Breast Cancer, Female Hair Loss, Hair Care
Chemotherapy and Hair Loss – Why it Occurs and How To Restore Confidence When it Happens
Aug
The subject of cancer can be one of the most difficult to face for many reasons. Along with intensive treatments and uncertainty comes the very real possibility of hair loss when undergoing chemotherapy. The prospect of losing one’s hair only adds more fear to the equation for many reasons, such as harming one’s confidence and amplifying any stigmas that might be attached to having cancer due to the tell-tale signs of treatment.
Why Can Chemotherapy Cause Hair Loss?
Chemotherapy utilizes powerful medicines to attack fast-growing cancer cells. The side effect is that it also harms other fast-growing cells in the body, including cells within hair roots. This can lead to hair loss all over the body -not just on the scalp.
The rate of hair loss differs from person to person but generally begins within two to four weeks of the start of chemotherapy treatment. Some people experience gradual hair loss while others may lose clumps very quickly. Not everyone loses all of their hair during and after chemotherapy but losing any amount of hair can harm one’s self-esteem.
How Long Does it Take for Hair To Regrow?
The time that it takes for hair to regrow following treatment varies but can generally begin with fine hair after about three to four weeks and after the end of treatment. Due to the intensive nature of chemotherapy treatment, hair may grow back different than it was before; different texture, color, and the like; but these effects are usually temporary.
What Can Be Done About Hair Loss?
There isn’t much that can be done to prevent hair loss due to chemotherapy, but there are ways that it can be hidden. For those in the early stages of hair loss or regrowth, full wigs can be a way to cover the scalp and have a full head of hair. Wigs offer many options for hair color, texture, and style, and one can easily find something that matches their original look, or they could try something new.
Hair extensions are another viable option to help mitigate hair loss. Once hair grows to about two to three inches, hair extensions can be a great way to add volume and length while matching one’s original hair. Another benefit to hair extensions is that they tend to be lighter than wigs and less hot. They can also be cut and styled to suit the needs of anyone, giving them freedom to express themselves and carry themselves with confidence.
Experiencing cancer or knowing someone who is suffering is incredibly hard for many reasons. The hair loss that comes with chemotherapy treatments can cause a huge hit to one’s confidence and self-esteem, but that doesn’t have to be the case. A proper wig or hair extensions can bring your client the kind of peace of mind and confidence boost that could help them through their difficult journey.
