Hair loss or thinning of the hair can be one of the most challenging and emotional side effects of chemotherapy and radiation. This can start 7-10 days after your first treatment is given. While there is nothing that can be done to keep your hair from falling out, there are some things that you can do to help you feel a little more in control of the situation.
- First of all, it’s okay to feel sad or upset about losing your hair. Unlike many other side effects, losing your hair is something that is very visible. You might feel embarrassed or self-conscious at first, and you have a right to feel that way.
- Decide what you want to do with your hair before it falls out. You can dye it a different color, give yourself the crazy haircut you always wanted, or both! Some patients decide to shave it all off at once, to avoid having to deal with the gradual loss of hair.
- Go shopping for hats or bandanas in fun colors and shapes. They will help to give your head a "new look" and keep it warm. You may be surprised at how cold your head gets when you first lose your hair.
- Talk to your social worker about where to find a good wig, if you want one. There may be a local organization or hair dresser that can help you find something comfortable. The Resource Directory of this site can also help you to find programs in your area that provide wigs or assistance with hair pieces.
- Find a support group or summer camp that you can attend with other cancer patients and survivors. Being with people that share your experiences can help you to feel more comfortable with your new look. Hundreds of camps and support groups, at no cost to you, can also be found in the Resource Directory of this site.
Chemotherapy affects rapidly growing cells within the body. Hair cells, like many other cells, grow rapidly. This is what causes hair loss. It might help you to think about your hair loss as a positive sign of what is happening inside your body. If your hair is falling out, that means that rapidly growing cells are dying...like the cancer!
Your hair will begin to grow back when your cancer treatments are complete, or in some cases, when your treatment becomes less intense. In many cases, your hair may come back a slightly different color or texture (thicker, thinner or curlier).
If you have specific questions about when your hair is likely to start growing again, ask your healthcare team to explain it to you.