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Hair Loss: A Common Problem When Undergoing Chemotherapy

Medication designed to kill cancer can also wipe out cells that make hair

By National Institutes of Health

Chemotherapy can harm the cells that make hair.

This means that hair on your head and anywhere on your body may fall out.

Hair loss is called "alopecia."

When will my hair start to fall out?


Your hair may start to fall out 2 to 3 weeks after chemotherapy begins.

What can I do before my hair falls out?

Treat your hair gently by washing it with a mild shampoo. Pat it dry with a soft towel.

Some people choose to cut their hair short.

If you shave your head, use an electric shaver so you won't cut your scalp.

If you plan to buy a wig or hairpiece, get one while you still have hair. This way you can match it to the color of your hair.

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It may help to join a support group to talk with others whose hair has fallen out during cancer treatment.

What should I do after my hair falls out?

  •     Protect your head from the sun. Use sunscreen or wear a hat when you are outside.
  •     Protect your head from the cold. Wear a hat or scarf.
  •     Try wearing a soft scarf when you sleep.

When will my hair grow back?

Most likely your hair will grow back in 2 to 3 months after chemotherapy. Sometimes your new hair can be curlier or straighter - or even a different color. In time it may go back to how it was before treatment.

Questions to ask your doctor or nurse:

  1.     Will my hair fall out?
  2.     How should I protect and care for my head?
  3.     Where can I get a wig or hairpiece? Will my insurance pay for it?
  4.     Are there support groups that can help me cope with hair loss?
  5.     When will my hair grow back?
National Institutes of Health
By National Institutes of Health

The National Institutes of Health, a part of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, is the nation's medical research agency — making important discoveries that improve health and save lives. NIH is the largest single source of financing for medical research in the world, seeking new ways to cure disease, alleviate suffering and prevent illness. By providing the evidence base for health decisions by individuals and their clinicians, NIH is empowering Americans to embrace healthy living through informed decision-making. NIH is made up of 27 institutes and centers, each with a specific research agenda, focusing on stages of life, like aging or child health, or particular diseases or body systems.

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