How Does Chemotherapy Affect Our Hair?
Simply put, chemotherapy drugs target rapidly dividing cells in the body because rapid cell division is a characteristic of cancerous cells. However, our normal hair follicles also have this characteristic to produce new hair.
As a result, the drugs also disrupt the hair growth cycle and cause significant hair loss over a relatively short time.Hair loss usually starts within two to four weeks after starting chemotherapy but its rate and extent aren’t the same for every patient. Depending on the factors below, some may experience hair thinning while others lose all their hair, even eyebrows, eyelashes, facial hair, and body hair.
- Type of the chemotherapy drug and its dosage
- Genetics
- Patient’s overall health, diet, and some other individual factors
Chemo hair loss is one of the visible side effects of chemotherapy and it affects the appearance of the patient a lot. That’s why it’s considered the most emotionally challenging side effect. Also, it might lead to uncomfortable conversations because everyone can notice it easily.A good temporary solution for those cancer patients who wish to look more like they used to and have their privacy is to wear a comfortable cancer wig. Plus, a medical wig protects the sensitive scalp.
Fortunately, for most patients, the hair starts to grow back after the treatment ends.
Everything You Should Know About Hair Regrowth After Chemotherapy
A few weeks after chemotherapy ends, hair regrowth starts. However, it doesn’t look very much like your normal hair at the beginning and it takes time to return to normalcy. There might also be some permanent changes to its quality.
In the sections below, we’ll discuss what to expect and how you can enhance the process.
How Fast Is Hair Regrowth After Chemotherapy?
The hair on the scalp starts to regrow within 3 to 6 weeks after the completion of treatment. Then, eyebrows, eyelashes, and other body hair start to grow back.
The pace of hair growth isn’t that much different from before chemotherapy and is usually about half an inch per month.
How Is Hair Quality Different from Patient’s Normal Hair Before Chemotherapy?
At least for the first 6 to 12 months, the quality of the new hair is significantly different from the patient’s normal hair. Here are some differences you should expect after chemotherapy.
Changes in Hair Texture
You may have heard the term ‘chemo curls’ that refers to hair being curlier and wavier than it used to be. So, this is a common change in hair texture that many patients experience after chemotherapy.
In addition, the new strands might be softer and finer than before, or coarse and thicker than before.
Hair Color Changes
There can be temporary changes in hair color. For example, many patients notice an increase in gray and white hair compared to before. In some cases, the shade may appear darker or lighter than before.
These changes usually revert gradually.
Wearing Wigs During Hair Regrowth Post-Chemo
Many chemo patients choose to wear a wig to feel more comfortable (both physically and mentally) and to boost their confidence. As mentioned above, wearing wigs during and after treatment helps patients live a normal life and avoid uncomfortable conversations about their health condition.
However, you should consider the following tips when wearing a wig during the hair regrowth process.
- Only use medical wigs, also called cranial prostheses, as they’re designed specifically for people with health conditions and have sensitive skin and scalp. Cancer wig is also a term that refers to medical wigs that are designed for cancer patients.
- Wear a comfortable cotton wig cap under the wig to protect your scalp and feel more comfortable.
- Choose the wig size and type with the help of a wig expert to ensure the size is right and it fits you well. If the wig is too small or big, you’ll feel uncomfortable and it’ll irritate your scalp and damage your new hair.
- Go with lightweight wigs. They’re breathable and don’t make you sweat. Also, they’re easier to wear and maintain.
- Make sure your wig cap is clean and hygienic. Also, wash and clean the wig according to the manufacturer’s recommendation.
- Give your scalp a break and don’t wear a wig all the time. For example, take it out when you’re at home, especially before going to bed.
So, wearing a wig during hair regrowth after chemotherapy makes you feel better and provides a more gradual transition to your natural look. But you should make sure it’s not harming your scalp and new hair by considering these guidelines.
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