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Hair loss (alopecia) can be devastating. Not all
chemotherapy drugs will make you lose your hair. Some people experience
only mild thinning that is noticeable only to them. Your doctor will be
able to tell you if your medication is likely to make you lose your
hair.
If you do lose hair, it will almost always grow back after the
treatments are over. However, it might be a different color or texture.
Hair loss can occur on all parts of the body, not just the
head. Facial hair, arm and leg hair, underarm hair, and pubic hair all
may be affected. And it usually doesn’t happen right away. More often,
hair loss begins after a few treatments. At that point, hair may fall
out gradually or in clumps. Any hair that remains may become dull and
dry.
Techniques to help 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 permanent.
- Have your hair cut short. A shorter style will make your
hair look thicker and fuller. It also will make hair loss easier to
manage if it occurs.
- 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 sensitive, 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 more comfortable.
Following chemotherapy, your hair may simply have changes in
its texture and fullness. Hair dyes contain chemicals like peroxide
that can damage hair. Although there is no research that supports hair
dye damaging hair further after chemotherapy, most doctors recommend
patients do not use hair dyes until hair returns to normal. This may be
as long as 6 months after treatment.
Revised: 12/09/2005
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