www.cancer.gov 25 Hair loss What it is and why it occurs Hair loss (also called alopecia) is when some or all of your hair falls out. This can happen anywhere on your body: your head, face, arms, legs, underarms, or the pubic area between your legs. Many people are upset by the loss of their hair and find it the most difficult part of chemotherapy. Some types of chemotherapy damage the cells that cause hair growth. Hair loss often starts two to three weeks after chemotherapy begins. Your scalp may hurt at first. Then you may lose your hair, either a little at a time or in clumps. It takes about one week for all your hair to fall out. Almost always, your hair will grow back two to three months after chemotherapy is over. You may notice that your hair starts growing back even while you are getting chemotherapy. Your hair will be very fine when it starts growing back. Also, your new hair may not look or feel the same as it did before. For instance, your hair may be thin instead of thick, curly instead of straight, and darker or lighter in color. Hair often grows back two to three months after chemotherapy is over. Ways to manage hair loss Before hair loss: Talk with your doctor or nurse. They will know if you are likely to have hair loss. Ask about scalp cooling therapy. Some treatment centers offer it to help prevent hair loss caused by certain types of chemotherapy. Or look into purchasing a cold cap to use at home. Cut your hair short or shave your head. You might feel more in control of hair loss if you first cut your hair or shave your head. This often makes hair loss easier to manage. If you shave your head, use an electric shaver instead of a razor. Choose your wig before you start chemotherapy. This way, you can match the wig to the color and style of your hair. You might also take it to your hairdresser who can style the wig to look like your own hair. Make sure to choose a wig that feels comfortable and does not hurt your scalp. Ask if your insurance company will pay for a wig. If it will not, you can deduct the cost of your wig as a medical expense on your income tax. Some groups also have free “wig banks.” Your doctor, nurse, or social worker will know if there is a wig bank near you.
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