Articles
Chemotherapy and hair loss: What to expect during treatment
Chemotherapy and hair loss: Why does it occur?
Chemotherapy and hair loss: What should you expect?
Chemotherapy and hair loss: Can hair loss be prevented?
Chemotherapy and hair loss: How to make the best of it
Chemotherapy and hair loss: Cover your head
Content
Why does it occur?
What should you expect?
When will your hair grow back?
Can hair loss be prevented?
How to make the best of it
Covering your head
Radiation therapy also can cause hair loss
What should you expect?
Hair usually begins falling out two to four weeks after you start treatment.
It could fall out very quickly in clumps or gradually. You'll likely notice accumulations of loose hair on your pillow, in your hairbrush or comb, or in your sink or shower drain. Your scalp may feel tender.
Your hair loss will continue throughout your treatment and up to a few weeks afterward. Whether your hair thins or you become completely bald will depend on your treatment.
People with cancer report hair loss as a distressing side effect of treatment. Each time you catch a glimpse of yourself in a mirror, your changed appearance is a reminder of your illness and everything you've experienced since your diagnosis.
