Hair Growth after Chemotherapy

Cancer chemotherapy treatment targets all rapidly dividing cells—healthy cells as well as cancer cells. Hair follicles, the structures in the skin filled with tiny blood vessels that make hair, are some of the fastest-growing cells in the body. But as the chemotherapy does its work against cancer cells, it also destroys hair cells. So, within a few weeks of starting cancer chemotherapy, you may lose some or all of your hair.

The good news is that hair loss is temporary for most people. The answer to the question 'When will the hair grow back?' depends on the chemotherapy treatment used, and the composition and dose of chemotherapy pills or injections. How long it takes to grow back also varies from person to person.

Hair may start to grow back while still undergoing chemotherapy. In some cases, hair growth afterchemotherapy is also observed. Many people report seeing hair growth around four to six weeks after the end of treatment.

Generally, the hair that tends to fall out easily is the hair that tends to grow back the fastest. The hair on the top of your head grows faster than your eyebrows or eyelashes.

Your new hair may be of a different texture or possibly a different color than it was before you started treatment. It may be thicker and curlier, or straighter, than your original hair. Some people also find that their hair grows in gray and then a few months later resumes its natural color.

Preferably use a gentle shampoo and conditioner as your hair grows back. For the first few months avoid having chemical processes like perms or hair coloring because your hair is still fragile and scalp is very sensitive. Using a hair dryer or curling/straightening iron may also cause damage to the hair cells.