Hair loss is a common and often noticeable side effect of cancer treatment, particularly chemotherapy. This article explains why it occurs and offers insights into managing the experience.
Understanding Hair Loss During Cancer Treatment
Hair loss during cancer treatment, particularly with chemotherapy, results from the medication’s effect on rapidly dividing cells. Chemotherapy drugs are designed to target and destroy fast-growing cancer cells, but they cannot always distinguish between these harmful cells and other healthy, rapidly dividing cells in the body. Hair follicle cells are among the fastest-growing cells, making them susceptible to damage from these powerful treatments.
This damage disrupts the normal hair growth cycle, leading to hair thinning or complete hair loss across the scalp and sometimes other body areas like eyebrows, eyelashes, and body hair. Hair loss is a side effect of the treatment itself, not a direct symptom of cancer.
Cancer Treatments That Affect Hair
Chemotherapy is the type of cancer treatment most frequently associated with hair loss, ranging from mild thinning to complete baldness. The extent of hair loss depends on the specific chemotherapy drugs used, their dosage, administration method (oral or intravenous), and individual sensitivity to the medication. For instance, certain chemotherapy drugs in the taxane category, such as docetaxel and paclitaxel, are known to cause significant hair loss.
Radiation therapy can also cause hair loss, but typically only in the specific area being treated. For example, radiation to the head will result in scalp hair loss, while radiation to the armpit might cause underarm hair to fall out. Targeted therapies and immunotherapies are less likely to cause complete hair loss but can lead to hair thinning or changes in hair texture. Some hormone therapies, like tamoxifen and aromatase inhibitors, may also cause hair thinning, which can sometimes persist for years.
Coping With Hair Loss
Dealing with hair loss involves both practical and emotional considerations. Many individuals choose to cut their hair short or shave their heads before treatment begins, which can help them feel more in control and prepare for the inevitable. An electric razor is recommended for shaving to avoid skin irritation. This proactive approach can lessen the shock when hair starts to fall out, typically within 2 to 4 weeks after starting chemotherapy. The decision to shave one’s head is often a personal choice for convenience or emotional preparation, rather than a medical requirement.
Beyond shaving, various options are available for managing appearance and comfort. Wigs offer a way to maintain a familiar look; selecting one before hair loss begins can help match existing hair color and style. Scarves, hats, and turbans are popular choices, providing comfort and style while protecting the scalp. Emotional support from friends, family, and support groups is also beneficial, as hair loss can significantly affect self-confidence and identity.
What Happens After Treatment
Hair loss caused by cancer treatment is usually temporary, with regrowth typically beginning once treatment concludes. Fine “peach fuzz” may appear as early as 3 to 4 weeks after the last session. Within 3 to 6 months, hair often becomes thicker and more noticeable, with many experiencing about 1 to 2 inches of growth.
The new hair may initially have a different texture or color, sometimes called “chemo curls.” For instance, previously straight hair might grow back curly, or color could change, sometimes appearing gray until pigment-producing cells fully recover. While most regain a full head of hair within 6 to 12 months, the process varies, and in rare cases, high doses of certain drugs can lead to long-term thinning or permanent hair loss.