Table of Contents
Hair Loss from Chemotherapy: How Long Does It Take to Regrow Hair?
By Raveena M Prakash
Hair loss from chemotherapy is one of the most emotionally distressing and heartbreaking parts of cancer treatments. While it's just a part of the cancer treatment journey, hair loss from chemotherapy is temporary. Hair will grow back stronger than before, just like the resilience of many cancer patients. Understanding why chemotherapy causes hair loss and when hair will start to grow back after chemotherapy can help many patients and bring hope and reassurance in their healing journey!
In this article, we’ll discover more about what to expect with hair loss and cancer, how long it takes to regrow hair, and tips to grow and support the process of hair regrowth!
Why does chemotherapy cause hair loss?
Chemotherapy uses highly potent, strong, and powerful drugs in these treatments, which attack the cancer cells in the body. Chemo drugs destroy the cancerous cells along with some healthy cells in a patient, including the hair roots and hair follicles in the body. Hair loss in cancer patients is a common side effect of chemotherapy.
Chemotherapy drugs might cause hair loss not only in the scalp but also in body and facial hair. In some cases, people might lose hairs from their eyelashes, eyebrows, armpits, or pubic areas. There are some chemotherapy drugs that might cause heavier hair fall than others. However, different doses of drugs can cause slight thinning to complete hair loss.
When will hair start to grow back after chemo?
It might take several weeks, months, or a year to get normal hair growth in patients. Once a patient recovers from the side effects of chemotherapy, they may get to see a growth in hair. Many patients experience a slight change in the texture or appearance of the hair. The oncologist team suggests the patients regrow their hair 3 to 6 months after the completion of chemotherapy treatments.
How’s the new hair appear?
Many patients have noticed a difference in the texture, appearance, or color of the patient's hair. New hair would be slightly different from the original hair type of the patient. After chemotherapy treatment, some patients might get new straight hair, and the patient previously might have had curlier hair. In some cases, hair color can turn from black to gray because the cells control the pigment in your hair cells.
These types of hair changes are temporary, not permanent. While most cancer patients' hair returns to its original state or pre-treatment state over time.
Tips to improve hair regrowth in cancer patients
Cancer patients can’t grow hair rapidly after their cancer treatments. While patients can use some tips to improve and support the growth of hair.
Here’s how patients can regrow their hair.
These may include:
- Try to be gentle with your scalp and hair: Avoid shampoo with chemicals, tight hairstyles, and heat for styling. Use a soft-bristle brush for combing. Try to pat your hair dry and avoid rubbing your hair.
- Eat a healthy, balanced diet: Include protein-rich foods in your diet. Eat foods that contain nutrients such as iron, zinc, and biotin, which improve hair growth. Stay hydrated and drink plenty of water.
- Include mild hair care products in your routine: Choose sulfate-free, paraben-free shampoo and conditioner. Avoid chemical treatments at least after 6 months of post-chemo treatments (coloring, straightening).
- Protect your hair and scalp: Wear a hat or cap; use a head covering to avoid exposure to the sun. Use a sunscreen cream if your scalp is exposed to the sun. Use a satin or silk pillow cover; this helps to reduce the friction. Always consult with your doctor before making any major changes to your hair and scalp.
Why is hair regrowth taking longer to grow?
Hair regrowth in cancer patients can vary based on several factors. Some patients might see a visible change after several weeks, while for others it might take several months or a year in some rare cases.
Factors that influence the growth of hair in patients include:
- Type and stage of cancer
- Type of chemotherapy treatments
- Duration of chemo treatments (sessions, cycles)
- Individual health condition
- Gender and age
- Genetics
If you have completed more than 6 months of your chemotherapy, and if you are not seeing any changes or little to no growth of hair on the scalp, then consult your oncologist or dermatologist.
Consult with your doctor before using any hair growth-boosting treatments such as minoxidil or PRP therapy to get an improvement in hair growth.
Can chemotherapy hair loss be prevented?
Chemotherapy hair loss cannot be prevented in patients. None of the cancer treatments are guaranteed to prevent hair fall in patients during or after chemotherapy. There are several treatments suggested to cancer patients to regrow their hair after post-chemo.
Consult Today
Chemotherapy is one of the most effective treatments used for the cure for cancer. Hair loss from chemotherapy treatments is temporary. Patients who lose all of their hair from this treatment might experience hair regrowth after some time; the time duration can be different for each person. It might take several months to see a fully grown hair on your scalp. However, the process is a clear sign of healing from cancer.
At Oncare, we offer proper guidance along with high-quality treatments, expert consultation and diagnosis, and tests at affordable price packages. We also offer proper advice and suggestions to our cancer patients before or after any major cancer treatments. We offer emotional support to our patients who lost hair during their chemotherapy. We help our patients to empower themselves and make them feel they are not alone in this journey!
If you or any loved ones of yours are diagnosed with cancer or experiencing any symptoms of cancer, then visit Oncare Cancer Center and book an appointment with our cancer specialists! Get an estimated cost of cancer treatments!
Frequently Asked Questions
Hair regrowth after chemotherapy treatments might take 3 to 6 months after the treatments are complete. Patients often see a significant regrowth in hair after 6 months to one year. Many patients might experience a different texture or color than before.
Yes. Hair grows back from cancer treatments, mainly chemotherapy. Many patients might see a change in their hair growth initially. However, it does grow back, and it might take an approximate of a year. Hair regrowth cycles can vary differently from patient to patient. The hair growth process and its final appearance can vary in people.
There is no way you can prevent hair loss from any type of cancer treatment. You can increase the intake of nutrients and vitamins to tackle hair loss.
Not all chemotherapy drugs will cause hair loss as a side effect in patients. Consult with your oncologist team before starting any major treatments and find out their possible side effects to make you prepared.