Hair loss (alopecia) can be devastating. Not all chemo drugs will make you lose your hair. Some people have mild thinning that they only notice. Your doctor will be able to tell you if your medicines are likely to make you lose your hair.

If you do lose your hair, it will almost always grow back after the treatments are over. But it might be a different color or texture.

You can lose your hair on all parts of your body, not just your head. Facial hair, including eyelashes and eyebrows; arm and leg hair; underarm hair; and pubic hair all may be affected. It usually doesn't happen right away. More often, hair loss begins after a few treatments. At that point, your hair may fall out slowly or in clumps. Any hair that remains may become dull and dry.

Things that may help you with hair loss:

• Use mild shampoos.

• Use soft hair brushes.

• Use low heat if you must use a hair dryer.

• Don't use brush rollers to set your hair.

• Don't dye your hair or get a perm.

• Have your hair cut short. A shorter style will make your hair look thicker and fuller. It also will make hair loss easier to deal with if it does happen.

• Use a sunscreen, hat, scarf, or wig to protect your scalp from the sun.

• Use a satin pillowcase.

Sometimes, either during the regrowth of your hair or when you are bald, your scalp may feel extra tender, dry, and itchy. Keeping your scalp clean by using a moisturizing shampoo and conditioner may help. Use gentle creams or lotions on your scalp as needed. Even a gentle scalp massage may make your scalp feel better.

After chemo, your hair's texture and fullness may change. Hair dyes contain chemicals like peroxide that can damage hair. Although there is no research that supports hair dye doing more damage to hair after chemo, most doctors recommend patients do not use hair dyes until hair returns to normal. This may be as long as 6 months after treatment.

Last Medical Review: 08/28/2008
Last Revised: 09/11/2008