Here’s How You Can Cope With Hair Loss During and After Chemotherapy

Hair loss is a common side effect of chemotherapy. During chemotherapy, drugs are used to target rapidly dividing cells in the body, including hair follicles. This results in hair loss, which can be distressing for those undergoing treatment. Hair loss due to chemotherapy is usually temporary, and hair usually grows back after treatment ends. Although the texture, thickness or color of the hair may be different. Here’s how you can take care of your hair during and after chemotherapy.

during chemotherapy

1. cold cap: The use of a cold cap during chemotherapy has gained popularity as a means of preventing hair loss. The cap is usually worn for 15 minutes before each chemotherapy treatment. It cools the scalp, thereby reducing the blood flow there. Reduced blood flow limits the amount of chemotherapy medicine that reaches the area.

2. tourniquets: In combination with scalp cooling, the use of tourniquets or tight caps to apply pressure to the scalp has also been shown in studies to help prevent hair loss. Tourniquets on their own do not reduce hair loss.

3. DietSome people include foods or vitamins in their diet that are believed to promote hair growth. People who cannot actively include these in their diet sometimes take supplements. So far, there is no evidence that it prevents chemotherapy-related or other forms of hair loss.

after chemotherapy

Chemotherapy-induced hair loss is usually temporary, with hair growth resuming 2 to 3 months after treatment. New hair growth may be finer in texture and may differ in curl pattern, straightness, or color compared to pre-treatment hair. However, these differences often normalize over time.

1. Treat your hair gently: Use gentle hair care products and techniques to avoid damaging the hair and scalp. This may include using a hairbrush with soft bristles or a wide-tooth comb, avoiding harsh styling tools such as hair dryers or irons, and limiting the use of hair products such as gels or clip-ins. It is also recommended to wash hair with a mild shampoo, pat dry with a soft towel.

2. Medicine: Although There is no known drug that can stop or reverse chemotherapy-induced hair loss, doctors prescribe drugs that promote hair growth. One such drug is Minoxidil. It works by increasing blood flow to the hair follicles and has been effective in promoting hair growth in some people undergoing chemotherapy.

3. Makeup and Wig: Chemotherapy can also cause loss of eyebrows and eyelashes in some individuals. In these cases, cosmetic options such as makeup, eyebrow pencil, eyeliner, or false eyelashes can provide assistance. Wigs can be a viable solution for individuals whose hair follicles do not heal properly.

4. Belongings: If you get itchy wigs, you can use silk scarves and other accessories to cover your head while your hair grows back in.

People also go other routes, such as making a small hairstyle change before treatment so the change is not too prominent, or going for hair transplants. Others prefer to use cosmetic scalp treatments. Whichever route you go, it’s important to consult with a professional about first effects.

read all Latest Lifestyle News Here