead to a lot of humor, which is good when you are going to lose your hair.

    I have to say that practice makes perfect - it has taken me awhile, but I now can tie scarves. That's all I wear, except for some cool things called Buffs that my parents got me in Florida. Fishermen use them to ward off sun and they can be tied lots of different ways.

    Here's what I learned. Get large square scarves. The narrow ones don't work. I got a lot from my mother's scarf drawer. Ebay might work as well.

    When my hair started falling out, I had my husband cut it short with a #2 clipper. Having that little bit of hair there has helped to keep the scarves in place. Big earrings help with the look.

    I hope this helps. I just had my last chemotherapy treatment last week and am hoping my hair starts growing back soon. With the little bit of stubble that I have left, I say I look like Darth Vader when he took off his helmet! LOL.

    The hair loss is ok. I think the hot flashes make it harder. I like the Buffs because they are light and cool.

    Stay Strong - Stephanie
  • tgf
    tgf Member Posts: 950 Member
    #10
    alexlib_mom said:

    tying scarves
    I found a video called "Scarf Tying - a Fashionable Alternative" at the Cancer Center lending library that was REALLY helpful. My 10 year old and I took out the scarves and watched the video and practiced. We watched it more than once. You have to get past the fact that it was made in the 80's and the fashion is pretty dreadful. At times my daughter would look at me and say "absolutely not". It did lead to a lot of humor, which is good when you are going to lose your hair.

    I have to say that practice makes perfect - it has taken me awhile, but I now can tie scarves. That's all I wear, except for some cool things called Buffs that my parents got me in Florida. Fishermen use them to ward off sun and they can be tied lots of different ways.

    Here's what I learned. Get large square scarves. The narrow ones don't work. I got a lot from my mother's scarf drawer. Ebay might work as well.

    When my hair started falling out, I had my husband cut it short with a #2 clipper. Having that little bit of hair there has helped to keep the scarves in place. Big earrings help with the look.

    I hope this helps. I just had my last chemotherapy treatment last week and am hoping my hair starts growing back soon. With the little bit of stubble that I have left, I say I look like Darth Vader when he took off his helmet! LOL.

    The hair loss is ok. I think the hot flashes make it harder. I like the Buffs because they are light and cool.

    Stay Strong - Stephanie

    scarves
    You are not alone with the challenge of tying those scarves. I ordered couple before I lost my hair ... and followed the instructions ... and watched the online videos ... and I practiced and practiced and practiced .... but no matter what I did I looked like a clown. I was NEVER able to tie it to look like the pictures. It was as though I had 10 thumbs and no coordination ... and all I was doing was tying the thing into knots. Anyway ... I finally gave up ... and just stuck with my wonderful denim "bucket hat" and wore that the whole time.

    Good luck with the scarves ...

    hugs.
    teena
  • MerleBee
    MerleBee Member Posts: 49
    #11
    tgf said:

    scarves
    You are not alone with the challenge of tying those scarves. I ordered couple before I lost my hair ... and followed the instructions ... and watched the online videos ... and I practiced and practiced and practiced .... but no matter what I did I looked like a clown. I was NEVER able to tie it to look like the pictures. It was as though I had 10 thumbs and no coordination ... and all I was doing was tying the thing into knots. Anyway ... I finally gave up ... and just stuck with my wonderful denim "bucket hat" and wore that the whole time.

    Good luck with the scarves ...

    hugs.
    teena

    Thanks For the Info
    Thank you all for the info! It's day 14 and my sink was full of hair this morning! This is not for the faint of heart is it girls?

    Merle
  • pattimc
    pattimc Member Posts: 431
    #12
    MerleBee said:

    Thanks For the Info
    Thank you all for the info! It's day 14 and my sink was full of hair this morning! This is not for the faint of heart is it girls?

    Merle

    Aw, the hair loss..
    So sorry, Merle. I know how difficult it is. But it will get better...I promise!

    Best to you!

    Patti
  • il2read2
    il2read2 Member Posts: 29
    #13
    MerleBee said:

    Thanks For the Info
    Thank you all for the info! It's day 14 and my sink was full of hair this morning! This is not for the faint of heart is it girls?

    Merle

    I'm just waiting!!
    Merle, I am just waiting..... It is day 7 for me. I was thinking about going ahead and shaving but don't know if I have the courage...

    Jan
  • Christine Louise
    Christine Louise Member Posts: 426 Member
    #14
    il2read2 said:

    I'm just waiting!!
    Merle, I am just waiting..... It is day 7 for me. I was thinking about going ahead and shaving but don't know if I have the courage...

    Jan

    My two cents worth
    Jan I thought about shaving ahead of time, too. But, inside, I kept thinking maybe I'd be the one exception and not lose my hair. So, waiting until the hair really started coming out and my scalp was tender convinced me that it was time. Then, the total relief I felt from being rid of the mess really reduced the impact of being bald, and I could jump into having fun playing with my scarves and hats.
  • ppurdin
    ppurdin Member Posts: 1,181
    #15
    Hair
    I will never forget what this was like to loss my hair.It is temporary sweetie,I know it is hard.Get you some pretty head coverings and maybe a wig.Everyone is different in what they like.Good luck to you.God bless you.
  • Chrispea
    Chrispea Member Posts: 123 Member
    #16
    I couldn't tie the scarves
    I couldn't tie the scarves either. They had a Look Good Feel Better thing at the wig/mastectomy place in my area, and she made the wig tying look so simple. If there is one of those places in your area, they will show you how.

    I mostly wore a wig when I was out, when I was at home I wore a chemo sleep cap... it was winter and very cold. Sometimes I wore 2 hats.. I looked pretty funny sometimes!

    {{{hugs}}} to you.
  • TraciInLA
    TraciInLA Member Posts: 1,994 Member
    #17
    Chrispea said:

    I couldn't tie the scarves
    I couldn't tie the scarves either. They had a Look Good Feel Better thing at the wig/mastectomy place in my area, and she made the wig tying look so simple. If there is one of those places in your area, they will show you how.

    I mostly wore a wig when I was out, when I was at home I wore a chemo sleep cap... it was winter and very cold. Sometimes I wore 2 hats.. I looked pretty funny sometimes!

    {{{hugs}}} to you.

    All thumbs here
    I can't even tie a scarf around my neck -- on a good day! -- so I never even tried scarves when I was doing chemo.

    I'm a big fan of the ACS' TLC website that several others have mentioned (www.tlcdirect.org). They sell many colors and styles of headwraps, which are basically pre-shaped scarves that you just tie in back -- even *I* could do it! :-). I also tried their hats, and found I looked particularly cute in their Cotton Conductor's Hat, which I bought in several colors!

    Also, MerleBee, if you haven't already done it, be sure to get your free silk headwrap or scarf from France Luxe (http://www.franceluxe.com/i/goodwishesscarves/Good+Wishes+Scarves.html) -- many of us on this site have received one, and they're beautiful, and given by a company run by women who really just want to do something kind for women going through treatment.

    Traci
  • Christine Louise
    Christine Louise Member Posts: 426 Member
    #18
    TraciInLA said:

    All thumbs here
    I can't even tie a scarf around my neck -- on a good day! -- so I never even tried scarves when I was doing chemo.

    I'm a big fan of the ACS' TLC website that several others have mentioned (www.tlcdirect.org). They sell many colors and styles of headwraps, which are basically pre-shaped scarves that you just tie in back -- even *I* could do it! :-). I also tried their hats, and found I looked particularly cute in their Cotton Conductor's Hat, which I bought in several colors!

    Also, MerleBee, if you haven't already done it, be sure to get your free silk headwrap or scarf from France Luxe (http://www.franceluxe.com/i/goodwishesscarves/Good+Wishes+Scarves.html) -- many of us on this site have received one, and they're beautiful, and given by a company run by women who really just want to do something kind for women going through treatment.

    Traci

    Which is cooler -- silk or cotton?
    Traci, I just emailed franceluxe about their offer. Such beautiful fabrics! Which do you think is cooler on the head -- silk or cotton? Thanks.
  • MerleBee
    MerleBee Member Posts: 49
    #19
    Christine Louise said:

    Which is cooler -- silk or cotton?
    Traci, I just emailed franceluxe about their offer. Such beautiful fabrics! Which do you think is cooler on the head -- silk or cotton? Thanks.

    Losing It...
    Thank you all for your words of encouragement. It is day 16 and the hair is coming out in handfuls...I am in work and in a wig..I am told it looks like my real hair...think that's a stretch but i don't feel as wierd wearing it as I thought I would. I finally found a wig shop that knew how to fit a wig and this has made all the difference (the owner lost her hair 8 years ago and opened the shop as a result of the horrible time she had finding a wig herself, so she definitely gets it!). It seems so lame in the face of surgeries, chemo, infections, bloodclots, etc. to complain about hair, but the loss just huge for me. However the tenderness of my scalp has me thinking, "OK FALL OUT ALREADY!" I have a friend on standby to buzz if I get to that point!

    Everyone have a wonderful Holiday weekend!

    Merle
  • TraciInLA
    TraciInLA Member Posts: 1,994 Member
    #20
    Christine Louise said:

    Which is cooler -- silk or cotton?
    Traci, I just emailed franceluxe about their offer. Such beautiful fabrics! Which do you think is cooler on the head -- silk or cotton? Thanks.

    Christine Louise,
    I think France Luxe only had silk when I ordered mine -- the silk is luxurious and made me feel like I was spoiling myself, which was wonderful, but also a little bit slippery on my head. If I had my choice, I think I might go with the cotton.

    Traci
  • DebbyM
    DebbyM Member Posts: 3,289 Member
    #21
    tgf said:

    scarves
    You are not alone with the challenge of tying those scarves. I ordered couple before I lost my hair ... and followed the instructions ... and watched the online videos ... and I practiced and practiced and practiced .... but no matter what I did I looked like a clown. I was NEVER able to tie it to look like the pictures. It was as though I had 10 thumbs and no coordination ... and all I was doing was tying the thing into knots. Anyway ... I finally gave up ... and just stuck with my wonderful denim "bucket hat" and wore that the whole time.

    Good luck with the scarves ...

    hugs.
    teena

    Tlc on this site, the
    Tlc on this site, the American Cancer Society, has instructions on how to tie. And, if you buy one at your cancer center or at a store, just ask someone to help you. Good luck!

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