Chemotherapy hair lossmay be unavoidable during treatment, but using certain chemo agents may make any loss of hair permanent.

Chemotherapy agents help fight cancer by destroying the growth of the rapidly dividing malignant cells. Many of these drugs target cancer cells based on their fast division rate.

However, this mechanism may also target the rapidly growing cells at the hair roots. These cells are some of the fastest growing healthy cells in the body, meaning that chemotherapy agents naturally target them for their division rate.

This can result in hair changes around the body, not just on the head. Eyelashes, eyebrows, armpit hair, pubic hair, and other body hair may also be targeted by chemotherapy agents.

When hair is attacked by chemotherapy agents, it can cause anything from thinning hair to complete baldness. Hair loss usually begins within two to four weeks of starting chemotherapy treatment. The loss can be gradual or sudden, and patients may notice accumulations of loose hair on pillows, in hairbrushes, and in the shower.

This can continue throughout treatment and may even last for a few weeks after chemotherapy is over as the body returns to a more normal state.

Chemocare notes that individuals may be able to manage hair loss during chemotherapy by keeping short hair, wearing wigs, and using caps or scarves to cover their head. Any of these options may work for helping with the discomfort of chemotherapy hair loss, but the choice is ultimately a personal one.

In some cases, hair will regrow after chemotherapy hair loss. According to Medical News Today, a person may see hair regrowth within a few weeks of their last treatment. Initially, the hair may be thin and fuzzy but real hair will show up within a month or two of the final treatment.

Unfortunately, even if hair regrows it may not be the same as usual. Most individuals develop “chemo curls,” characterized by brittle, unruly, and curly hair which can sometimes change from one’s original color. Sometimes, these changes are short-lived but others may find that these characteristics stick around permanently.

Regardless of how individuals experience hair regrowth, they may want to be gentle with their hair to avoid breakage. Avoiding excessive brushing may be advised, along with avoiding heating devices such as flat irons, curling irons, or straighteners.

However, Medical News Today notes that some individuals may never regrow their hair after chemotherapy – especially if certain drugs are used. According to the news source, breast cancer drug Taxotere (docetaxel) has been linked to cases of permanent hair loss after chemotherapy.

Permanent hair loss is not only an inconvenience. A persistent lack of hair may affect an individual’s self-image. Healthy hair is considered to be an essential part of beauty in most cultures, meaning that the lack of hair can cause some people to struggle with their self-worth. Cancer hair loss may be a seemingly small price to pay in exchange for surviving cancer, but its emotional effects should not be overlooked.