Chemotherapy and Hair Loss: What You Need to Know

Chemotherapy is a common treatment for cancer patients. While it can be effective in fighting cancer, it can also cause unpleasant side effects such as hair loss. Understanding the causes of hair loss during chemotherapy and how to cope with it can make the experience a little less stressful.

What is Chemotherapy?

Chemotherapy is a treatment that involves the use of drugs to destroy cancer cells. These drugs target fast-growing cells, which unfortunately also includes healthy cells such as those in hair follicles.

How Does Chemotherapy Cause Hair Loss?

Hair loss during chemotherapy is caused by the damage to hair follicles. The drugs used in chemotherapy can cause hair to fall out from the scalp and other parts of the body including eyebrows and eyelashes. The amount and rate of hair loss can vary depending on the type of chemotherapy drugs used, the dosage, and the duration of treatment.

Can Hair Loss be Prevented During Chemotherapy?

Preventing hair loss during chemotherapy is difficult as it is a side effect that cannot be avoided. However, there are some options available that can help reduce the severity or slow down the process. Scalp cooling caps can be worn during treatment to reduce blood flow to the scalp, limiting the amount of chemotherapy drugs that reach the hair follicles. However, this is not always effective and may not be suitable for everyone.

Coping with Hair Loss During Chemotherapy

Coping with hair loss during chemotherapy can be difficult, but there are ways to make it more manageable. Wearing wigs or hairpieces can help with the appearance of hair loss, while hats, scarves, and other headwear can also be comfortable and stylish options. Talking to a counselor, joining a support group, or accessing other resources can also provide emotional support during this time.