Managing Hair Loss From Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy not only damages rapidly dividing cells such as cancer cells, but also healthy cells, such as hair follicles. Some chemotherapy drugs can damage hair follicles which may lead to hair loss, also called
alopecia1
When hair loss occurs, it typically begins 2 or 3 weeks after the first chemotherapy treatment.1
In addition to hair on your head, you may lose eyebrows, eyelashes, facial hair, pubic hair, underarm hair, and leg hair. The amount of hair loss depends on the specific chemotherapy drug being used to treat your cancer.1
Taking Action to Cope With Hair Loss
Hair loss is a temporary side effect of chemotherapy. After you've completed your chemo treatment, your hair will grow back and may look different than it did before.1
In the meantime, here are a few tips to help you cope with the temporary hair loss:2
- Cut your hair before it falls out. The experience of losing hair is sometimes worse than dealing with it once it's gone. If you expect to lose all or a lot of your hair, cutting it first may be easier.
- Plan ahead. Shop for a wig before your hair is gone, especially if you wish to match your natural color. Or take this opportunity to try a different color.
- Try hats or head scarves; these are good alternatives or a complement to a wig.
- Remember to cover your head or use sunscreen on your scalp.
Skin that has been covered with hair may be particularly sensitive
to the sun's UV rays.
- Some insurance companies cover the cost of a wig. Talk with your insurer.
- Treat your new hair gently once it grows back. Avoid chemicals,
bleach, peroxide, or colors.
- The American Cancer Society's program "Look Good...Feel Better" has
materials available covering cranial prosthesis (wig) information
and pointers on head coverings. Get your free copy by calling
1-800-395-LOOK.
- Another resource is www.heartofgoldwigs.com.
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It grows back!
Hair typically begins to grow back about 2 to 3 weeks after you finish
chemotherapy treatment.
Hair may grow back looking different than it did before treatment. For
example, color or texture (curly or straight) may change.
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Learn more about how you can best manage other types of chemotherapy side effects.
1. What are the possible side effects of chemotherapy? American Cancer Society website. Updated June 17, 2009. http://www.cancer.org/docroot/ETO/content/ETO_1_4X_What_Are_The
_Side_Effects_of_Chemotherapy.asp?sitearea=ETO. Accessed June 4, 2010.
2. Chemotherapy and you. National Cancer Institute. Updated May 2007. NIH Publication No. 07—7156. http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/chemotherapy-and-you.pdf. Accessed June 4, 2010.
Understanding Cancer –
Chemotherapy Side Effects –
Treating Cancer in Other Ways
Tracking Your Test Results –
Understanding Insurance and Tax Issues
Chemotherapy Resources and Organizations –
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