Hair loss during chemotherapy is one of most distressing experience for patients. Why does chemotherapy cause hair loss is a question that many of us seek an answer for. Hair loss with chemotherapy is quite common as chemotherapy attacks all the fast growing cells in the body including cancer cells. The hair follicles, stomach, the lining of the mouth are very sensitive as these cells multiply very fast like the cancer cells. But to everyone’s relief, the normal cells repair on its own, making the side effects temporary.

Hair loss does not occur with all the chemotherapy drugs. Depending upon the drugs prescribed to the patient as well as the patient’s health, they might experience hair thinning, hair fall or may not experience any hair loss at all. Hair loss can begin after the first few days of chemotherapy to a few weeks after the treatment has started. The hair grows back once the treatment is over, but when it starts growing it is very fine, just like a baby’s hair. Your regained hair after the treatment could also seem a bit different in terms of the texture and color.

Measures to Deal with Chemotherapy Hair Loss

A patient suffering from hair loss with chemotherapy can also think of wearing a wig during the therapy if the baldness is quite prominent. These days’ wigs are quite easily and readily available in various styles and colors. They are made from either synthetic or human hair or a combination of both.

In some cases, patients are asked to wear a cold cap while the therapy is given. A cool cap acts as a cooling agent to the scalp which restricts the blood circulation during the therapy. Because of this, the drugs do not reach the follicles. The type of cold caps varies from hospital to hospital. The cap is usually put for fifteen minutes before the treatment to restrict the blood flow. If is further kept for 1–2 hours after chemotherapy.

Cold caps are not recommended for all the patients as everyone cannot tolerate the cold after wearing the cap. The caps are also not successful for all the drugs, so it is important that you take the doctor’s advice. The results in most cases differ from individual to individual. A few patients may not retained their hair even after discontinuation in of g the treatment.

Some common practices that can be followed to deal with hair loss with chemotherapy are as follows:

• To ease the pull of long hair one can have it cut short before undergoing the treatment
• Avoid using harsh shampoos and chemicals on the hair once you begin with the treatment as this makes the scalp very dry and itchy. Use only gentle products and avoid perming, coloring and straightening the hair for at least six months after you begin the treatment. If the scalp becomes too dry, a gentle massage with a light moisturizer can be done.
• A soft hair brush can be used to prevent irritation
• Avoid hair dryers and rollers and let the hair dry naturally. Also never sleep with the hair rollers on.
• If you are loosing the underarm hair, avoid using deodorants. Talcum powder can be used but make sure it is not scented.

In some cases the patients might also loose eyebrow hair. Micropigmentation – a remarkable make up process can be done to correct the eyeliner or eyebrows hair. Hair loss during chemotherapy treatment is a grave concern for patients and it attracts a lot of attention from the people, making the patient quite uncomfortable socially. But remember, hair grows back and so, there’s nothing to fear.