Scalp massage for hair regrowth after Chemo

[Jonny Mick]

I have a client who has just finished her last round of chemo. I've offered to do scalp massage on her once a week to help with the hair regrowth. I know that just massaging the scalp will help with stimulating the follicles but I'd like to help as much as I can. I have some ideas as to which oils to use (both base and/or essential) but I'd like to hear from the experts here.

Any suggestions?

Thanks!
Angie

 

[Jill T]

Though I have not personally performed scalp massage on a chemo patient for the purpose of follicle stimulation, I have 2 suggestions for you from my oncology massage training. One suggestion is to not use essential oils for the time being, because the chemicals from chemotherapy can remain in the person's system for up to one year, which means that they may still be releasing toxins and may still be sensitive to scents and essential oils. Second, we were taught to use organic sesame oil for all massage on cancer patients for it's healing properties, so I would suggest using that. You can purchase high quality sesame oil here:
http://www.banyanbotanicals.com/

 

[cymraesgwyllt]

Second, we were taught to use organic sesame oil for all massage on cancer patients for it's healing properties, so I would suggest using that. You can purchase high quality sesame oil here:
http://www.banyanbotanicals.com/

Thanks!

 

[Arron O]

When one of my ladies finished her 1st round of chemo, we talked about how she might stimulate hair growth with massage. Her preference was to NOT have any oils, creams, lotions, etc put on her scalp as it was beyond very sensitive to every kind of "damned goopy crap" in her words known to mankind. Instead, she learned to very gently massage her own scalp and to revel in the stubble turning into longer stubble then into actual hair growth.

It has been my experience that those folks who lose hair will have an instinct about how they would choose to proceed with regrowth --- they know if they like oils and/or can use them safely [have seen many new sensitivities arise w/ chemo and radiation]. Let your client lead you or at least offer suggestions and let the client discuss them with you.