Things to Know About Chemotherapy and Hair Loss

Last updated 3 months ago

Woman recovering from breast cancer sitting on a dock.

Cancer cells are a danger to your body because of their ability to multiply rapidly and spread to healthy tissues and organs. Chemotherapy is used as a cancer treatment because it targets quick-growing cells using specific medications determined by your exact condition. Some chemotherapy drugs lead to hair loss, and others do not. Patients who do experience loss of hair along the scalp will see it regrow after treatment is completed. Unfortunately, sometimes waiting for hair to replenish itself can have a serious impact on one’s self-confidence.

Understanding Chemotherapy-targeted Cells

Because chemotherapy is designed to eradicate rapidly multiplying cells, hair follicles may be attacked along with cancerous cells. Hair follicles divide quickly, about once every 23-72 hours, so they are usually affected. Patients who are given Adrimyacin or Taxol will probably see complete loss of hair on the head and other parts of the body. Methotrexate may only lead to partial temporary baldness.

Coping with Chemo-related Hair Loss:

Many patients who lose hair to chemo (men or women) can lose confidence in their appearance and feel physically uncomfortable with the change. By working with a hair loss specialist and your oncologist, you can find a temporary hair replacement solution that mimics your natural appearance while your hair regrows. Visit a specialist before your therapy begins so you can disguise hair loss throughout every stage of the process. Remember, every patient has different needs, so cancer-related hair treatments are highly personalized to your situation.

Seeing clumps of hair on your bathtub floor or in your hairbrush may be shocking, even if you are prepared for it. If you are anticipating chemotherapy treatment, schedule a consultation with Hair Restoration of California, call us at (310) 693-4499. Our hair loss experts are sensitive to the unique difficulties of coping with chemotherapy, and we can design a system to help you feel and look your best.