Losing One's Hair Due to Chemotherapy

The psychological pain of losing one's hair as a result of chemotherapy treatments in the fight against cancer is more pronounced than might at first be anticipated. Much of our self-esteem is developed by how we perceive ourselves, and hair plays an important part of that development. Suffering hair loss during an already abnormally stressful time only heightens one's insecurity and can foster an unhealthy sense of self-loathing.

Hair loss generally starts within in the first fourteen days after chemotherapy has begun. Depending on the type of chemicals being administered, hair loss may be slight or it may be complete over the entire body. Although disquieting, the loss of body hair is generally less traumatic than the loss of hair on the head, which is more noticeable.

Instead of fighting hair loss with such controversial treatments as cryotherapy or with ineffective applications of minoxidil-based hair growth products, it makes sense to take more reasonable steps towards managing the malady. During cryotherapy, ice packs are placed on the scalp for extended periods of time in order to slow the flow of blood and treatment chemicals to the head, with the anticipation of delaying or altogether stopping the resultant hair loss. Unfortunately, this ill-thought-out process allows the head to be unprotected and may, in fact, exacerbate the spread of the cancer. Less dangerous as cryotherapy but useless nonetheless, is the application of hair growth products with the drug minoxidil that will not prevent hair loss. Although approved by the Food and Drug Administration as a cure for the reversal of pattern hair loss, minoxidil will not prevent its loss due to chemotherapy.

Prior to the onset of chemotherapy, steps can be taken to protect the hair. It can be fortified with gentle shampoos and with the refrain from bleaching, perming or coloring it, or from any other styling process that is detrimental to good hair health. After shampooing, the hair should be towel dried instead of with an electric hair dryer that can cause brittleness and premature hair loss. It can also be cut shorter to prepare friends and family to the imminent hair-style change and to lessen the shock once it has fallen out completely. This is also an excellent time to shop for attractive head scarves, hats or wigs that can be worn in public when the inevitable occurs.

Once chemotherapy has started, the gentle hair care begun earlier should be continued. Shampoos with salicylic acid or alcohol should be avoided because of their harshness. Also, the decision to completely shave the head and employ head coverings may remove further stressful concerns about hair loss.

After chemotherapy has ended, the scalp will remain sensitive for up to six months. Hair will return slowly but often not initially with the same quality and consistency that it was prior to treatment. According to the Mayo Clinic, with patient care and gentle treatment, hair will return to its former self in most cases within four to six weeks.