From OncoLog, April 2005, Vol. 50, No. 4

House Call: Chemotherapy and Hair Loss:
Coping with a common side effect of cancer therapy

Chemotherapy often causes hair loss, a visible side effect of cancer treatment and a source of emotional distress for those coping with the disease.

Chemotherapy works by killing rapidly growing cancer cells, and in the process, many rapidly growing healthy cells die, too, such as cells in the hair follicles. The hair loss that results can drastically affect a person’s appearance and self-image. Here are answers to some common questions that might help you understand and cope with chemotherapy-induced hair loss.

Why does chemotherapy cause hair loss? Because anticancer drugs don’t discriminate between the cells they destroy, they often kill normal cells, like those in hair follicles, resulting in rapid hair loss. This loss can occur on all parts of the body––scalp, face, arms, legs, underarms, and pubic areas, and can vary in degree from mild thinning to total hair loss.

Can hair loss be prevented during chemotherapy treatment? There is no known way to prevent chemotherapy-induced hair loss. However, not all chemotherapy medications cause hair loss. You should consult with your doctor about the type of treatment recommended for you and what its side effects are likely to be. Whether or not you lose your hair depends in part on the specific medication and dosage administered.

When will I lose my hair, and is the hair loss permanent? Depending on the type of chemotherapy, hair loss can start anywhere from seven to 21 days after treatment begins. When hair loss begins, you may notice a little dull pain or a tingling sensation of the scalp, and the loss can be sudden or gradual. But the good news is that hair loss caused by chemotherapy is temporary. If you lose hair, it will almost always grow back after you have completed treatment, and some people even start to get their hair back while they are still having treatments. The time it takes to regrow hair can vary widely, from three to 12 months. Occasionally, the new hair has a different texture (e.g., curly instead of straight) or color (e.g., dark instead of light).

How can I care for my scalp and hair during chemotherapy? To protect your hair from added stress, use mild shampoos and soft hair brushes. Also, avoid using heat appliances, such as blow dryers, curling irons, and hot rollers. If you must use heat appliances, use the lowest setting. If you experience hair loss, keep your scalp clean and moisturized to prevent skin breaks. Use a sunscreen, sun block, hat, scarf, or wig to protect your scalp from the sun.

What are some tips for looking good despite hair loss? One option is to consult a wig specialist before you start treatment for help with selecting a wig that closely matches the color, style, and texture of your own hair. Many insurance companies will cover all or part of the cost of a wig, but if that option is not available to you, you may be able to claim the purchase on your income tax as a medical deduction. Some people opt for cutting their hair very short or shaving completely at the beginning of treatment just to simplify the process. Shorter styles often appear thicker and fuller, and will make hair loss easier to manage if it occurs. Other options are to wear creatively accessorized turbans, scarves (with scarf pads worn underneath), hats, or bandannas. Still others decide to forgo headwear and embrace baldness.

For more information on this topic or for questions about M. D. Anderson’s treatments, programs, or services, call askMDAnderson at (877) MDA-6789.

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