Oiling when bald?

[Capybara]

Hi everyone! :waving:

So, a bit of background: My brother is currently fighting cancer, and is bald as a result of chemotherapy. He bought hats and bandanas to keep his head warm and out of the sun, but he also wants to oil his scalp - he really likes the shiny look. The only thing is, his scalp is now very sensitive. The few hairs left hurt when touched, and his skin is dry. I am wondering, what should he use to oil his scalp, and how?

Thank you in advance! :flower:

[Arctic_Mama]

I would imagine that jojoba would be perfect for him, as it is not likely to irritate his skin or upset the pH of his scalp. If smoothing a little on with his palms is too sensitizing, he could try misting some on with a sprayer and very gently spreading it around with a cloth :)

[Capybara]

Thank you Arctic Mama! I didn't think of the sprayer, that's a great idea!

Is it possible to buy jojoba oil at the grocery store, or a health foods store? Maybe a drug store?

[Carolyn]

Try a health food store, Trader Joes, or Whole Foods.

[breezefaerie]

I've found mine at a health food store. I'm not sure if you could find it at a grocery store as it's not really used for cooking (at least I've never heard that!)

[chopandchange]

I don't know if they sell this where you live, but I've read recommendations for using aqueous cream to wash the hair and scalp after chemo when the hair starts to grow back. I love aqueous cream. It's very gentle. Here (http://www.macmillan.org.uk/Cancerinformation/Livingwithandaftercancer/Symptomssideeffects/Hairloss/Aftertreatment.aspx) is one such recommendation, and here's (http://www.nhs.uk/chq/Pages/2181.aspx?CategoryID=96&SubCategoryID=224) another.

I hope he gets better soon.

[Tapioca]

I have severely dry skin (thyroid disease) and use straight jojoba oil on my whole body after stepping out of the shower. (Well, I put perfume oil in there too, but he can skip that.) The mister is also a good idea, but beware. Oil in a sprayer has a tendency to get *everywhere*, leading to slippery floors and spotty mirrors.

[Purdy Bear]

I have Alopecia Univarlis (almost total body hair loss), but Iv never tried oiling my bald head, it was naturally shiney.

I did hear that Montel used a wax treatment like you would a bowling ball to get his shine.

[kdaniels8811]

I am also bald from chemo and oil my scalp, just to keep the dryness away, not that I want a shiny scalp! I use Nightshade's oil for hair and it is great, keeps the skin from drying out. And after applying a few times, my scalp was not so sensitive to the touch. I wish your brother a speedy recovery!

[halo_tightens]

Maybe something really soothing like shea butter or castor oil-- it might look shiny AND help his poor head feel better!

[Capybara]

I don't know if they sell this where you live, but I've read recommendations for using aqueous cream to wash the hair and scalp after chemo when the hair starts to grow back.
*snip*

Hmm, I've never heard of that. I'll have to look around though, it seems like it'd be really gentle! Thank you!


The mister is also a good idea, but beware. Oil in a sprayer has a tendency to get *everywhere*, leading to slippery floors and spotty mirrors.

Oh dear, thank you! I've had the same problem with dusting spray... I'm always careful to spray it over a sink because it will make my floors extremely slippery if I don't. I'll keep this in mind!



I did hear that Montel used a wax treatment like you would a bowling ball to get his shine.

I'll be thinking of you, Purdy!
Wax sounds good, too - my brother has taken to calling himself "Q-ball," like in billiards :P


I am also bald from chemo and oil my scalp, just to keep the dryness away, not that I want a shiny scalp! I use Nightshade's oil for hair and it is great, keeps the skin from drying out.

Thank you so much, I wish you a speedy recovery as well! Where would I purchase this?


Maybe something really soothing like shea butter or castor oil-- it might look shiny AND help his poor head feel better!

Not to mention smell wonderful :) I love shea butter :crush:


I'll have to run these by him and see what he thinks.
Thank you so much everyone! Great ideas! :flower: