Radiation therapy can lead to hair loss, a side effect known as alopecia. The high-energy rays, while targeting cancer cells, can also affect healthy cells responsible for hair growth. Hair loss from radiation is not universal and depends on specific treatment factors.
How Radiation Affects Hair Follicles
Hair follicles are structures within the skin that produce hair. They contain rapidly dividing cells, crucial for hair growth. Radiation therapy damages the DNA of these rapidly dividing cells to prevent multiplication, targeting cancer cells. This process also impacts fast-growing cells in hair follicles.
When radiation damages these cells, hair follicles weaken, leading to hair loss. This disruption to the normal cell division cycle leads to hair thinning or complete hair loss. Hair follicles in the active growth phase are particularly sensitive due to their high rate of cell division. Damage can trigger anagen effluvium, where hair prematurely sheds.
Factors Determining Hair Loss and Regrowth
Hair loss from radiation therapy is influenced by several factors. The total radiation dose is a primary determinant; higher doses lead to more significant hair loss and can cause permanent damage to hair follicles. The specific treated area also plays a role, as hair loss occurs only within the radiation beam’s path. For instance, head or neck radiation causes hair loss in those areas, including facial hair.
Hair loss typically begins two to three weeks after starting treatment. Regrowth starts once treatment concludes, usually within three to six months. Regrown hair may differ in texture, color, or thickness, sometimes appearing thinner, curlier, or a different shade than before. While hair loss is often temporary, permanent hair loss can occur with very high radiation doses or in certain treatment locations like the brain or head and neck, due to irreversible follicle damage.
Managing Hair Loss and Promoting Regrowth
Coping with radiation-induced hair loss involves practical strategies and emotional support. Many individuals find comfort in options like wigs, scarves, hats, or turbans, which protect the scalp and help maintain a sense of normalcy. Some choose to cut their hair short before treatment or shave their head to manage shedding.
During and after treatment, gentle hair and scalp care is important. Using mild shampoos and avoiding harsh chemicals, perms, hair dyes, or heat styling tools like blow dryers, curling irons, and straighteners minimizes further damage to sensitive follicles. Protecting the scalp from sun exposure with hats or sunscreen is advisable, as treated skin can be more sensitive. Maintaining good scalp hygiene and moisturizing helps with dryness or itching. While regrowth requires patience, discussing concerns and expectations with the oncology team or a dermatologist provides personalized advice and support.