Question: Hair Regrowth After Chemotherapy
I just started losing my hair after only two weeks of chemotherapy. Will my hair grow back? If so, when?
Answer: Hair loss can be a devastating side effect of chemotherapy. The good news is that hair loss is temporary for most people. How long it takes to grow back varies from person to person. Hair may start to grow back while still undergoing chemotherapy or after treatment has ended. Many people report seeing hair growth around four to six weeks after the end of treatment.
When hair does grow back, it may be a different texture or possibly a different color than it was before you started treatment. For example, if you had straight hair, it may grow back in curly. Some people also find that their hair grows in gray and then a few months later returns to their natural color.
As your hair grows, use a gentle shampoo and conditioner. For the first six months, you may want to hold off on having chemical processes like perms or hair coloring because your hair is still fragile and scalp is very sensitive. Using a hair dryer or curling/straightening iron may also cause damage.
When hair does grow back, it may be a different texture or possibly a different color than it was before you started treatment. For example, if you had straight hair, it may grow back in curly. Some people also find that their hair grows in gray and then a few months later returns to their natural color.
As your hair grows, use a gentle shampoo and conditioner. For the first six months, you may want to hold off on having chemical processes like perms or hair coloring because your hair is still fragile and scalp is very sensitive. Using a hair dryer or curling/straightening iron may also cause damage.
Sources "Hair Loss." American Cancer Society. 17 Mar 2007. How Do I Deal With Losing My Hair?." American Cancer Society. 17 Mar 2007.
