Breast Cancer Chemotherapy | Hair Loss and Chemotherapy are they really related?

Hair loss due to due to chemotherapy is one of the most distressing side effects of chemo treatments.  As chemotherapy treatment affects all the cells of the body and thus hair loss happens.  The lining of the mouth, stomach, and the hair follicles are especially sensitive because those cells multiply rapidly just like the cancer cells. The difference is that the normal cells will repair themselves, making these side effects temporary. Hair loss does not occur with all chemotherapy.  It depends on the chemotherapy drugs and dosages. Hair loss may occur as early as the second or third week after the first cycle of chemotherapy, although it may not happen until after the second cycle of chemotherapy.   Hair loss can be sudden or slow.   Hair loss can happen anywhere and include hair that grows in eyelashes, eyebrows, and even pubic hair. In almost all cases of chemotherapy-induced hair loss and the hair will resume growth after treatments.  It may take from three to six months after therapy is completed or it may start growing back while receiving chemotherapy.  The new hair will have a slightly different color, texture, or curl.

There is no known prevention for hair loss due to chemotherapy is available currently.  Through the years, attempts have been made to reduce hair loss by using tight bands or ice caps.  These techniques were thought to reduce the blood flow to the hair follicles, thus limiting the chemotherapy exposure.  Unfortunately, these techniques did little more than cause headaches and have been abandoned in most settings.

The following are options to consider, the best option is the one that is most comfortable to the individual:

Short hair - Cut your hair short if hair loss is expected during chemotherapy.  Since hair often does not fall out evenly, some find losing short hair is less distressing.  Some people shave their heads once the hair begins to fall out.

Wigs can be purchased if interested; the best time to do this is before loosing any hair.  This helps the stylist create the best match.  Many insurance companies will pay for a wig, so be sure to have it written as a prescription from your doctor.  There are wig stylists who specialize in wigs for alopecia (hair loss).  Caps and Scarves - Some people find that the easiest and most comfortable options are caps and scarves.

Hair loss during chemotherapy treatments is almost an inevitable. If treatments go on long enough, the likelihood of losing hair is greater than the likelihood of not losing hair, and unfortunately that is something that just happens to be accepted. In some instances, chemotherapy hair loss prevention is an option. For shorter treatments, there are ways to try and stimulate the growth of the hair follicles.

It is better to consider alternatives to chemotherapy hair loss prevention. Hair pieces are a great thing for chemotherapy patients, as they are a great experiment. Use that time to consider the possibilities; many times after hair grows back from chemotherapy treatments, it grows in a different color or a different texture than it was before it fell out. That is exciting for some people, and it tends to make up part of the horrible experience of losing the hair in the first place. At that time, chemotherapy hair loss prevention is not an option anymore, and it is no longer necessary. Scarves are also a popular option in lieu of chemotherapy hair loss prevention. They come in different colors and styles and this can help to boost self esteem.