Chemotherapy is a rigorous process that takes a massive toll on the human body. It causes change in taste buds, extreme weight loss, lethargy, and, in most cases, extreme hair loss. While all these side effects could have a book written about them and the process the body undergoes when on chemo, we’re going to focus on the hair loss effect. So why do you lose hair when going through chemo, and what can you do about it?

People usually start losing noticeable amounts of hair a few weeks into their chemotherapy treatments. While not everyone loses hair, the majority do, but regrowth typically happens after the treatment as well. In some cases, the hair comes back extremely thin, but sometimes people regrow their hair as thick as it was before. Sometimes, regrown hair can have a different texture or natural style. Did you have super curly hair before chemo? It may come back straighter or just wavy. It all depends on the person and is completely unpredictable. However, your doctor can tell you what is to be expected, but those expectations vary and never come to fruition.

Chemotherapy consists of heavy-duty medicines/drugs that attack rapidly dividing cells, such as cancer cells. Unfortunately, cancer cells aren’t the only quickly dividing cells in our body. Hair follicle cells also divide rapidly, and the chemo medications simply can’t differentiate between cancer cells and hair follicle cells, so the medicine attacks all of them. This is what causes the hair to fall out quickly and, in most cases, in chunks. So what can you do about it?

Unfortunately, there isn’t much you can do about the hair loss during chemo. But because the medication is so aggressive, it can cause an itchy, dry, tender scalp. Sensitive skin creams and light shampoos and conditioner can help in this situation. Avoid using harsh chemicals such as dyes, and make sure you use sunscreen on your head when outside. It’s smart to keep these things in mind even after your chemotherapy treatment is over. Taking care of your hair after it undergoes such stress is important for keeping it healthy going forward.

Patience is also a key factor in hair regrowth after chemotherapy. Be patient and gentle with your head and hair, and you will most likely see hair regrowth after a few weeks.

Experiencing thinning or baldness outside of chemotherapy? Call Apollo Hair Replacement today for your free consultation!