Cancer treatments can often cause hair loss, which is one of the most visible effects.
Seeing the first physical effect of it can be tough. Knowing why it happens, how to prepare, and ways to cope can make the journey feel more smoother. This comprehensive post will explain the causes and offer practical hair loss solutions to help you to feel more prepared and confident through this process.
Why Hair Loss Happens During Cancer Treatments
During chemotherapy, radiotherapy or other cancer treatment, you may experience hair loss
or hair thinning. It is usually gradual rather than sudden. If you start losing your hair, it
usually begins within two to three weeks after treatment has begun. (Cancer Research UK)
These side effects are almost always temporary. Different treatments affect your body in
different ways.
- Chemotherapy
Not all chemotherapy drugs cause hair loss, but most of them do. They target fast-growing
cells meaning they disrupt cancer cells which grow and divide quickly. However, hair follicle
cells also divide rapidly, so they are also affected. And because chemotherapy drugs travel
through the bloodstream, they can temporarily disrupt hair follicles everywhere: the scalp,
eyebrows, eyelashes, and body hair.
But not to worry, once treatment ends and chemo leaves the system, hair follicles will most
likely gradually recover and begin producing new hair.
● You may first notice soft “peach fuzz” hair appearing about three to six weeks after
the last treatment.
● More noticeable thicker hair often begins to grow within four to six weeks.
● By twelve months, your hair may have grown four to six inches (10-15CM) and long
enough for you to brush and style.
At first, your hair may be curlier or the color may be different, but it is only temporary. - Radiation Therapy
Radiation therapy affects only the area being treated, so hair loss is more localised. For
example, if radiation is directed at the head or neck, hair loss may occur in that specific area.
Hair regrowth can depend on the radiation dose. Sometimes it grows back fully, and other
times it may return thinner or not at all if high doses were used.
More detailed information on hair loss during these treatments or others may be found on
Macmillan Cancer Support website.
How to Prepare Before Hair Loss Begins
Mental and practical preparations can give you more control in a process that often feels
unpredictable. Here are some ways to prepare yourself.
- Talk with your doctor
Different cancer treatments will affect your hair in different ways, you may consult your
doctor and ask questions to understand the process more. For example:
● How will the treatment affect my hair?
● Is my treatment likely to cause hair loss?
● When might it start?
● How much hair loss is expected?
● Is there anything I can do to prevent hair loss?
Knowing what to expect can make the transition gentler and easier to cope with. - Consider cutting your hair shorter or a buzz cut
Seeing yourself with a shorter haircut first such as a bob cut or pixie cut may help.
● Gentler Transition: It makes the process of losing your hair feel less sudden and
shocking. The transition is gentler.
● Getting Used to the Look: You can get used to seeing yourself with shorter hair
before it falls out. This means when your new hair starts to grow back, you are
already used to a shorter style.
● Taking Control: Many people say doing this makes them feel like they are taking
back control of the situation, rather than waiting for the loss to just happen. - Explore head coverings ahead of time
You can start looking for and trying on wigs or stylish headwear specifically for hair loss and
those with sensitive scalps. You can find different types of headwear such as beanies, hats,
turbans, scarves, or even sleep hats so you will be more comfortable and be able to keep
your head warm at night.
Look for headwears that are specifically designed for hair loss :
● Soft fabrics like organic bamboo and soft cotton to soothe tender scalps.
● Specifically, headwear that has seamless construction, tagless interiors, adjustable
fits, breathable material and stylish! So that you can still feel like yourself.
You can also try out wigs! Wig specialists and hair salons can assist you in tailoring a wig to
your hairstyle and it can be prepared for you before hair loss. Or, you can go for another
hair colour or style, choose a colour or hairstyle you always wanted to try! Have some fun!
Looking these up and researching in advance can help you feel more prepared and to make
the decision feel calmer rather than rushed.
- Look into scalp cooling (if available)
Scalp cooling caps reduce blood flow to hair follicles during chemo. They might not work for
everyone, but they may lessen hair loss for some people. Your doctor can tell you if it’s
available and suitable for you.
More detailed information on scalp cooling can be found here. - Create a gentle hair-care routine
Changing your hair-care routine may help reduce shedding and scalp irritation. For example:
● Use gentle hair products.
● Avoid harsh chemicals such as hair dye.
● Minimise using heat tools such as hairdryers, curling tongs, hair straighteners and
even curlers.
● Protect your scalp from the sun. Use UPF-rated hats and wide-brimmed caps. For example, you can go to Masumi’s Chemo Hats for Summer and Spring and take a look at the large variety of sun hats that can offer sun protection.
Coping With Hair Loss Emotionally and Practically
Here are some coping strategies that can help you stay grounded and supported.
- Acknowledge your feelings
Whether you feel grief, frustration, anger, or indifference, your emotions are valid. There is
no “right” way to feel about losing your hair. - Seek support
Talking with a therapist, support group, caregiver, family or friend can help lighten the emotional load. Many people find comfort in connecting with others who’ve been through similar experiences. American Cancer Society has support and online communities to help you.
There are also charities that offer support and services specifically for those going through cancer and family and friends. For example, Cancer Care is a charity that offers counseling, support groups, educational programs, and resources to individuals with cancer and their families and friends.
Related: How to tell friends and family about your diagnosis
- Experiment with new looks
Some people enjoy exploring wigs, scarves, hats, or bold jewelry. Others embrace their
scalp with confidence and simplicity. Do whatever makes you feel beautiful and comfortable,
at the end of the day, you are still you. - Remember that hair loss is temporary
Even though this experience can be difficult, most people will see a regrowth about three to
six months after treatment ends. By twelve months, you should have an idea of how thick
your hair will be. (Macmillan) It may come back softer, curlier, or with a different shade, but
most often it will regrow.
Final Thoughts
Hair loss during cancer treatment can feel deeply personal. It’s a visible reminder of a fight
that’s often happening behind the scenes, and it can stir feelings many people don’t expect.
But you are not alone in this. Preparing ahead, understanding the process, caring for both
your scalp and your emotions, and reaching out for support can make this part of the journey
easier to navigate.
References:
Macmillan Cancer Support: the UK’s leading cancer care charity. Source for why hair
loss happens during cancer treatment and provides community support for those that
have been diagnosed with cancer and those who have someone they care about that
is also going through these tough times.
Masumi Headwear Online Store: Source for wigs, headwear and sun protection hats
designed for sensitive scalps and chemotherapy support. These style and comfort
products empower women dealing with hair loss.
American Cancer Society: Provides community support for those that have been diagnosed with cancer or who have someone they care about that is also dealing with cancer, helping you to connect to services and peer networks
Cancer Care: A leading national organization dedicated to providing free, professional support services to anyone affected by cancer.
Cancer Research UK: World’s leading independent cancer charity dedicated to
saving lives through research, influence and information
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