Managing Hair Loss From Chemotherapy
If your treatment team has told you that you’ll be receiving chemotherapy medicines that will cause hair loss, these steps can help you feel more prepared, possibly lessen hair loss, and help protect your hair as it grows back.
Preparing for hair loss from chemotherapy
A good way to make hair loss from chemotherapy a little less stressful is knowing what to expect and getting prepared. Here are a few ways you can prepare for hair loss from chemotherapy.
Manual cold caps and scalp cooling systems are tightly fitting hat-like devices filled with a cold gel or liquid coolant that are worn during chemotherapy infusions. These devices have helped many people keep some or quite a bit of their hair during chemotherapy.
Cutting your hair before even starting chemo isn't for everyone, but some people find that it helps them get used to having less hair and makes shedding easier to manage. Also, if you decide to get a wig, it will fit better over shorter hair. Some people also choose to shave their hair off when it starts to fall out.
Some hair salons offer free haircuts to people who are losing their hair due to chemotherapy or are in the process of growing it back. You can search online to see if there are hair salons in your area offering this service. Great Clips is one salon chain that offers complimentary clipper cuts to customers facing hair loss because of cancer treatment.
Scarves, hats, and turbans will keep your head warm and protected from the sun, and will conceal your hair loss if you wish to do so. You may not know at first which head coverings will work best for you, but it can be helpful to have a few on hand when you start to lose your hair.
If you think you may want a wig, there are some advantages to picking it out before you start chemotherapy. You’ll have more energy, may not feel as rushed, and can more easily match the wig to your natural hair color and style.
Read more about wigs.
Tips for managing hair loss from chemotherapy
Here are some practical tips for managing hair loss from chemotherapy after it occurs:
After you lose your hair, continue to wash your scalp with a mild shampoo and conditioner to remove excess oil and dry skin.
You might discover that you often prefer going without head coverings. But if you go out in the sun, protect your scalp by wearing a hat, scarf, or sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher.
Treat remaining hair or new growth gently. During chemotherapy and for a few months afterwards, avoid hair dye, bleach, peroxide, relaxers, and other chemical treatments. It’s also best to avoid hair dryers, curling irons, hot rollers, and other heated styling tools.
Don’t expect your new hair to look exactly like your old hair when it first grows back. It may be a different color, texture, or thickness.
Keep in mind that although hair loss from chemotherapy is challenging, some people find that they can have fun and gain a sense of control by experimenting with new looks — whether it’s trying a wig that’s different from your usual hair style, layering a beanie and a scarf, or embracing the look of very short or no hair.
If you’ve finished chemotherapy treatment and your hair isn’t growing back or is thinner than it was in the past, consider seeing a dermatologist. They can evaluate whether other factors besides chemotherapy may be contributing to your hair loss, such as thyroid disease, nutritional deficiency, or stress. They can diagnose a variety of hair disorders, including scarring and non-scarring forms of hair loss, and recommend appropriate treatment. If possible, seek out a dermatologist who specializes in hair loss or an “onco-dermatologist” who specializes in hair, skin, and nail conditions that can develop during cancer treatment.
Learn more about minimizing chemo side effects.
Eyebrow and eyelash loss from chemotherapy
Chemotherapy can also affect your eyebrows and eyelashes, which catches some people by surprise, especially since it may not happen at the same time as hair loss from your scalp. Fortunately, though, they usually grow back, and there are several temporary and permanent techniques to adjust the look of thinning or lost brows and lashes.
Read more about eyebrow and eyelash loss after chemo.
— Last updated on December 5, 2024 at 7:27 PM