Hair regrowth after cancer and chemotherapy

A battle against cancer is always an uneasy and painful process. But even in such moments we want to stay beautiful, self-confident and enjoy our reflection in the mirror. That is why the moment, when as a result of chemo, we start losing hair can be particularly painful. 

Why hair loss can be so dramatic? Can this process be stopped? Is there a chance to regrow hair after the treatment? These questions and many others we ask ourselves in such moments. Today we will give an answer to them.

Chemotherapy causes hair loss since this type of treatment is aimed at fighting cells which grow quickly – cancer cells. But during the treatment process other fast growing cells of our body can be affected, including cells in the hair follicle (in all parts of our body with no exception). 

A noticeable hair loss typically begins 2 or 3 weeks after the first chemotherapy treatment. Hair starts thinning and falling out gradually. The hair loss rate and the process development in general vary from person to person and depend on a range of numerous factors (genetic peculiarities, treatment intensity, overall condition of organism etc.)

Nevertheless, beginning a treatment you should remember that chemotherapy is not a verdict for either you, or your hair. The latter, by the way, may not fall out (such cases are quite widespread), and even if it does – after the treatment completion it will start growing again. Moreover, it may surprise you having significantly changed its texture and appearance (instead of curls you may have absolutely straight hair, it may change its colour and not only these changes may occur).

Before

After

Before

After

Before

After

A qualified trichologist-oncologist recommends a complex approach: 

• take vitamins individually selected for each person; 
• perform procedures aimed at improving blood flow; 
• properly care for the scalp – use modern cosmetics etc.

Due to the active flow of blood to the hair follicles, trace elements useful and necessary for hair growth are transported properly. 

Hair loss after chemotherapy: How to care for hair during and after this procedure 

During the course of chemotherapy, you need to follow certain recommendations for hair care. Moreover, these recommendations are relevant after treatment. After all, people do not always notice 100% hair loss, so it is important to keep what is left and work to restore the active growth of new hair. 

Dr. Myroslava Novosilska, a trichologist-oncologist, recommends: 

• comb your hair every day with massage combs; 
• give up tight rubber bands or hairpins that injure hair follicles; 
• not to use hair dryers and other high-temperature hair devices; 
• wash your head 1-2 times a week with warm clean water and appropriate shampoos, conditioners; 
• use pillowcases made of natural materials; 
• for a sleep, wear special hats made of light fabrics so that the hair does not get tangled when you sleep. In addition, it is recommended to avoid varnishes, gels, foams and other fixatives that aggravate the still weak hair.

What to do if hair falls out after chemotherapy 

If you notice an active hair loss after chemotherapy, you should immediately seek professional help. At the Aesthetic Medicine Clinic Myroslava Novosilska you can receive a consultation from a qualified trichologist-oncologist specializing in hair loss treatment. 

The consultation includes: 

• examination of a patient – visual and hardware-backed (trichoscopy); 
• referral for laboratory analyzes; 
• evaluation of the obtained results; 
• treatment program offer. 

Treatment includes taking specific medications, vitamins, use of professional cosmetics, mesotherapy of the scalp, various procedures aimed at restoring hair follicles.

Treatment of hair loss after chemotherapy at the Clinic of Myroslava Novosilska 

For this purpose, for example, in the Aesthetic Medicine Clinic of Dr. Myroslava Novosilska, while working with patients undergoing or planning to undergo chemotherapy, specially designed dermatologists scalp care programs are used that help stimulate new hair growth, as well as restore scalp and hair in optimal condition. 

Special series of world-class cosmetics are used in treatment. These are shampoos, conditioners, serums and creams that are comfortable and approved for use in the fight against cancer. In addition, the Clinic’s specialists design individual home care programs for patients, which effectively complement professional procedures. 

As a result, the scalp will undergo a course of chemotherapy with the necessary «margin of safety» and will thank you with new healthy hair after treatment. And if important changes in life are celebrated with new hairstyles, then after the victory over cancer, shiny and healthy hair will be a wonderful gift and reward for your struggle. 

It is important to remember that half the success is a correct diagnosis, so it is important to make an appointment with a doctor, who will be able to prescribe an effective course of treatment. Remember that self-medication often leads to serious and dangerous consequences, so do not put your health at risk.