Why Does Hair Loss Occur During Treatment? The normal scalp has 100,000 hairs! Some people have thin hair; others are blessed with thick hair. Ten to fifteen percent of your hair is in the resting phase. Eighty-five to ninety percent is actively growing and is susceptible to chemotherapy and radiation. The degree of hair loss depends on the chemotherapy drug, the dosage of chemotherapy or radiation, and how it is given.

Hair loss, or alopecia, occurs because anticancer drugs can also affect normal cells, including the cells responsible for hair growth. This effect, however, is not permanent, and healthy cells grow back normally once chemotherapy is completed.

What Are The Symptoms Of Hair Loss?

Chemotherapy: Hair loss, alopecia, will start approximately 2-3 weeks after your first dose of chemotherapy, but won't be total until 1-2 months have elapsed. Hair loss is reversible and will be back totally about 3-4 months after the last chemotherapy dose. Your hair may even grow while you're on chemotherapy. This doesn't mean that the chemotherapy isn't working. Unfortunately, some of this regrown hair may also fall out. Hair on the head is most commonly affected, but hair loss may also occur on the face, arms, legs, underarms, and pubic area. The scalp may become tender and hair that is still growing may become dull and dry.

Radiation: Only hair that is in a treatment field will be affected with hair loss. Generally, the hair loss will begin approximately 2-3 weeks after the start of treatments. This hair will grow back after the treatments are completed. If a higher dose of radiation is delivered, there is a chance that the hair loss will be permanent. Please check with your Radiation Oncologist or nurse if you have questions and concerns about this.

Some Suggestions about Hair Loss: Hair loss, even when expected, can be very discouraging and depressing. Many cancer support groups can offer advice and services to help you understand and handle all the effects of cancer, chemotherapy, and radiation.

• If you know hair loss is possible, shop for a wig before hair loss is experienced. You can always buy it when the hair loss occurs. It's easier to match hair color and style with your present head of hair.

• Sometimes hats, scarves, or turbans are more comfortable for indoor use. Get a variety.

• If you have long hair, you might consider getting a shorter haircut to minimize the trauma of hair loss. Shorter hair is easier to manage under a wig. A shorter style will make your hair look thicker and fuller. It will also make your hair loss easier to manage if it occurs.

• Use mild shampoos and conditioner.

• Use soft hairbrushes.

• Use low heat when drying your hair.
• You may use a dye rinse on your hair.
• Don't use permanent dye on your hair or get a permanent.
• Don't use brush rollers to set your hair.

• Remember that a hairpiece needed because of cancer treatment is a tax-deductible expense and may be at least partially covered by your health insurance. Be sure to check your policy and ask us for a wig prosthesis perscription.
  

Losing hair from your head, face, or body can be hard to accept. It's common and perfectly all right to feel angry or depressed about this loss. Talking about your feelings can help. Remember that the hair lost during treatment may grow back even thicker than ever.