r/pediatriccancer • u/Simple-Heart2486 • 24d ago
Radiation hair tangle help
My 6 year old niece is doing radiation for DIPG. She was finally cleared to go swimming and the chlorine made her hair very matted and tangled almost nest like. Any advice on how to manage or fix it? My sister doesn’t want to have to cut off her hair. My niece is already undergoing so much. It’s all so traumatic and she’s trying to make her time comfortable by letting her go swimming and being a “normal” kid. Anyone relate or have advice? Please share any tips. Thank you.
1
u/boomdeeyada 23d ago
Get her a cute swim cap to prevent this! :)
More conditioner than you think you need - think cups, not tablespoons. A cheap bottle is fine for this. A detangling brush. They have softer bristles.
Start at the ends and work your way up. When you're done give it a good rinse but don't shampoo yet. Just conditioner-wash for a bit while her hair rehydrates.
When you do shampoo, just gently rub the scalp. Don't even touch the ends. The shampoo that runs down when rinsing is enough. Just get the SKIN clean. Don't worry about the hair itself.
Leave in conditioner and detangling spray are your best friends.
My sons hair grew back a very different texture. I'm wondering if she is the same and it's coming on super curly and coarse. If so, the curly hair subreddits are amazing. You might crosspost there anyway. Friendly crowd. :)
2
u/retteofgreengables 24d ago
I’m not sure how restrictive they’re being about additional chemicals, but here is my recommendation for any kind of tangle of this kind:
1) smother it in conditioner (coconut oil might work) and put a plastic bag or hair cover around it. Leave it for at least an hour. 2) start at the end and brush no more than an inch at a time. Hold the hair above where it’s being brushed. It’s not complicated, but it is time consuming - just don’t rush it.
Best of luck!