When hair falls out: supporting women during breast cancer

Every year, tens of thousands of women face not only their diagnosis, but also the intimate pain of losing their hair. This act, often heavy with symbolism, also becomes a source of hope: custom-made wigs, charity collections, small accessories designed for fine hair. During Octobre Rose (French breast cancer awareness month), how can we provide practical support for these journeys?

Alopecia: an expected but unsettling side effect

Hair loss occurs in a large proportion of patients treated with chemotherapy: it is estimated that around 65% of people undergoing cytotoxic treatment will develop alopecia. This loss, which often begins a few weeks after the start of treatment, can affect the scalp as well as the eyebrows, eyelashes, and other body hair. The psychological impact is real: for many, hair plays a role in identity and confidence.

Meaningful media gestures

On October 5, 2025, former Miss France Vaimalama Chaves shaved her head live on television and announced that she would donate her hair, turning her gesture into a powerful act of awareness for Pink October. This type of initiative resonates with the general public and refocuses attention on concrete ways to help (donating hair, fundraising, financing prostheses).

Wigs, reimbursements, and innovations: access still varies in France

Hair prostheses remain a major source of support, but their cost and coverage vary: French health authorities recently published opinions and proposals concerning the coverage of hair prostheses (regulatory changes in 2025). Many associations in France collect hair (Solid'hair, Fake Hair Don't Care, etc.) to help provide wigs or subsidize their purchase for patients in need.

Additional solutions: accessories, small clips, and support

Not all women wear wigs; many seek simple solutions—turbans, scarves, small barrettes, and clips designed for very fine hair. At Mauliébris, we have already received testimonials from women explaining that their hair has become thinner: it is for them that we have designed small clips and barrettes, designed to hold without damaging fragile fibers. These accessories are not a substitute for medical care, but they do help to restore a less damaged self-image on a daily basis.

Some practical advice:

• Before chemotherapy: schedule an appointment with a prosthetist or a socio-aesthetic workshop to test wigs/turbans and organize a donation of strands.

• During: Choose lightweight accessories, clips suitable for fine hair, and fabrics that are soft on the scalp. The non-slip grips on barrettes, in particular, provide a secure hold while protecting your hair.

• After: regrowth usually begins a few weeks after the end of the treatments, but texture and density can change; socio-aesthetic support helps to regain confidence. Pink October reminds us that visible gestures—collections, solidarity haircuts, donations—count. At Mauliébris, we are touched when our small accessories help a woman see herself differently. Offering products that hold and respect fine hair is, for us, a concrete way to support.