Some chemotherapy may not cause any hair loss. If it does occur, it is temporary and happens two to four weeks after the first treatment. In some cases total hair loss occurs, but hair will grow again after the treatment is ended. Hair loss is influenced by the type, dose, and duration of the drug(s) used, amount of hair present, or amount of treatment/processing the hair had before treatment. Affected areas are the scalp, eyebrows, eyelashes, underarms, pubis, and legs. If you plan to purchase a wig, ask your physician to write a prescription for a hair prosthesis. That may help you to have insurance cover some or all of the cost.
Self-Care Measures:
- Talk to your nurse/physician about the amount of hair loss to expect.
- Attend the Look Good...Feel Better class given through the American Cancer Society and at some cancer centers.
- Use mild shampoos and low heat when blow-drying your hair.
- Obtain a wig list if you are interested in purchasing a wig. You may wish to do it before you have hair loss so you can match your own hair color and style.
- Wear scarves and soft terry cloth turbans if they appeal to you; they are very comfortable and add variety.
Things to Avoid:
- Bleaching or perming of hair. Vegetable hair coloring is acceptable.
- Hot curlers.
