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Chemotherapy and radiation therapy attack rapidly growing cancer cells. Unfortunately, these therapies cannot differentiate between cancer cells and rapidly growing healthy cells such as those in hair follicles. Depending on the medication you are taking, your doctor can tell you whether hair loss is likely to occur. Hair loss can be partial or total - hair can thin, fall out in patches, or fall out completely.
It is important to remember that hair loss from chemotherapy or radiation therapy is temporary. Hair usually grows back after cancer treatment is over and in some cases while a patient is still undergoing treatment. Hair may start to thin within one to four weeks after the first treatment (four weeks in the case of radiation therapy). Hair regrowth can take three to five months, and new hair may differ in texture and possibly color.
Caring for Your Hair during Treatment:
The following suggestions probably will not prevent hair loss, but may lessen its impact.
- Use a mild shampoo and conditioner; choose products that include sunscreen to prevent damage from sun exposure. Rinse your hair thoroughly and gently pat it dry. Ask your hairdresser to recommend gentle products appropriate for use during chemotherapy.
- Gently use a wide-toothed comb or a soft bristle brush on your hair. Start combing from the ends and gently work up the scalp. You can also comb your hair using moistened fingers instead of a comb.
- Don't use hair sprays, hair coloring, or perm your hair. These chemical treatments will damage your hair. Don't use electric hair dryers, curlers, or curling irons; these can increase the rate at which your hair falls out.
- Don't use hair clips, barrettes, bobby pins, rubber bathing caps, and don't put hair in braids or corn rows; these can all pull fragile hair.
- Consider cutting hair short to prepare for any hair loss. Before you begin treatment, purchase a wig or toupee. The cost is usually covered by insurance; your doctor can give you a prescription.
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