Hair loss is a common side effect of cancer treatments like chemotherapy and radiation therapy. These treatments target cancer cells by killing them or inhibiting their growth, but they can also affect healthy cells in your body, including those responsible for hair growth.
Chemotherapy and Hair Loss
Chemotherapy is a cancer treatment that uses powerful drugs to kill fast-growing cancer cells. However, these drugs also affect other rapidly dividing cells in your body, such as those in your hair follicles. Not everyone undergoing chemotherapy will experience hair loss, but many do, as the treatment targets not just cancerous cells but also healthy cells involved in hair growth.
The likelihood of hair loss depends on several factors:
- The chemotherapy medicines you receive: Some chemotherapy drugs are more likely to cause hair loss than others. For instance, treatments for breast cancer often cause significant hair thinning or complete hair loss.
- The dosage and frequency: Higher doses and certain types of chemotherapy regimens are more likely to cause hair loss. Your doctor will inform you of the risk and provide options for managing it.
Typically, hair loss starts 2 to 3 weeks after beginning chemotherapy, although some people may start losing hair even after just a few treatments. It can occur gradually, with hair thinning over time, or more suddenly, with clumps of hair falling out. The hair loss is usually painless and most often occurs on the scalp, but it can also affect areas like the armpits, eyebrows, beard, genital area, and legs.
Radiation Therapy and Hair Loss
Radiation therapy also causes hair loss, but only in the area being treated. For example, if you’re receiving radiation to your head or neck, you’re more likely to experience hair loss in those regions. As with chemotherapy, the amount of hair loss depends on several factors:
- The body part involved: Radiation usually causes hair loss in the targeted area, so if the radiation is directed at the chest, for example, you may lose body hair in that area.
- The dose and frequency: Higher doses of radiation tend to increase the likelihood of hair loss. It can take several weeks for hair to begin to fall out after radiation treatment.
Will My Hair Grow Back?
For most people, hair will begin to grow back after completing chemotherapy, although this can take 6 to 12 months. In rare cases, some individuals may not experience hair regrowth. When hair does return, it may initially appear different — sometimes curlier, straighter, or grayer — than before.
After radiation therapy, hair regrowth is not always guaranteed. If hair does grow back, it may also be different in texture or color.
Can Hair Loss Be Prevented?
There are options for preventing or minimizing hair loss during chemotherapy. One of the most widely used treatments is scalp cooling. Cooling caps are worn during chemotherapy and work by lowering the temperature of the scalp, which reduces the amount of chemotherapy drug that reaches the hair follicles. This can help prevent hair loss or reduce its severity.
There are two main types of cooling caps:
- Caps connected to a machine that keeps the cap cold throughout the treatment.
- Caps that are frozen before use, and then replaced with a new cold one as it thaws.
Cooling caps are most commonly used by people undergoing chemotherapy for breast cancer, but they are also approved for use with other types of cancer. However, these caps do not work for everyone, and they may be ineffective for certain types of chemotherapy or cancer. Side effects of cooling caps may include a headache or feeling very cold during treatment. They are also expensive and may not be covered by insurance. If you are considering this option, ask your doctor or nurse for advice on whether it’s suitable for your situation.
How to Manage Hair Loss
If you’re undergoing chemotherapy and are concerned about hair loss, here are some tips for managing it:
- Hair care before hair loss:
Use a mild shampoo to avoid further damage to your hair. Gently pat your hair dry, rather than rubbing it. Use a soft brush to avoid unnecessary breakage. Avoid using heat styling tools like curling irons, blow dryers, or hot rollers. Avoid using chemical products like hair dye or hairspray. - Cutting or shaving your hair: Some people choose to cut their hair short or shave it completely before it starts falling out, which can help with emotional adjustment. Doing so also allows you to manage the hair loss more gradually.
- Head coverings: Many people choose to wear wigs, hats, scarves, or head wraps once their hair starts to fall out. It can help improve your confidence and comfort. The American Cancer Society and other organizations offer resources for finding affordable wigs, and some insurance policies will cover the cost of a wig for cancer-related hair loss.
- Protecting your scalp: After hair loss, your scalp may become more sensitive to sunburn and irritation. Be sure to protect your scalp by:
Wearing a hat or scarf when outside. Applying sunscreen to your scalp if you’re exposed to sunlight. Sleeping on a satin pillowcase to reduce friction on the scalp.
Hair Care as It Grows Back
When your hair begins to grow back, it may feel different or grow at a slower rate than before. Here’s how to take care of it as it regrows:
- Wash it no more than twice a week to avoid irritation.
- Gently rub your scalp to remove dry skin without causing damage.
- Be gentle when styling: Avoid brushing too hard or using heat styling tools, as your hair will be more fragile.
- Avoid chemical treatments like dyes or perms until your hair is fully regrown.
Emotional Impact of Hair Loss
For many cancer patients, hair loss is one of the most emotional and challenging side effects of treatment. Feelings of sadness, anger, and worry are common. It’s important to acknowledge these feelings and seek support.
Talking to someone, whether it’s a doctor, nurse, family member, friend, or mental health professional, can help. Many cancer centers also have support groups where you can share your experiences with others who are going through similar challenges.
