After chemo, it is very common for hair to grow back completely differently. I have heard stories of brunettes coming back blonde, straight hair growing back curly, and all manner of variation in between. 

My once straight, very dark, locks came back as super soft, light brown curls. Curious at what my new do would do, I let it grow. It grew from baby fuzz to the huge mop you see above (far right) in just six months. We affectionately referred to it as my "JewFro" (I actually do have Jewish ancestry, so I'm not trying to inappropriately appropriate). 

Having sported a pixie cut for almost five years, this much hair was overwhelming. Curls were also completely alien to me. I had no idea what to do with them. I was ready to go bald again rather than deal with this ever-taller-growing concoction above my head (for the record, I LOVED being bald. I found it incredibly liberating). In desperation, I turned to good old social media. 

My dear friends and loved ones came to the rescue. Cousin Emily recommended DevaCurl, a NYC hair salon specializing in curls. Who knew such a thing existed?! I booked an appointment with a salon in nearby Park Slope.

I nervously sat in the chair. My DevaCurl trained stylist, Diana, stood behind me, scissors in hand. Addressing the mirror she asked, 

     "What would you like done?" 

         "Well... This is the first time I've had a hair cut since my hair grew back curly after                     cancer treatment..." 

Diana's eyes widened.

      "I'm a survivor too!" 

And thus the next hour was spent chatting about the "joys" of diagnosis, treatment, and its aftermath, hair, and life with cancer. All the while, Diana re-sculpted my hair into a cute little bob that I'm super happy with. 

It's the first time since diagnosis that I feel something like my old self again. 

I've heard that the curls might grow out, and my old hair will possibly return, but in the meantime, I'm loving my new locks.