Lake's Overflowing Joy
- Talk show host Ricki Lake, 52, recently got engaged to boyfriend Ross Burningham.
- Lake has openly shared her struggles with hair loss with the world.
- For people battling cancer who are undergoing chemotherapy, hair loss is a common side effect; certain drugs and treatments like cooling caps can help mitigate hair loss.
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Lake also became a spokeswoman for Harklinikken, a product for people coping with hair loss. She shared with fans in early May, before her engagement, “My hair is the healthiest it's ever been.”
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Ricki’s Hair Loss Journey
In 2020, the talk show host and actress shared on Instagram a powerful black and white picture of herself with a buzz cut, writing: “I have been suffering. Suffering mostly in silence off and on for almost 30 years," she writes. "AND I am finally ready to share my secret."
Lake shared how she has struggled with hair loss, which for her may be the result of products used on her hair, yo-yo dieting, hormonal birth control, weight fluctuations over the years and stress. Lake said for years she's relied on hair extensions. "All different kinds, tried them all, the ones that are glued on, the tape-ins, the clip-ins, and then into a total hair system that I hated," she says, "and finally found a unique solution that really did work pretty well for me for the last 4 or 5 years."
"I tried wigs on a few occasions" Lake continued, "but never could get used to them. It all felt fake, and I was super self-conscious and uncomfortable."
Since opening up about her hair loss struggles, cancer survivors have applauded Lake's bravery. Since many cancer patients undergo chemotherapy during treatment, they know first hand how devastating hair loss can be, especially for women. After sharing her story, Lake has received overwhelming support from the people who understand first-hand what she's going through.
Coping with Cancer-Related Hair Loss
There are resources for women to cope with hair loss, such as scarves, wigs, and cooling caps to slow down the process and mitigate hair loss effects. However, some survivors have opted to embrace their hair loss, and bravely sport a bald head while out in public. This was the case for Stephanie Hess, who was diagnosed with stage 3 ovarian cancer.
Related: Ovarian Cancer: The Cancer That Whispers
Hess’s mother battled cancer, so she was familiar with the side effects of treatment. "Because my mom had passed away from cancer, I knew what it felt like…The thought of losing your hair, that's the ultimate indicator of being a cancer patient," says Hess in an earlier interview. "I didn't want to be bald," she adds.
Related: Complete Guide to Wigs for Cancer Patients: Cost, Types and Where to Buy
But with the support of her family, her fear of being bald passed. The first time Hess felt well enough to go out to dinner with her family, she was nervous. But she had the support of her incredible family including her niece, who had shaved her head in solidarity.
Ovarian cancer Survivor Stephanie Hess Explains How She Coped with Hair Loss
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