Post-Chemotherapy Hair Regrowth: A Comprehensive Guide

Chemotherapy drugs are powerful and attack the cancer cells that rapidly grow in your body. The unfortunate part is that these drugs can also affect other cells such as the ones in the roots of your hair. That is why many cancer patients who undergo chemotherapy lose their hair. Not all chemo drugs cause hair loss and the dose of the drug determines whether your hair will completely fall out or merely thin out.

Would you like some good news? Well, hair loss due to chemotherapy treatments is not always permanent! Your hair can grow back in three to ten months after your treatment is complete. The texture and shade of your hair could change temporarily, so do not be alarmed.

Can Chemotherapy Hair Loss be Avoided?

Unfortunately, there is no guarantee that chemotherapy will not cause hair loss during or after the treatment. According to doctors, it is best to deal with the imminent hair loss by preparing yourself and focusing on being comfortable with the way you look before, during and after the treatment of your cancer. It depends a lot on your personal attitude towards your appearance and of course, the support of your loved ones while you go through this difficult time.

How to make the best of chemotherapy and hair loss that follows:

Since hair loss cannot be prevented if you are getting chemotherapy, there are a few ways in which you can manage it. Here are a few steps that you can take before, during and after your treatment to lessen the frustration and anxiety experienced due to the chemo hair loss:

Before chemo:

• Treat your hair gently. Do not use anything that can weaken your hair such as color or bleach. Do not perm your hair. Always let your hair dry naturally and avoid using hot rollers and curling irons.

• Cutting your hair short can be taken into consideration. As your hair falls, short hair will make the thinning less noticeable than it would if you had long hair. Cutting your hair short will also make the transition to the impending baldness much easier for you.

Start thinking about the options you have for a head covering. Scarves, wigs, hats, etc. can make stylish coverings for baldness. However, it is up to you to decide whether you want to cover your hair loss. If you are comfortable being bald and beautiful, go for it!

During chemo:

• It is important for you to continue to be gentle with your hair as you start chemotherapy. Always use a brush that is soft and do not wash your hair too often. Use only gentle shampoos to wash your hair.

• Your scalp could start itching and feel sensitive once your hair starts falling. You should consider shaving your hair completely as the irritation and itchiness can be minimized.

• Always make sure that your scalp is protected, whether you are out in the sun or in the cold. Your scalp can become extra-sensitive while you go undergo chemotherapy; hence, extreme heat or cold can irritate it.

After chemo:

• Even after treatment, you need to be gentle on your scalp and the new hair that grows. Your new hair is most likely to be very fragile, so hold off on colouring or styling it for a while.

• You will probably be in a rush to get your hair back. But be patient as repairing the damage done to your hair by chemotherapy can take a while.

Hair loss due to chemotherapy is inevitable; however, you can make sure that the hair that grows back after the treatment is healthy by gently caring for your hair and scalp right before you start the treatment and continue after it is completed.