Being told you need chemotherapy brings enough to process without worrying about your hair. But for many people, the prospect of hair loss adds emotional weight to an already difficult situation. Here's practical information about what happens, what you can do, and where to get support.
Will Chemotherapy Cause Hair Loss?
Not always. It depends on:
- The drugs used: Some cause complete hair loss; others cause thinning; some rarely affect hair
- The dosage: Higher doses are more likely to cause loss
- Individual variation: People respond differently
Your oncology team can tell you what to expect with your specific treatment plan.
Before Treatment Starts
Ask About Scalp Cooling
Cold cap therapy (scalp cooling) can reduce blood flow to follicles during chemotherapy infusion, potentially reducing hair loss. Success rates vary by drug and individual, but it's worth discussing with your treatment team.
Consider Your Hair
Some people find it helpful to cut hair shorter before treatment — making any loss less dramatic and wigs easier to match. Others prefer to wait. There's no right answer.
Wig Consultation
If you might want a wig, consult before losing hair. This allows matching to your current colour and style. NHS patients may be entitled to help with wig costs.
During Treatment
Be Gentle
- Use mild, fragrance-free shampoo
- Avoid heat styling, chemical treatments, tight hairstyles
- Use a soft brush or wide-tooth comb
- Pat dry rather than rubbing
Protect Your Scalp
- Sun protection is essential on exposed scalp
- Soft hats or scarves for comfort and warmth
- Silk or satin pillowcase to reduce friction
Manage Expectations
If hair loss occurs, it typically begins 2-4 weeks after starting treatment. It may come out gradually or quite suddenly. This is temporary — hair usually regrows after treatment ends.
After Treatment
Regrowth Timeline
Hair typically starts regrowing 3-6 months after chemotherapy ends. Initial regrowth is often different — possibly curlier, different texture, or different colour. This usually normalises over time.
Supporting Regrowth
- Continue gentle care
- Good nutrition to support recovery
- Patience — full recovery takes 6-12 months
When to Seek Help
If regrowth isn't happening as expected, or you notice persistent scalp issues, a trichology consultation can assess what's happening and recommend support.
Getting Specialist Support
At Solent Trichology Clinic in Gosport, consultations can help at any stage — whether preparing for treatment, managing during, or supporting recovery afterwards. Clinic founder Deborah has experience helping clients through this journey with sensitivity and practical expertise.
📞 Phone: 07904 268599
🌐 Website: solenttrichologyclinic.co.uk