Why It Happens And How To Cope?

They say you don’t realise how precious your hair is till you start losing it. If you have cancer and need chemotherapy, then the possibility of hair loss is a cold reality. Hair loss is probably one of the most dreaded byproducts of cancer treatment.

Since the chemotherapy drugs are designed to effectively destroy all rapidly multiplying cells, hair loss is often the unfortunate collateral damage in the bid to kill cancer cells. While many patients simply refuse chemotherapy for fear of hair loss, in most cases, the locks grow back once treatment is completed.

The degree of hair loss (chemotherapy-induced alopecia or CIA) hinges on the type of cancer, the drug administered and the dosage and pattern of treatment. For many patients, CIA sets in within a week or two of treatment commencement.

Chemotherapy And Hair Loss

As mentioned earlier, the powerful medicines used in chemotherapy to attack fast-growing cancer cells also kill cells in your hair roots, causing hair loss. Hair loss is not just limited to the scalp, but can also affect your eyelashes, eyebrows, armpit, pubic and other body hair.

Hair could fall off quickly in clumps or slowly, causing anything from slight thinning to complete hair loss. You are likely to notice hair on your pillow or hairbrush or your sink and shower drain. The scalp might feel tender. Hair loss continues throughout the treatment period and a few weeks after.

Does Hair Grow Back After Chemotherapy?

Yes, hair usually starts growing back several weeks following treatment and the process continues from three to six months after your treatment ends. The new hair might be slightly different in texture or colour, for instance curlier than before or gray till the pigment-controlling cells begin functioning again. Medicines like minoxidil might be helpful in hair regrowth following cancer therapy, but more research is needed to establish the effectiveness of this treatment.

How Should One Go About Hair Care During Chemotherapy?

While hair loss usually can’t be prevented, it can, however, be managed. You can follow these guidelines:

Before Chemotherapy

Be gentle to your hair: Don’t bleach, colour, straighten or perm your hair as that can weaken it. Only air-dry your air and avoid curling irons and hot rollers.

Shorten your hair: Shorter hair tends to look fuller than long hair and when hair starts falling off, it won’t be as noticeable.

Plan ahead for a head covering: You can think of caps, hats, scarves, wigs or other forms of covering to mask hair loss.

During Chemotherapy

Continue to be gentle to your hair: Use a soft brush and wash your hair only as frequently as required, using a mild shampoo.

Think about shaving your head: Many patients complain about itchy, sensitive and irritated scalp during chemotherapy treatment while they are losing hair. A shaved head can lessen the irritation and the ordeal of shedding hair.

Protect your scalp: While undergoing treatment, protect your scalp with a head covering or with sunscreen. It will make you more comfortable.

After Chemotherapy

Still continue with gentle hair care: The new hair growing can be very delicate and could be easily damaged by heating devices and styling products. So, refrain from colouring, straightening or bleaching the newly-grown hair till it is strong enough.

Be patient: It takes time for your body to repair the damage caused by your cancer treatment. Hence, your hair might take time to grow back and you need to be patient during this period and not fret too much.