Chemotherapy Hair Loss: How To Prevent Hair Fall & Care Tips

Why Does Chemotherapy Cause Hair Loss?

Hair loss from chemotherapy is caused due to the use of powerful drugs in the treatment. These drugs are meant to attack the rapidly dividing cancer cells in the body. However, the drugs cannot differentiate cancer cells from the healthier ones and end up attacking both. As hair follicles are among the fastest multiplying cells in the human body, the chemotherapy drugs tend to attack them first (1).

Quick Tip

Chemotherapy-induced hair loss can be emotionally challenging. Consider joining a support group or an online forum to help cope with its mental impact.

Do All Chemo Patients Experience Hair Loss?

Not everyone undergoing chemotherapy will experience hair loss. The hair loss depends on the type of drug used in the treatment. Different drugs have different reactions on patients. Chemotherapy-related hair loss may be unnoticeable in some people, manifesting as just hair thinning or as hair loss in patches. In contrast, some individuals may experience baldness and even hair loss from the eyebrows, eyelashes, armpits, and pubic areas. By and large, hairs in the anagen growth phase are most affected (1).

A study revealed that 18.1 million people were diagnosed with cancer globally (excluding non-melanoma skin cancers) in 2020, and it’s expected to increase to 26 million by 2040. By 2040, about 15 million people will require initial chemotherapy every year, marking a 50% increase. Among those receiving chemotherapy, approximately 65% may experience chemotherapy-induced hair loss and other changes in hair pigmentation, texture, quantity, and growth.

Hair loss in patients depends on the type of drug used, the dosage of the drug, the patient’s sensitivity to the drug, and drug treatments given in the past.

Following is the list of chemotherapy drugs known to cause hair loss:

• Adriamycin causes total hair loss on your head. This drug can show its effects in the initial weeks. Some may also experience loss of eyebrows and eyelashes.
• Methotrexate may trigger hair fall only in a fraction of the patients.
• 5-fluorouracil and Cytoxan are known to cause very little hair loss in most patients.
• Taxol causes total hair loss in patients. It also leads to loss of eyebrows, eyelashes, pubic hair, and hair on arms, legs, and armpits.

Chemo Hair Fall Timeline

The chemotherapy hair fall timeline can differ between patients. However, the average chemotherapy patient’s hair loss timeline looks something like this:

1. Hair fall usually starts in the initial weeks of chemo. The first signs of hair fall are mostly observed at the crown of the head and sides.
2. The patient may experience increased hair fall as the treatment progresses, with chunks of hair falling at a time.
3. Baldness may occur within three months of the treatment.
4. New hair growth may start in three months after the treatment ends. The new hair may be different in color and texture. However, this is temporary. New hair growth may be slower than normal.

But can you prevent hair fall during chemotherapy? Are there any options available?

How Can You Prevent Hair Fall During Chemotherapy?

While there are no specific therapies, certain options have shown to reduce hair fall during chemotherapy. These include:

1. Scalp Cooling

A cap with cold liquid is fitted on the head. It reduces blood flow to the scalp and the absorption of chemotherapy drugs by the scalp. It may reduce the overall effect of chemotherapy on hair.

However, this treatment may lead to the recurrence of cancer in the scalp due to a reduced effect of chemo drugs. It also may cause headaches afterward. This treatment may not suit those with leukemia or who are undergoing scalp radiotherapy.

2. Minoxidil

Minoxidil is a drug used for reducing hair loss. It may reduce the duration of hair loss during chemotherapy (2).

Hair Care Before Chemotherapy

Even though hair loss is not completely avoidable, it can still be controlled and managed. These simple hair care tips may help:

• Handle Your Hair Gently: Avoid using harsh chemicals like bleach and hair colors for some time. Use gentle shampoos. Keep off from hot hair styling tools like flat irons, etc.
• Consider A Haircut: Many patients have reported scalp itchiness during chemo. Getting a haircut before the treatment commences may help reduce the itchiness.
• Get A Wig: Hair regrowth could be slow after the treatment. Getting a wig may help you deal with the discomfort.
• Protect Your Scalp: Protecting your head from the sun will reduce any damage caused due to excessive heat. Keep your hair covered with a hat or a scarf. This will also help prevent any irritation due to the sun.

Hair Care Tips After Chemo Treatment

Hair care after chemo should also comprise the above tips. Additionally, keep in mind the following pointers:

• Use natural and gentle shampoos and conditioners.
• Avoid heating tools for a few months.
• Use a baby hairbrush until your hair is strong enough.
• Be patient. Hair regrowth after chemo may be slow.

Quick Tip

Avoid wetting your hair in swimming pools, as chlorine in its water may be harsh for your fragile hair (3). If you really have to go swimming, wear a well-fitting swim cap to act as a protective barrier between your hair and the chlorinated water.

When Will My Hair Grow Back After Chemotherapy?

Hair regrowth after chemo can differ between patients. Most often, a soft fuzz grows in the first few weeks after treatment. In some cases, hair regrowth may take much longer (and in rare scenarios, it may never occur). It also depends on the type of cancer, the drug used, dosage, and other treatments.

We have discussed the post-chemo hair growth timeline in the following section.

Hair Growth After Chemo – A Timeline

Hair does grow normally a few weeks after the completion of the chemo treatment. Here is the probable timeline:

• 2 to 3 weeks after treatment: A soft fuzz of hair will start growing.
• In 1 month: Real hair starts to grow back. The normal hair growth rate will commence after a few days.
• In 2 months: Hair grows to an inch and beyond.

Does Chemotherapy Result In Permanent Hair Loss?

Chemotherapy usually does not result in permanent hair loss. However, many years of constant chemotherapy can burn out and shut the follicles, leading to permanent baldness. But this is a rare situation.

Patients must also note that their hair health is directly related to their diet and overall health. A balanced diet promotes hair health and may help stimulate hair growth after chemo. Your dermatologist may also suggest topical use of Minoxidil for reducing hair loss.

Will My Hair Texture Change After Chemo?

Hair color and texture may change during and after chemo. However, this change is most often temporary. But the regrown hair is still fragile and needs care. Use gentle hair brushes and hair products to reduce irritation or stress to your hair.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many rounds of chemo do you lose hair?

While chemotherapy-associated hair loss depends on the strength and type of the medicine, and varies from person to person, it is most evident 2 months into the treatment.

Does hair grow back gray after chemo?

The new hair that grows back after chemo may be different in texture and color than your original hair. It might be gray until the pigment-modulating cells begin functioning normally.

How long after chemo do eyebrows grow back?

While it depends on your age, the kind of medicine, and its dosage, eyebrow hair may take between 4-6 months to regrow back.

This video delves into the details of hair loss due to chemotherapy. Get expert advice about the various treatments available to prevent and treat hair loss in chemotherapy. Check out the video now!

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Dr. Somodyuti ChandraMBBS, MD DVL & DNB

 

Dr. Somodyuti is a board-certified dermatologist with 9 years of experience, who specializes in skin, hair, and nail problems, laser surgery, and esthetic procedures. After completing her MBBS and MD DVL and DNB, she went on to do DNB Dermatology from the National Board (New Delhi) and MRCP - SCE Dermatology, from the Royal College of Physicians, UK. She has...more

Annie JangamBeauty & Lifestyle Writer

 

Annie Jangam is a researcher-turned-content writer with 11 years of experience. She enjoys dissecting complex clinical studies and shuffling through the scientific jargon to make science interesting and easy to understand. Her scientific aptitude and love for writing paved the way to pursue a career in writing research-backed articles on skin care and hair care. Her expertise stems from her...more

Anjali SayeeAssociate Editor

Anjali is an associate editor at StyleCraze. She specializes in hairstyles and hair and skin care and has written over 200 articles in these domains. She has 7 years of experience, and her philosophy about hair and skin care is simple: if you love and care for it, it will be healthy. She has taken it upon herself to show...more

Swathi ESenior Beauty & Lifestyle Writer

Swathi has a postgraduate degree in English literature from The English And Foreign Languages University, Hyderabad, and over three years of experience in writing on beauty, health, and lifestyle. She also has a diploma in English journalism from the Indian Institute of Mass Communication, Kottayam, and is a certified skincare coach. Her interest in staying updated on beauty and lifestyle...more