Chemotherapy and Hair Loss
Hair loss (also called alopecia) is when some or all of your hair falls out. This can happen anywhere on your body: your head, face, arms, legs, underarms, or the pubic area between your legs. Many people are upset by the loss of their hair and find it the most difficult part of chemotherapy.
Some types of chemotherapy damage the cells that cause hair growth. Hair loss often starts 2 to 3 weeks after chemotherapy begins. Your scalp may hurt at first. Then you may lose your hair, either a little at a time or in clumps. It takes about 1 week for all your hair to fall out. Almost always, your hair will grow back 2 to 3 months after chemotherapy is over. You may notice that your hair starts growing back even while you are getting chemotherapy.
Your hair will be very fine when it starts growing back. Also, your new hair may not look or feel the same as it did before. For instance, your hair may be thin instead of thick, curly instead of straight, and darker or lighter in color.
Hair often grows back 2 to 3 months after chemotherapy is over.
Ways To Manage Hair Loss
Before hair loss:
- Talk with your doctor or nurse. He or she will know if you are likely to have hair loss.
- Cut your hair short or shave your head. You might feel more in control of hair loss if you first cut your hair or shave your head. This often makes hair loss easier to manage. If you
shave your head, use an electric shaver instead of a razor.
- If you plan to buy a wig, do so while you still have hair. The best time to choose your wig is before chemotherapy starts. This way, you can match the wig to the color and style of your hair. You might also take it to your hair dresser who can style the wig to look like your own hair. Make sure to choose a wig that feels comfortable and does not hurt your scalp.
- Ask if your insurance company will pay for a wig. If it will not, you can deduct the cost of your wig as a medical expense on your income tax. Some groups also have free "wig banks." Your doctor, nurse, or social worker will know if there is a wig bank near you.
- Be gentle when you wash your hair. Use a mild shampoo, such as a baby shampoo.
Dry your hair by patting (not rubbing) it with a soft towel.
- Do not use items that can hurt your scalp. These include:
- Straightening or curling irons
- Brush rollers or curlers
- Electric hair dryers
- Hair bands and clips
- Hairsprays
- Hair dyes
- Products to perm or relax your hair
- If you plan to buy a wig, do so while you still have hair.
After hair loss:
- Protect your scalp. Your scalp may hurt during and after hair
loss. Protect it by wearing a hat, turban, or scarf when you are
outside. Try to avoid places that are very hot or very cold. This
includes tanning beds and outside in the sun or cold air. And
always apply sunscreen or sunblock to protect your scalp.
- Stay warm. You may feel colder once you lose your hair. Wear a hat, turban, scarf, or wig to help you stay warm.
- Sleep on a satin pillow case. Satin creates less friction than cotton when you sleep on it. Therefore, you may find satin pillow cases more comfortable.
- Talk about your feelings. Many people feel angry, depressed, or
embarrassed about hair loss. If you are very worried or upset, you might want to talk about these feelings with a doctor, nurse, family member, close friend, or someone who has had hair loss caused by cancer treatment.
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