Hair loss during chemotherapy

Not all chemotherapy drugs cause hair loss. After chemotherapy hair does grow back.

While some of the newer, more targeted chemotherapy drugs will not affect the hair, the majority do cause hair loss. And, unfortunately, there is nothing you can do to prevent it. Depending on the chemotherapy drug, your hair may gradually thin before you lose all your hair - or you may lose it all at once.

For example:

• Cyclophosphamide causes hair thinning and can cause temporary hair loss.
• Fluorouracil often causes temporary hair loss.
• Doxorubicin causes hair to thin during the first three weeks of treatment, then temporarily hair falls out.
• With Paclitaxel there is very sudden temporary hair loss; you will likely wake up one morning with your hair on your pillow.

To prepare themselves emotionally for the change, most patients have their hair cut before they start chemotherapy. Others choose to have their heads shaved. Just be assured that it will grow back.

Typically, within a few weeks after treatment ends, your hair will start growing back. If you have been using hair colour or chemicals, your hair may be slower to grow back or may be more brittle.

What does new hair look like after chemotherapy?

As hair begins to grow back after chemotherapy, it will have a different texture; it may be curlier than before. Six months to a year later, your hair will have returned to its normal texture. Until your hair grows back, using moisturiser on your scalp might help skin feel more comfortable and less itchy.

Until their hair grows back, some people choose to wear a wig or hairpiece. Women sometimes wear scarves; others prefer the natural look, as an expression of their battle with cancer. This is your choice; whatever makes you most comfortable is the right decision.

Do not worry if -- during the months of chemotherapy -- your hair starts growing back a little. This is not a sign that your chemotherapy is not working. It is just a natural part of the process.

Try not to let your hair loss bother you too much. It is an unfortunate side effect of chemotherapy that just about everyone goes through. But, thankfully, it is temporary -- and it is helping you fight your disease.