Scalp care during chemo can be important if you want to help grow hair the best it can post-chemo. In this article, we’ll give you the must-know tips for scalp care during chemotherapy
Why does hair fall during chemo treatment?
A lot of the chemo treatment medication attacks fast-growing cells. Cancer cells, skin cells, and hair cells are all included in this category. The medication can’t differentiate between these, so in the process, skin and hair cells are also targeted by the chemo meds. Since the chemo drugs attack fast-growing cells your hair cells get caught in the crossfire.
Quick Scalp Care Tips for Chemo Patients:
1. Gentle Cleansing
- Use a mild, sulfate-free shampoo to clean your scalp without causing irritation. We recommend baby shampoo. Using gentle shampoo alone can prevent many scalp issues for chemo patients.
- Avoid hot water; use lukewarm water to prevent drying out the scalp.
2. Moisturization
- Apply a fragrance-free, hypoallergenic moisturizer to keep the scalp hydrated.
- Natural oils like coconut, jojoba, emu oil can soothe dryness and itching.
3. Protection
- Wear soft hats, scarves, or wigs to protect the scalp from sunburn and cold weather.
- We recommend sleep hats for chemo patients. This keeps your head warm and does not irritate the scalp.
- Use chemo hats with sun protection when going outdoors.
4. Comfort
- Choose seamless, breathable fabrics like cotton or bamboo for head coverings to reduce irritation.
- Avoid tight hats or accessories that can irritate the scalp.
5. Avoiding Irritants
- Stay away from harsh chemicals, such as alcohol-based products or strong hair treatments.
- Refrain from scratching.
6. Gentle Massage
- Lightly massage the scalp to improve blood circulation and relieve tension. You can massage the oil onto your scalp to get the benefits of both.
7. Prevention of Infection
- Keep the scalp clean and dry to reduce the risk of infections.
- Consult a doctor if there are signs of redness, swelling, or sores.
8. Be Patient with Regrowth
- Once treatment ends, hair may grow back differently in texture or color.
- Continue gentle care as new hair starts to appear.
Detailed: Scalp Care Tips During Chemotherapy
#1 Don’t shave your hair down to your skin – Get a buzzcut instead
First things first, before you start your chemo journey you need to shorten your hair the right way. This is because when chemo causes the hair to fall, it falls out with the follicle. If you shave your hair to the skin, the follicle can remain in your scalp causing ingrown hairs. This can cause a lot of discomfort and in order to avoid this, you should get a buzzcut instead.
#2 Wash and condition your scalp every 2-4 days during chemo
MSKCC (Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Centre) recommends washing and conditioning your hair every 2-4 days.
#3 Use a gentle shampoo for your scalp
Chemotherapy makes the scalp more sensitive. As such rough chemicals found in most shampoo is not the best to use during chemotherapy. Baby shampoo is excellent for this, as they are made for sensitive scalps already. Make sure you get an alcohol-free shampoo with organic ingredients. Alternatively, there are chemo shampoo kits that contain all the features you seek.
Chemo patients should avoid the following ingredients in shampoo;
- Methylparaben
- Alcohol
- Methylparaben
- Fragrance
- Sodium Lauryl Sulfate
- Parabens
- Phenoxyethanol
Synergistic with our theme of safety, you can also consider buying a breathable sleep skull cap. These are chemo sleep caps that are not only gentle on your scalp but will also protect from the cold the scalp is very sensitive to after chemotherapy.
The more organic the shampoo is the better#4 Remember to moisturize your scalp. What are the best moisturizers for the scalp for chemo patients?
You can use either an ointment or cream – always check with your doctor if you are unsure of the ingredients. We recommend the following:
- Coconut oil is a common oil often found in households can be great for moisturizing the scalp. Make sure to use organic products.
- Emu oil is also great for dealing with the itchiness.
Headlube is another alternative that works pretty well when the scalp is dry.
#5 Protect your scalp from the sun
Even the heat from the oven can be damaging to your scalp when you’re on chemo! You have to be extra careful during those sunny days. You’ll also notice the top of your scalp is very pale in comparison to the rest of your complexion. It has probably never seen sunlight so you have to be extra protective of your scalp during this time. Look for specialized protective hats for summer to protect your scalp from the damaging rays of the sun. Lola and Mirna are brilliant summer hats for chemo patients. They offer innovative UPF sun protection (Ultraviolet Protection Factor). The Skin Cancer Foundation highly recommends this feature.
If you prefer wigs over hats, make sure you protect your scalp using a wig cap. Wig caps are soft to wear and will protect your head from irritation.
For questions related to hair and shaving before chemo make sure to read our FAQs about shaving your hair before chemo.
FAQs
Is scalp care necessary for chemo patients?
For most patients, unless medical complications arise, it is not necessary.
What are some soothing remedies for scalp irritation?
A cool compress can alleviate discomfort and redness. Calming ingredients like chamomile or oatmeal extract in skincare products can also reduce inflammation. We recommend sleep hats to combat the temperature sensitivity that may be caused by chemotherapy.
