Chemotherapy and Hair Loss
Table Of Content
The effectiveness of scalp cooling is still being studied, but devices have been approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). It seems to work best for taxane-based chemotherapy. About 90% of your scalp hair is in the active growth phase (anagen) at any time.
Can You Prevent Hair Loss in Chemo?
At lower doses, radiation hair loss is temporary, but at higher doses it can be permanent. Some people choose to cut their hair very short or even shave their head before hair starts falling out. If you choose to shave, use an electric razor to avoid cuts. Head coverings such as scarves, hats and wigs are also an option.
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When Your Hair Starts to Come Out
Some chemotherapy medicines are more likely than others to cause hair loss. Different doses also can cause anything from a slight thinning to complete hair loss. If you decide to wear one, do your shopping at the beginning of your treatment so you can match the natural color, texture, and style of your hair. Make hair loss less scary by asking your doctor what exactly will happen. You may, depending on the chemotherapy drug that is used.
Hair regrowth
Some people say that if the chemo drugs can’t get to your scalp, some cancer cells might remain -- but that’s rarely been reported. There are side effects as well, including head and neck aches. Most hair loss during cancer treatment is caused by chemotherapy. That’s because chemo targets rapidly growing cells, which damages hair follicles and makes the hair fall out.
Studies of scalp cooling caps and other forms of scalp hypothermia have found they work somewhat in most people who have tried them. Scalp hypothermia is treatment to make your scalp very cold. During your chemotherapy infusions, a closely fitted cap that's cooled by chilled liquid can be placed on your head. This way, chemotherapy medicines are less likely to affect your hair. While chemotherapy-induced hair loss most often occurs at the scalp, it can affect other areas of the body as well. It is possible to lose your eyelashes, eyebrows, underarm hair, arm/leg hair and pubic hair.
Scalp cooling
Currently, there is no treatment that can fully prevent hair loss from chemotherapy. Scalp cooling, also known as scalp hypothermia, has shown some effectiveness with certain chemotherapy drugs. It may prevent some (but not all) hair loss during certain types of chemotherapy treatment.
Hair Loss During Cancer Treatment
Some cancer treatments such as chemotherapy can cause hair loss. Most cancer patients who receive chemotherapy will experience at least some hair loss during their treatment. Cooling caps may help prevent hair loss due to chemotherapy. A person can speak with a doctor to discuss if a cooling cap could help them. Some patients try wearing cold caps, which reduces blood flow to the scalp.
If you choose not to wear one, don’t forget to apply sunscreen to your scalp to protect against sunburn. As you lose your hair, your scalp may get tender or itchy. A moisturizing shampoo and conditioner can help, as will a gentle lotion you massage into your scalp.
What can I do to care for my head or cover my hair loss?
Both chemotherapy itself and the hair loss it causes can make your scalp feel rough and itchy, too. So, anything you can do to use fewer chemicals there would probably be prudent. I’d even consider using baby shampoos and cleansing products made for sensitive skin for a while, since they tend to be milder and cause less irritation. It’s normal to feel anxious, depressed, or self-conscious about losing your hair. And women often have a harder time with it than men. A support group can connect you with others going through the same thing.
Some types of chemotherapy (such as busulfan and cyclophosphamide) have a higher risk of permanent hair loss. Chemotherapy drugs damage the genetic material (RNA and DNA) inside rapidly dividing cells that guide cell division. Because these drugs cannot tell the difference between rapidly dividing healthy and cancer cells, they also affect healthy cells. For most people, chemo-related hair loss is temporary.
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Shorter hair doesn’t lie flat against your head, so it can make your hair look thicker and fuller. (It’s also easier to manage under wigs.) If you choose to shave your head, use an electric shaver or have it done at a barbershop. Some people will note hair beginning to come back even before the end of treatment, but it is more common to see it growing back after two to three months. At first, you may see light amounts of fuzz-like hair return, followed by thicker amounts of hair. Hair loss usually doesn’t happen immediately after chemotherapy.
To slow down hair loss, stay away from shampoos that contain strong fragrances, alcohol, or salicylic acid. For now, don’t color, perm, or chemically straighten your hair. Don’t use rollers, curling irons, or straightening irons. Use a soft-bristle hairbrush, and instead of using a blow-dryer, let your hair air-dry. Depending on their age, children may be scared or even embarrassed by your hair loss. Let them know what to expect and why your treatment is so important.
Some people notice mild thinning, while others may lose hair over their entire body. After losing all or most of their hair, some people choose to wear head covers such as wigs, turbans, scarves, hats, or hairpieces. Cotton fabrics are usually cooler and may stay on the head more easily than polyester or nylon. Hair loss does not typically begin immediately after starting chemo.
Some people alternate wearing wigs and other head coverings such as scarves. Additionally, some people choose not to cover their head after their hair falls out. It is normal for people to feel upset about losing their hair. Hair loss can be an outward symbol to others that you have cancer and are undergoing treatment. Talking with your care team about your concerns and taking steps to prepare for the possibility of hair loss may be helpful. There are ways to help minimize the distress losing your hair during chemotherapy treatment causes.
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