Chemotherapy & Hair Loss: What to Expect?

Let’s find out the answer.

For many people, hair loss is a sign to the rest of the world that they have cancer. If you’re not comfortable sharing these details with others, you may be more concerned about this side effect than you are about other chemotherapy complications. Discussing your concerns with your cancer care team and getting ready for the chance of hair loss may help you to deal with this extreme side effect of treatment.

Why does chemotherapy cause hair loss?” is the most asked question among patients. Well, hair loss is a common complication of chemotherapy. This is because chemotherapy targets rapidly multiplying cells throughout the body, aiming to kill cancer cells and affects healthy cells that produce hair on the scalp as well.

This hair loss usually begins a few weeks after chemotherapy begins and is experienced by most people (but not all). Hair usually grows back, at least partially, and regrowth starts not long after chemotherapy treatment is completed. You can better prepare for chemotherapy if you know what to expect.

Cancer can cause both emotional and physical trauma to a person. Also, trying to cope with chemotherapy-induced hair loss can be challenging, and a hair loss doctor can help too. To reduce the impact of chemotherapy-induced hair loss, some people may choose to cut their hair short before it begins falling out.

• Wigs, hats, and scarves are all options for covering the scalp.
• If you have hair loss in your lashes and brows, artificial lashes and makeup can help.
• Support groups or counselling can be beneficial when dealing with the emotional consequences of cancer and chemotherapy-related hair loss.

You can wear a cooling cap. As some hair loss doctors say, it may prevent hair loss due to chemotherapy, as it shrinks the blood vessels so that fewer drugs reach the scalp. This cap is worn before and after chemotherapy.

Some other ways suggested by trichologists to prevent hair loss due to chemotherapy are:

• Don’t brush your hair too hard. Instead, use a soft-bristled brush or a wide-toothed comb.
• To avoid pulling, pat your hair dry with a soft towel.
• Hairdryers, flattening irons, and other styling tools that use heat that can damage the scalp should be avoided.
• Avoid tight hairstyles, which can cause hair pulling.
• Selecting a Gentle Shampoo
• Putting on a hair net at night
• Sleeping on a satin pillowcase, which is softer than cotton and creates less friction between scalp hair and pillowcase, thereby reducing hair fall.

Chemotherapy may affect the hair all over your body – armpit, eyelashes, eyebrows, pubic hair, etc. From thinning of hair to baldness, it can have several effects on hair.

You can always seek help from a trichologist. They might help you deal with the condition. However, the good news is – hair loss from chemotherapy is temporary. You might start regrowing them around six months after your treatment ends.

Dealing with hair loss due to chemotherapy but don’t know how to prevent it? Look no further then HairMD. Our expert dermatologist will create a personalised treatment plan that will help you to reduce hair loss. Book your appointment with HairMD today and enjoy beautiful natural looking hair.