Hair loss can concern individuals undergoing chemotherapy as part of their cancer treatment. 

Both men and women often consider it one of a cancer diagnosis’s most distressing side effects.

Hair loss can show others that you are battling cancer, which may be uncomfortable for you.

Individuals can better cope with this challenging aspect of chemotherapy by discussing concerns with their healthcare team and preparing for potential hair loss.

In this article, we will learn how long does it take for hair to grow back after chemo?

Fact
Chemotherapy is the use of drugs that destroys cancer cells. It is done by using cytotoxic and some other medicines. Generally, chemotherapy is done intravenously, but in some cases, the doctor may recommend oral chemotherapy.

Time taken for hair to grow back

It may take six to eight weeks after your treatment for your hair to start growing again. 

When your hair starts to come back, you might notice changes in the texture of your hair from what you had before. 

But don’t worry; these changes are usually temporary.

Your new hair may have a different texture or color than you have lost. 

It could be curlier or even gray as the cells that control hair pigment gradually start working again. 

Remember, these differences are temporary, and your hair will eventually return to its usual look.

How to handle your hair

There isn’t any way to help prevent hair loss, but you can take specific measures to manage it.

During your chemotherapy treatment, you can follow the following steps to reduce the frustration and irritation related to hair loss:

Before starting your treatment

Woman using wig
Woman using wig

It’s essential to treat your hair with care; follow the given steps to do so:

  • Avoid subjecting it to bleaching, coloring, or perming, as these can weaken your hair
  • Allow your hair to air-dry whenever possible instead of using heat-styling tools like curling irons or hot rollers
  • Taking steps to strengthen your hair beforehand might help it stay on your head a bit longer during treatment
  • Consider getting a haircut, as shorter hair tends to appear fuller, making the hair loss less noticeable. This can also help ease the transition to complete hair loss
  • Planning and considering options for covering your head is a good idea. Wigs, scarves, or other head coverings can provide choices for concealing hair loss. Consult with your doctor to get a prescription for a wig, as some health insurance plans may cover the cost.

During your chemotherapy treatment

Continue treating your remaining hair gently. 

You can also follow the given steps to keep your hair healthy:

  • Opt for a soft brush and only wash your hair when necessary
  • Consider using a gentle shampoo to minimize any potential damage
  • Some individuals find relief from scalp itchiness, sensitivity, and irritation by shaving their heads. Shaving can also help avoid the embarrassment of hair shedding
  • Always protect your scalp from the sun and cold weather by using sunscreen or wearing a head covering. Your scalp may be sensitive during treatment, and exposure to extreme temperatures can cause discomfort.

After completing your treatment

You can follow the given steps to grow your hair faster:

  • Your newly grown hair will be delicate and prone to damage from styling products and heat
  • Patience is key during this time, as hair regrowth is gradual. It may not look normal immediately, but with time, your hair will recover, and any damage caused by the cancer treatment will gradually repair itself.

Preventing hair loss

No treatment can guarantee that you wouldn’t face hair loss during or after chemotherapy.

But several treatment methods are there which can prevent the loss of hair during your chemo, but they also have not been that much effective. 

These treatments include:

Scalp cooling caps (Scalp hypothermia)

A specialized cap cooled with chilled liquid can be worn tightly on the head during chemotherapy. 

This innovative method aims to reduce the impact of chemotherapy drugs on the hair by slowing down blood flow to the scalp.

Studies have shown promising results for scalp cooling caps and similar techniques in most individuals who have used them. 

However, it’s important to note that this procedure has a slight risk. 

There is a minor chance of cancer recurrence in the scalp area due to the lower dose of chemotherapy reaching that specific region. 

Some patients who opt for scalp hypothermia have reported feeling uncomfortably cold and experiencing occasional headaches as side effects.

Minoxidil

Applying Minoxidil
Applying Minoxidill

Minoxidil is an FDA-approved medicine for hair loss.

Applying topical Minoxidil to the scalp during or after the chemotherapy may not prevent hair loss.

But some research shows that it may speed up the hair regrowth.

More research is required to determine whether Minoxidil is effective in regrowing hair after cancer treatment.

Checkout:
If your doctor recommends, you can get the following topical Minoxidil from WowRxPharmacy:

  • Brufen 400 mg
  • Hair 4u 2%

    • Conclusion

    After chemotherapy, the regrowth of hair varies in duration and appearance. 

    Patience is crucial, as it can take weeks or months for the hair to start growing again. 

    Embracing the natural process of hair regrowth requires resilience and understanding.

    The new hair may have temporary changes in texture or color. 

    Taking gentle care and seeking guidance from healthcare professionals can aid in regrowing hair post-chemotherapy.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Citations:
    WowRx uses only high-quality sources while writing our articles. Please read our content information policy to know more about how we keep our content reliable and trustworthy.