Losing Your Hair During Cancer Treatment: All You Need To Know

Will I lose my hair during treatment? This question arises for almost everyone undergoing chemotherapy. While not every cancer treatment causes hair loss, knowing what might happen and how to prepare for these changes can make this challenging part of treatment feel less overwhelming.

About two to four weeks after starting chemo, you'll usually start noticing hair loss. It may begin when you wash or brush it. As the change progresses, you'll notice more obvious thinning. Some people lose hair gradually, while others experience a more rapid loss of hair. 

You may not be able to prevent hair loss completely, but there are steps you can take to help. One method, also known as cold caps or scalp cooling systems, reduces blood flow to the hair during chemotherapy. These can help you retain more hair. 

At PCSRI, we understand that you may be feeling anxiety towards this new lifestyle. We suggest getting a hair loss toolkit ready. Many patients agree that doing this ahead of time made them feel more in control when everything else felt uncertain. Instead of worrying "what will I do when my hair falls out?" you'll already have your answers prepared.

Your toolkit should include things that make you feel good. Start by exploring head covering options that appeal to you. Scarves can be styled in many different ways, while hats work great for everyday comfort. Having several choices means you can pick what feels right for your mood or what you're doing that day. At night, soft sleep caps keep your head warm with fabrics that wick moisture and help with temperature changes during the day. In addition to head attire, some people find that makeup techniques, especially for eyebrows and eyelashes, help them feel more like themselves.

It can be hard to see yourself through new eyes. You may feel like you're losing a part of who you were, but this feeling is completely normal. Some people feel better taking control by shaving their head before hair loss starts, while others prefer to let it happen naturally.

Remember, there's no right or wrong way to handle hair loss during cancer treatment. What matters most is finding what makes you feel comfortable and confident. If you're facing cancer treatment and have questions about managing hair loss, contact Pennsylvania Cancer Specialists at (717) 334-4033. We are here to support you through every step of your journey.