My hair, while growing out from falling out thanks to chemotherapy had recently come to an awkward stage. The look went from sassy pixie to a mix of Dennis the Menace meets a short version of Farrah Fawcett’s iconic feathered “wings” only my wings looked like they could take me places. Enough of hair sticking up at the top of my head and flipping up on the sides—hello bandana! Last spring I wore bandanas because I had no hair. Today, I wear them to hide my crazy hairdo—and I couldn’t be happier. I have my hair and my health back.
An easy fix for unruly hair! Note: the sunflower painting in the background was painted by my talented mom!
Samantha Jo has given me cause to smile these days as well. She has eased into a more relaxed and joyful state of being. She still get’s a little cra-cra when she hears the rats at night scurrying across the roof or blustering wind, but she calms down so much quicker and finds solace by my side more often than inside an empty Amazon delivery box.
Samantha has taken to this vintage basket where she often sits while I work.
My feline counterpart is also going through an awkward hairdo stage, which in part has brought us closer. Her luscious ginger locks have become quite matted despite daily brushings. I’m in the process of de-matting her fur myself, which takes lots of patience on my part, and lots of trust on hers. Samantha enjoys being brushed, but I’ve had to carefully detangle and at times very carefully cut matted fur patches. I’ve successfully de-matted under her chin, on her chest and a few spots on her sides. With Samantha’s diminished anxiety, I hate to shake things up by taking her back to the vet for grooming; and she actually enjoys our detangling sessions. I play classical or meditation music and start by gently combing the top of her head, which she loves. Then she rolls onto her back and stretches out her front legs up over her head making herself look like the letter “Y”. I gently scratch under each front leg as though I’m tickling under the arms of a human, all the while telling her how special she is and how much I love her. Then I start picking away at the tangles—cutting them if she gets really relaxed and if I can easily see the fur from the skin.
Recommend tunes to sooth cats and us cat parents!
Samantha Jo with some bald patches and me with unruly winged hair have become quite the pair.
Only I can see her skin patches, her luxurious fur hides them well.
Sidebar: I’ve tamed my post-chemo crazy hair with amazing “hairwash”, conditioner and a crème texturizer by Innersense purchased at ROOTS the Beauty Underground in Laguna Beach, which sells only organic toxic-free products. I stopped into Roots a few days ago and was greeted by shop owner, Laura, who I hadn’t seen in a couple of years. She made me a cup of tea and we caught up, talked about my chemo hair, and she recommended the Innersense products that I ended up buying, and they have made my hair look and feel amazing. As far as the bandana goes—it’s kind of a cool look and I will continue wearing it, only now to add flair to my fashion.
Let’s see the bandana free version of Pamela!
Next post… 🙂
P’Kitty – You rock a bandanna like no other! Can’t wait to see the new do. I’m sure you look fabulous, you and Sam both! Great story, thank you for sharing. Love you, T
Thank you for reading, Tanya! xoxo
I am happy you are doing well. I have had crazy hair most of my life and I just don’t care anymore, even though my wife pressures me to put gel in it all the time, which I resist. 🙂
Ha ha! It looks great in your photo! Sometimes crazy hair is a good look, it all depends on which way the hair is going… 🙂
I guess I am lucky I have hair.
Yes! LOL!
It makes me so happy to see your beautiful and happy face glowing with good health. Yes, Laura’s products are the best and the shampoo would be great for SJ, too!😺 Love the rock ‘n roll bandanna look and your great attitude, my gorgeous friend. Xoxoxo
And you saw me at my worst–you know first hand the difference. Thank you, dear Cat Lady Gail. xoxo
Glad things are going well for both of you !
Thank you, finally…we are getting there!
You look great, Pam! I am so happy you and Samantha are doing well. Sending love from Pennsylvania!
Thank you so much, Karen! xoxo
Bad hair days are just the worst. But now having your hair back it’s a different kind of menace and irritation. Funny how our pets mimic our own irritations. I’m glad you were able to get it under control.
Bad days are not the worst in my world…a bald head from cancer was the worse–bad hair days are now good hair days! 🙂 Cheers!
You look wonderful, Pammie, and I love the new you-do. The bandana gives you a biker chick vibe…adorable with an edge. More importantly, you look healthy!! Big yay to that!
I had to buzz my Nala because her hair just gets so full that I don’t even think she feels me scratching and petting her. Grew her coat back over winter but saving up for her summer do…it is much more than I pay for my hair!!
Sending hugs. Hope to see you in the office soon.
xox
That’s funny, Robin! If I do need to get Samantha to the vet for grooming, I’m going cheap–just shave the matts of. She may look a little patchy, but at least she’ll be comfortable. Thank you for your support of the bandana! 😉
xoxo
You and Samantha always look amazing! Xoxo
You rock the bandana look! We had the vet take off Harley’s mats on his last visit. He hates being brushed and it’s hard for us to comb out his mats. I’m glad Samantha is a little more cooperative. You both look wonderful!
Thank you so much! Oh, Harley, Samantha will agree with you. It took two different visits from the groomer, a very patient and loving gal with lots of experience. Samantha was extremely stressed even under the influence of 2ml of gabapentin, during both visits. Second visit was easier. Now she is sporting a super cool mohawk!