A guide to your hair growth after chemotherapy - Can I stimulate hair growth?

Losing hair after chemotherapy is one of the most distressing side effects, especially for women. Chemotherapy targets both cancerous and healthy cells, including hair follicles, leading to hair loss. Some people may accept this, but they remain unsure about regrowing their hair. They seek ways to stimulate hair regrowth quickly. In this article, we'll assist you by providing a practical guide to encourage hair regrowth after chemotherapy.

Why Does Chemotherapy Make Hair Fall Out?

Chemotherapy drugs attack rapidly dividing cancer cells and, as a side effect, harm healthy, fast-dividing cells, such as hair follicles. This results in hair loss that can be widespread across your body, not just limited to the hair on your scalp.

Chemotherapy can also have other severe effects on your body, such as nausea, fatigue, loss of appetite, and memory loss throughout the treatment period. Additionally, hair loss is a common side effect of other treatments like:

• Radiation therapy.
• Hormone therapy.
• Immunotherapy.
• Stem cell transplant.
  

Hair loss is not exclusive to chemotherapy; various treatments can cause this annoying side effect that significantly affects your appearance.

Does Hair Grow Back After Chemotherapy?

As mentioned, chemotherapy is a significant contributor to severe hair loss. Fortunately, this hair loss is temporary, and in most cases, your hair will start growing back about four to six months after completing chemotherapy. However, it's essential to be aware that initially, your hair may grow back thin and may have a different texture compared to your previous hair. So, don't worry too much; over time, your hair will fully recover and return to its original state.

Timeline for Hair Growth After Chemotherapy

In the first three to four weeks after completing chemotherapy, some hair usually begins to grow, but it's thin and fragile, differing from your regular hair. After about four to six weeks, your hair becomes denser and stronger, allowing you to expect approximately an inch of growth every two to three months at a steady pace.

It's worth noting that a 2019 study suggests that new hair is likely to be thinner and wavier for at least six months after treatment. For this reason, most patients prefer using a wig for around a year. Some individuals opt for hair growth-enhancing products like minoxidil to expedite the hair's return to its former state. However, it's crucial always to discuss hair treatments with your doctor before using them.

Tips to Promote Hair Growth After Chemotherapy:

1. Handle Your New Hair with Care: Your post-chemotherapy hair may look different from your original hair, which can be frustrating. Avoid the temptation to rush into using hair dyes or heated styling tools that could worsen the situation. Patience and proper care will allow your hair to return to its best and strongest over time.
2. Consider Using a Wig: Wearing a wig can protect your natural hair from external factors as it grows back.
3. Keep the Back Short: Trimming the back of your hair, even though it might be intimidating, is an ideal way to ensure even growth. The back tends to grow faster than the front, so regular trims help maintain a balanced look.
4. Consult Your Doctor About Minoxidil: In some cases, your doctor may recommend using minoxidil solution to promote hair growth. Several studies have shown its effectiveness in treating chemotherapy-induced hair loss by preventing further loss and speeding up regrowth.
5. Explore Hair-Boostig Supplements: Your treating physician might suggest vitamins and dietary supplements like biotin, which nourishes hair follicles and accelerates growth.
6. Stay Hydrated: Ensure you drink an adequate amount of water throughout the day to promote healthy and stronger hair growth.
7. Change Your Hair Care Routine: Consider reducing the frequency of shampooing your hair, as this can protect your hair follicles from damage.
8. Regular Moisturizing: Keep your hair well-moisturized with natural hair oils or hair conditioner to maintain its health and strength.
   

Does Wearing a Wig After Chemotherapy Prevent Hair Growth?

It's natural to be concerned about keeping your hair hidden under a wig for weeks or months, worrying it might hinder its growth, as commonly believed. However, be assured that wearing a wig won't impede your hair's growth. In fact, experts often recommend wearing wigs for those who want to maintain the appearance of a full head of hair or conceal unevenly regrown patches caused by hair loss.

So, if wearing a wig, a hat, a headscarf, or any other head cover helps you feel better while waiting for new hair to grow, continue wearing it without any concerns about inhibiting your hair's growth because it will continue to grow naturally.

Do I Have to Wear Hair Extensions or Wigs After Chemotherapy?

Hair extensions or wigs can be an excellent temporary option for you after experiencing hair loss. You can use them while your natural hair grows back and returns to its original state. Just be careful not to apply too much pressure on the new, delicate, and thin hair, whether it's through hairpins or any other means that could stress your hair and scalp. Ensure you choose high-quality hair extensions and wigs made from natural hair, exclusively available at stores like Zen Hair.

Experiment with Short Haircuts

Experiencing hair loss due to chemotherapy and waiting for your hair to regrow slowly provides an excellent opportunity to experiment with short haircuts and enjoy a stylish look that you might not have tried before. Here are some haircuts you can consider during your hair's regrowth:

• Pixie cut.
• Bob hairstyles.
• Shoulder-length cuts.
• Buzzcuts, a style adopted by celebrities like Millie Bobby Brown.
  

In Conclusion:

While hair loss may seem trivial when dealing with an illness that could potentially be life-threatening, those who've undergone cancer treatment are the only ones who truly understand the anxiety and stress caused by hair loss. We understand your concerns and your desire to regrow your hair as quickly as possible, to prove to everyone that you've overcome this illness completely and that you're in control of your appearance. We hope that these tips have been of some help to you.