Most people dread the thought of hair loss due to chemotherapy. The type of chemotherapy you’re having will determine what type of hair loss you experience. In some cases, you may only have some thinning on your head. With other drugs, you will lose all hair on your body, including arm and leg hair and eyelashes.
Why Does Chemotherapy Cause Hair Loss?
This method of treatment for cancer is effective because it attacks cells that replicate quickly. Cancer cells do this, but so do hair follicles. Normally, your hair follicles divide every day or so, which means they’re some of the fastest-growing cells in the body. As you kill off the cancer, the hair cells are also attacked.
Not everyone loses their hair, but your doctor will let you know the likelihood of this happening. Factors include which drugs are being used, if they’re combined with other treatments, and how often you’re having treatments. Roughly 65% of chemotherapy patients have hair loss due to the treatments.
Is My Hair Gone Forever?
Fortunately, the damage to your hair follicles is not permanent. It does take time to recover from the chemotherapy, though, so don’t expect instant regrowth. There are some methods of stimulating hair regrowth that may help speed up the process, but expect to see your hair starting to regrow around 3-6 months after your treatment ends.
When your hair does grow back, it’s likely that it will be different. Some people find their previously straight hair is now curly, while others experience a change in color. You may even end up with red hair after being a brunette all your life.
Shaving Your Head: Yay or Nay
You’ll notice your hair is starting to come out, possibly after just one or two treatments. If this happens, you’ll first notice more loose hair than usual in the shower, on your brush, or on your pillow in the morning. Sometimes the amount of hair can be alarming, and for this reason, some people choose to shave their heads.
Shaving is a completely personal decision. You may find that it’s easier to lose your hair when you’re the one making the choice to remove it. It also eliminates the need to deal with loose hair everywhere.
Rocking the Chemotherapy Hair Loss
Some people just look amazing without hair and rock that look all on their own. However, many chemo patients feel cold without their hair and prefer to use a head covering of some sort. Look for a comfy hat that you like the look of or a scarf that you can tie around your head. This is temporary, so go ahead and get creative with how you accessorize.
You may also want to use a wig, which can help you blend in with others. Depending on how you feel about your appearance, this may be the best option for you, and there are many realistic wigs available.
Are you dealing with hair loss from chemotherapy? Let us help you feel more like yourself. Contact Genesis II today by calling (315) 458-1074 or email us by clicking here.
Source: https://www.breastcancer.org/tips/hair_skin_nails/hair_loss#:~:text=Hair%20loss%20occurs%20because%20chemotherapy,growing%20cells%20in%20the%20body.
