Have you lost your hair during chemo and noticed your scalp feels different? Maybe drier, more sensitive, or a little tight? That’s completely normal. Without your hair’s natural protection, your skin needs a bit of extra care — and lots of gentleness.

The good news: it doesn’t have to be complicated. With the right habits, mild products and a little time for yourself, you can keep your scalp healthy and comfortable.
Here are some simple tips that really make a difference — practical, soft and based on experience.

1. Shower warm, not hot

A hot shower can feel relaxing, but high temperatures quickly dry out your skin — especially on a bare scalp.

Use lukewarm water and, if you prefer a cleansing product, go for a gentle nourishing shower oil, such as the Même shower oil available in our webshop. It’s made with 97% natural ingredients and is kind to sensitive skin. Plus, it has a very subtle scent — ideal if chemo has made you more sensitive to fragrance.

Gently pat your scalp dry with a soft towel afterwards, without rubbing.

2. Moisturise daily with a gentle cream or natural oil

A well-hydrated scalp feels more supple and prevents flakiness or tightness.

Choose a mild, alcohol-free cream or oil, and apply it daily — preferably after showering, when the skin is still slightly damp. You can use your regular day cream, spreading it over your face and scalp in one go, or your body lotion.

Avoid sticky oils that don’t absorb well or leave stains on your chemo hat or scarf. Massage gently in circular motions to stimulate circulation, and avoid scrubs or harsh cleansers that can upset the skin’s balance.

3. Scalp pain? Soothe it with a calming spray

When your hair starts falling out, you may feel a burning or painful sensation on your scalp — often called “hair pain.”

At Rosette la Vedette, we offer a calming spray that nourishes and soothes sensitive skin. A few sprays, a gentle massage, and relief follows quickly.

4. Protect your scalp with soft, breathable chemo hats or scarves

Without hair, your scalp is more exposed to cold (even indoors!), wind and sun. Choose soft, breathable fabrics for your chemo hats and scarves, free from scratchy seams, velcro or rough stitching.

At Rosette la Vedette, we use Oeko-Tex® 100 certified fabrics — tested for harmful substances and incredibly gentle on the skin. You can find care tips on how to wash and maintain them in our fabric guide.

5. Don’t forget the sun

Prefer going out bareheaded? Even on cloudy days, your scalp can easily get sunburned. Protect it with a light scarf — maybe under a sun hat — or a mild facial sunscreen. This helps prevent sunburn and keeps your skin soft and comfortable.

6. Listen to your skin during chemo

Everyone’s skin reacts differently. Some people experience dryness, others more oiliness. Take your time to discover what feels right for you, and adjust your care routine gently.

Small rituals for comfort and self-kindness

Caring for your scalp isn’t just skincare — it’s also a way to slow down and take a small, mindful pause for yourself.
Applying a cream, massaging gently, taking a minute at the mirror — these are small gestures that help you adjust to the changes and reconnect with your body.

At first, it might feel strange to touch your bare head or see your reflection. That’s perfectly normal. But little by little, it becomes more familiar. You’ll notice your skin is softer than you thought, and it feels good to take care of it. It’s a simple act, but it means a lot: I’m okay, just like this. And that’s a beautiful form of self-care.

Note: Mild dryness or irritation is common, but if you notice persistent redness, pain or sores, let your doctor or nurse know. They can check if there’s a medical cause or suggest an adapted treatment.