Wednesday 25 September 2024
Maggie's
The information on this page will help you to find out more about hair loss after cancer treatment. We'll discuss ways to help you cope with hair loss practically and emotionally, and provide tips on caring for your hair as it regrows.
Hair loss (also called alopecia) occurs as a result of many cancer treatments, including some types of chemotherapy, radiotherapy and biological therapies. Not all treatments for cancer will cause hair loss, and most hair loss is not permanent.
In most cases your hair will grow back - sometimes even starting to grow before your treatment has ended. Often the texture and colour of your new hair will be slightly different than before.
Some cancer treatment centres offer a procedure called scalp cooling to try and prevent chemotherapy related hair loss. Scalp cooling works better with some chemotherapy drugs and doses than others.
If you are interested in scalp cooling, ask your healthcare team about whether it is available, what it involves and whether it would be suitable for you.
Cutting your hair shorter can help to lessen the weight of the hair and slow it falling out (it can also make it less noticeable if/when it does)
Depending on your treatment you may not be able to prevent hair loss. If your treatment is likely to only thin your hair, the following may help to minimise hair loss.
However much you are prepared for it - you may still find the process of hair loss distressing. It can be upsetting when you see hair coming away whenever you brush or wash your hair.
You may choose to have your hair cut short or shaved so that you have some control over the process. If you have long hair you may want to consider donating your hair to an organisation for use in wigs or hair extensions.
Hair protects our scalp. Try and avoid exposing your head to strong sunlight as it is likely to be more sensitive than usual (this sensitivity may be increased by certain drugs).
Use sun protection creams (check before use if you are having treatment to your scalp) or cover your head with wigs, scarves, bandanas or hats.
A warm hat or snood in cold weather is also a good idea.
Many people choose to cope with visible hair loss by wearing a wig.
Even if you don’t plan to wear one everyday, it can be reassuring to know you have one available. Some people wear a wig for confidence when out and about.
A good range of synthetic wigs is available on the NHS. Your healthcare team can advise you about stockists. In some areas, wigs are free. In others if you need to contribute to the cost.
If you do plan to wear a wig, it helps to visit stockists before you lose your hair. It'll help you find a match for your natural hair. However you may also choose a wig that is completely different to your own hair. The wig stockist or your hairdresser will be able to advise you on styling and caring for your wig.
If you would prefer not to wear a wig, or would like an alternative to change with, a good range of hats, scarves, head wraps and turbans are available. These are widely available in department stores or online.
When hair regrows after treatment it is often a different shade and texture. It may be either curlier or straighter than before due to lower levels in protein in the hair. This is usually temporary and most hair returns to its usual colour and texture over time.
The changes in levels of protein in hair affects the uptake of hair dye. Your scalp may also be more sensitive to dyes and treatments even if you have used it before. It's advisable not to colour or dye or perm your hair for 6 months after treatment and to seek professional advice when you do.
Your new hair will be delicate, so to protect it as it grows, brush only gently with a soft hairbrush and use the low heat setting if you use a hairdryer.
Hair loss can feel a visible sign to the outside world that you have cancer. Going through hair loss can be a deeply personal and upsetting experience.
You may feel a loss of identity along with the loss of hair and feel vulnerable and less confident than usual.
Many people find talking to others with similar experience helpful. Maggie's can help support you through this difficult time.
51É«APP out more about our workshops. You can check with your local Maggie's when our sessions are, so that you can book a place.
Maggie's hold workshops for managing hair loss. The workshops bring together people dealing with hair loss, to share experiences and learn different ways of managing practical and emotional challenges.
workshops are also held in our 51É«APP and offer skincare and beauty advice to boost confidence and body image during or soon after cancer treatment.
Last review: Feb 2022 | Next review: Feb 2023
Advice and support on all aspects of hair loss, hair loss prevention (scalp cooling) and hair care, before, during and after cancer treatments.
From Cancer Hair Care
Last reviewed: 10 February 2022
Advice and support on all aspects of hair loss, hair loss prevention (scalp cooling) and hair care, before, during and after cancer treatments.
From Cancer Hair Care
Last reviewed: 10 February 2022
A collection of helpful and supportive videos, from how to put on a wig and scarf or false eyelashes, to videos from women who have lost their hair and wish to share.
From Cancer Hair Care
Last reviewed: 10 February 2022
51É«APP out more about hair loss or thinning caused by cancer treatment and how to cope with it.
From Cancer Research Uk (Cruk)
Last reviewed: 10 February 2022
51É«APP out more about hair loss including which cancer drugs and treatments are associated with hair loss.
From Cancer.Net
Last reviewed: 10 February 2022
Jon Renau have produced a number of short videos to help gain confidence with wig care and styling.
From Jon Renau
Last reviewed: 10 February 2022
The Little Princess Trust provides real hair wigs to children suffering hair loss due to cancer treatment. There is also information for anyone wanting to donate hair for wigs.
From Little Princess Trust
Last reviewed: 10 February 2022
Scalp cooling is a method of reducing hair loss (alopecia) caused by chemotherapy. Macmillan Cancer Support provides information about scalp cooling and cancer treatment.
From Macmillan Cancer Support
Last reviewed: 10 February 2022
Lots of useful advice to help manage hair loss and regrowth and information about a national network of independent salons and professionals who provide a wig styling service for people suffering from cancer and medical hair loss.
From My New Hair
Last reviewed: 10 February 2022
This is the patient information system of the Paxman website. It has testimonials from others who have used the system, information about how scalp cooling works and also information about scalp cooling at home.
From Paxman Scalp Cooling
Last reviewed: 10 February 2022
An overview of scalp cooling and advice on coping with hair loss and hair care during treatment.
From The Royal Marsden Nhs Foundation Trust
Last reviewed: 10 February 2022
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