Chemo Curls & Confidence: Embracing Your Hair While Healing
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Time to read 12 min
Table of contents
What Are Chemo Curls, Anyway? Learning to Love (and Care for) Chemo Curls 1. Aloe Vera Curl Primer - The Gentle Introduction 2. Curl Renew & Restore Gentle Cleansing Rinse – Soft, Sulfate-Free Clean 3. Untie the Knot Nourishing Leave-In Conditioner – Tangle-Free Confidence 4. Hi! Definition Curl Enhancer Styling Gel – Define Your (New) Curl Pattern 5. ReFlex Curl Styling Serum – Lightweight Hold + Shine 6. Curl Defining Mousse – Soft Hold, Big Volume 7. Restorative Protein Mask – Strength for Your Comeback Curls Final Thoughts: Grace, Growth, and Curls
Hey beautiful,
If you’re reading this, chances are you (or someone you love) has walked a tough road — and we just want to start by saying: we see you, and we celebrate you.
After and during chemo, many curlies experience a surprising twist — literally. Straight hair might come back wavy or curly. Loose waves might spring up into tight coils. These new textures are lovingly known as chemo curls, and while they can feel unfamiliar or even frustrating at first, they also represent something powerful: a fresh start.
“I am 43 and for my entire life had thick and gorgeous hair! In 2020 I was diagnosed with uterine and breast cancer which was followed by a hysterectomy, double mastectomy, reconstruction surgery, chemo and radiation as well as being put into early menopause. What does this mean? My hair became disastrous! It went from full and luscious hair to stringy, lifeless, wavy/straight/curly in all different areas at the same time. When I say I cried when doing my hair, I'm not kidding. I got a perm and then cried because I looked like a poodle walking through a humid jungle. Somehow your ad came up in my feed and I hesitated for a few weeks because I thought for sure it was too good to be true. I finally saw a sale and went for it when we had a bit of extra cash. I'm so thankful I did because my hair went from drab and in shock to fab gorgeous locks! Literally that first day! I haven't stopped talking about it for about six weeks and comment every time I see the ad come around. I'm also trying to help other curlfriends (my new favorite word by the way) to start their journey. So many times it is a bot responding to ads but I'm a real woman with a real story and couldn't be happier and want as many curly friends to try it and be thrilled too. Your products are phenomenal 💕”
What Are Chemo Curls, Anyway?
When your hair grows back after chemotherapy, it may have a different texture, thickness, or pattern. Chemotherapy targets rapidly dividing cells in the body — including the cells in your hair follicles. While this is what causes hair loss during treatment, it can also temporarily change the shape of those follicles.
- Straight hair comes from round follicles.
- Curly hair comes from oval or asymmetrical follicles.
- New hair growth may also feel softer, finer, or have a different color at first — these changes often evolve over time as your follicles recover.
If chemo alters the follicle’s shape even slightly, it can result in hair that grows back with a completely different texture.
It’s often temporary — but not always.
For some people, chemo curls are a temporary phase as their hair regrows. For others, the new texture might stick around for good. Everyone’s body reacts differently, so it’s all part of the unique post-chemo hair journey.
Learning to Love (and Care for) Chemo Curls
The key to embracing your new hair? Moisture, patience, and the right products. That’s where TréLuxe comes in. After treatment, your hormones and body chemistry may be different, which can impact how your hair grows. Your body might be in a kind of reset mode — focusing on:
- Healing
- Rebuilding
- And rebalancing
That shift can influence everything from hair color to curl pattern.
All TréLuxe products are designed to help you understand, define, and fall in love with your curls — wherever you are on your journey.
“For my mom, her hair was her comfort zone. It was tied deeply to her confidence and identity — she always felt her best on a good hair day and was meticulous about keeping it just right. Losing all her hair the first time going through chemo and watching it thin so much the second time was incredibly difficult for her. Luckily, the second time she went through chemo I was working at TréLuxe and had her try the Curl Defining Mousse. She loved it! Not only did it hold her short, wavy hair, but it helped make it look and feel fuller! Hair is so much more than “just hair” — it is a personal crown — not because it makes you royalty, but because it reminds you of your strength, your identity, and the way you carry yourself through the world. When your crown feels right, you walk a little taller, smile a little brighter, and show up as your full self — especially in the hardest seasons of life.”
Kate with her mom before she passed in 2024. Here her hair was very thin, but able to look a little fuller with the Curl Defining Mousse.
If you or a loved one are walking the challenging road of chemo curl care, here's how TréLuxe products can help:
1. Aloe Vera Curl Primer – The Gentle Introduction
Chemo curls can be delicate, especially in the early stages of regrowth. The Aloe Vera Curl Primer is a lightweight, nourishing leave-in that can work as a detangler, scalp soother and soft curl prep. It's packed with ingredients like aloe and coconut water to hydrate without weighing your hair down. Think of it as a comforting hug for your scalp and strands.
“I absolutely LOVE YOU GUYS! I'm astonished at how well your products work. I'll be on chemo the rest of my life. I used to have gorgeous, thick, curly hair. My hair is so thin now, although still curly. Nothing from your line weighs my thin hair down. My curls are wonderful. Never frizzy. Stay almost perfect every day. And a quick touch up with some of your product & it's refreshed & looking great in between washed! I can't thank you enough for helping me after chemo had stripped my self confidence away, along with my hair! Thank you!”
2. Curl Renew & Restore Gentle Cleansing Rinse – Soft, Sulfate-Free Clean
New curls need kindness. The Curl Renew & Retore Gentle Cleansing Rinse is free from harsh sulfates and full of good-for-you ingredients that won’t strip your hair of its natural oils. It’s perfect for soothing a sensitive scalp while still leaving your tresses feeling clean.
“It’s the best I have spent so much money on hair products that didn’t work. When my hair grew back from chemo it was very curly and coarse. I'm getting ready to place my second order.”
3. Untie the Knot Nourishing Leave-In Conditioner – Tangle-Free Confidence
When your hair is figuring itself out, detangling can be tricky. The Untie the Knot Nourishing Leave-in Conditioner melts through knots, deeply hydrates, and leaves your curls feeling soft, manageable, and oh-so-smooth. This can be used as a leave-in if your curls seem a little dry, or it can be used as a regular rinse out conditioner (especially if your hair is thinner, we would recommend rinsing it all the way out).
“This is a reorder, the first order has changed my life. I have curly hair from chemo treatments which I thought, after 7 years, would relax, but nope, I've got curly hair now. I grew tired of wearing it short, trying to work with the curls and it just not looking very good. Chemo took away all my hair and only returned about 75% of it, with curls. I'm growing it out now to see if the curl persists and, so far, it has. Your product has made my curls DARLING. I grab a dry curl and it retracts like a spring. It's AMAZING. Thank you for inventing this product.”
4. Hi! Definition Curl Enhancer Styling Gel – Define Your (New) Curl Pattern
Want to see what those chemo curls can really do? Our best-selling Hi! Definition Curl Enhancer Styling Gel defines without the crunch. It gives your new curl pattern the shape and hold it deserves, all while moisturizing and protecting. Bonus: it's frizz-fighting and humidity-proof, because you’ve got enough on your plate without worrying about the weather.
“Don't give up. I am a metastatic breast cancer fighter and survivor. I wasn't born with curly hair. It came from treatments. Yesterday morning, I did the Curl Renew & Restore Rinse, Untie the Knot, ReFlex Serum, Hi! Definition Gel, and a small amount of the Curl Defining Mousse. This morning, I didn't do anything, and it looks pretty good. I used a little hair spray to keep it at bay. Maybe my curls need to get it's memory back after 76 beams of radiation last summer. I'm also trying to let it grow out some. I think I'm on the right track! GOD BLESS YOUR DAY.”
5. ReFlex Curl Styling Serum – Lightweight Hold + Shine
If you're looking for something super light but still effective, ReFlex Styling Serum is your go-to. It helps define soft curls and waves while adding shine — perfect for early-stage chemo curls that are still settling into their pattern and might look a little dull.
“Hello folks, here's another "you've changed my life" story... My hair was my crowning jewel when I was younger. Big curls, chestnut brown, fabulously healthy, everywhere I went people commented. I got breast cancer and while going through chemo, I lost all my hair. When it started coming back, I tried to grow it out, but it didn't work. I kept it short for a while, I let it get a little longer, the curl was all wrong, I cut it short again. Finally I decided to make the commitment and let it grow. It was horrible. The curl was backwards, I had male patterned baldness (still do), it was terribly thin on top, it didn't hold any shape, I was distraught. Sure, I'm cancer free, but losing my lustrous curls for life was terribly depressing. I did a lot of research and found you folks. I bought your products. I noticed a change. I got a good haircut. I found my curls to be more manageable. I bought more of your product. I used it properly. And I am happy to say that as I turned 60 this year, my hair has returned to almost all its glory. I can't believe how good it looks. You saved my life. Well, you and my oncologist. Thank you for these incredible products, truly.”
6. Curl Defining Mousse – Soft Hold, Big Volume
Chemo curls can be soft, fine or unpredictable — and that’s where our Curl Defining Mousse comes in. It adds lightweight volume, soft hold, and shape without weighing hair down. Perfect for delicate regrowth, this mousse helps enhance your new curl pattern while keeping things touchable and natural. This mousse can also help your hair look a little fuller if your hair is thinner than you would like.
Whether you're air-drying or diffusing, it’s an easy way to bring bounce back to your crown.
“My 14-year-old granddaughter has very little long, very thick and coarse natural, curly hair. She had three years of chemo, from age 3 to 6 and her hair just grew in all crazy. I got her these products to try because nothing else helped. She loves them and can't believe how soft her hair feels while still holding her natural waves. She even made a short video just like the models in your commercials of her hair after using these products, lol.”
7. Restorative Protein Mask – Strength for Your Comeback Curls
After chemo, your new hair might feel softer, finer or more fragile — and that’s totally normal. The Restorative Protein Mask is like rehab for your curls, delivering a boost of strengthening protein and deep moisture to help rebuild what your strands need most.
It helps:
Reinforce weak or fragile hair.
Restore elasticity and bounce.
Reduce breakage and shedding.
Using it once a week as a mask gives your chemo curls the support they need to grow strong, healthy and beautifully defined. This can also be used as a conditioner to add a little bit of strength on each wash day.
“After being diagnosed with cancer, I went through chemo treatments and lost my slightly wavy hair. When it grew back, it was curly! I had no experience caring for curls, and was frustrated and overwhelmed. Thankfully, Josannah, Cortney, and the TréLuxe team pointed me to their easy-to-use curl quiz and recommended products to help me get the results I wanted. The products are light enough not to weigh down my hair, but strong enough to define and hold curls in place. And they smell great! I’m so thankful the TréLuxe team was here to help me feel more confident in caring for my curls.”
Final Thoughts: Grace, Growth, and Curls
Chemo curls aren’t just a change in texture — they’re a symbol of resilience and transformation. Whether your new strands are wavy, curly or a mix of both, there’s beauty in the journey and strength in every strand.
And with TréLuxe by your side, you’ve got a curl care partner that’s committed to helping you feel confident, supported and seen.
Welcome to the curl community — we’re so glad you’re here. 💗
What Are Chemo Curls, Anyway?
Learning to Love (and Care for) Chemo Curls
1. Aloe Vera Curl Primer – The Gentle Introduction
2. Curl Renew & Restore Gentle Cleansing Rinse – Soft, Sulfate-Free Clean
3. Untie the Knot Nourishing Leave-In Conditioner – Tangle-Free Confidence
4. Hi! Definition Curl Enhancer Styling Gel – Define Your (New) Curl Pattern
5. ReFlex Curl Styling Serum – Lightweight Hold + Shine
6. Curl Defining Mousse – Soft Hold, Big Volume
7. Restorative Protein Mask – Strength for Your Comeback Curls
Final Thoughts: Grace, Growth, and Curls
Kate is a wavy-curly girl who embraces life with creativity and heart. She loves supporting local shops, spending time outdoors, and finding inspiration in the simple things. Whether she’s crafting, hanging with her family, or chasing the perfect rainy day, Kate brings warmth, authenticity, and a love for community to everything she does.
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FAQs
Do TréLuxe products work on permed hair?
TréLuxe products are made from gentle, natural ingredients and are safe on chemically-treated strands. Originally formulated with natural curls in mind, our products can hydrate, define and enhance curls of any kind.
Do you offer fragrance-free products?
We do! Three of our most popular styling products: ReFlex Curl Styling Serum and Hi! Definition Curl Enhancer Styling Gel, and Untie the Knot Nourishing Leave-In Conditioner, come in fragrance-free options. We certainly understand that fragrances can be very subjective, and we’re working on developing more fragrance-free product offerings in the future.
Please do note that “fragrance-free” does not always equal “scent-free.” Fragrance-free means that there are no additive fragrances on top of the existing ingredients. However, there is still a scent as a result of the mixing together of all the ingredients.
Are there videos/tutorials of people using your products?
Yes, we’ve got a few different ways you can take in useful videos and tutorials that include the products in action.
We recently launched an incredible resource! It's called ReelCurls University and is full of helpful how-to videos to provide education and inspiration for curlies, coilies and wavies. We’d highly recommend checking it out!
TréLuxe social media pages share videos of people with all different types of textured hair. Check us out on Instagram (@discovertreluxe) or Facebook (discoverTreLuxe) for tons of helpful content.
The monthly newsletter and weekly Monday Motivation emails often contain videos and tutorials as well! We also have bi-monthly blogs that we post on our website, which take a deep dive into many different topics, including how to use the products!