Recovered from Brain Tumor, now need hair HELP!

[grace9090]

*Ladies I wasn’t quite sure which discussion to post this in, so if it this is the wrong one, I’m so sorry.

Here it goes…my best friend recently finished recovering from a brain tumor (suckers still there, but at least it is smaller!). Anyways, she still has hair, but it is dry and damaged. Her old stylist closed her salon last year, and the three places she has tried since dealing with the tumor have done nothing but add further damage by either being dishonest about the relaxer they were using or using a color lifter on her hair (her hair ISN’T colored, so why in the world would someone do that!)

Since this is her second battle (she lost hair to chemo 8 years ago, but was able to grow it back to shoulder length), I don’t think she has the emotional ability to deal with losing it again.

Can anyone recommend a stylist in either New York, California (or maybe Chicago) that is known for treating damaged hair?


Her birthday is coming up and I am giving her the gift of flying her to any stylist every six weeks for the next year. Considering in the last year she not only battled the tumor but lost both her parents, I think she deserves it. I just want her to see the best! Thanks!


On a side note, the sisterhood on this site, makes me so proud.

 

[dlewis]

You are such a great friend to do that.

 

[BerrySweet]

God bless her-and you. Is she natural? She should probably stay away from relaxers for awhile. Lots of moisture, conditioner washes, and no harsh products.

 

[crlsweetie912]

I would stay away from relaxer's too. Everyone should have a friend like you!

 

[Butterfly30]

God bless her-and you. Is she natural? She should probably stay away from relaxers for awhile. Lots of moisture, conditioner washes, and no harsh products.

Girl, God Bless you for being such a good friend. She needs TLC from a stlyist who patient and care about the hair. Have you consider, teaming up with her and doing her hair. Maybe, washing her hair and DC when she needs to be done.

 

[Honi]

That is so sweet! I wish all friends were like you.

Is it at all possible that she could stay/go natural? I mean chemo can cause you to lose your hair but then the quality, texture, etc of the hair as it grows back out can change too right?

Ask her to try it first. She just may like her natural texture and you can refer her to this site for lots of advice.

 

[Cooyah]

I would also suggest staying away from harsh chemicals (relaxers, bleach, colouring, etc....), lots of moisture and TLC, protective styling and good at home care in conjunction with the salon visits.

 

[Dannygirl]

i dunno if i had a brain tumor or recovered id be a lil erm... with the whole relaxer thing....id go natraul and get it pressed every once and a while

 

[candy1214]

*Ladies I wasn’t quite sure which discussion to post this in, so if it this is the wrong one, I’m so sorry.

Here it goes…my best friend recently finished recovering from a brain tumor (suckers still there, but at least it is smaller!). Anyways, she still has hair, but it is dry and damaged. Her old stylist closed her salon last year, and the three places she has tried since dealing with the tumor have done nothing but add further damage by either being dishonest about the relaxer they were using or using a color lifter on her hair (her hair ISN’T colored, so why in the world would someone do that!)

Since this is her second battle (she lost hair to chemo 8 years ago, but was able to grow it back to shoulder length), I don’t think she has the emotional ability to deal with losing it again.

Can anyone recommend a stylist in either New York, California (or maybe Chicago) that is known for treating damaged hair?


Her birthday is coming up and I am giving her the gift of flying her to any stylist every six weeks for the next year. Considering in the last year she not only battled the tumor but lost both her parents, I think she deserves it. I just want her to see the best! Thanks!


On a side note, the sisterhood on this site, makes me so proud.

I dont personally know of any, but you should check out the Salon Review Forum. Are you a paying member?? If not then you may not be able to view that section. I can look through there for recommended stylists and PM them to you or copy and post them into this thread. Let me know.

By the way....You are such a sweet friend to do that for her.

 

[Eiano]

God bless you and your friend.
I'd stay natural and let it grow out. Giving it plenty of moisture and trimming when needed.

 

[chocolatesis]

I'm sorry I don't have any salons to reccommend but I just wanted to say that you're a really good friend to do this for her. I wish you and her the best.

 

[EMJazzy]

I recommend that your friend go natural. God bless you and her.

 

[grace9090]

Thanks everyone for the words of support.

She isn't natural. It is relaxed (affirm, I think)

This started in January. The tumor is in the front, so they had to cut that very short. It grew back fairly quickly. She got the go ahead to relax it four months ago, but her old stylist closed and the people who have relaxed it since, just don't know what in the world they are doing and are just making it worse.

I think it would just help her spirits so, if we could find a stylist who has experience with damaged hair.

If I can't find a damaged hair specialist, I will settle for anyone who is into healthy hair. Any thoughts?

I like the idea of natural, BUT I know she doesn't want to. I guess too much change for her.

Well, let me know if you ladies hear of anything. Thanks again.

 

[MonaRae]

I agree with everyone here that said “Go Natural” at least until her body has fully recovered from the Chemo. Chemo does nasty things to the body so for right now I would say take her to a good Nutritionist and set her up with a good diet. The Crown and Glory site has a good very good and very informative Hair Diet.

Not to tell you what to do with “your” money but since you are willing to fly her out how about spending the money on monthly messages. I’m sure you will come out cheaper and she will still get pampered. Messages are very healing to the body.

At any rate you are a good friend and I am sure she feels Blessed to have you in her life.

May God richly bless you and your friend.
MonaRae

 

[nap2bfree]

Sorry To hear about your friend.

I do know a woman who had chemo and it changed the texture of her hair. It does not have to get perms now. Her hair is bone straight.

I know you said your friend does not want to go natural. But, I would ask her to try it for 6 months. She might like it. Also after 6 months she would have a nice head of new growth. It would allow her time to see what her hair is like and give her hair time to recover.

She could wear a wig for 6 months and keep her hair braided underneth.

After 6 months, if she decides she does not like the natural thing, she could possibly get it permed then.

By the way I just sent up some prayers for you and her

God Bless
nap2bfree

 

[Denim And Leather]

*Ladies I wasn’t quite sure which discussion to post this in, so if it this is the wrong one, I’m so sorry.

Here it goes…my best friend recently finished recovering from a brain tumor (suckers still there, but at least it is smaller!). Anyways, she still has hair, but it is dry and damaged. Her old stylist closed her salon last year, and the three places she has tried since dealing with the tumor have done nothing but add further damage by either being dishonest about the relaxer they were using or using a color lifter on her hair (her hair ISN’T colored, so why in the world would someone do that!)

Since this is her second battle (she lost hair to chemo 8 years ago, but was able to grow it back to shoulder length), I don’t think she has the emotional ability to deal with losing it again.

Can anyone recommend a stylist in either New York, California (or maybe Chicago) that is known for treating damaged hair?


Her birthday is coming up and I am giving her the gift of flying her to any stylist every six weeks for the next year. Considering in the last year she not only battled the tumor but lost both her parents, I think she deserves it. I just want her to see the best! Thanks!


On a side note, the sisterhood on this site, makes me so proud.

Wow! I don't know of anyone, but I wanted to comment on what a big heart you have! That is such a loving thing to do, and your friend is very blessed to have you!

 

[fletgee]

Girl, God Bless you for being such a good friend. She needs TLC from a stlyist who patient and care about the hair. Have you consider, teaming up with her and doing her hair. Maybe, washing her hair and DC when she needs to be done.

:creatures thinks this is a great idea. Maybe even get together with a couple of other friends and start a "Ladies Poo Nite". Set a regular date to get together to do hair stuff, gossip, and enjoy each other's company.

Sounds like a plan to me.

Trust and believe..having good friends around and sharing time together is some of the best medicine I know. And believe me, I know.

 

[Divine Inspiration]

Johnson & Guess in LA has a great reputation for turning even the worst of heads around. They are SUPER expensive...I considered going myself, but I'm spoiled after doing my own hair for so long. Anyway, I'd give them a call. There's another salon called 50 North in LA that's supposed to be really great as well.

 

[SouthernGirl]

Sorry, I don't have a recommendation, but I just wanted to say that you are an awesome friend! Our prayers are with your girlfriend.

I agree that she should stay away from chemicals for a while and wear a natural style. Not sure if braids would be a good option - I've never had them so I'm not sure if they would add additional stress.

HTH,

SG

 

[scoobygirl]

You are such a sweet person to be helping your friend like this. You are both lucky to have each other in your lives. I don't live in any of the areas you are looking for salons in but I maybe able to offer some help.

About a year or so ago I read a book for African-Americans on how to have healthy hair and skin. It was written by a black, female, dermatologist who was based in the Chicago area. She seemed very knowledgable and specialized in hair problems in Afr-Am. She also had relaxed hair herself (and from her photo appeared to be quite healty). Unfortunately I don't remember her name or the book's off the top of my head, but if I can find it, I'm sure if you contact her she could recommend someone in the Chicago area.

I'll dig around and see if I can come up with some info for you. Until then, good luck with your search.

 

[Pam Pam]

You are such a great friend to do that.

I agree.

 

[natstar]

Wow! I don't know of anyone, but I wanted to comment on what a big heart you have! That is such a loving thing to do, and your friend is very blessed to have you!

ITA!!! You are a blessing. In the Chicago area the only place i can think of is Ajes on Randolph in the West Loop. I am natural but I know that deal w/natural and relaxed ladies. They are really nice and professional as well. They are a little more expensive depending on the svce so u should probably give them a call and see how $$$ they run for certain services. HTH